Have you ever noticed how many thrift stores offer a roundup donation program at checkout? It’s a simple idea: Customers round up their total to the nearest dollar amount, and the extra change goes toward a charitable cause. It’s a small gesture that adds up quickly, benefiting the store’s mission and the community.
Launching a roundup program could be a smart move if you’re operating a thrift store. It’s an easy way to strengthen your connection with local shoppers while supporting the causes that matter most to your business. It can also help build customer loyalty and even boost sales! Here are the top five reasons why creating your own roundup donation program is worth considering.
1. Boosts Fundraising Efforts
The most immediate benefit of a roundup donation program is the additional revenue it generates for your charity or nonprofit — without changing how your customers shop. Rounding up a purchase only adds a few cents.
Asking customers to donate at checkout is standard practice; a 2024 Binghamton University survey found that over 53% of Americans donate to charity organizations at checkout. Among those who donated, 85% chose roundup donations.
Compared to asking for larger donations, this is a low-commitment, high-impact approach. Over time, these small contributions add up, providing a steady and reliable funding stream for your nonprofit’s mission.
2. Increases Customer Engagement
Asking customers to round up their purchases for a good cause is more than just a transaction — it’s a way to help them feel like they’re part of something bigger. Every time they contribute, no matter how small the amount, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’re supporting a meaningful cause.
This sense of fulfillment strengthens the bond between customers and your thrift store’s mission. By knowing they’re contributing to something meaningful, customers are more likely to feel loyal to your store.
People naturally gravitate toward businesses that reflect their values, and each purchase becomes a small way to support the causes they care about. Over time, these contributions turn casual shoppers into dedicated supporters who return and share your mission with others.
A well-executed roundup donation program makes each purchase feel purposeful, allowing customers to play an active role in your mission. By aligning their shopping habits with their values, they’ll feel more invested in the impact they’re helping to create — turning your store into a place where they feel proud to spend their dollars.
3. Low-Cost, High-Impact
Starting a roundup donation program is one of the easiest ways to raise funds for your cause. All you need is a point of sale (POS) system that can offer, track, and calculate roundup donations separately from regular transactions.
With thrift store POS software like ThriftCart, you can set up automatic roundups at checkout, both in-store and online. The easier it is for customers to round up, the more successful your program will be — making it a quick and simple way to boost your fundraising efforts.
Your customers won’t just enjoy supporting a cause they care about; they’ll also appreciate how easy and convenient it is!
4. Supports Community Awareness
A roundup donation program is also an excellent way to raise awareness about your mission. When customers are asked to round up their purchases, they’re reminded of the cause your store supports, creating a powerful opportunity for ongoing engagement.
This simple, recurring interaction creates a deeper connection between customers and your mission. It transforms a routine shopping experience into something meaningful, encouraging customers to return for the deals and because they feel like they’re contributing to positive change within their community.
Over time, this awareness drives greater community involvement. Customers who are consistently reminded of your mission are more likely to share your cause with friends and family, expanding your reach. They may even volunteer, donate larger amounts, or participate in fundraising events. The more people understand and support your mission, the stronger your relationship with the community becomes.
A roundup program generates short-term donations and nurtures long-term support and loyalty. Your thrift store becomes a hub for community-driven action, where every purchase — no matter how small — makes a difference.
5. Easy To Implement and Track
One of the most significant benefits of a roundup donation program is how easy it is to set up. Unlike other fundraising efforts, such as partnership programs or donation drives that require more coordination, a roundup program integrates seamlessly into your existing operations.
With modern POS software like ThriftCart, you can have roundup donations running in no time — just activate the feature in the settings. The system automatically tracks donations separately from purchases and handles all the calculations.
Tracking and managing your roundup program through your POS system eliminates the need for manual tracking and calculations and reduces the risk of errors. Accumulate donations quickly, accurately, and without any hassle.
Support Your Mission With ThriftCart
Roundup donation programs are a simple, cost-effective way to engage customers with your cause. Encourage them to round up their purchases by a few cents at checkout, collect the funds for your nonprofit needs, and make a difference in your community.
POS systems like ThriftCart simplify the process. You can activate roundup donations and manage them from the system’s interface. In 2022, Triangle ReStores used ThriftCart to raise $200,000 in roundup donations — more than enough to build a new Habitat home, which cost $150,000.
Discover how easy it is to manage roundup donations with the right tools. Schedule a demo today to see our point of sale system in action.
