Store vs Add-Ons: What’s the Difference and When Should You Use Them? If you’re using RunSignup to manage your race, understanding the difference between a race store and add-ons is key to maximizing revenue and creating a smooth participant experience.
Both tools allow race organizers to sell items, but they are designed for different with different purposes in mind and are best used in different scenarios.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between a standalone store and add-ons, explain when to use them, and share examples so you pick what’s best for your race.
What are Add-Ons?
Add-ons are optional items that participants can select (ie add-on) during the registration process.
Typically these items are connected to the race and appear as part of the registration flow, making them ideal for simple, race-related upsells.
Common Add-Ons:
- T-shirt or race apparel
- Race bib mailed
- VIP experience
- Parking or camping passes
Key Add-On Features:
- Sold only during registration
- Tied directly to a specific race
- Simple setup and reporting
Best for: Items that are directly related to participating in the race and should be selected while registering.
What is a Race Store?
A race store is a standalone e-commerce experience that allows race organizers to sell items outside of race registration.
Common Store Use Cases:
- Event merchandise
- Spectator shirts
- Tribute signs
Key Store Features:
- Not tied to registrations
- Supports multiple purchases per customer
- Can be used before, during, or after race day
- Available to participants and non-participants
Best for: Selling items independently of registration or reaching a broader audience beyond registered participants.
Store vs Add-On Quick Comparison
| Feature | Add-Ons | Store |
| Appears during registration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Requires race registration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Supports multiple purchases | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Available year-round | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best for race-specific items | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| Best for general merchandise | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When Should You Use Add-Ons?
Use add-ons when:
- The item is tied to race participation
- You want to increase average registration revenue
- The decision should happen during registration
- You want minimal setup and management
Example: Offering a long-sleeve shirt upgrade during race registration or camping the night before the race.
When Should You Use a Store?
Use the store when:
- You want to sell items outside of registration
- You want to sell items to non-participants
- You’re running ongoing fundraising or merch sales
- You need/want flexibility in timing and quantity
Example: Selling race merch to spectators or continued fundraising efforts.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes – and many events do.
A common strategy is to:
- Use add-ons for registration upgrades
- Use a race store for additional merchandise, fundraising, or post-race sales
This allow race organizers to maximize revenue while keeping the registration process clean and focused.
Choosing the Right Tools for Your Event
Both add-ons and race store are powerful tools – the key is deciding the one that fit your goals.
- If it belongs in the registration >> Used add-ons
- If it should stand alone or reach a wider audience beyond participants >> Use a race store
Understanding the difference helps you create a smoother experience for participants (and spectators or supporters) while helping create new revenue opportunities for your event.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the RunSignup Store
RunSignup continues to invest in improving the Store experience for race organizers and participants. A long-term project is underway to evolve the current Store into Store V2, introducing improvements to front-end display and added flexibility for managing merchandise. As Store V2 continues to grow, features like multiple item variants — including size and color — will make selling race merchandise even easier.
Still have questions on stores vs add-ons? Reach out to your RunSignup account manager or email info@runsignup.com.