We recently covered Store vs Add-Ons: What’s the Difference and When Should You Use Them? If you haven’t read that yet, start there.
But there’s another option race organizers often ask about: Giveaways. In this blog, we’ll breakdown the difference between giveaways vs add-ons and store items — and share examples to help you choose the right tool for your event.
Giveaways vs Add-Ons vs Store Items
Giveaways
- Definition: Free items included with registration, such as t-shirts, mugs, or glasses.
- Who Gets Them: Only registrants of your race.
- Typical Use: Standard race swag (e.g., race shirts) that every participant receives as part of their registration.
- Limitations: You can only create one giveaway item per event. If you want to offer more than one free item, use add-ons for the additional items.
- Pricing: Usually free, but you can assign a price if needed. However, giveaways are generally considered incidental to the registration and not taxed separately in most states.
Best Use Case for Giveaways
Use a giveaway when the item is a default part of registration – something all registrants should receive during registration.
Example: Every participant receives a short-sleeve race shirt.
Event page showing that all participants receive a t-shirt.
Add-Ons
- Definition: Optional items that participants can select and purchase during the registration process.
- Who Gets Them: Only registrants of your race.
- Typical Use: Upsell items like upgraded shirts, socks, sunglasses, parking tickets, or VIP experiences.
- Limitations: You can create as many add-on items as you like.
- Pricing: Can be free or paid, but are typically paid items.
Best Use Case for Add-Ons
Use add-ons when you want registrants to make a choice (and often pay extra) while signing up.
Example: Participants can add-on a quarter zip 10 or event parking.
Registration add-ons screen showing optional parking and merchandise/upgrades.
Store Items
- Definition: Merchandise sold through a standalone e-commerce store, not tied to registration.
- Who Gets Them: Available to both registrants and the general public (spectators, supporters, etc.).
- Typical Use: Event merchandise, spectator shirts, tribute signs, or ongoing fundraising items.
- Limitations: No limit on the number of items; can be purchased year-round and in multiple quantities.
- Pricing: Usually paid items, but can be free if desired.
Best Use Case for Store Items
Use the store when you want to sell beyond registration — to people who may never register but still want to support the event.
Example: Sell merchandise to spectators, or continue to sell merchandise after race day.
Store page showing multiple items for sale.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Giveaways | Add-Ons | Store Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can buy? | Registrants only | Registrants only | Anyone |
| When available? | During registration | During registration | Anytime (year-round) |
| Free or paid? | Usually free | Free or paid | Usually paid |
| Limit per event? | One item | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Tied to registration? | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Choose the Right Option
If you’re deciding between giveaways, add-ons, and store items, the easiest way to choose is to ask one question:
“Is it included for everyone, options at registration, or sold to anyone?”
- Included for everyone → use a Giveaway
- Optional during registration → use an Add-On
- Sold outside registration (and to non-registrants) → use the Store
Can You Use Giveaways, Add-Ons, and the Store Together?
Yes — and many events do. A common strategy looks like this:
- Giveaway: Standard race shirt included with registration
- Add-Ons: Upgrades (long-sleeve, hoodie), meal tickets, medals, VIP options
- Store: Spectator gear, extra shirts, post-race merchandise, year-round fundraising items
This keeps registration focused while still creating multiple revenue opportunities.
Summary: Which Should You Use?
- Use Giveaways for the standard, included item every participant receives.
- Use Add-Ons for optional items or upgrades during registration.
- Use the Store for selling merchandise to anyone, anytime — even outside of registration.
If you want the simplest rule of thumb:
Giveaway = included, Add-On = optional during signup, Store = available to anyone year-round.
Still have questions on the differences? Reach out to your RunSignup account manager or email info@runsignup.com.