Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451379
3 4 G R A P H I C S P R O A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A P P A R E L D E C O R A T I N G O nline stores are the most efficient way to tap into the team apparel and spirit wear market. Online storefronts reduce the headache usually associated with collecting orders and money. And they reduce the challenges of delivering the printed products to students. Today's shoppers want easy, seamless ways to order their goods, which couldn't be more applicable than a category like team sports. With web stores, printers and apparel decorators have a powerful tool that helps their customers sell faster and easier. ose stores also present a win-win situation since more sales for schools and teams means more print jobs for the shop. e best part about using online stores is that regardless of whether you're a three- person shop or an industrial printer, it's a professional way to market and sell cus- tom-printed merchandise and deliver goods on time. at professional image speaks volumes for your reputation as a business, and it helps grow your cus- tomer base far outside just the team sports market. GETTING STARTED Before pitching schools or teams online stores, it's a good idea to do some prelim- inary research to make sure you're offer- ing them what they need. School coaches and administrators who head up sales and fundraisers are often very short on time and budget, so they need something con- venient and appealing to their efforts. Gretchen Rath, InkSoft, says shops should first find out if the school is currently pur- chasing through pop-up stores from big brands like Nike and Under Armour. "In many cases, coaches will be offered premiums to use these stores and will be difficult to pull them to another vendor," Taking it Online SETTING UP YOUR ONLINE TEAM STORE FOR SUCCESS B Y M I K E C L A R K Online stores are the most efficient way to tap into the team apparel and spiritwear market. (All images courtesy InkSoft/Stoked On Printing)