Athletic teams are the bread and butter of many print shops. We have all dealt with a wide range of groups including everything from t-ball teams with the smallest kids to those large adult teams that get together on weekend and everything in between. Sports teams are always in need of a new uniform each season as well as other specialized gear for tournaments and special events.
Some coaches are a dream to work with while others are (a bit) more work than their worth. This is why Printavo Merch was created: to streamline your interaction with these critical customers and grow your business.
Check out these 8 reasons why teams need online stores this season:
Simplify the Ordering Process
We grounded our online stores on simplicity. There are no more paper order forms to pass out and the onslaught of stress when someone lost the last copy of an order form. Coaches can pick out the logo and style that they want on the uniform as well as offer a few different clothing options. Parents have a link and can access the online store from any smart device or computer. This streamlines the entire ordering process and makes it easier for everyone involved to order the correct items.
No Back-and-Forth
Questions are simplified when all of the information for the order is in one location online. Coaches and team moms don’t have to wonder if a larger size shirt is available and how much extra it would cost. Parents can see a full-color mock-up of the item which can answer a lot of questions and take the coaches out of the middle man position.
Faster Fulfillment
We recommend that online stores are open for a minimum of 1 week but no more than 2-3 weeks. This will allow your shop to create the items once the store closes and all of the orders are both confirmed and paid for. Having all of the orders in one spot makes your fulfillment process quicker and limits time and supplies wasted within the shop.
Fewer Mistakes
Online stores also allow for fewer mistakes when ordering an item. Not only will a customer receive a copy of their order, but they will also be able to see what they ordered clearly. Ticking off a box on a paper form can not only create confusion, but parents can also forget what they ordered in the first place.
No More Counting Pennies
One of the best things about offering an online store to your local coaches involves the payment process. Coaches will no longer be collecting checks or having to answer “who do I make it out to?” for the zillionth time. They also won’t be handed a bag of change to pay for a uniform. All of the payment processes happen online making it easier for parents to purchase an item as well as easy for you to confirm that everything has been pre-purchased.
Personalization is Key
Coaches love the ability to add personalization in the online store. Many teams require uniforms to be individually personalized with names and numbers. All of this information can get easily confused, and mistakes are easy to make. Allowing parents to plug in their child’s uniquely spelled name (is it Haley, Hailey, or Haelly?) cuts down on questions and time in the shop. All personalizations are clearly listed on the order form that your shop will use to create the order without the need for any additional paperwork.
Increase Team Spirit
Parents and siblings always want to support their kid out on the field. Offering a team shirt for these cheerleaders in the stands is a great way to increase team spirit. Not only will a team look great in the same branded gear but it can also help a team intimidate an opponent. You can also quickly increase sales when offering an additional basic item for extended family and friends of the group.
Coaches Are Not Salesmen
Last but not least, coaches are not salesmen. They are most likely volunteers who rush home after a long day at work to throw some balls around with a group of kids. They don’t want to be in charge of making sure that everyone has a uniform in the correct size and style. Giving a coach the option for an online store makes their job that much easier and is well worth it.
Offering an online store to the best teams on your customer list is a must with Printavo Merch. There are so many benefits to the software which will make the experience a breeze for the coach or point person for the team. Consider these 8 reasons why teams need online stores through your business.
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