You are an entrepreneur or a shop owner, and when walking down the street, you see a bunch of teenagers wearing branded school t-shirts matching socks, and beanies. You probably think that it is lovely that they love their school so much. Whenever we see anyone wearing branded merch, we feel the same way. However, entrepreneurs are unique and on the lookout for new opportunities. One of the biggest markets for custom merch and accessories are schools, colleges, and universities. According to the National Education Statistics, they enrolled around 51 million kids in public schools, and an additional 4.9 million students attend private schools every year. Over 35 million of those are pre-k to eighth grade.
You have one of the biggest and untapped markets – each has their parents, grandparents, family, friends, foster family, etc. As a business owner selling custom apparel and accessories, how can you take advantage of this massive, recurring, and growing market? How can you approach schools, parents, and schools in your area and add revenue to your existing business?
Items you can use:
- Custom clothing includes a wide range of items, such as t-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, socks, etc. The vital point to remember is to use high-quality fabrics and dyes with bold logos/ artwork as unique as the schools. Remember to have fun when customizing; too many people take it too seriously and thinking every little detail. Also, focus not only on students; parents support the sports team and provide another market you can leverage.
- Custom hats and beanies are one favorite and most used items; they can wear them in winter and summer. Like apparel, it is vital to focus on quality and keep the colors and designs aligned with the particular school. You can see them wearing bold colors like pink, neon, etc., but keep your focus on classical colors like navy, black, red, maroon, green, etc. They feature branding on the front and back – it is accepted – so use the entire space.
- Custom drinkware includes tumblers, coffee mugs, water bottles, koozies, etc. Everybody needs them; teachers to enjoy their favorite beverages and sports team to keep themselves hydrated. You can also create special ones for a homecoming or a significant game. You can make them for the attending people, especially during the warm summer.
- Custom patches and stickers are among the most popular accessories; students place them on many things, like jackets, backpacks, water bottles, shoes, jeans, etc. Consider offering limited or special editions for events; students and parents would be excited to own these as souvenirs.
- Custom keychains: Students, teachers, and parents need them to organize their keys. They are small, practical, and pretty easy to sell. Schools and colleges have various clubs; pitch them.
- Custom tote bags and backpacks: they can carry their stuff to school or other places. They are cheap to customize and easy to sell because of their usefulness and durability. The growing concern about environmental issues also makes them a quick sale. Do not forget to customize them for events when many people need them to carry their stuff.
- Custom stationery, such as pens, markers, notebooks, etc., is often the most used product in schools and colleges. They are pretty helpful in marketing your business. You do not need to spend big money and provide an incredible ROI.
How to market your business to schools?
It is one thing to customize products and sell them to customers, but another to prospect schools. It is challenging but worthwhile. Your business will take off once you get them on board.
Use the steps:
- Search the schools and contacts: Start your search from the places in your area and broaden it. You have a considerable advantage if you have kids in school or participate in sports or other activities within your community. Create custom products like t-shirts, socks, beanies, and beanies, and let your work do all the talking.
One of the lovely things about the market is both the public and private schools want to increase admissions and custom products to help to accomplish the same. A simple online search will provide a list of all the schools in and around your area.
- Approach the schools: You can approach schools easily compared to companies. It might be because their job descriptions require them to be easily approachable and helpful. Start by asking where to find the right person to talk to about custom apparel and accessories for the school. More often than not, you will get their contact. Although it is better to contact them in person, phone calls and emails also work.
Connecting on social media: Many schools and Parent-Teacher student associations run their social media pages. They are suitable places to identify members and key people in the school community. You can also get extra business from other communities. Start by posting regularly and building credentials, and then talk about your custom merch and accessories business and how to contact the relevant person. Someone will point in the correct direction.
- Send them samples: Create a few items like custom t-shirts, sweaters, socks, beanies, keychains, etc., with their logo and send them to the person in charge along with an introductory letter. To rally support around your business, offer freebies to teachers and students clubs.
You might think it is a long shot and a waste of money, but they have worked for many others and can work for your business. Even if you get one or two orders from a school, it will provide a profit.
Drop the samples yourself: It is one of the most effective ways to introduce yourself and your business. Sending them over by courier works. But visiting in person takes the connection up a notch.
- You can meet whoever makes these decisions.
- You can provide more information about how it is going to work.
- You can recruit them as salespersons and take orders on the spot.
It might feel weird, but doing it a few times will help rid you of your hesitancy. Afterward, you could get a response from them even on a busy day. The experience will serve you well with others.
Time for action:
Schools are a massive market for custom apparel and accessories. The best part is the recurring business you can get. Once you connect with one, it is easy to associate with others. You would not have to worry about profits after a few sales. However, always focus on quality and do not use the cheap route. Having a reliable and expert partner like EverLighten, helps you provide the best quality custom products at the most affordable price. They have helped schools, colleges, universities, student clubs, and sports teams for over eighteen years.
EverLighten reached out to Ferris State University (FSU) – a public research university with its main campus in Big Rapids, Michigan. The director of marketing said they have a supplier. The team kept persuading, and it paid off – they asked to provide a quote. After seeing the competitive prices, 60% less than the previous supplier, they asked for samples. They created the same with their logo and colors and delivered within a week. They ran the prototypes with teachers and students and were amazed by the quality at that price. Ferris State University ordered over 2,000 pairs of custom socks.
Read the entire story https://everlighten.com/blogs/success-stories/university-ferris-state-university.
Create custom products with EverLighten:
Best pricing: We customize items in our factory, which helps customers to get the best prices.
Premium quality: Customers get custom products with the best materials, production, and packaging.
Fast turnaround: our factory helps deliver orders in the least possible time.
Customer service: Customers can contact our support team anytime for their queries.
Customer-centric: We love helping every customer create their dream products.
100% customization: Customers can customize every aspect – materials, shape, sizes, colors, etc. – of their custom products.
Minimum order quantity: Customers can order as many as they need; EverLighten offers the lowest minimum limit in the industry.
Worldwide delivery: We deliver worldwide, and you can track the orders with an online tool.
For information, inquiries, and ordering, visit https://everlighten.com/collections/all.
