As the seasons change, so do the demands and preferences of consumers. Whether you're a business owner, event organiser, or simply looking to refresh your wardrobe, planning ahead and purchasing custom merchandise before the season shift can save you time, money, and ensure you're ready to meet the needs of your audience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to buy custom merch ahead of the season change and stay prepared.
1. Assess Your Needs
Before you start shopping for custom merch, take some time to assess your needs:
Inventory Review: Evaluate your current stock of merchandise. Identify items that are running low or out of season.
Sales Trends: Review sales data and customer feedback from previous seasons to anticipate popular items and designs for the upcoming season.
Upcoming Events: Consider any upcoming events, holidays, or promotions where custom merch could enhance your brand visibility or sales.
2. Set a Budget
Establish a budget for your custom merch purchases based on your assessment of needs and expected sales:
Allocate Funds: Determine how much you can allocate towards purchasing new merchandise. Consider factors like printing costs, shipping fees, and any additional expenses.
Bulk Ordering Benefits: Explore bulk ordering options, which often come with discounts or reduced per-unit costs, especially when ordering ahead of the season.
3. Choose Your Merchandise
Select the types of custom merchandise that align with your brand and seasonal objectives:
Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and accessories like hats or scarves can be customised with seasonal designs or themes.
Promotional Items: Consider items like tote bags, mugs, or water bottles that are useful year-round and can feature seasonal motifs.
Event-Specific Items: If you have upcoming events, customise merchandise that resonates with the event theme or purpose.
4. Design and Customisation
Work on designing your custom merch to reflect the seasonal change and appeal to your target audience:
Seasonal Themes: Incorporate colours, patterns, and motifs that are relevant to the upcoming season. For example, bright colours for spring or cosy designs for fall.
Brand Identity: Ensure your designs align with your brand’s identity and messaging while capturing the spirit of the season.
Quality Printing: Choose reputable printing services that can deliver high-quality prints and ensure durability, especially for apparel that will be worn frequently. Just like Boarders Print Shop 😏
5. Order Early
Place your orders well in advance to avoid rush fees and ensure timely delivery:
Lead Times: Check lead times with your chosen supplier or printer. Factor in production time, shipping, and any potential delays.
Plan for Reorders: If demand is expected to be high, consider ordering extra inventory to accommodate potential sales spikes.
6. Promote and Prepare for Launch
Prepare for the launch of your seasonal merchandise to maximise visibility and sales:
Marketing Campaign: Create a marketing plan to promote your new merchandise across your website, social media channels, and email newsletters.
Launch Timing: Coordinate the launch of your custom merch with the start of the new season or relevant events to capitalise on consumer interest.
Customer Engagement: Engage with your audience by offering sneak peeks, exclusive discounts, or limited-time offers to generate excitement.
7. Monitor and Adjust
Monitor sales and customer feedback once your seasonal merch is launched:
Inventory Management: Keep track of inventory levels to restock popular items or adjust future orders based on sales performance.
Customer Feedback: Pay attention to customer feedback to improve future merchandising decisions and enhance customer satisfaction.
Want to know how Boarders Print Shop can help your business create custom printed t-shirts and apparel? Located on the Northern Beaches, Boarders Print Shop offers both pick-up and delivery to any Australian business.
If you would like a free quote or have any questions on your custom apparel printing project, get in touch with Boarders Print Shop today.
Comments