If you own multiple locations, managing apparel can feel like a constant headache. Each location may have its own vibe, personality, and preferences. Some locations will be excited about apparel, while others may not care at all. But here’s the reality: no matter what, members are going to ask for apparel. So, how do you create a system that makes managing multi-location apparel orders easy and effective?

Step 1: Accept the Reality—You Can’t Make Everyone Happy

Before you dive into structuring your apparel strategy, embrace this truth: you will never make everyone happy. No matter what designs, colors, or selections you offer, someone will have a complaint. Trying to please everyone will lead to frustration and wasted time. Instead, focus on what’s best for the business, the brand, and the majority of your members.

Step 2: Centralize the Plan

The first rule of managing apparel across multiple locations is simple: the plan comes from the top. Don’t rely on individual locations to handle their own orders—it creates chaos and inconsistency. Instead, establish a minimum of four mandatory apparel orders each year from HQ. If locations want to add supplemental orders for specific events or challenges, let them handle those as extras.

Step 3: Skip Staff Feedback

Avoid the temptation to ask coaches or staff for input on designs or styles. Why? Because in my experience, feedback from staff is rarely helpful. It’s often overly critical, unproductive, and leaves you second-guessing every decision. If you must get opinions, keep the circle tight—limit it to trusted partners or family members who understand the big picture.

Step 4: Provide Samples

Sizing issues are one of the biggest reasons customers hesitate to buy apparel. Solve this by providing free sizing samples at each location. Members are far more likely to preorder apparel if they can see and try on the garments first. If your vendor doesn’t offer samples, you’re setting yourself up for returns, complaints, and customer service headaches.

Step 5: Run Preorders

Preorders are the secret weapon for apparel management. Collect the cash upfront, and only order what’s sold. This approach eliminates guesswork and prevents cash flow problems. If you’re worried about pricing, relax—it’s better to set prices confidently and sell what you can than to over-order inventory and hope it sells.

Step 6: Limit Inventory

You do not need to stock your gym with piles of apparel. Trust me. Even billion-dollar franchises often regret overloading their lobbies with inventory. I’ve had those same companies call me for advice on cutting apparel costs to regain profitability. It’s okay to have a small inventory of staple items, but walls of unsold gear are not the answer.

By centralizing your plan, leveraging preorders, and focusing on simplicity, you can save time, reduce costs, and keep members happy without driving yourself crazy. Which one of these steps can you implement today to streamline your apparel orders?

From Spreadsheets to Success: A CrossFit Gym's Journey to Better Apparel Management

In the world of fitness, community and brand identity go hand in hand. When athletes proudly wear their gym's gear around town, it's more than just clothing – it's a symbol of belonging. This was exactly what one gym owner understood when they decided to revolutionize their apparel program.

The Challenge

Like many gym owners, they started with a local vendor and a basic system: emails for collecting orders and spreadsheets for tracking. While this worked initially, cracks began to show. "We would send out emails to collect orders and then track them on a spreadsheet," they recall, with a hint of relief that those days are behind them.

The breaking point came when quality issues emerged, particularly around design capabilities. "I had a creative idea for a shirt, but when I worked with them on the design, their effort was almost laughable," the owner shares. "That's when I started looking for someone who could bring my vision to life."

Finding Forever Fierce

Sometimes the best solutions come from the simplest searches. A Google query for "CrossFit T-shirt designer" led them to Forever Fierce and Matt's team. While moving away from a local vendor initially caused some hesitation – they valued the face-to-face interaction and quick problem-solving that came with proximity – those concerns quickly dissolved.

"From the start, Matt's responsiveness stood out," they explain. "He quickly answered my questions and guided me through the process. He also has an incredibly talented design team. If you have an idea, they'll work with you to bring it to life."

The Transformation

The switch to Forever Fierce brought immediate improvements to their apparel program:

1. A streamlined ordering process through an online form where athletes can easily view and select items
2. Automatic tracking through spreadsheet integration
3. Expanded apparel options, including multiple fits for different preferences
4. Quick and efficient turnaround times
5. Professional design services that truly capture their vision

"Members love it, and it has completely removed the stress of the old system," the owner emphasizes. "It's also reassuring to know that any apparel idea I have can become a reality."

The Results

The gym now offers their members more choices than ever before. In their latest order, athletes could choose between two different T-shirt fits – one more relaxed and one more athletic – ensuring everyone finds their perfect match. This attention to detail helps achieve their ultimate goal: having athletes proudly wear their gear in public.

The Verdict

When asked what they would tell someone considering Forever Fierce, their response is unequivocal: "If you're looking for a partner who is honest, responsive, and creative, I highly recommend working with Forever Fierce for your next apparel order. You won't be disappointed."

This gym's journey from basic spreadsheets to a sophisticated apparel program showcases how the right partner can transform not just processes, but the entire member experience. While they may have found Forever Fierce through a simple search, the results have been anything but simple – they've been game-changing.

If the thought of doing another apparel order makes you roll your eyes or sigh, you’re not alone. Handling apparel can feel chaotic, especially when it happens more than a few times a year. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. After working with 2,000+ orders a year, I’ve figured out a few reliable ways to make it smooth, manageable, and—dare I say—enjoyable.

Here are four easy ways to streamline your next apparel order:

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1. Have a Plan and Stick to It

Putting 3-5 orders on paper for the year is a game-changer. Having a plan helps you avoid last-minute ordering and missed deadlines. With a proactive approach, you’ll see clearer timelines, more organized orders, and better sales results. Plus, I’ll be there to remind you of deadlines along the way. No random ordering. No stress.

2. Limit the Decision-Makers

For gym owners who want an efficient apparel process, there’s one common issue: too many cooks in the kitchen. Whether it’s a staff member with strong design opinions or a spouse who causes doubt, remember that the apparel isn’t for them; it’s for your members. They want to support you, so keep it simple. Get a design set, offer it to members, and watch the sales roll in.

3. Use a Webstore to Simplify Orders

If you’d rather avoid the headache of collecting payments or sorting through stacks of orders, consider a webstore. We handle the most time-consuming parts, from payment collection to order sorting—at no extra charge. Letting go of the busywork saves you time and keeps everything organized from start to finish. Interested in a webstore? Reply to this email, and we’ll set it up.

4. Avoid “Cutting Out the Middleman”

If you’ve heard advice to manage apparel yourself with DIY print-on-demand or equipment, I’m here to tell you it’s not worth the hassle. Running an apparel business takes time, skill, and multiple people doing their part. The money you think you’ll save? It gets eaten up by time and energy. Let us handle it, so you can focus on what matters.

Apparel doesn’t have to be an exhausting process. Streamline, simplify, and save yourself the frustration by following these steps.

Want more tips on making apparel work for your gym?

Let’s connect and make this year’s orders your best yet.