Not all apparel vendors are the same, and most gym owners do not know what to compare until they have already had a bad experience. After working with over 5,000 gym owners since 2008, we have heard every horror story: surprise fees, missed deadlines, ugly designs, and boxes of unsold inventory gathering dust.
This guide gives you a structured way to evaluate any apparel vendor before you commit. Use it as a checklist when comparing options.
The 10 Criteria That Matter
|
Criteria |
What to Look For |
Red Flag |
|
Industry Specialization |
Do they specifically serve gyms and fitness communities? |
They serve everyone from corporate events to bachelor parties |
|
Design Included |
Original design work at no extra cost, unlimited revisions |
Art fees charged per design or per revision |
|
Preorder System |
Built-in system for collecting and managing member orders |
You are expected to manage orders yourself via spreadsheet or signup sheet |
|
Sizing Samples |
Free samples sent to your gym before every order |
No samples, or you have to pay for them and send them back |
|
Turnaround Time |
2-3 weeks from order close to delivery |
4-6+ weeks, or no clear timeline commitment |
|
Minimum Order |
No minimums, or minimums that work with preorder volume |
High minimums (50+ per style) that force bulk purchasing |
|
Contracts |
No contracts, work on a per-order basis |
Long-term contracts or commitments required |
|
Hidden Fees |
Transparent per-unit pricing, no setup or screen charges |
Setup fees, screen fees, color charges, rush fees added after quoting |
|
Marketing Support |
Playbook, assets, or guidance to help you sell to members |
You are on your own once the design is done |
|
Ongoing Support |
Dedicated contact, proactive follow-up, post-delivery support |
You submit orders through a form and rarely talk to a person |
How to Use This Framework
Score each vendor on a simple 1-3 scale for each criterion. A 1 means they do not meet the standard. A 2 means they partially meet it. A 3 means they fully meet it. A vendor scoring 25+ out of 30 is likely a strong partner. Below 20, you will probably encounter friction.
The most important criteria depend on your situation. If you are a first-time apparel seller, design quality and marketing support matter most. If you have been burned by inventory, the preorder system and no-minimum policy are critical. If you are short on time, turnaround speed and ongoing support are your priorities.
Questions to Ask on a Discovery Call
Before committing to any vendor, ask these questions directly:
Do you charge for design work or revisions? How does your preorder system work? Will you send sizing samples to my gym at no cost? What is your turnaround time from when I submit an order? Do you require a contract or minimum commitment? What support do you provide after delivery? How many gyms do you currently serve?
The answers will tell you whether this is a vendor who treats gyms as a priority or as a side category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a local print shop or a gym-specific vendor?
A local print shop can work for one-off orders, but they typically do not offer preorder management, design services, or marketing support. If you want a repeatable apparel program, a gym-specific partner will save you time and increase your revenue.
What is the most common mistake gym owners make when choosing a vendor?
Choosing based on price alone. The cheapest per-unit cost often comes with hidden fees, no design help, and no preorder system, meaning you do more work and sell less.
Share:
Gym Apparel for Seasonal Events: When to Drop and What to Expect