Webstore vs Front Desk: What's the Best Way to Sell Gym Merch?

You've got two main options for collecting apparel orders from your members: run an online webstore or manage orders at the front desk. Both work. But they serve different situations, and the right choice depends on how you run your gym.

The Webstore Approach. An online webstore is a dedicated page where members browse available products, select sizes and styles, and pay online — similar to any ecommerce shopping experience. Your apparel partner typically sets this up for you at no cost, handles payment processing, and provides you with a link to share.

Webstore advantages: Members can order anytime, anywhere — not just when they're at the gym. It eliminates manual order tracking on your end. Payment is collected automatically, so you're not chasing anyone down. It also gives you a professional, shareable link for social media and email marketing. The webstore creates a clean paper trail with zero room for error on sizes or payment.

Webstore works best for: Gyms with 100+ members, gyms where not all members attend at the same time, owners who want minimal admin work, and gyms that do most of their marketing online.

The Front Desk Approach. Pen-and-paper or spreadsheet ordering at the gym. Members try on samples, write down their name and size, and pay in person (cash, card, or Venmo). You compile the list and submit to your vendor.

Front desk advantages: It's personal and high-touch. You can display samples right there, answer questions face-to-face, and create buzz during class announcements. Some gym communities respond better to this direct, in-person approach. It's also simpler for owners who aren't comfortable with online tools.

Front desk works best for: Smaller gyms under 75 members, tight-knit communities where most members attend regularly, and owners who enjoy the personal sales interaction.

The Hybrid Approach. Many successful gyms use both. Samples are displayed at the front desk for try-ons, but orders are placed through the webstore. This gives you the best of both worlds — the tangible experience of touching the product combined with the automation of online ordering.

Regardless of which method you choose, the fundamentals don't change: display physical samples, market the drop across multiple channels, set a clear 7-10 day deadline, and collect payment before production.

Q: Does using a webstore reduce in-gym sales?

A: No. Webstores typically increase total sales because members who weren't at the gym during class announcements can still order from home.

Q: Is there a cost to set up a webstore for my gym?

A: A good apparel partner provides webstore setup at no charge. If a vendor charges for this, consider it a red flag.

Q: What if my members aren't tech-savvy?

A: The webstore is designed to be as simple as any online shopping experience. But if your community strongly prefers in-person ordering, the front desk approach works just fine.