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The Ultimate Guide to Selling Gym Apparel on a $0 Budget

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Gym Apparel on a $0 Budget

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Gym Apparel on a $0 Budget


1. Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to selling gym apparel on a $0 budget. My goal with this guide is simple: to provide you with proven strategies to start your own apparel line without spending a dime. This isn’t about fairy tales or made-up stories to make a point. You’re getting real, actionable advice from someone who has sold millions of pieces of apparel and helped gym owners put millions of dollars back into their pockets.

You’re about to dive into one of the most competitive industries in the world—athleisure apparel. This is a multi-billion-dollar market dominated by giants like Nike, Lululemon, and NOBULL, all of whom use powerful emotional triggers like fame, sex appeal, and status to drive sales. But here’s the thing: You can compete with them. And I’m going to show you exactly how to build an apparel line that your gym members will choose over those big names—and without any upfront investment.

This isn’t "monkey see, monkey do." This is real strategy from someone who has done it. Keep an open mind, and let’s get started.

2. Building a Culture of Apparel

Results alone aren’t enough to keep members loyal to your gym. You’ve seen it happen: you help clients reach their goals, and yet they still send that dreaded cancellation email.

To combat this, you need to create a community, and apparel plays a surprisingly powerful role in building that sense of belonging. Throughout history, clothing has helped forge communities. People are less likely to abandon something they feel a part of, and when your members wear your apparel, it symbolizes their connection to your gym. It reinforces that tribal feeling: “We’re in this together.”

To build this culture, consistency is key. Ordering apparel once a year doesn’t create that connection—it just looks like you’re trying to sell random stuff. The gyms that you admire most have a strong and consistent apparel presence. Their owners and coaches wear the gear. Their members ask for new items.

Apparel becomes part of the gym’s identity. In short, if you want your members to feel connected and stay longer, apparel needs to be part of the experience from day one. The only way to achieve this is through consistent offerings.

3. Creating an Apparel Plan

Consistency requires discipline, but life gets in the way. Busy schedules, personal emergencies, and staffing issues can easily push that apparel project you were excited about into next year.

That’s why you need an apparel plan—a pre-programmed strategy that ensures you stay on track. I’ve talked to countless gym owners, and the problem is always the same: their members ask for apparel, but they don’t have the time, creative energy, or organizational skills to make it happen.

An apparel plan solves this problem. It’s a free, no-contract calendar that ensures you offer apparel at the right times. Timing is crucial—selling hoodies in November is smart; in February, not so much.

Here’s a sample calendar:
January: Logo Tee
April: Memorial Day/Patriotic Apparel
June: Summer Package
September: Fall Package
November: Winter Package
    Clients who follow an apparel plan sell 30% more than those who don’t. Pre-programmed consistency works. It works for fitness. It works for apparel.

    4. The Limited Edition Mindset

    Treat every apparel release like a limited edition. Offer each design once, then move on to the next. If your members think they can always get the same hoodie later, they’ll procrastinate. And by then, they might not even be members anymore.
    Look at brands like NOBULL. They built a frenzy by releasing shoes in limited colors. People bought multiple pairs because they felt exclusive. Scarcity breeds demand. When people know they only have one week to buy a new hoodie, they act fast.
    Nike might release 10,000 pairs of shoes in every size, but your gym is only offering this design once. That exclusivity drives sales.

    5. The Four-Step Process to Every Apparel Order

    Every apparel order follows these four steps:

    Step 1: Design

    Work with a vendor who handles design internally and doesn’t charge art fees. Avoid relying on freelancers or members, as this often causes delays. At Forever Fierce, we take care of the design process, offering you best-seller ideas or custom designs tailored to your needs.

    Step 2: Samples

    Always get garment samples. This avoids customer service issues down the line and increases preorders. Members are 70% more likely to order if they can touch and try on the apparel.

    Step 3: Preorder

    A preorder is simply an ordering window with a deadline. For example, you might take orders for Memorial Day apparel until May 1. After that, the price goes up. This strategy ensures that you collect orders—and payments—without any upfront costs.

    Step 4: Production

    Production should take 2-3 weeks. A good error rate for any vendor is 5% or less. Communicate professionally if mistakes happen. They’re rare but inevitable.

    6. Getting the Most Out of a Preorder

    Marketing your preorder is crucial. Most gym owners spend tons of time perfecting the design but put minimal effort into promoting it. Then, they wonder why only 18 people out of 250 members bought anything.
    You need a system. Here’s mine:
    • Use templates to save time and ensure consistency.
    • Use a marketing checklist to track your efforts.
    • Set a deadline—7 days is plenty.
    • Leverage social proof by thanking members who have already ordered.
    • Use incentives like early-bird pricing or exclusive bonuses.
      Above all, collect money as soon as someone commits. Don’t let people pay “when it comes in.” This ensures you won’t have to front any costs.

      7. The Gym Owner Advantage

      As a gym owner, you have a unique advantage: 3-5 hours a week of your members’ undivided attention. Use it! Be confident in selling apparel and other services. Members expect to buy merch at a gym. If you don’t offer it, they’ll find someone else who does.

      8. Variety: The Magic Formula

      Offering the right amount of variety is key. Here’s a simple formula:
      • 1 design: The same design across all items.
      • 2-4 garment options: Think long sleeve, hoodie, or baseball tee.
      • 2-4 color choices: Include a dark color, a neutral, and a trendy color.
      This gives members enough options (8-16 total) without overwhelming them.

      9. Stats and Metrics

      To measure your apparel success, track these three key metrics:

      • Percentage of members who purchased apparel: Aim for 20-30%.
      • Number of apparel orders completed: Aim for 3-5 per year.
      • Profit from apparel sales: $3,500 profit annually is a reasonable goal.

      10. Conclusion

      Offering apparel in your gym doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You just need a system, consistency, and the right partner to handle the details. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to building a thriving apparel line that strengthens your gym community—and your bottom line.

      Front Desk Sign-Up Sheets vs. Online Webstore: Which Apparel Ordering Method is Best for Your Gym?

      When it comes to ordering gym apparel, many gym owners find themselves choosing between two main methods: front desk sign-up sheets or an online webstore. Both options have their advantages, but which one is best for your gym? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

      The Front Desk Sign-Up Sheet: More Sales, But More Effort

      Using a front desk sign-up sheet can lead to higher sales numbers. Members are often more inclined to make purchases when they can sign up in person, especially if they’re already at the gym. However, there’s a catch—this method requires significantly more effort on your part.

      As a gym owner, you’ll need to:

      • Run credit cards manually
      • Collect sizes
      • Stay organized with orders
      • Sort and organize apparel when it arrives

      While you might get more orders using this method, the manual work can pile up quickly. If you're stretched thin or simply want to streamline your process, this may not be the best long-term solution.

      The Online Webstore: Fewer Orders, But Less Work

      On the other hand, an online webstore can significantly reduce the workload for you and your team. When you opt for this method, we handle everything—from collecting payments to packaging and labeling orders. Once the apparel is ready, it arrives at your gym, fully organized and ready to be distributed with minimal effort on your end.

      However, it’s important to note that online orders might be slightly lower compared to in-person sign-ups. In some cases, you might see a difference in total orders between the two methods. For instance, you might get 75 orders through the front desk but only 50 through the webstore. However, if the in-person sign-ups only result in 55 orders and the webstore garners 50, the slight decrease may be worth the convenience.

      The Trade-Off: Effort vs. Efficiency

      At the end of the day, it’s about balancing the effort required with the results you’re looking for. If the extra work of running cards, collecting sizes, and sorting apparel is something you can manage, then the front desk sign-up sheet could be the way to go for maximizing sales.

      However, if you prefer to save time and reduce stress, the online webstore can be a game-changer. Removing those extra tasks from your plate might just make up for the slight difference in total orders, allowing you to focus on other aspects of running your gym.

      Which Option Is Right for Your Gym?

      Ultimately, the best method depends on your specific situation. If you have a larger staff and can handle the logistical work of in-person sign-ups, go for it. But if you’re looking for efficiency and simplicity, the online webstore is a solid choice that takes the heavy lifting off your shoulders.

      Regardless of which method you choose, the key is to ensure your apparel ordering process is easy, organized, and beneficial for both you and your members. That way, you can continue building your gym’s community and brand loyalty while keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

      Simple Metrics for Gym Owners

      Many gym owners ask: Is selling apparel worth the effort? The answer lies in tracking a few simple metrics that show whether your apparel strategy is on point.

      Here are 3 key stats to track:

      1. Percentage of Members Who Purchased Apparel

        • How to track: Determine the total number of gym members. Then, see how many apparel items you sold in the last order.
        • Example: 100 members, 35 pieces sold = 35%
        • Goal: 20-30% of members per order
        • What to do:
          • If you're above 20-30%, keep up the good work.
          • If you're below 20-30%, it's likely a marketing consistency issue. Book a free 10-minute call, and we’ll fix this quickly.
      2. Number of Apparel Orders Completed

        • How to track: Count how many apparel orders you ran this year.
        • Example: Memorial Day, Summer, and Fall orders = 3 orders
        • Goal: 3-5 orders per year
        • What to do:
          • If you ran more than 5 orders, be cautious—more than 6 may lead to burnout.
          • If you ran fewer than 3, aim for 3-5 orders to maximize impact and profit.
      3. Profit from Apparel Sales

        • How to track: Subtract the cost of the apparel from the selling price.
        • Example: Shirts cost $15, sold for $30 = $15 profit per shirt
        • Goal: $3,500 profit per year
        • How I determined this goal:
          The average order size is 52 pieces with a $14 profit per item. Running 5 orders a year makes $3,500 a very achievable target.
          • If you're already above $3,500, keep doing what you're doing.
          • If you're below $3,500, it’s time to make some tweaks. Trying to go it alone or copying other gyms’ ideas won’t get you there. Let’s discuss how to improve your process.