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Back to School selling guide

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Summer fun is winding down, and a familiar feeling fills the air – the back-to-school buzz! It's a time for students to gear up for learning and parents to stock up on essentials. But for sellers like you, it's a golden opportunity to boost your sales!

Get to know Back to School season

The Back to School season is a bustling time of year when students, parents, and educators prepare for the upcoming academic year. This period typically starts in mid-July and runs through early September, aligning with the beginning of the school year in most regions.

What Do People Do?

During this time, families embark on extensive shopping sprees to purchase essential school supplies. Retailers, both online and offline, experience a surge in sales as everyone gears up for the new academic term.

Who Buys What? Your Target Audience

Think of your target audience as a diverse schoolyard. Here's a breakdown of who you can cater to:

  • Parents: They're the budget-conscious decision-makers, focusing on practical items like notebooks, and clothing.

  • Students: From grade-schoolers to college students, they crave trendy styles and personalized items to express themselves. Fun t-shirts, phone cases, and cool notebooks are a hit.

  • Teachers: Don't forget these dedicated educators! Mugs, tote bags, or planners with inspirational quotes can be great options.

  • Schools and Classes: Group purchases of uniforms, spirit wear, or classroom supplies can be a lucrative target market.

Numbers Don't Lie: The Big Sales Potential

According to Statista, the average household spending in 2023 was nearly $1,000, a 30% increase compared to 2022.

Online shopping dominates, with over half of the customers choosing this method for convenience and variety.

Specifically, parents expected to spend an average of $257 on clothing and accessories and over $140 on school supplies. This trend is a huge advantage for Print-on-Demand (POD) businesses like yours.

Products that Fly Off the Shelves

Let's get down to business! Here are some top-selling POD items for Back-to-School:

Apparel

  • T-shirts, Hoodies: Custom designs, school logos, and personalized prints are popular.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $8
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $4

Drinkware

  • Mugs and Tumblers: Perfect for morning coffee or hydrating throughout the day.some text
    • Base Cost:starting from $5
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $4

Wall Art

  • Posters, Canvas Prints: Ideal for dorm rooms or home study areas.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $10
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $6

Phone Cases

  • Customizable phone cases with unique designs.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $10
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $3

Blankets

  • Perfect for sports events or cozy study sessions.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $20
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $10

Journals

  • Personalized journals for note-taking and planning.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $5
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $3

Stickers

  • Custom stickers for decorating notebooks, laptops, and more.some text
    • Base Cost: starting from $2
    • Shipping Cost: starting from $1

Your Design Tips

Personalize

School is about identity. Create designs that include names, class numbers, team names, and school names.

Quotes

Incorporate motivational quotes to excite the school atmosphere. Examples include:

  • "Believe you can and you're halfway there."
  • "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Simple, Timeless Designs

Focus on designs that remain relevant year after year, such as "First day of school" or "Class of [Year]."

Your Marketing Tips

Segment the Customers

Tailor your marketing efforts to specific groups:

  • Parents: Highlight convenience and value.
  • Kids and Highschoolers: Emphasize trendy and personalized items.
  • College Students: Focus on practical and stylish products.
  • Teachers: Showcase classroom essentials.

Sell More with Combos and Bundles

Create bundle deals that offer a range of products at a discounted rate, appealing to schools, classes, and families.

Discounts and Promotions is a MUST

Craft attractive deals based on previous successful strategies or competitor analysis. Discounts are a must to entice budget-conscious shoppers.

Get Creative with Competitions and Challenges

Engage a wider audience by organizing contests and challenges related to the Back to School theme.

Content is King

Create engaging and shareable content that highlights your products and offers. Utilize social media and influencer partnerships to maximize reach.

By following this Back to School selling guide, you can capitalize on this high-spending season and boost your sales effectively. Happy selling!

Ready to start your POD journey or elevate your business? Contact us at support@gearlaunch.com, or reach out to our dedicated Account Managers:

  • Global market: robin@gearlaunch.com
  • Bangladesh market: rawfeen@gearlaunch.com
  • Vietnam market: tram@gearlaunch.com or van@gearlaunch.com

Happy selling! 🚀