GETTING BACK TO BASICS

Looking for a strategy or concept that will help you emerge from the pandemic and rebound quickly? Here’s one for you, and it can be wrapped up in one word: Simplify. That’s right. Streamlining your choices regarding what you offer your customers just might be the ticket for a more profitable business.

Think about it. Other businesses have simplified their processes and offerings to develop the ability to increase their efficiency and profitability. When you pare things down, you can often eliminate the complexity that causes uncertainty in the marketplace.

TALK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

Do yourself a favor and talk to your customers. What are they searching for right now? Get to know what they need. Can you label their problem or pain?

A good chunk of your customer base is merely grasping for stability. People are craving a good solid foundation. One that makes them feel safe.

Often there are too many choices, and your customers are looking to you for guidance. After all, you are the expert. More is not always better.

Trim down that massive list of garment possibilities you offer and get back to recommending the core basics. These are the tried and true selections that are always home runs with your customers.

What are your “ride or die” garments that you know in your heart that will always work?

EXAMPLE

For example, let’s talk about the 8 oz. 996MR JERZEES NuBlend Fleece Hoodie. This garment screams “basic staple.” Forty-seven colors. Up to 5XL and also a Tall version. Plus, there are 17 styles in the NuBlend line, if you want to mix and match.

It is a 50/50 blend and already preshrunk. This means it is easy to decorate and is less likely to be plagued by registration issues caused by excessive heat on press. Don’t let your production crew’s flash dwell times kill your profit. If you are printing for clothing brands, it has a tearaway label, which means you can add a custom neck label and increase your order's profitability. Higher ticket value is always a good thing.

WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT

Your customers are searching for an answer to their problem, whatever that may be. They want to connect and engage with their audience, customers, or fans. Handing out comfort in times like these makes people smile.

What does that better than with a great looking hoodie?

Get your creative juices flowing with the decoration possibilities. Do you go big with a multi-color sewn appliqué or tonal and low-key with a one-color soft-hand print?

People want balance and security right now. Highlighting a core staple, like the 996MR JERZEES hoodie, is that warm hug that everyone needs.

A NATURAL FIT ONLINE

Are you running online stores for yourself or your customer base? Then you already know that eCommerce is a booming trend that isn’t going away anytime soon.

What will separate you from everyone else is going to be your ability to translate a staple item, like a hoodie, into that “I gotta have that” purchase?

This is where your creativity and craftsmanship come into play. Can you do something unusual with the decoration? Great artwork or a concept can get consumers motivated to buy.

Sure, anyone could screenprint words or logos on a hoodie, but what about using puff or high-density ink? Replicate the look and feel of high-end appliqué with ink for a more significant profit margin. The high-stitch density of the 996MR hoodie can handle this type of print without worry.

Show off the dimensionality of the print on the webstore page with a close-up or angled picture. Make sure you add a fun description on the page and the ALT tags on the photo for better SEO searchability.