You’ve got your design ready, and now you’ve got to do the exciting bit, the part that brings your t-shirt design to life! You’ve got to order the shirts.
However, anxiety can kick in when you’re ordering hundreds or even thousands of shirts at one time. The biggest stressor can be not knowing how to answer this question: “How much of each shirt size do I order?”
No one wants to end up with a surplus of one size and a shortage of another. At Uth Stuph, we’re here to help you figure this process out successfully! Here are some pro tips on how to order the correct sizes for group shirts or your storefront.
Gather Size Information
The first step is simple: poll your group! Send out a survey or have a sign-up sheet where participants can indicate their preferred sizes.
If you’re running a storefront, however, this can be trickier. If you’re an existing storefront, analyze past sales data to identify popular sizes. If you’re starting something new, consider using social media polls or email newsletter polls to hear directly from your customers what sizes they’d want! This step will provide you with a foundation for making informed decisions.
Consider Demographics
Take into account the demographics of your group or target market. If it’s a youth group, you might need more smaller sizes, whereas an adult-oriented organization might require a larger range of sizes. Understand the age range and body types of your group to ensure inclusivity and satisfaction.
Use Size Charts
Stick with the size charts provided by the shirt manufacturer. These charts typically correlate measurements like chest size and body length to specific sizes. Make the size chart easily accessible to your group or customers so they can accurately measure themselves and choose the right size. You can even use words like “mens cut” or “women’s cut” to indicate how the cut can impact sizing!
Order Extra Shirts
Always. Order. Extra. We can’t stress this enough. Ordering extra allows for contingencies like last-minute additions or exchanges. It’s better to have a surplus than to face the inconvenience of not having enough shirts for everyone. There’s nothing more upsetting to an event attendee who didn’t get a free shirt because the event organizers ran out.
Look at Historical Data
If you’re ordering shirts for a recurring event or a storefront, review past sales data to identify any patterns. Note which sizes were most commonly purchased or which sizes ran out the fastest. This information can serve as a guide when determining the quantities of each size to order.
Communicate Clearly
You’d think with the rise of Amazon shopping that people would know how to order clothes, but that’s not always the case. Clearly communicate the ordering process and deadline to your group or customers.
Also, be explicit in your sizing chart. Go beyond your standard S-XL designations; as most women know, a size S in one store means something wildly different in another! Provide inch measurements of the shirts at each size.
Consider Pre-Orders
Still don’t know where to start on sizing? Think about using a pre-order system! Pre-orders let your customers place orders in advance and they’ll tell you what sizes they want. It paints a clearer picture of the size distribution, helping you to make more accurate bulk orders.
Seek Expert Advice
If you’re unsure about sizing or ordering quantities, talk to your tshirt printer or supplier. (cough cough) They can give insights based on their experience and help you make informed decisions. It’s even better if they’ve got, say, 25 years or more in the industry (wink wink nudge).
Be Flexible
Keep in mind that preferences and sizes may change over time. Stay flexible and adaptable to evolving needs. Maintain open communication with your group or customers and be willing to accommodate size exchanges or additional orders, if necessary.
Learn from Experience
After each shirt order, take the time to evaluate the process and outcomes. Assess how accurate your size predictions were and make note of any adjustments needed for future orders. This continual improvement will help you refine your sizing strategies over time.