Michal Gembrowicz of print shop management software company DecoNetwork reveals how to win more sportswear and teamwear orders
Let’s get real – winning more sportswear and teamwear orders isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing what clubs, schools, and coaches actually want… and being ready to deliver faster, smarter, and better than the next shop.
The UK’s appetite for custom kits, warm-up styles, and fanwear is growing fast. That means opportunity. But if your systems are a mess or you’re juggling orders by hand, you’re already behind.
Here’s how to fix that. Let’s break down what sells, where to find your next customers, and how to scale your sportswear business, without burning out.
Know what sells
Rule one: stop guessing. If you’re not dialled into what teams need, you’re leaving money on the table.
Football kits? Still the king. Rugby shirts, cricket whites, netball uniforms, training tops – these are the staples. But don’t stop there. Add value with full packages: shirts, shorts, socks, warm-ups styles, and even duffel bags or water bottles. The more complete the offer, the higher the order value. Simple maths.
Performance fabrics are big too – moisture-wicking polyester, breathable mesh, even eco-friendly blends. Especially for schools and clubs aiming for sustainability.
Pro tip Bundle it up. Pre-set packages like ‘Starter Kit’ or ‘Pro Pack’ make ordering easy and boost your upsell.
Find the right prospects
Don’t wait for orders to fall in your lap. Go where the action is.
Top prospects? Local schools, football clubs, rugby leagues, unis, gyms, martial arts academies. They all need kits, season after season, and they’re looking for someone reliable.
How to find them? Think local: school fairs, club sponsorships, Facebook groups, even LinkedIn. Ditch the cold pitch. Build relationships. Offer something up front – like a free logo mock-up or sample tee.
Pro tipSet up custom online shops for each team. It makes reorders easy, gives players and parents a place to buy extras, and keeps you top of mind.
Boost orders with smart selling
Selling kits is just step one. The smart money’s in the extras.
Teams have fans, parents, coaches, all potential buyers. That’s your opening to cross-sell hoodies, caps, jackets, and water bottles. Whatever fits their vibe. Position it as a fundraiser or a way to look more unified.
And don’t skip personalisation. Names and numbers add value, and they add pounds to your bottom line. Players love gear with their name on it. It feels personal. Premium.
Pro tip Show, don’t tell. Use mock-ups to let clubs see what they’re getting. It turns “maybe later” into “where do we sign?”
Sort the chaos before it kills growth
Landing a big order feels great… until you’re buried in size charts, name lists, missed approvals, and frantic emails.
Selling more is only half the battle. You’ve also got to deliver. That means handling complex orders, customisation, approvals, and deadlines without losing your weekends.
This is where print shop management software like DecoNetwork makes a difference. It automates quotes, mock-ups, online shops, production, and keeps it all connected in one platform.
Pro tip Get your backend in shape now. The smoother your process, the faster you deliver, and the more repeat orders you’ll lock in.
The takeaway
Teamwear orders are ramping up. The decorators winning right now? They’re not hustling harder, they’re running smarter.
Know what sells. Go where the buyers are. Upsell wisely. And above all, get your workflow sorted. When your tools are in sync, you get more done, earn more trust, and spend way less time putting out fires.
This season is yours. Go take it.
