How to Turn One School Order Into a Year-Round Client

Winning a school order, whether it’s leavers hoodies, sports kits or club merchandise, is a great achievement. But the real profit comes from turning that one-time order into repeat business. With the right approach, schools can become reliable, year-round clients who consistently return for apparel and merchandise.

Here’s how to make it happen.

The first step to repeat business is always quality. Missed deadlines, poor prints or incorrect placement can destroy trust and your chance at future orders.

Tips:

• Follow recommended heat press settings and transfer materials
• Double-check garment sizes, colours and artwork before pressing
• Pre-press garments to remove moisture or wrinkles
• Package items neatly and professionally

When schools see professional, consistent results, they’re far more likely to come back.

Schools aren’t just looking for hoodies. Think bigger:

• Sports kits and PE tops
• Club merchandise (drama, music, STEM clubs)
• Staffwear (t-shirts, polos, jackets)
• Bags, hats, or other accessories

By offering a variety of items, you become the “go-to” supplier for multiple departments.

Schools appreciate suppliers who are easy to work with. Keep in touch without being pushy.

Ideas:

• Send an email after the order thanking them and highlighting how to reorder
• Share seasonal promotions (summer camps, sports season, leavers gifts)
• Provide a quick feedback survey to show you care about quality

Clear, friendly communication builds trust and long-term relationships.

Make it effortless for schools to reorder. Keep templates of:

• Garment sizes and colours
• Artwork files for logos or designs
• Heat press settings and transfer recipes

This reduces setup time for you and makes ordering easy for them.

Small incentives encourage repeat business:

• Volume discounts for bulk orders
• Free samples for staff or student leaders
• Loyalty programs or referral rewards

Schools love savings, but more importantly, they appreciate a supplier who makes their life easier.

Schools have a rhythm: leavers, sports seasons, summer camps, fundraising events. Align your marketing with these periods to remind them you’re available.

Example: A “Back-to-School Bundle” or “End-of-Term Hoodies” promotion delivered via email or social media can convert a one-off customer into a recurring client.

Turning one school order into a year-round client isn’t about hard selling, it’s about professionalism, reliability, and understanding their needs. By delivering quality, offering variety, staying in touch, and simplifying reorders, you can create long-term relationships that grow your revenue steadily and predictably.