Schools are one of the largest markets for promotional products and apparel. Last year alone, 14.9 million U.S. students attended high school, while 20.2 million enrolled in a college or university. With many of these students participating in a sport, club or activity, the opportunities for sales are endless.

We have created a sales guide to help you prepare for the upcoming school year. Use the guide for inspiration when selling to local schools and check out some tips for building relationships with local schools:

Connect With Your Local School’s Booster Club

Booster clubs raise an average of $17,000 per year. Connect with these groups by visiting a meeting to share how promotional products can help them achieve their fundraising goals. Present decorated samples of spirit wear that they can sell to fellow students, fans and parents. By building a relationship with a booster club, you can develop a relationship with other members of the school community.

Provide Multiple Options for Each Team

Teams and athletes are the foundation for school sales. This school year, 7 million high school students and 2 million college students will play a sport. Use the unique needs of each sport to provide tailored uniform options to each team. Also factor in the need for multiple uniforms to accommodate travel and tournaments. Help bring these teams together by providing them with uniform options for training, practice, and games.

Think Beyond Athletics

Athletes are a large part of the pie, but they’re not the only slice. At 29%, more than a quarter of all students participate in a school club or organization. From greek life to clubs like robotics and volunteer groups, student organizations foster a sense of community and camaraderie.

There are plenty options to sell throughout the school year. Begin to build relationships at your local school so you can help create a sense of community and school pride all year long!