Print on Demand Back to School
Blog

Back-to-School Guide for eCommerce Merchants

by Gooten Editorial Team on Aug. 2, 2023

For parents, the summer can feel interminable. 

For students and teachers, it never seems to last long enough. 

Regardless of which of these groups you’re in, the back-to-school season is officially here, with families dutifully checking items off their supply list as they assemble pencil boxes and backpacks in anticipation of a new academic year.

The back-to-school shopping season is a prosperous period for print on demand sellers, especially those who offer custom school supplies or enticing back-to-school sales. 

In this post, we’ll offer a few insights into maximizing profits during this critical shopping window.

Gooten Logo

Gooten's Back-to-School Guide for eCommerce Merchants: Table of Contents

Back to School Guide: Why This Shopping Season Matters for eCommerce Merchants

Part of the reason why this season is so important for eCommerce merchants is that the need for back-to-school supplies is like clockwork. 

Broader economic trends are more or less irrelevant; families need lunchboxes and new outfits, college school supplies, and bedding. 

Last year, the consumer price index was at a historic high, yet back-to-school shopping hit the same levels it had in previous years, proving that the back-to-school season is resistant to other consumer trends.

With inflation considerably down this year, consumers are expected to hit back-to-school sales like never before, spending an anticipated $34.4 billion.

That marks a significant increase over pre-pandemic sales numbers. 

And among families with tight budgets, more than a third say they’ll scale back other purchases to make school supplies a priority.

The bottom line: Customers need back-to-school supplies, and this is one product category where shoppers aren’t very willing to cut corners. 

That points to incredible opportunities for eCommerce merchants and print on demand sellers.

Back-to-School Stats 2022

Highlighting Custom School Supplies

To capture these seasonal shoppers, offering the right mix of products is critical. 

Gooten is proud to provide our merchant partners sundry products ideally suited for back-to-school sales and even students setting off to college.

Print on Demand Back-to-School Selection

Accessory Pouches

Offer customized Accessory Pouches from our accessories assortment as an eye-catching yet practical pencil case substitute.

Kiss Cut Stickers

Every kid prone to visual stimulation will appreciate the decoration of stickers on their notepad, tablet, or laptop.

Print on Demand Back-to-College Selection​

We also have some must-have college supplies, including exceptionally dorm-ready options.

Easel Back Canvas

Far from home, but close to the heart. Bring your loved ones and precious memories with you no matter where you are.

Comforters

We offer these in Twin XL, the most common size for college dorm bedding.

Bath Mats

Our customizable bath mats are the perfect slice of hominess for dorm rooms with personal bathrooms or students in off-campus apartments and condos.

Back-to-School Sales & Marketing Tips

Beyond ensuring the right blend of products, there are a few other tips for eCommerce merchants to ensure a successful back-to-school season. 

Here’s what we recommend.

Know Your Audience

Most college students are members of Gen Z, so it may be worthwhile to spend just a few minutes reviewing the essential consumer habits of this demographic.

From Boomers to Zoomers: Cross-Generational Buying Habits

Leverage our research to efficiently target Gen Z and other relevant generational consumer cohorts during back-to-school season.

Create Separate Collections

Remember that back-to-school season looks a little different from one family to the next, and you can capture a broader audience by offering, for example, a homeschool collection or a going-off-to-college collection.

Consider Students of All Ages

It’s tempting to assume that big money comes from college school supplies and bedding but remember that you can also capture a wider audience by offering stickers and other fun accessories for the preschool and kindergarten age ranges.

Don’t Forget the Teachers

Educators typically do a lot of shopping during this time of the year, too.

Mugs and totes could be an outstanding option for your teacher-friendly collection.

Provide Customers an Opportunity to Save Up

School supplies can be expensive, which makes this an anxious time of the year for many families. 

You can ease the minds of your shoppers by providing discounts, promo codes, bundled savings, and more.

Gooten Logo

Start Preparing for Back-to-School Shoppers

For eCommerce merchants, the back-to-school season is too important to ignore.

Start prepping your store and strategizing about your sales now.

If you have any questions about custom school supplies or print on demand fulfillment in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.