
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'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.
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
Kiss Cut Stickers
Print on Demand Back-to-College Selection
We also have some must-have college supplies, including exceptionally dorm-ready options.
Easel Back Canvas
Bath Mats
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
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
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.
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.