Turbocharge Your Preorder With This Incentive
In today's hyper-competitive fitness apparel market, standing out is crucial. You're facing competition from all sides: meme accounts, influencers, equipment and supplement brands - the list goes on. The sheer number of companies vying for your members' attention is staggering. But here's the good news: you have a powerful, unique advantage that most of these competitors only dream of.
Your Secret Weapon: Face Time
As a gym owner, you have unparalleled access to your customers. You're spending 3-5 hours per week, face-to-face, with the very people these other brands are desperately trying to reach. While other businesses are moving towards express, quick-transaction models, you have the opportunity to leverage quality time with your members. This is your "gym owner advantage," and it's time to maximize every second of it.
The Preorder Price Incentive: A Win-Win Strategy
One highly effective way to capitalize on this advantage is through strategic preorder pricing. Let's say you're planning a new line of Memorial Day tees and tanks. Here's how to implement this strategy:
"We're excited to announce a preorder for our new Memorial Day tees and tanks! Preorder now for the special price of $30. We'll have limited stock available after the preorder, but the price will be $37. This is your chance to save and secure your favorite styles!"
You might be thinking, "$37 is expensive for a t-shirt!" And that's precisely the point. This slight "sticker shock" creates a sense of urgency and encourages members to take advantage of the preorder discount. Most gym owners are comfortable with a $30 price point for apparel, but the higher post-preorder price acts as a compelling incentive to act now.
Addressing Your Concerns: Let's Talk Data and Mindset
I understand the potential hesitations you might have about this strategy. Let's address the most common concerns:
- "I'll scare off members with a higher price." Do you have data to support this? If you've always charged $25, how do you know your members won't pay more? You might be surprised. Experiment, gather data, and avoid making assumptions.
- "My members are price-sensitive." This is a common misconception. Your members are already investing in a premium fitness experience at your gym. They choose your $180/month service over a $10/month gym like Planet Fitness. This demonstrates their willingness to invest in quality. A small increase in apparel price is unlikely to deter them.
- "I wouldn't pay $37 for a shirt." That's okay. Millions of people regularly pay this much, or more, for fitness apparel. Brands like Rogue Fitness and Mayhem successfully sell basic tees at this price point, especially when shipping is factored in. Don't let your personal spending habits limit your business's potential. You need to separate your personal financial situation from your business goals.
- There is no moral victory in pricing apparel too low. Your members don't care whether your shirts are $25, $27, or $30. They want to support your gym. Pricing strategically allows you to generate more revenue, which you can reinvest in your business.
- "I'm not looking to make a profit from apparel." This statement is often a safety net in case sales are lower than expected. But why not aim for profit? As a part of your team, I want to see you succeed. Trust the process, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results at the end of the year.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Advantage
You have a unique opportunity to connect with your members on a level that other brands simply can't match. By implementing a strategic preorder pricing strategy, you can boost apparel sales, generate more revenue, and strengthen your gym's brand. Embrace your gym owner advantage, and watch your business thrive.