The Fall Planning Playbook

Why July Is the Best Time to Think About Fall

It may still feel like summer, but behind the scenes, one of the busiest decorating seasons of the year is about to begin.

Over the next few months, we’ll see orders for:

• Back-to-school spirit wear

• Company apparel

• Employee appreciation gifts

• Charity walks and fundraising events

• Holiday merchandise and gifts

Customers who plan now have more options, less stress, and greater flexibility when it’s time to place their orders.

Here are a few tips from our Fall Planning Playbook to help you get ahead.

1. Start With a Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes we see every fall is waiting until everyone else is ordering.

A simple planning schedule can make all the difference.

Event                                      Ideal Planning

School Spirit Wear         July–August

Fall Festivals                    July–August

Company Apparel           August

Fundraisers                      August – Sept.

Holiday Gifts                    Sept. – October

The earlier you begin, the more garment options, colors, and inventory you’ll have available.

 

2. Ordering for a Large Group?

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“How many of each size should I order?”

While every group is different, this general adult breakdown is a great starting point:

Adult Sizes         Suggested Mix

Small                    10%

Medium                25%

Large                    30%

XL                          20%

2XL                       10%

3XL                       5%

For youth programs, we recommend reviewing previous year’s orders whenever possible to help refine your mix.

3. Think Beyond the Tee

One of the easiest ways to increase the perceived value of your merchandise is to bundle products together.

Instead of selling only a shirt…

Consider creating a package.

Examples:

School Spirit Pack

• T-shirt
• Sticker
• Drawstring bag

Race Registration Kit

• Performance shirt
• Cooling towel
• Water bottle

Employee Welcome Kit

• Polo
• Notebook
• Tumbler
• Pen

Fall Festival Bundle

• Hoodie
• Hat
• Koozie

Bundles create a better experience and often increase fundraising revenue.

4. Plan Your Artwork Early

Artwork always takes longer than people expect.

Starting early gives you time to:

• Explore ideas
• Review mockups
• Make changes
• Order confidently

Rushed artwork usually leads to rushed decisions.

Leave Room for the Unexpected

Every busy season brings surprises.

Garment shortages.

Shipping delays.

Last-minute changes.

Planning ahead creates breathing room when the unexpected happens.

Planning Starts with a Conversation

Whether you’re organizing a school fundraiser, outfitting your employees, or preparing for your busiest season, we’d love to help you build a plan that works.

Sometimes the best way to save time in October…

Is spending a little time planning in July.

• Fill out this form to start a conversation
• Call us to walk through the options 512-454-6249
• Stop by the shop in person 8613 Cross Park Dr. Austin, TX 78754

 

Austin Screen Printing & Austin Embroidery

Proudly serving Austin since 1975

Thoughtful embroidery. Honest advice. One stitch at a time.

• Category: Merch & Branding, Newsletter