Valentine’s Day Weekend is approaching quickly.  Guys, this is your advanced reminder to get something for that someone special.

So when you think about classic gifts for Valentine’s Day you always come up with roses.  According to a stat I’ve read recently, 189 million stems of roses are sold in the US on each Valentine’s Day.  Couple that with the average number of roses in a bouquet and you end up somewhere between 27-40 million orders.  Pretty significant.

So if you are an apparel decorator why can’t you customize on some of these dollars being spent?  The answer…you’re not trying.

Let’s fix that and make some money….

First, let’s think about roses…

When I think about roses, I think – convenient to order, somewhat personalized and a meaning that shows I care.

Let’s walk through the ordering process…

1. Call the florist or log in online.
2. Select the number of roses that you want.
3. Select the color.
4. Select the style, stem length etc.
5. Give the florist the info for the card/note to be included.
6. Give the address and name to deliver them.
7. Give the credit card number for the $30-60 bill.
8. BOOM – Roses show up and the wife/mom/daughter/special someone is happy.

The best thing about ordering roses for Valentine’s Day is the convenience.  I can do it from my computer, call it in from my desk at work or from my cell phone.  It’s really simplistic.  I order.  The florist delivers.  My wife is happy.

So how can you capitalize on buyers like me and turn some of those roses into t-shirt sales?

The answer is make it convenient, simplistic and special.

Let’s walk through selling decorated apparel for Valentine’s Day.

1. Make the product available online or through a phone order
2. Offer 3-4 template options that a buyer can customize for their sweetheart
3. Let the buyer select a t-shirt, sweatshirt or even intimate apparel option
4. Offer a card to be included in the delivery and let the buyer give you the message to write.
5. Take an address and name to deliver the shirt.
6. Collect the credit card number
7. BOOM – You customize the shirt of choice and deliver to the customer.

Can it really be that simple?  If you have a vinyl cutter and a heat press YES it can.  You can customize a shirt on demand within minutes, you just need the delivery channel, advertising and memorable packaging.

Some tips to make it work and make it profitable….

• Advertise the special delivery program in the newspaper, on Facebook or even with an email.  Consider a message that roses will eventually fade away but a special message on a shirt will declare your love for years to come.
• Remember make the template options simple and easy to customize
• Only offer a certain selection of colors for both the garments and the design to make the inventory position manageable.
• Make the packaging unique, gift box with a shiny ribbon or even roll the shirt and wrap it up in tissue paper like a rose.  Remember you have to make it memorable to generate some good word of mouth advertising, so put a lot of thought into packaging and delivery.

Go ahead and try it, this idea may bring some local business at Valentine’s Day and even more orders throughout the year.

If you have trouble getting this going and advertising direct, consider a co-op with a florist, a mall kiosk or some other place where you can reach the buying demographic quickly and share profits.

Here are some template ideas to get you started…

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