If you're selling footballs, stock a selection of brand-name balls that will appeal to players at all levels to meet the needs of your clients and avoid sending them to your competition. To cover all of your bases, consider more than just traditional footballs and stock a selection of footballs with team logos and designer colors.

Set yourself apart from the competition not only with your large inventory of footballs, but also with exemplary customer service. Train your employees regarding footballs information so they can ensure the right footballs are sold to the customers to best meet their needs.

1. Provide adults with a variety of footballs.

2. Stock children's footballs as a part of your inventory.

3. Choose a footballs provider that offers good sales terms.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Give your adult clients a choice in footballs

Stock a variety of sizes and styles of footballs to meet the needs of hardcore players as well as players who only participate in occasional pick-up games. Make sure your price points are as diverse as your football styles to satisfy anyone who enters your establishment.

I recommend: Wizard Sports is prepared to supply you with a variety of adult sized footballs for your inventory, with quantity discounts. Maurice Sporting Goods offers footballs in a variety of materials, prices and designs.

Provide footballs for your smallest clients

Take into account the smaller members of your clients' families and provide the kids with a good selection of sizes, materials and colors so they can find their own footballs. Keep the quality high and the prices reasonable, since kids are not only hard on their footballs but will need them replaced as they progress through the sport and as they physically grow. Keeping a high quality footballs selection at a reasonable price will ensure customer loyalty.

I recommend: Football America offers youth-sized footballs for you to include in your inventory. ThrowThings.com offers 7" vinyl footballs so even your smallest customers can enjoy the game.

Find footballs providers that offer good terms

Look for footballs providers who will work with you to make arrangements that are satisfactory to both parties. Ask about bulk rate shipping fees, return policies and preferred customer discounts to find out how you can save the most while stocking your retail location.

I recommend: School-Tech has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will stock your football inventory at the same low prices that schools pay. Or sign up at SportsLife Enterprises to see sporting goods supplier price lists and policies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a footballs list or a footballs directory so you can offer custom-ordered personalized footballs for your customers without spending your money stocking and storing these more unusual footballs.