If you're selling hockey pads, stock a selection of brand-name pads 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 hockey pads and stock a selection of hockey pads in designer colors and styles.

Set yourself apart from the competition not only with your large inventory of hockey pads, but also with exemplary customer service. Train your employees regarding hockey pads information so they can ensure the right hockey pads are properly fitted to avoid things like blisters that take the fun out of the game.

1. Provide adults with a variety of hockey pads.

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

3. Choose a hockey pads 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 hockey pads

Stock a variety of sizes and styles of hockey pads 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 styles to satisfy anyone who enters your establishment.

I recommend: Mission Hockey offers several types of hockey pads including shoulder pads. South Windsor Arena will help you build an inventory of elbow pads, shin pads and shoulder pads.

Provide hockey pads for your smallest clients

Take into account the smaller members of your clients' families and provide the kids with a good selection of sizes and colors so they can find their own hockey pads. Keep the quality high and the prices reasonable, since kids outgrow their hockey pads and will need them replaced often. Keeping a high quality hockey pads selection at a reasonable price will ensure customer loyalty.

I recommend: The Ice Group offers a variety of youth sized hockey pads in several brands. Reebok can help you protect your youngest clients with youth hockey pads.

Find hockey pads providers that offer good terms

Look for hockey pads 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: Check the terms at TPS Hockey, which makes a wide variety of equipment, including hockey pads. Or contact CCM and ask about selling their line of pads and protective gear.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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