Why Coaches Are Switching From Dealers to Direct

For decades, high school track & field and cross-country programs had one default option for uniforms and warm-ups: local sporting goods dealers. Coaches placed their orders through a middleman, waited weeks (sometimes months), and hoped everything arrived as promised.
But in recent years, a shift is happening. More and more coaches are moving away from traditional dealers and choosing to work directly with team apparel companies like Blue Star. And the reason is simple—working direct is faster, more personal, and more cost-effective.

A Coach’s Perspective

“Blue Star Apparel did a fantastic job creating & designing our Summerfield Cross Country singlets. Justine and her team were great to work with. They listened to our ideas and made them a reality. Blue Star’s customer service was top-notch and they stayed in contact throughout the process. We will definitely be ordering future products from them!”
 
Corey Shipe, Summerfield Cross Country Coach

Corey’s experience isn’t unique. Coaches across the country are finding that when they work directly with Blue Star, they don’t just get uniforms—they get a partner who understands the unique challenges of running a high school program.

Faster

When you cut out the dealer, you cut out the delays. At Blue Star, our direct model means you’re working with the same team that’s designing, producing, and shipping your order. You’ll know your timeline from the start—and you’ll get your gear when you need it, not months later.

Personal

Dealers often juggle dozens of sports and hundreds of schools, which makes it hard for them to give track and cross-country coaches the attention they deserve. At Blue Star, we specialize in your sport. We take the time to listen, collaborate, and make sure your designs fit your team’s vision.

Cost-Effective

Dealers add markups to every order. Working direct with Blue Star means your program gets more value for every fundraising dollar. Custom singlets, shorts, compression gear, and warm-ups are priced at the mid-market sweet spot—premium quality without the premium price tag.

Why It Matters

As a coach, your time and budget are stretched thin. You don’t need another layer of hassle between your team and the gear they rely on. By going direct, you gain peace of mind: clear communication, reliable delivery, and a trusted partner.

At Blue Star, we know uniforms aren’t just fabric—they’re part of the identity and pride of your program. That’s why coaches like Corey are making the switch.

CTA:

👉 Schedule a quick 10-min call with our team today. We’ll show you how going direct saves time, money, and stress—while outfitting your athletes in gear they’ll be proud to wear.

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