How to Price Custom Womens Apparel for Maximum Profit
- Retail price equals the VIP base cost plus whatever profit the vendor wants to keep; there is no fixed markup rule.
- The default recommended profit is $10 per item, though hoodies and leggings usually carry more.
- VIP base prices run $4-$11 lower per item than the free plan, which widens the margin at the same retail price.
- A 10-piece womens lineup at a $10 average markup generates meaningful profit with zero inventory cost.
The Pricing Formula
Retail price = VIP base cost + profit per item. Bear Grips recommends a default profit of about $10 per item as a starting point, but many vendors charge more on higher-cost pieces like hoodies and leggings where the perceived value is higher. There is no restriction either way; the vendor sets the number.
Base Costs and Suggested Retail by Product
| Product | VIP base | +$10 retail | Common retail range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladies Racerback Tank | $19.88 | $29.88 | $26-$32 |
| Women's Premium Cotton Tee | $23.88 | $33.88 | $30-$36 |
| Ladies' Moisture Wicking Tee | $25.88 | $35.88 | $32-$38 |
| Women's Skort | $34.88 | $44.88 | $42-$50 |
| Padded Sports Bra | $45.88 | $55.88 | $52-$62 |
| Women's Premium Cropped Hoodie | $47.88 | $57.88 | $55-$68 |
| Signature Seamless Leggings | $54.88 | $64.88 | $62-$75 |
Leggings and sports bras typically carry a wider markup than tees, since buyers already expect to pay more for those categories.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.Free vs VIP: How Base Cost Changes the Margin
The free plan carries a higher base price per item (VIP saves vendors $4-$11 per item depending on the product). At the same retail price, a VIP vendor keeps $4-$11 more profit per sale than a free-plan vendor selling the identical item. On a shop moving 40-50 items a month, that difference alone can cover the $59/mo VIP subscription several times over.
Pricing by Use Case
- Member or client self-serve. Standard retail, no discount, buyer covers the full markup.
- Team or staff issued apparel. Priced at or near cost, since the business is subsidizing the purchase.
- Fundraiser or event apparel. Higher markup ($15-$20 over base) since buyers expect to pay a premium to support the cause or event.
See the product lineup breakdown for which pieces carry the strongest margin relative to cost.
Set Your Own Prices, Keep the Margin
Bear Grips sets the base cost. You set the retail price and keep everything above it.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Does Bear Grips set the retail price for me?
No. The vendor sets every retail price. Bear Grips only sets the base cost; everything above that is the vendor's margin.
Whats the default markup Bear Grips recommends?
About $10 per item as a starting point, though many vendors charge more on hoodies, leggings, and sports bras where buyers expect a higher price.
Does VIP change how much profit I keep?
Yes. VIP base prices run $4-$11 lower per item than the free plan, which is extra margin kept at the same retail price.
Can I charge less than the $10 default markup?
Yes. There is no minimum profit requirement. Some vendors price at cost for staff or team apparel and rely on retail sales elsewhere for margin.
Bear Grips Pro Shops