Getting In Front of The Price

Okay, we know how expensive sportswear can be so TripleOT Sports is here to show you how to locate deals. Below are 3 things to look for.

3. Be Proactive And a Little Less Predictable...

The problem we have when purchasing sports apparel is we look for it right when we need it (Birthday, Father's Day, Christmas), or when we see it on TV (while watching the game) and we don't care what the cost is. If A-Rod is wearing it, we need to wear it too (DAMMIT!).

Retailers know this and spend lots of time and money placing apparel in their windows to get the most out of you. So instead of going for the featured product, check out clearance racks in stores and on websites.

If you're an NBA guy, go to their online store (store.nba.com), check out your favorite team and see if they have anything on their clearance page. Even if you dig a certain team's colors, no matter the sport, follow the same steps and you'll be sure to find a jewel amongst the crap they're trying to give away.

2. Buy In The Off-Season

Just like The Gap or Old Navy, sports apparel retailers have to discount out of season items to make room for the upcoming season, so visit your local Champs, or Modell's at the end of Football season instead of right before.

New season means new prodcut; new product means new profit goals; new profit goals means new retail price and new retail price means NO discounts!

1. Get On The Mailing List

It's 2010 and this marketing technique has evolved over the last decade. When you go to your favorite retailer/brand's website, sign up for their email/newsletter to receive alerts, discounts and exclusives.

Here's the deal: SPAM has soured the way we look at email; however, these are messages YOU WANT to view. Maybe not all the time, but for the most part, you won't mind getting the scoop on a blowout sale at NikeTown.

Most brands such as New Era and Reebok have Facebook and Twitter pages too. Friend or follow them to get news on specials.

Another jewel: Find a "sports apparel" guy (like me...heh-heh), because retailers use customer ignorance against them. Contrary to popular belief, fans aren't subject matter experts on how apparel is supposed to look.

For example, when the Yankees won the World Series last year, New Era released two types of caps. One had the commemorative stadium patch on the back and the other had the MLB logo. Each cost the same amount of money; however, the MLB version was easier to produce once the series was over and was a deliberate attempt to make easy money off the fans...CAUSE THEY WOULDN'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!!

When it comes to sports apparel and your favorite teams, it's very convenient to just find it, and buy it; but it can be costly. Do a little research and practice a little patience and you'll save money and still look great on gameday.