How to Turn a $30 Tee into a High-Ticket Client

Most gym owners treat T-shirts as pocket-change revenue: throw a design on a tee, collect a few bucks, move on.
That’s fine—if all you want is lunch money.

But with a tiny tweak, the same pre-order can become a feeder for premium nutrition or coaching programs. Below is the exact three-step play our top clients use to make that happen.

1. Launch a Scarcity Window + Irresistible Bonus

Copy/paste framework

“🔥 Summer Merch Drop is live until Friday 11:59 PM.
Pre-order any item and get my free guide: ‘5 High-Protein Breakfasts You Can Make in 15 Minutes or Less.’
Screenshot your receipt, DM or email it, and I’ll send the guide instantly.”

Why it works

• Deadline = urgency. People act when the clock is ticking.

• Relevant bonus = higher cart value. A freebie that solves an everyday problem (breakfast) feels like a no-brainer add-on.

• Proof of purchase = contact list. You’re building a warm list of members who just showed interest in nutrition.

2. Follow Up with Every Guide Downloader

Send a quick message one week later:

“Hey Tom, did you try any of the recipes yet? Need help tweaking them?”

Nine times out of ten, the reply is some version of:

“I haven’t even opened it—been slammed with work/kids/vacation.”

Translation: “I need help dialing in my nutrition.” That’s your opening.

3. Offer a Low-Friction Next Step

Keep it casual and solution-focused:

“Totally get it. How about you swing by Saturday at 10:30 AM?
We’ll sketch a simple meal plan. If it clicks, we can add 8–12 weeks of nutrition coaching—and you can drop it when you’re set.”

Why this converts:

• Immediate relief. You solve a pain point on the spot.

• Short commitment. An 8–12-week runway feels doable.

• Clear off-ramp. Members know they can scale back once they hit their goal, so they don’t ghost you out of fear of an endless contract.

Rinse, Repeat, Expand

Next launch, swap in a fresh bonus that ties to a different service line:

Each guide showcases your expertise, builds trust, and funnels members into the program they actually need.

Implementation Checklist

• Pick a compelling guide topic that tees up your higher-ticket service.

• Set a hard pre-order deadline (four–seven days works best).

• Collect proof of purchase, send the guide immediately.

• Follow up in one week—same day/time for everyone keeps it simple.

• Invite to a low-pressure consult, outline the 8–12-week coaching option, and give a clean exit path.

Ready to Run It?

Use the copy above, schedule your follow-ups, and watch your next merch drop move members up your value ladder. Questions? Book a quick call—happy to walk you through the finer points.