Challenge
Farm Credit provides branded “show shirts” for employees twice a year, typically a short-sleeve shirt in the spring and a jacket or quarter zip in the winter. These shirts are worn during events and trade shows to represent the company.
Previously, Farm Credit’s vendor would pre-order a custom shirt into inventory of a single based on estimated demand. They created a basic website for employees to place orders, but when inventory was gone, it was gone. This led to frequent complaints about sizing issues and out-of-stock items. In response, they began ordering 30% more shirts than needed so they didn’t run out of sizes, but this resulted in costly overstock. Unsold items had to be destroyed or donated, significantly increasing expenses.
Opportunity
When iCoStore took over the Farm Credit program, the show shirt process was still managed by the previous vendor. We identified an opportunity to improve the process by eliminating inventory risks and offering more flexibility to employees while maintaining brand consistency.
Solution
iCoStore integrated the show shirts into Farm Credit’s main online store, simplifying the ordering process. Instead of pre-ordering inventory, we offered on-demand production. Employees could choose from a curated selection of 3-5 different styles for both men and women. This approach offered a choice for employees in style and fit, addressing previous issues where women were limited to men’s shirts.
Our solution eliminated inventory guesswork and ensured that shirts were always available. Administrators benefited from comprehensive reporting, enabling them to track orders efficiently and they didn’t need to pay for unused inventory.
Results
The new program saved Farm Credit significant money by eliminating excess inventory and waste. Employees appreciated the option to choose styles that fit them better, and the ability to update shirt styles seasonally kept the options fresh. Additionally, the automated reporting tools provided valuable insights, freeing the purchasing team from manual tracking.
