Are you looking to sell your consumer product to Academy Sports And Outdoors? In this training, Karen Waksman, founder of Retail MBA, will give you some tips and strategies to help you get your product on their store shelves.
Academy Sports And Outdoors Vendor
Academy Sports And Outdoors is a popular retailer in certain parts of the country that sells sporting goods, outdoor products, hunting guns, fishing apparel, and more. With 265 stores, they have a lot of buying power and can be a great opportunity for you to make a lot of money quickly if your product sells.
Because they are a niche retailer, they are looking for unique and innovative products that will make them stand out from the competition. If you want to sell to Academy, you should walk their stores and see where your product can fit in their assortment.
Selling to Academy Sports And Outdoors
Academy Sports And Outdoors has a strong online presence, which means that if you want to sell your product to them, they might start you out online. This can be a great opportunity for you to get your product in front of millions of people quickly.
When selling to Academy, you should make sure that your product’s imagery and description looks immaculate. You should also look at your competition to see what they are saying about their products and make yours better.
How to Sell to Academy Sports and Outdoors
Selling to Academy Sports And Outdoors can be a great opportunity for you to make a lot of money quickly. If you are interested in selling to them, you should make sure that your product is unique and innovative, and that your product’s imagery and description looks immaculate.
If you need help understanding how to go after stores and do the work yourself, or if you need additional support, you can take a look at Retail MBA’s website (retailmba.com). They work with people at every stage of their business and in every product category.
Thank you for watching our video. We appreciate you and hope you enjoyed the content.
Outline of the "How to Sell to Academy Sports" Training
Selling to Academy: Tips for Selling Your Products to the Sporting Goods Retailer
If you have a great consumer product that you think would be perfect for Academy, the sporting goods retailer, then this article is for you. With 265 stores, Academy is a powerhouse in the outdoor market and has a lot of buying power. In this article, we’ll discuss how to sell to Academy, what they’re looking for in products, and how to make the most of their online presence.
What is Academy?
Academy is a sporting goods retailer that sells outdoor products, hunting gear, firearms, fishing apparel, and much more. With 265 stores across the United States, Academy is a niche retailer that focuses on a certain category, and they’re always looking for the best and most innovative products.
What to Consider When Selling to Academy
If you’re interested in selling your product to Academy, here are some things to consider:
Unique and Innovative Products: Academy is not looking for products that everyone else is selling. They want unique and innovative products that will differentiate them from their competitors. Before approaching Academy, make sure your product is interesting and innovative.
Walk Their Stores: Before approaching Academy, visit their stores and take a look around to see what they’re buying. This will give you an idea of where your product can fit and how it can fit into their assortment in a unique way.
Focus on Innovation: Academy is a niche retailer that focuses on a certain category, and they’re always looking for the best and most innovative products. If you have an innovative product that fits into their assortment, they’ll be more likely to buy it.
Consider their Online Presence: Academy has a strong online presence, which means that they might start you out online before placing your product in their physical stores. Make sure your product’s imagery, description, and other details are immaculate, as online customers can’t touch and feel your product.
Don’t Test the Waters: If your product sells in Academy stores, you can make a lot of money quickly. Don’t test the waters; instead, go in strong with a well-thought-out strategy.
How to Make the Most of Academy’s Online Presence
Academy has a strong online presence, which is an advantage for sellers who want to get their products in front of millions of people quickly. However, it’s essential to make the most of this opportunity by ensuring that your product’s imagery, description, and other details are perfect. Here are some tips for making the most of Academy’s online presence:
Perfect Your Imagery: Make sure that the images of your product are high-quality and show it off in the best possible way. This is the first thing that online customers will see, so make it count.
Create an Immaculate Description: Your product description should be detailed, informative, and engaging. Use language that speaks to your target audience and highlights the unique features of your product.
Do Your Due Diligence: Research your competition and find out what they’re saying about their products. Use this information to make your product description better and more compelling.
Make Your Product Pop: Your product should stand out on Academy’s website. Use bold colors, catchy phrases, and other elements to make it pop and grab customers’ attention.
Conclusion
Selling to Academy can be a lucrative opportunity for sellers of outdoor products, hunting gear, firearms, and fishing apparel. However, it’s essential to understand what Academy is looking for in products and how to make the most of their online presence. By focusing on unique and innovative products, walking their stores, and perfecting your imagery and descriptions, you can increase your chances of success when selling to Academy.
How to Sell to Academy Stores - Frequently Asked Questions!

1. How do I get my products into Academy stores?
To get your products into Academy stores, you will need to apply to become a Academy vendor. You can do this by visiting Academy’s website and completing an online vendor application. Or you can follow our Retail MBA (https://www.retailmba.com) Training System where we explain how the sales professionals actually sell into these types of retailers!
If you went the traditional route, the application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet (PIS), which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information when they ask!
Once you have submitted your application, a Academy buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Academy vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes. Unfortunately, if you actually submit your product on their website, they don’t always respond. Or review your product appropriately as they ask you very generic questions about your brand and you don’t always get your products reviewed correctly. We try to rectify this through our Retail MBA Training System as we have time-tested proven methods to getting into these types of chain stores! No experience required!
To increase your chances of success, it is important to thoroughly research the market and identify a product that meets a specific need or demand. It is also important to demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers and that you have a reliable supply chain.
Overall, getting your products into Academy stores requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Academy and grow your business. Plus you can make millions of dollars with one chain store order. We are here to help as a Retail consultancy if you need help with this!
- How do I contact Academy buyers?
There are a few ways you can contact Academy buyers:
- Use the “Contact Us” form on Academy’s website: You can visit Academy’s website and use the “Contact Us” form to send a message to the appropriate department. This is a good option if you are not sure which department or buyer to contact. This is also presented in the vendor section of their website. We highly recommend ignoring this route as buyers tend to overlook amazing products on their website through their vendor portal. Which is why the Founder of Retail MBA is the one who created our powerful Retail MBA Training System which unlocks how to approach, pitch and find the Academyers for you to sell to. You can take a look at what we are up to at https://www.retailmba.com.
- Do NOT Reach out through LinkedIn: Many Academy buyers have LinkedIn profiles, which you can use to connect with them directly. You can search for buyers by name or job title and send them a message through LinkedIn but do not reach out to them this way. Many people suggest this. Buyers despise it when you reach out to them in disrespectful ways. Linkedin is where they post their resumes. Not reviewing products!
- Attend industry trade shows and networking events: Academy buyers often attend industry trade shows and other events, where you can meet them in person and pitch your product. There are trade shows for every product category. For instance, housewares products can attend the International Housewares Show! Our Founder, Karen Waksman, has spoken at most of the top trade shows on how to sell to retail chains. These are great shows! Please check out our training on how to utilize trade shows appropriately. We explain what NOT to do when going to trade shows in our Retail MBA Training and Coaching Systems.
- Contact the buyer directly: If you know the name and contact information for a specific Academy buyer, you can try reaching out to them directly. You can do this by emailing or calling them, but never through sending them a direct message on LinkedIn. If you go this route, do not annoy buyers. Find out what words to use when contacting buyers to get them to actually review your products! Our systems all teach how to do this in a way that buyers love! We’ve taught well over 100,000 product companies how to pitch buyers with our systems listed on RetailMBA.com.
It is important to be respectful and professional when contacting Academy buyers, and to make sure you have a clear and compelling pitch for your product. It is also a good idea to do your research and tailor your pitch to the specific interests and needs of the buyer you are contacting.
- What are Academy’s vendor requirements?
Academy has a number of vendor requirements that must be met in order to do business with the company. These requirements can vary depending on the type of products you are selling and the market in which you operate. Some of the key requirements include:
- High-quality products: Academy is committed to offering its customers high-quality products at affordable prices. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you are able to produce products that meet the company’s standards for quality.
- Safety and compliance: Academy has strict requirements for the safety and compliance of the products it sells. This includes requirements for materials, labeling, packaging, and other aspects of product design.
- Reliable supply chain: Academy relies on a global network of suppliers to meet the needs of its customers. As a vendor, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reliable supply chain that is able to meet the company’s demand for products. Handmade goods would not make sense to sell to Academy buyers – they buy in volume!
- Competitive pricing: Academy is known for offering its customers epic prices, and as a vendor, you will need to be able to offer competitive pricing in order to do business with the company.
- Strong customer service: Academy values strong customer service and expects its vendors to provide timely and accurate responses to customer inquiries and complaints.
- There is a list of requirements they require listed on their vendor portal. Check out their vendor website and you will find out insurance requirements and more!
Overall, becoming a Academy vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Academy and grow your business.
- How do I prepare a Academy product submission?
To prepare a Academy product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the product sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and Academy market. Do not randomly send samples to them. Buyers need to request these samples! Otherwise you will usually never get a review process from buyers.
Here are some steps you can follow to prepare a Academy product submission:
- Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Academy’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
- Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Academy buyers a better understanding of your product.
- Create a product information sheet (PIS): Your PIS should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, Academy market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product. We explain EXACTLY how to create the best sell sheets for buyers in our powerful Retail MBA Training System listed on RetailMBA.com.
- Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Academy’s guidelines.
- We teach you exactly what words to use and how to get buyers to buy in a fraction of the time and cost. Be sure to check out our free webinars listed on RetailMBA.com. We explain all of this in detail!
Overall, preparing a Academy product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps and ensuring that your submission is accurate and complete, you can increase your chances of success and get your products on Academy’s shelves. These are just a few random examples of how to prepare a product submission. Our core Retail MBA Training System takes 10 hours to explain what actually will happen to you if you sell to a retail chain. Why? One chain store order can mean 10’s of millions of dollars to your bottom line. The more you know, the better you will succeed.
- What are Academy’s private label requirements?
To prepare a Academy product submission, you will need to create a product sample and accompanying product information sheet. The product sample should be a physical representation of your product, while the sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, and Academy market. Again, our Core Retail MBA Training System explains how to create a powerful sell sheet and how to contact the private label buyer and submit your product as would the sales professionals!
Here are some first steps you can follow to prepare a Academy product submission:
- Research the market: Before you start preparing your product submission, it is important to research the market to ensure that your product meets a specific need or demand. You should also research Academy’s product offerings and make sure your product is a good fit for the company.
- Create a product sample: Your product sample should be a physical representation of your product that demonstrates its features and benefits. You should consider creating prototypes or samples in multiple sizes, colors, or variations to give Academy buyers a better understanding of your product.
- Create a product information sheet: Your sell sheet should include detailed information on your product, including its features, benefits, Academy market, pricing, and availability. You should also include any relevant images or graphics that will help buyers to understand your product.
- Review and edit your submission: Once you have created your product sample and sell sheet, it is important to review and edit your submission to ensure that it is accurate and complete. You should also double-check that you have included all relevant information and that your submission meets Academy’s guidelines.
- 6. Branding and packaging: Academy’s private label products must be clearly branded and properly packaged to ensure that they stand out on the shelf and are easy for customers to identify.
Overall, preparing a Academy product submission requires careful planning and attention to detail. Why? One order can make you millions of dollars!
When working with the private label buyer, they will instruct you on how to package using their branding! All of this is explained in our training systems listed on RetailMBA.com
- How does Academy source products?
Academy sources products from a wide range of vendors, both domestic and international. The company has a team of buyers and sourcing professionals who are responsible for identifying and evaluating potential vendors and products.
To source products, Academy uses a variety of methods, including:
- Online vendor application: Academy has an online vendor application process that allows potential vendors to submit product samples and information sheets for review. This is a good option for small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in selling their products in Academy stores.We suggest not going through this route as you could get lost in the process. Find out more by checking out one of our Retail MBA Training systems listed on RetailMBA.com.
- Trade shows and industry events: Academy buyers often attend trade shows and other industry events to discover new products and meet with potential vendors.
- Direct contact: Academy buyers may also reach out to potential vendors directly, either through online channels or by attending industry events and networking with other professionals.
- Partnering with manufacturers: Academy may also work directly with manufacturers to develop private label products or to secure exclusive distribution rights for certain products.
Overall, Academy uses a variety of methods to source products, including online applications, trade shows, direct contact, and partnerships with manufacturers. The company is always looking for high-quality products that offer value to customers and that meet the company’s strict vendor requirements.
- What is Academy’s return policy for vendors?
Academy’s return policy for vendors varies depending on the product and the circumstances of the return. In general, the company has a “no return” policy for many types of products, but may make exceptions in cases where there are quality issues or other problems with the product.
If a customer returns a product to Academy that was manufactured or supplied by a vendor, the vendor may be responsible for accepting the return and providing a refund or replacement product. In these cases, the vendor should work with Academy to resolve the issue and ensure that the customer is satisfied.
If a vendor is unable to accept a return or provide a refund or replacement product, Academy may choose to dispose of the product or return it to the vendor at the vendor’s expense.
Overall, it is important for vendors to have a clear understanding of Academy’s return policy and to work closely with the company to resolve any issues that may arise. By providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, vendors can minimize the risk of returns and build strong, long-lasting partnerships with Academy.
We explain how to avoid chargebacks and fees with Academy! All listed on our training and coaching systems listed on RetailMBA.com.
- How do I become a Academy preferred vendor?
To become a Academy preferred vendor, you will need to meet the company’s vendor requirements and demonstrate that you are able to produce high-quality products that offer value to customers. You will also need to have a reliable supply chain and be able to offer competitive pricing.
To apply to become a Academy vendor, you can visit the company’s website and complete an online vendor application. The application process typically involves submitting a product sample and accompanying product information sheet, which should include details on your product, pricing and availability information, and any other relevant information. Or follow our amazing systems that explain what to do!
Once you have submitted your application, a Academy buyer will review your submission and determine if your products are a good fit for the company. If your application is approved, you will be invited to become a Academy vendor and will be given access to the company’s systems and processes.
To become a preferred vendor, you will need to consistently meet the company’s expectations and demonstrate a track record of producing high-quality products. This may involve meeting certain performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
Overall, becoming a Academy preferred vendor requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as the ability to meet the company’s strict vendor requirements. With hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a successful partnership with Academy and grow your business.

Academy Store Vendor - Transcript on How to Sell to Academy Stores

Hey everyone, this is Karen Waksman, founder of Retail n b. Today we’re going to be talking about selling to Academy Sports and out.
Hey everyone, this is Karen Waksman, founder of Retail M B A. Today we’re be talking about selling to academy. If you have a great consumer product that you think should be on their store shelves, this little training will give you some things to think about in regards to selling to them. With that said, let’s get started on today’s training.
So what can I tell you about Academy? First of all, they sell sporting goods products, obviously outdoor stuff, hunting. Guns, all sorts of interesting different products. Fishing apparel, a variety of different things. They have a big store and they’re very, popular in certain parts of the country.
And so if you have a product that’s idyllic for the outdoor market, this is a wonderful retailer to sell to. The thing about Academy is that they are a retailer that has 265 stores that are responsible for, that’s a lot of buying power. That is a tremendous, that’s a, multimillion dollar deal if your product sells and is placed in their stores.
And so that’s something that you want to consider. You don’t want to go into this just. Testing the waters out, you really want to go in strong because if your product sells in their stores you can seriously make a ton of money very quickly and convert very well. With that said, because they’re so well known, they definitely are looking for unique, innovative products.
They’re not looking for that product that everybody else is selling. It’s got to be interesting and innovative. Go walk their stores, take a look around, see what it is that they’re buying, and where your product could fit and how your product can fit into their assortment in a very unique way. Very specialized retailer.
And that’s something to consider. Some retailers, you can sell mass appeal products. In this case, they’re looking for really interesting innovation. Fun, new stuff, that could be put in their stores to make them differentiated. The reason for that is because they’re a niche retailer. They focus on a certain category.
When it’s a category specific to say sporting goods or whatever, it’s a very common thing that they’re looking for the best of the best and the most interesting, innovative where again, other retailers, they look for just products that’ll convert. In this case, they’re looking for much more than just conversion.
Also in. So definitely explore to them if you are interested in selling more sporting goods. The thing is, with these little video trainings, I try to teach you about different retailers that you might not have even thought of. Some of you’ve never even heard of an academy, and so this is definitely a retailer that sells sporting, sporting goods and stuff like that and beyond.
So it’s always good to know where you can sell your product to. Anyhow the other thing I want to mention about Academy is that they actually have a very strong online presence. The reason I mention that is not all retailers do, especially in this category. They are all over the web, which means that if you want to sell your product to them, they might start you out online.
This can be a wonderful thing cause they can get you in front of millions of people very quickly, and so don’t feel bad if they actually start you online to test you out, to make sure the product converts because it can be the thing that they do. But in their case, it’s a wonderful issue because of the fact that they.
So much online presence, which is so much more significant than say some of the other sporting goods retailers or a lot of retailers. If you look online, you’ll see that their name pops up in the front, which is a good money maker. And one of the reasons again, I create these is just to give you some strategies.
So if you are going to go after academy, get excited about their online presence because that is actually one of the few retailers that I would say has done a very good job. and also that if you are going to sell them online, you need to make sure that the imagery that you have on your product, the description, all of that looks immaculate.
Amazing. Why? Because someone’s not touching and feeling your product when it’s online, and so they’re going to care about your imagery. They’re going to care about the words you use. Do your due diligence. Look at your com competition. Find out what they’re saying about their products, make it better, make it pop on that website.
It really, does matter. It’s a money maker for you when working with Academy in that way. Anyways, there’s so much more I can say about selling to them. If you want to learn how to approach, pitch, and sell to Academy and other similar retailers, Please take a look at our website, retail mba.com. That’s retail mba.com.
The link for our information is listed below. Otherwise, we appreciate you and please subscribe, comment, and keep in touch with us. We’re always adding new content and we are, would love the opportunity to support you with selling into retail chains. Karen Waxman, retail mba. Thanks so much.
Step-by-step training on how to sell to major retailers
We explain exactly how to do that and how to get started today. I’ve taught tens of thousands of companies on how to get your products to the stores. And so we’re here to support you. Or please subscribe to our Youtube channel and or be on the lookout for additional training that we create.
We are here to expedite the process of making money with your physical products and that’s what we’re all about. Take a look at our advanced training, live events, certification programs and so much more.
In this training, I will discuss some of the things to think about when approaching a retailer to sell your products and become a vendor. Hope it helps! 🙂
Karen Waksman,
Retail MBA
Questions? Contact Us!
1-855-Retail-2 (Call or Text)
Email: info@retailmba.com
Retail MBA provides a step-by-step formula on How to Sell to Major Retailers, Online Retailers, Smaller Retailers, Catalogs and More. No Experience Required! These solutions continue to convert for clients year-over-year! These are Time-Tested and Proven Strategies that we utilize ourselves when going after stores! Everything we teach, we test. Want access to these formulas? ANY one of our programs and coaching systems gives you access to them now. With that said…
Here are 4 Easy Ways to Work with Us:
1) Free Training – If You Would Like to Join Our Next FREE Webinar Training Called “Retail Chain Store Secrets – How to Sell to Major Retail Chains. No Experience Required” Then Sign Up NOW To Learn All About Selling into Retail Chains By Clicking Here! https://www.retailmba.com
2) Masterclass Intensives – Want to Join our Next 4 Week Elite Retail MBA Masterclass Intensive? These Intensives Are EPIC for people who Love Fast Paced Learning – Homework, Retail Coaching, Developing Your Strategy, Buyers Contacts and More! These Events Are Held Every Quarter. Join us by Clicking Here: https://www.retailmbabrands.com/masterclass
3) Done-for-You Program – If You Want Karen Waksman and Her Team to Reach Out to Your Top Dream Retail Chains On Your Behalf – And You Have a Retail-Ready Product, Check Out our Epic Done-For-You Service by Clicking Here: https://www.retailmbabrands.com/done
4) In Person Events – If You Want to Learn LIVE and Meet Karen Waksman in Person at Our Next Retail Sellers LIVE Event with Other Like-Minded Individuals in Beautiful San Diego, CA!
We Would LOVE to Have You Join Us by Clicking Here: https://www.americasnextretailproduct.com
Thanks so much.
And…if you like this training, you will love these new short training sessions as well! Click on the links provided to watch and grow your consumer product business TODAY!

