Which online team store is better for my program, a dealer-run store or a self-serve platform?
It depends on who should run the store. SquadLocker says a coach or parent can open a free self-serve store, with no minimum, and have gear shipped to families. A dealer-run store, like the ones National Sports Apparel builds, is set up and fulfilled by the dealer, with no upfront cost and no inventory for the program. Self-serve fits a volunteer who wants the dashboard. A dealer-run store fits a staff that wants uniforms and fan gear handled together.
An online team store lets parents and fans order logo gear in their own sizes. The decision is who operates it: your dealer, or a coach or parent on a self-serve platform. SquadLocker is one well-known self-serve example. Both models can be the right one.
| Dealer-run store | Self-serve platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets it up | National Sports Apparel builds the store and a rep stays on the account. | A coach, parent, or volunteer builds it. SquadLocker publishes how-to guides for adding products, logos, and sharing the link. |
| Cost to open | No upfront cost and no inventory for the program. | SquadLocker says setup is free, there is no minimum order, and there are no contracts. Confirm the current terms on their site. |
| What families can buy | Spirit wear and team gear the dealer puts in the store, tied to the same rep who handles uniforms. | SquadLocker lists uniforms, spirit wear, and name-brand apparel, and says the store stays open so people can order through the year. |
| Fundraising | As of 2026, the fundraising guide on this site plans a typical margin of $5–$10 per core item. What you raise depends on participation. | SquadLocker says fundraising is optional and that it pays programs from apparel sales. Read their current payout terms before you count on a number. |
| Where it fits | The staff wants uniforms, spirit packs, and fan gear handled by one California dealer. | A volunteer wants to edit the product list themselves and keep the store open on their own dashboard. |
A spirit pack is a different tool: one bundle, offered once, instead of an open catalog. That choice is covered in the spirit pack guide. If the real question is local dealer versus national dealer, start with that comparison.
Sources, reviewed October 20, 2026: SquadLocker for teams (free setup, no minimum, orders shipped to families, optional fundraising, brands including Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas) and SquadLocker get started (no contracts, stores stay open). National Sports Apparel store terms are from the team stores page and the fundraising guide on this website.