Special Orders: Process & Partnership
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 10:00 AM EST | Virtual via Zoom
FREE for store members! You must be logged in to register.
Special orders are a unique and often essential part of campus retail. While margins may differ from traditional sales floor merchandise, special orders play a critical role in building relationships, supporting campus departments, and student organizations, and strengthening the store’s overall presence and value.
Join fellow NCSA members for a collaborative discussion focused on how campus stores structure, promote, and maximize their special order business. Together, we’ll explore pricing and margin strategies, operational workflows, risk management, and how stores position themselves as the preferred campus partner — even when departments have the option to order directly from outside vendors.
This session is designed as an open exchange of ideas and experiences, guided by participant questions and shared examples. Members will discuss how they communicate their special order services across campus, protect profitability, streamline processes, and compete effectively while maintaining strong relationships.
Connect with colleagues from stores of all sizes to share approaches, gain insight, and explore how special orders can serve as both a strategic revenue stream and a powerful relationship-building tool.
Format: Interactive round-table discussion and idea sharing — participation is encouraged.
Who Should Attend: All NCSA store members — directors, managers, operations, merchandising, marketing, and anyone involved in special orders, custom programs, or campus partnerships.
