The 3nil Football Club (in this case football = soccer) creates apparel to represent the football culture.
Website: http://3nilfc.com
Store’s age: 2½ years (since Aug. 2011)
Platform: Shopify
Payment method: Paypal (Stripe in the future)
We had the chance to talk to 3nil to discuss their football (yes, soccer this time!) inspired line of apparel.
At this stage we have 9-5 jobs to do and look after 3nil on top of that. It can be tiring but its worth it. Seeing people love their shirts in different parts of the world is so incredible.
3nil, though based in Melbourne, Australia, has a following world-wide
What’s 3nil all about?
3nil is a line of apparel and gear based around the culture of football (soccer for some!). It has grown into the ‘3nil Football Club’, a global squad of fans who represent football culture. We now have thousands of shirts, crews, hoodies, hats, wallets and posters purchased in over 45 countries.
How did you decide to go into the apparel business?
Our founder Dan Gribbon had studied design and wanted to use his new skill-set on a passion. Football. E-Commerce was the easiest setup and allowed us to gain exposure globally for the football community.
E-Commerce was the easiest setup and allowed us to gain exposure globally for the football community.
Why did you choose Shopify as your e-commerce platform?
Initially we used Big Cartel but outgrew it a little and migrated across to Shopify. It has been great so far! The integrations and add-ons have been fantastic for us.
How do you get potential customers to your site? (aka what do you do for marketing?)
We have been featured on many football blogs and websites but mainly drive people to the store through word-of-mouth and our social channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We shot a commercial in Berlin last year that landed on Hypebeast.com. You don’t get on Hypebeast unless you’re doing something right.
3nil takes advantage of instagram clout and displays their pictures they’ve been tagged on their website
The biggest challenge along the way?
The biggest challenge is keeping your customers happy. Make sure you are aware of what they want and if they ask you something answer it quickly.
How about the team?
3nil started off as a one-man show but we have built up to a small crew here in Melbourne and have representatives in Europe and the USA.
Is managing your online store a full-time job?
We hope we can one day! With the support of the global football community that would be a dream of ours. At this stage we have 9-5 jobs to do and look after 3nil on top of that. It can be tiring but its worth it. Seeing people love their shirts in different parts of the world is so incredible.
How did you decide to go with Printful for your order fulfillment?
The quality of the goods and materials plus the incredible service from the Printful team allows us to focus on the designing and customer support. It has completely streamlined our way of doing things and allows us to have products available to customers much sooner than ever before.
What would your advice be to someone who’s considering starting their own online store?
Just do it. Don’t hold back. It’s a grind but its worth it. Don’t try and aim for everyone. Find something you’re passionate about and people will find you if the quality is there.
Thanks to 3nil for the interview! It just goes to show that passion can turn a hobby into a business, and that living on the other side of the world is no obstacle to success!
