Get Ahead in Dropshipping with Pickleball Equipment

Have you heard of pickleball? Have you played pickleball? This ball sport has taken off at a speed beyond anyone's imagination. It is the fastest-growing sport in America, with approximately 13.6 million people having tried the sport last year, which witnessed a 52% increase from 2022! Besides, it is getting to pick up steam outside of the States, with dozens of countries from Canada to China to Australia joining in on the fun. People of all ages hit the court to enjoy the optimistic mental, physical, and psychological impacts the game has brought.

 

Noticeably, there was a 111% increase in “core” participants(defined by the SFIA as eight or more times in a year for pickleball), meaning those who take part frequently enough to reflect a passion for the activity. This encouraging development has ensured a vibrant and profitable market for pickleball equipment and apparel.

 

If you are selling sporting goods online, never miss out on adding gear and apparel for pickleball to your store. You can also start up a brand special for selling pickleball equipment. Then what products are best for dropshipping? How to get ahead in dropshipping with pickleball equipment? Keep reading for more valuable information in the following content!

 

Analysis of the Pickleball Market

 

The popularity of pickleball keeps surging. There were 48.3 million pickleball players in the United States in 2023 according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). So how could pickleball turn into a national sport? And will the heat stay long? 

The pickleball takeover began in 2022 and with more people searching for socially distanced activities during the pandemic, its popularity keeps ploding. Its inclusive nature and health benefits allow all ages can enjoy the sport, further boosting its popularity as a family activity and social intergeneration. Besides, endorsements and participation by celebrities and professional athletes have brought more attention to the sport.

The small court is part of a much bigger niche market — the pickleball equipment. The global pickleball market size is estimated to be worth around USD 3,859.0 million by 2032. Despite the growing heat, there has yet to be a dominant brand endemic to the sport. Moreover, customers' needs tend to become more customized and personalized. While core pickleball players might be more familiar with the best brands for their sporting needs, other brands have room to appeal to people who are just getting started or making it a hobby. This means startups and athletic retailers all have the potential to come out. Building up a brand for your pickleball equipment becomes the ultimate way to enlarge impact and stabilize sales. 

 

 

3 Tips to Succeed in Dropshipping Pickleball Equipment

 

1. Build up a Brand

 

Building a brand for your pickleball equipment dropshipping business can significantly enhance your competitive edge, customer loyalty, and overall business success. A recognizable brand helps customers remember you, increasing repeat purchasing, which determines the success of your business in certain ways. If a beginner has experienced excellent services at your branding store, he or she is likely to follow up by buying other equipment from your brand. This also requires sellers to create or update the product lines to gain more stable customers.

 

2. Select Reliable Suppliers

 

As we all know, sports equipment is often required to meet the appropriate standards. Therefore, selecting a reliable supplier is the key to ensuring product quality in your store. Whether pickleball gear, accessories, or apparel, SourcinBox can help you find the best manufacturers or suppliers at the most reasonable prices. Besides, as a professional sourcing agent, SoucinBox will directly communicate with suppliers on your behalf to fulfill your branding requirements.

 

3. Improve Marketing Strategies

 

Following the market trends and updating marketing strategies are key to success. Improving marketing strategies usually involves a combination of understanding your target audience, leveraging digital marketing tools, and creating engaging content. Pickleball's stable development can also be attributed to the viral spread of social media. Try to increase brand exposure under relevant topics and boost interaction rates. Besides, you can create pickleball groups or communities for your customers to exchange real advice and experiences, instead of overtly selling.

 

Best 10 Pickleball Equipment for Dropshipping

 

1. Pickleball Balls

 

Pickleball balls are surely the top sourcing choice for dropshippers. These small and lightweight pickleball necessities are in high demand because of the large consumption during the games and practices. Recently, the higher participation in night outdoor pickleball has boosted the sales of glow-in-the-dark pickleball balls. Considering the changeable practice environment, you can enhance the variety of pickleball in your store.

 

 

2. Pickleball Paddle

 

A pickleball paddle is another necessity for anyone to join in this sport. Make the paddles in your stores perfect in weight which is ideal for players who demand high performance. As for styles, the basic ones are always more welcomed by beginners. To stand out from the competition, you can customize prints for the paddle surfaces. Selling paddles in combination with pickleballs is also a common sales model.

 

 

3. Pickleball Paddle Grip

 

Pickleball paddle grips are designed to offer a perfect balance between comfort and efficiency and elevate the performance on the court. By expanding the contact surface between the hands and the handles, the grips can enhance friction, finger support, and control of every swing. You can promote them to the players troubled by sweaty hands and slipping paddles.

 

 

4. Pickleball Paddle Eraser

 

The pickleball paddle eraser is special for cleaning paddles and works far better than any liquid- or towel-cleaning solution. It can efficiently eliminate dirt, ball residue, and minor scratches from the pickleball paddle, restoring it to its pristine condition with minimal effort. The compact and small size allows it to be carried in any bag. Also, it's compatible with all types of rackets, which presents a larger group of potential customers.

 

 

5. Pickleball Net

 

A portable pickleball net realizes players' dream of playing everywhere. With a net system that meets official pickleball guidelines, people can easily set up their pickleball tournaments or casual games. The entire net can be easily packed in a robust carrying bag. Besides standardized quality assurance, dropshippers can print a brand name or logo on the carrying bags to stand out.

 

 

6. Pickleball Paddle Cover

 

The young pickleball players are obsessed with presenting their personality and uniqueness through fashionable pickleball paddle covers. This allows creativity for online sellers. Make your offerings designed as well as safe and sound, to offer premium protection and elevated style. Launching limited designs at different holiday periods is also an effective way to enhance brand awareness.

 

 

7. Pickleball Bags

 

A well-designed pickleball bag is a popular choice to protect the pickleball gear. It is usually easy to carry along--there are already a variety of designs and styles on the market for reference -- one-shoulder, crossbody bag, tote, and more. Dropshippers can launch a series of product lines that apply the same theme including paddles, paddle covers, and pickleball bags.

 

 

8. Sports Water Bottle

 

Regardless of the sport being played, timely hydration is vital for athletes, especially on hot days. If you own an online store selling sporting goods, promote sports water bottles to your pickleball player customers. Those designed with a straw or squeeze to drink are more convenient for users. You can also print your brand logo or name on the bottles to improve product recognition.

 

 

9. Quick Dry Towel

 

Pickleball can be an intense sport causing players to sweat heavily. A quick-dry towel helps in quickly wiping off sweat and prevents sweat from affecting the grip on the paddle. These lightweight and compact towels are easy to carry in a pickleball bag without taking up much room. Including a quick dry towel in your dropshipping store can be a great addition for players seeking practical pickleball equipment.

 

 

10. Sports Sun Visor Hats

 

For those playing outdoor pickleball, a sun visor hat can keep the sun out of players' eyes and improve visibility. Choose visors designed to be lightweight and breathable to provide essential protection and reduce the risk of sunburn. It can also be a styling essential to a player,  coming in various colors and designs that can match various personal preferences.

 

 

Final Words

 

Never look down upon people's passion for pickleball and also never miss the great potential hidden in the pickleball market! It has reached a broad scope of audiences from all generations which means a chance for online retailers to gain market share and acquire more customers. Identify your target groups and start selling quality pickleball equipment now. If you have any inspiration from the above content, look no further contact us for a free quote!