The nature of fraternities and sororities is that there are only so many members of a specific fraternity or sorority that are still active, at any one time. As such, the market may seem small, however, the number fraternities and sororities scattered among the different colleges help to provide for a lucrative enterprise. More so, if a fraternity or sorority, becomes satisfied with the quality of the products. This almost always translates to reorders. Also, some fraternities and sororities operate as chapters in several colleges. If the makers of fraternity apparel and/or sorority apparel manage to provide quality good enough to attract the attention of multi-chapter fraternities/sororities, market share automatically increases by that much. Moreover, this is a captive market, as long as the quality lasts and the prices remain affordable.
Fraternities and sororities are very much based on tradition, since this insures the commonality of pledging and other experiences between members. Imagine if a given sorority apparel design becomes a sorority classic and becomes traditional. Thus it is to the providers of these products’ best interest, to establish and uphold good quality and affordable products for as long as they can.