Introduction
More than 32 million U.S. workers go to work each day wearing
uniforms. Uniforms can project a consistent and unified image for
companies that regularly interact with the public.
Uniforms allow customers to quickly identify employees for
assistance. Additionally, uniforms allow employers to control the
appropriateness and condition of the clothes worn by the employees.
For employees, uniform programs help them avoid having to buy,
clean, and repair their work clothes.
This guide is designed to give you the facts you need to
implement a uniform program for your business. The various sections
are listed in the box above. You can choose to read this guide from
beginning to end, or jump directly to a section of interest.
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Types of
Uniforms
Most uniforms are made from a blend of polyester and cotton
fabrics. While uniforms have traditionally been associated with
plain, matching, single-color shirts and pants, you can generally
get whatever you want. In recent years, more firms are opting for
coordinating shirts and pants that match but are of different
colors. "Executive wear," such as Oxford-type shirts and
dress pants, are also gaining in popularity.
Uniforms can also be worn over regular street clothes. Garments
such as lab coats, smocks, aprons or vests promote a more
consistent image without requiring each person to be outfitted in
the same clothes.
Most uniforms require regular washing and do not require
ironing. The life expectancy of these garments is three to five
years with regular wear.
Buying vs.
Renting
Firms can choose either to buy or rent uniforms. Buying is
generally the less expensive option. Not surprisingly, about 80% of
uniforms are bought rather than rented.
However, buying uniforms means that you will need to manage
cleaning and maintenance. You will either have to trust your
workers to keep up their uniforms or hire an industrial launderer
to deal with the garments.
A uniform rental firm supplies and cleans uniforms. Working with
a service may be preferred in situations where employees may not
wash their uniforms on a regular basis. In addition, renting can be
a better option for companies that have a high turnover rate. That
way, the firm will not have to pay for uniforms that are no longer
needed.
About Uniform
Vendors
Uniforms are sold through retail outlets, direct sales, and mail
order catalogs. Generally, the offerings do not vary very much
among vendors. However, some vendors specialize in a particular
type of uniform, such as lab coats, which can mean better prices
for the buyers.
Vendors can also differ in terms of their service levels. For
example, firms can vary in terms of their turnaround time for
delivery, availability of custom embroidering of logos and/or
names, and handling of emergency requests for uniforms.
Choosing a Rental
Firm
Each week, uniform rental companies provide employees with up to
five changes of work clothes and pick up a set of uniforms from the
previous week for cleaning.
These services generally require a minimum order of garments to
be delivered each week. Services also typically require a minimum
two-year commitment, with three- and four-year terms becoming quite
common.
Generally, it will be cheaper for a uniform rental firm to
handle your account if you are located nearby or along a route
already being served. In addition, it can be more cost effective to
work with a firm that already supplies the same garments to other
firms. That way, the rental service can better manage their
inventory and can obtain better pricing from uniform
manufacturers.
Pricing
Purchasing five or six sets of uniforms, which should each last 3-5
years, will cost approximately $150-$250. Note, however, that this
figure does not incorporate the cost of cleaning or repairs.
Most uniform rental services bill a flat rate based on a
negotiated contract. Generally, rates are based on the number of
garment changes provided for each worker; this usually ranges from
$1 to $1.50 per day's worth of clothing. This rate remains the
same regardless of whether garments are returned for cleaning, with
an additional per-piece rate typically charged when uniform
delivery goes above a contracted maximum. Altogether, uniform
rental will cost between $200 to $300 per employee per year.
Special Tips
Avoiding uniqueness can save money
When choosing garments from a rental firm, it is more economical to
choose those that can also be used by other businesses. That way,
when you have turnover or need additional garments, replacement
uniforms can come from the rental service's used garment
inventory.
Good news for logos
A recent technology allows small patches to be heat-sealed onto
clothing. Logos printed on these patches can be removed with little
problem, so clothing can be easily reused.