Uniforms are an important element of a company’s workforce that improve professionalism, build morale, and increase productivity.
It is not unusual, however, to face some challenges when looking for the right uniform supplier. There are many factors that need to be considered when identifying the right supplier, and you must know how to measure and compare your options.
There are certain elements that you should always look for when planning a uniform program for your workforce. By evaluating whether or not a uniform supply brand offers them, you can decide if working with them will be a sound investment.
Always consider these three elements:
1. Design and Performance
The performance of a uniform garment comes down to “form and function.” Precisely what is needed in a uniform varies greatly depending on your industry and work environment. Pockets, shoulder and elbow patches, epaulets, name tags, and other features are all part of ensuring that a design matches your expectations for the garment.
Performance also includes more subtle elements. Be sure that your uniforms are easy to wear and work in – that is, easy to get on and off, without any features that might present extra hazards to your team members. Feedback from employees can help you get different perspectives on what will help them operate at their best.
2. Quality and Durability
When you source your uniforms, you are putting money toward how your brand is understood by the public and by your employees. Uniforms should be of high enough quality so that they can remain in service for many months without additional spend for replacement or repair. They should also continue to look good by keeping their shape and not pilling!
Remember, your personnel will be putting forth plenty of effort to keep their uniforms looking sharp. With that in mind, examine uniform supply samples in detail to see that they are well-constructed. They should also be easy to clean and continue to look good through multiple wears and washes.
3. Service and Reliability
Ideally, a uniform supply company should work as a seamless extension of your company’s overall supply chain. A long and established vendor relationship means more consistency and fewer surprises. To be worthy of that, however, a uniform supply company must offer top-tier customer care regardless of your size or order volume.
You can get a clearer picture of a company’s service capabilities in many different ways. Looking at online reviews may help at first, but do not take these at face value. Call uniform suppliers on your short list and learn about their reputation, history, and expertise in the field.
Uniforms are about more than just appearance: They are a meaningful statement about how you want your enterprise to be perceived and interact in the world. Knowing that, it simply isn’t true that one uniform supply vendor is the same as any other. You deserve the same excellence that you offer your own customers.
To learn about how COBMEX® can assist you with your uniform program, contact us at sales@cobmex.com.
