When selecting work uniforms for your business, understanding how uniform companies determine their pricing is crucial.
After all, you can buy work uniforms from countless different work uniform companies.
From the quality of workwear and brand names to shipping charges and volume discounts, several factors influence the price you pay for uniforms. Additionally, customizations, such as embroidery and special features, can impact the overall pricing structure.
In this article, we will explore these pricing considerations further. We want to help you make informed decisions when choosing work uniforms for your team. While we want your team to be comfortable and safe, it's important we understand budget restrictions as well.
First, a quick explainer on how this industry works for clarification.
How work uniform companies fit into the supply chain
We'll speak specifically to the following supply chain example, because it's how we and many other work uniform companies operate:
Vendor/manufacturer --> work uniform company --> end user
In this example, the vendor or manufacturer would be a company like Carhartt or Red Kap. Think of the brand that makes the products, or a vendor.
A work uniform company is the business where a uniform comes together for a customer. Maybe a customer's uniform consists of workwear from different brands. Or additional customization is required and the manufacturer doesn't do that type of work.
The work uniform company pulls together all of the details to complete an order for a customer.
Finally, the end user might also be called a customer. This is a company looking to outfit their employees for work.
With that said, let's look at the main factors that determine the prices that work uniform companies charge.
The first factor to consider in our list is what an item costs from the manufacturer.
Uniform prices from vendors
When it comes to purchasing work uniforms from vendors, several factors play a significant role in determining pricing. Let's explore each of these factors in detail:
Brand name
The brand name associated with work uniforms can significantly impact pricing. Reputable brands known for their quality and reliability often command a higher price point. These brands have established a strong reputation in the market and often offer superior customer service, providing peace of mind for businesses.
Quality of workwear
The quality of workwear is a crucial aspect that directly influences pricing. High-quality uniforms made from durable materials and with meticulous craftsmanship tend to be priced higher compared to those of inferior quality. These uniforms are designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear, providing longevity and value for the investment.
Type of uniform
Different types of uniforms, such as scrubs, business casual attire, or industrial workwear, come with varying price tags. Scrubs, commonly used in healthcare settings, are generally more affordable compared to business-casual attire, which often incorporates higher-quality fabrics and designs. Industrial workwear, designed for heavy-duty tasks, might be more costly. They typically fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum due to the specialized materials and features required for safety and protection.
Quantity ordered
The quantity of uniforms ordered can influence overall pricing. Many uniform manufacturers offer volume discounts, making it more cost-effective for businesses to purchase uniforms in bulk. The larger the quantity, the lower the price per unit. This allows businesses to optimize their budget while ensuring a consistent professional image across their workforce.
Next, we'll review an important point in determining prices from both manufacturers and work uniform companies. Because moving supplies around the country isn't free, shipping costs are critical. Because they factor in multiple layers within the chain, we'll commit a separate section of our article just to cover shipping charges.
Shipping charges
As mentioned, moving goods around the country costs money. Transportation businesses keep the country moving in so many ways.
For these crucial businesses to operate, they charge to ship goods from place to place. Easy enough to understand.
But how do these costs factor into the price you pay for workwear? Let's go a bit deeper.
One way shipping costs play a role is the weight of the product or uniform. Heavier items naturally incur higher shipping costs due to increased fuel consumption and handling requirements. National carriers like UPS and FedEx calculate the weight and dimensions of a box to help determine the price they charge for shipping packages.
Businesses should consider the weight of their uniform orders, especially when purchasing in bulk, to estimate their shipping expenses accurately.
The size of the order also plays a role in determining shipping charges. Larger orders, usually involving multiple items or sets of uniforms, require more packaging materials and occupy more space during transportation. Consequently, these orders may incur higher shipping costs compared to smaller shipments.
Businesses should be aware of this factor when planning their uniform purchases and budgeting accordingly.
Another factor includes the shipping method or carrier selected to send packages. Different carriers offer various services and rates, so businesses should compare options to find the most cost-effective solution.
Standard shipping methods, such as shipping on the ground or over the road, are typically more affordable but may take longer. On the other hand, expedited shipping options guarantee faster delivery but come with higher charges. The choice of shipping method depends on the business's budget and the urgency of receiving the uniforms.
Finally, the recipient's location can influence shipping charges. Deliveries to remote or international locations often incur additional costs due to longer distances and customs regulations. Businesses should consider the recipient's location when selecting a shipping method and budget for their uniform orders.
By understanding these factors that contribute to shipping charges, businesses can accurately estimate the costs associated with their work uniform orders. This allows for better financial planning and makes sure that businesses receive their uniforms efficiently and cost-effectively.
Customizations
In addition to the factors discussed above, customizations also play a significant role in determining the pricing of work uniforms. Unfortunately, it's another factor that is hard to avoid considering what customizations mean to your brand and its image.
The most common customization options are embroidery or screen printing. These methods allow businesses to add their logos, company names, or other designs onto the uniforms.
The cost of embroidery or screen printing typically depends on the complexity of the design or the number of colors used. Businesses should keep in mind that intricate designs or multiple embroidery locations may increase the overall cost of the uniforms.
Another customization option is choosing custom color options. Work uniform companies often offer a range of colors to choose from, but selecting colors outside the standard palette may incur additional charges.
While customizing the color of the uniforms can help businesses create a unique and cohesive brand identity, consider the potential cost implications. We'll also say that while this is something to consider, we don't see this practice in the market. It's mostly avoided to standardize and simplify pricing methods.
Custom sizing options will also impact the pricing of work uniforms. While many work uniform companies offer standard sizes, some businesses may require customized sizes. This allows outfitting employees with specific body types or unique fitting requirements.
Custom sizing will involve additional charges, as it requires adjustments to the garment's pattern or the creation of a new pattern altogether. Because the work uniform company often isn't making the garment from scratch, these costs come directly from the manufacturer.
Furthermore, special features or accessories can also influence the cost of work uniforms. For instance, adding reflective stripes, flame-resistant materials, or other features may increase the price of the garments.
Businesses should carefully consider the functional requirements of their employees and the specific industry standards before opting for additional features or accessories. If these kinds of features aren't required for your industry, try to avoid them if possible.
Lastly, it's worth noting that rush orders or special delivery options may incur additional charges. If businesses require their uniforms urgently, they should be prepared for potential extra costs associated with expedited production or shipping.
As we wrap up on customizations, we'll note that much of these costs are often lumped into the price of the product. It's often easier to communicate the price of everything by showing the customer one number, even though items are customized.
As mentioned, work uniform companies do want to simplify processes and information. If your uniform company gives you a number that seems costly, ask them why. It's likely because of the cost to customize that product with your company logo or other customizations.
It's always advisable to discuss customization options and associated costs. If your uniform company is a good one, they'll talk openly with you about these costs. The best uniform companies provide a clear understanding of the final pricing structure.
Volume
We mentioned volume before, but in the context of a uniform company buying the same style in volume from their vendor. But let's touch on how volume pricing will impact the customer.
To provide the best experience and service, work uniform companies want to organize ordering by person. This means that when a company wants their employees in uniform, the best experience comes when the orders are organized by employee.
This means that an individual employee is fitted and their order is placed individually. When the order is complete, the package containing that employee's uniforms arrives with their name on it. The convenience in handing that employee their order is second to none.
But wouldn't handling workwear this way be more time-consuming and costly for the uniform company? It sure is.
Wouldn't it make sense then to not organize orders by employee, and instead ship everything the way it was ordered; by volume? Not quite.
Let's think this one through. There are plenty of smaller businesses that don't need or even want an additional layer of service. For a small team of around ten, that are only getting new tee shirts to wear in the field, ordering and shipping in bulk is easy. A case of 50-60 tee shirts can show up at the office, and each employee can grab their handful on their way out the door. No problem.
The challenge comes when much larger groups of employees, with various styles in their program, are ordering. The game changes when employees have options like the following:
- 4-8 shirt options including tees, work shirts, or henleys
- 3-4 different pant styles
- 3-5 outerwear options including sweatshirts, jackets, or coats
- Additional accessories like belts, hats, gloves, etc.
Ordering from this range of options for a larger team almost requires ordering by each employee individually. And because orders are placed by employee, they're fulfilled and shipped by employee.
This fact doesn't mean that volume discounts can't be found. It just depends on how convenient you want the distribution of uniforms to be. If you're comfortable making sure your employees get their correct items, take that work off the uniform company and order in volume.
Businesses should carefully evaluate their uniform requirements. This includes being thoughtful about the quantity needed and the specific types of uniforms, before approaching work uniform companies to negotiate volume discounts. Engaging in discussions with multiple suppliers and comparing their pricing structures can help you secure the best value for your business.
For more reading on why too many options is bad for your uniform program, see our article here.
Additional services
In addition to the base cost of work uniform companies' products, they may offer a range of additional services that can impact pricing. These services can be extremely valuable for businesses looking to streamline their uniform programs and should be considered.
One such service is inventory management. Work uniform companies can assist businesses in tracking their uniform inventory throughout the year. This can help make sure that they have the right uniforms in the right sizes and quantities when they need them.
This can also help businesses avoid stockouts and the associated costs of expedited shipping or rush orders. The customer has some skin in the game in this scenario regarding how their program is managed.
Another valuable service is custom employee fittings. Work uniform companies can provide on-site or off-site fittings to make sure that employees have uniforms that fit properly and are comfortable to wear. This can improve employee morale and productivity, as well as reduce the risk of accidents or injuries due to ill-fitting uniforms.
Just know beforehand if your uniform company charges for such a service. We haven't exercised this in a long time and don't plan on trying to start again, but others might.
Finally, some work uniform companies offer the integration of additional technology into their services. The clearest example of technology for uniforms is a private online store. If your uniform company isn't offering this option, it might be time for a new one.
Uniform stores offer an online shopping experience for any employees you give access to. Employees can order their own uniforms without the need for a supervisor to be involved. Workwear styles are predetermined with the right company logo where necessary, so your brand always comes first.
Store features include:
- Employee or supervisor ordering based on individual login information
- Spending limits per employee
- Order approval process per employee
- Standardized and approved uniform options and pricing
This kind of technology can help businesses improve their efficiency and productivity, as well as gain valuable insights into their operations. In the spirit of transparency, we don't charge anything for the private stores we build for our customers. For more reading about what a private uniform store must have to be great, see our article here.
By understanding the number of additional services offered by work uniform companies, you can better understand the price you pay for workwear. Businesses can make informed decisions about the level of support they require and the associated costs. These services can all provide value in different ways.
Remember that pricing often includes more than what we think. While it can be easy to attack a service provider on their prices, there's almost always a justification. At the end of the day, work uniform companies want your team to be safe and comfortable at work. The money they make along the way is just a nice bonus.
Topics: Employee Uniforms, Workwear
