Your Guide to Choosing a Uniform Supplier

Your Guide to Choosing a Uniform Supplier

 

Choosing a uniform supplier is a big decision. The right workwear isn't just about looking good—it's also about safety, compliance, and making your team feel proud to represent your brand. With tens of thousands of options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? 

We're here to simplify this process. At CTS Workwear, we’re built on over 100 years of knowledge and expertise. Let’s dive into some of the things we've learned while operating in this industry…

 

How to Find The Perfect Fit When Choosing a Uniform Supplier

Evaluating your options is a crucial part of choosing a uniform supplier. We've put together a list of our top 5 tips to vet your potential suitors against:

Experience and Expertise

First and foremost, look for a supplier with a proven track record in the industry. Experienced suppliers, like us at CTS Workwear, bring valuable knowledge and reliability. You need your supplier to be like a well-oiled machine, ensuring they can handle everything from small orders to large-scale projects without a hitch. While supporting start-ups and new companies can be great, you don't want to be a guinea pig when your time and money are on the line.

Range of Services

Good uniform suppliers should be like a one-stop shop for all your workwear requirements. You don't want to be constantly shopping around, running these evaluations again every time you need to source something new. Look for providers that offer comprehensive customisation options such as embroidery, screen printing, and a full range of PPE as well as extensive workwear options. This way, you can rely on one trusted source for all of your current and future projects.

Quality of Materials and Durability

Quality is non-negotiable when it comes to uniform suppliers. Before putting your order in, ensure the supplier uses high-quality fabrics that can withstand the demands of your industry. 

We recommend ordering a sample before committing to a purchase—this allows you to check all aspects of the garments, such as comfort and durability, firsthand. Remember, durable uniforms can save you a lot of money in the long run, so it's important not to disregard this step.

Here at CTS, we offer not only free consultations but also free sizing sessions to give you confidence that you have chosen the best workwear possible for your staff. 

Customer Service and Support

Great customer service can make all the difference. You want a responsive, helpful supplier, ready to support you every step of the way. Whether it's an initial inquiry or after-sales support, knowing you're in good hands who want the best solution for you takes all the stress out of the process. Take the time to check out reviews and testimonials to see how other businesses rate their service—especially looking at those who are in a similar industry as you.

One of the perks at CTS Workwear is that each customer has their own dedicated account manager. This takes out all the hassle of jumping from support agent to support agent, ensuring that you have one point of contact who knows everything about your order and requirements.

Large Order Quantities

Sometimes, you feel like you've found everything you want in a uniform supplier—but once they see the size of your order, things start to deteriorate. It's essential to choose a uniform supplier who can handle bulk orders without compromising on quality or turnaround. What sets a supplier apart from the rest is the innovative services they offer to manage large orders effectively. 

CTS Workwear provides wearer delivery packs, taking you out as the middleman for distribution, and delivering each of your team members' uniforms directly to their door. This service can save you a lot of time, reducing the hassle of potential mix-ups and ensuring everyone gets it right the first time.

Want to know more about our wearer delivery packs and how they can benefit your business? Contact a member of our team today for a chat about bulk orders!

 

Practical Considerations for Uniform Suppliers 

Beyond the initial vetting of potential uniform suppliers, there are some practical aspects to consider to ensure you're making the best choice for your business. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Cost and Budgeting

It's essential to strike a balance between quality and cost to ensure you get the best value for your money. Budgeting for workwear is crucial, and several factors can affect pricing. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that lower prices can sometimes indicate compromised quality. 

We recommend getting quotes from multiple suppliers so you can compare prices and services. If one supplier is much cheaper than the rest, 9 times out of 10, there's usually a reason that you might not be aware of. 

Additionally, ask about any hidden costs, such as setup fees for customisation or shipping charges. At CTS Workwear, we believe in transparent pricing, so you always know what you are paying for.

Order Processing and Lead Times

Understanding the ordering process and typical lead times for workwear from the get-go can save you a lot of unnecessary stress. When speaking to potential uniform suppliers, ask them to outline the entire order process from placing the order to delivery. A clear and straightforward ordering process ensures you don't waste time figuring out what to do next, and knowing lead times is crucial—especially if you need your workwear by a specific date. 

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

If you're a smaller business, minimum order quantities can be a significant factor to consider. It's essential to find a supplier who can accommodate your order size, whether you require a small order or a larger volume of uniforms. 

Some suppliers may require large MOQs, which can rule out a lot of potential clients who are of a smaller size. Contact the supplier directly and ask this question straight away to avoid wasting time evaluating their services if they may not be suitable for you anyway. 

Here at CTS, we pride ourselves on being flexible with order sizes, ensuring you get the uniforms you need without unnecessary surplus.

 

Final Thoughts

By taking these tips and practical considerations on board, you can make a well-informed decision when choosing a uniform supplier that meets all your business needs. Remember, the goal is to find a supplier who provides high-quality uniforms at a fair price, with a smooth order process and realistic minimum order quantities.

CTS Workwear strives to meet all these criteria. So, if you're still on the hunt for a reliable choice for your custom workwear and PPE needs, why not contact us for a free consultation?

Your perfect uniform is out there—don’t delay shopping any longer. Take a look at our extensive range: