Benefits and Challenges of Buying vs. Renting Uniforms for Small Businesses
Any small business owner will tell you that they already have a lot of challenges to contend with each day. This is especially true in overcrowded and competitive industries.
From acquiring supplies and keeping your facility clean, to bringing in new customers and making sure they come back, managing a small business in the busy Northeast can be quite overwhelming.
Your team’s uniforms are a key part of your brand identity and even play a role in keeping them safe while they’re on the clock. Small business owners invest a lot in their uniforms, but one of the most commonly asked questions is whether they should be buying or renting uniforms.
Luckily, Swiss Uniform Services is here to help. We’ll compare the advantages of buying versus renting uniforms, and guide you to decide which is the better choice for your small business.
What to Know About Buying Uniforms
Buying uniforms gives you full control and 24/7 access to your team’s uniform inventory. There are a few things to consider before making this investment. Some questions to consider: Who is wearing the uniforms, and what is the environment they are working in? How long do you expect the uniforms to last before needing to be replaced?
The decision you make impacts your team. Laundry care is top of the list. It will be the responsibility of your team to make sure their uniforms are clean and ready each day. Depending on the industry you’re working in, the soil level on the uniforms can become a laundry challenge. If the stains (like grease and heavy dirt) don’t come out in home laundry, then a rental program may be favored for the industrial wash.
For some companies, buying uniforms is a one-time purchase for a (hopefully) long-term payoff. For larger companies, it is an ongoing expense in order to replenish sizes and styles as needed. It is up to you to provide the garments for new hires, size changes, and the occasional damaged garment that needs to be replaced.
Working in New England, we must prepare for all climates. This means that you’ll need to consider seasonal garments and perhaps multiple layers for team members who work outdoors.
A challenge of buying instead of renting is minimum purchase requirements. There is often a minimum piece count for custom uniforms. If you only need items for one worker, you may find yourself buying more than you need in order to meet the minimum.
Buying uniforms is usually a smart option for business owners who want to avoid contracts and ongoing rental fees. It’s not always the easiest option, though. In addition to the initial investment, it requires someone on your team to be in control of inventory management.
Making sure that each team member has what they need and you have the inventory to supply it can be a time-consuming project.
What to Know About Renting Uniforms
Renting uniforms is a great way for small businesses to receive their uniforms in a consistent, affordable way. Instead of you and your staff needing to wash and maintain your own uniforms, your uniform rental partner will handle it for you.
Not only that, but renting uniforms also allows you to easily make any necessary changes without large additional purchases. Whenever you need to add a wearer, change sizes, update name emblems, or the number of uniforms that get delivered to you, renting is an easier option than buying, because your rental partner takes care of it for you.
When shopping for a uniform rental partner, it’s important to find out how the billing happens for these types of requests. Some uniform companies charge per activity, and some (like Swiss Uniforms) have it all included. Understanding the charges before you sign a contract is key to making the best investment for your budget.
Another great advantage of renting uniforms is that it’s much easier to stay compliant with changing safety standards. This is essential in highly regulated industries such as the food and beverage industry.
With the right uniform rental provider in your corner, your growing business can save big on upfront costs, time, and energy each week, so you and your team can focus solely on your customers.
The Swiss Difference is What Small Businesses Need
Thousands of small businesses throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island come to Swiss Uniforms for their uniform rental needs. For over 100 years, we have been empowering small businesses with flexible uniform rental programs.
We pride ourselves on being a local uniform rental partner that provides fast, reliable, and personalized service that national partners just can’t beat. Our team of experts knows all about uniform care and maintenance. We have the skills, equipment, materials, and dedication to help your small business succeed.
What’s more, we make sure that our uniform rental program adapts and grows right along with your business. Swiss Uniform Services doesn’t drop hefty price increases or unexpected charges on you whenever you need to change your uniform logo or color.
We are the only uniform rental company around that is always fully equipped to go above and beyond. With us, uniform rental is quick and simple, for much greater peace of mind.
Swiss Uniforms is Ready to Work with You
Once you’ve decided to invest in a uniform program for your business, the next step is simple. The Swiss Uniforms team offers free consultations to discuss specific needs and answer questions about our uniform programs. We often find that a combination of both renting and buying uniforms is a perfect solution.
Reach out to us for more information on how our uniform rental services can help elevate your small business above the competition.
