Uniform procurement might seem straightforward – but up to 30% of uniform budgets are lost to poor planning, hidden costs, and supplier issues. Without careful planning, the process can become complicated and costly. Poorly constructed contracts can lead to supplier lock-in, hidden charges, delayed deliveries, and garments that simply don't meet the needs of your workforce.
In today's workplace, uniforms do more than meet dress codes – they convey brand identity, support team performance, and contribute to compliance and sustainability goals. That's why taking a strategic approach to procurement is essential.
One of the biggest risks in uniform procurement is unclear or incomplete specifications. If you don't clearly define materials, fits, performance requirements, or delivery expectations, you may end up with garments that look fine but fail in practice. The more precise your specifications, the more likely you are to receive a product that works for your team.
Specifications should include details such as:
Well-defined specs are your quality control foundation. Without them, you risk receiving inconsistent products, limited recourse for faults, and delays resolving issues.
Supplier exclusivity can sometimes seem like a practical move – but it can backfire. While strong, long-term relationships with a trusted supplier are valuable, your contract should never limit your ability to evolve.
A well-structured agreement might include:
Your uniform should evolve alongside your workforce. Contracts should enable innovation – not stifle it.
Uniform pricing is about more than the per-unit figure. Focusing only on the upfront cost often leads to hidden spend and operational inefficiencies over time.
Total uniform cost may include:
Consider longevity as well. A $30 shirt replaced every 6 months is more expensive long-term than a $60 shirt that lasts 2 years. Beyond price, the cost of staff discomfort, increased admin, or inconsistent appearance can erode brand trust and efficiency.
Uniform contacts should align with your company's wider procurement and ESG goals. This includes ethical sourcing, sustainability, safety standards, and supplier diversity.
For example, your garments might include:
Programmes like AROUND™ also allow you to build circularity into your procurement by offering textile recycling and uniform takeback options – an increasingly important factor for values-led organisations.
More than just product delivery, your supplier should act as a partner. Features like real-time order tracking, online portals, and post-delivery reporting aren't luxuries – they're now the standard.
Look for suppliers who offer:
These capabilities reduce admin, support your teams, and ensure accountability.
A well structured uniform contract does more than secure a supplier – it protects your brand, your budget, and your people. By taking a strategic approach to procurement, you gain flexibility, transparency, and peace of mind. And most importantly, you ensure your workforce is equipped, comfortable, and aligned with your company's values.