It is important to let your supplier understand what you NEED. Personnel managers do not order uniforms daily so they tend not to understand what to ask.

XAMAX® customise and supply company uniforms day in, day out, so we know how to help you get what you need at the right price.

Here are 8 questions your uniform supply company should ask before you place an order - or 8 questions you should ask yourself if you are buying online.

1. What is Your Budget?

For many companies what uniform you get depends on the budget. That is what you need to report to your finance department.

A good work uniform supplier will always work within your budget or below it. If they perceive your budget is too low for what you want to accomplish, they will give a breakdown of the costs and let you choose.

A quality provider will let you know what is within your budget. If you were to order an embroidered logo with multiple colours and designs, this will increase your cost. Also, they will inform you about the increase in cost and suggest lower-priced alternatives.

Before you sign on the dotted line or enter your credit card details, a trusted supplier will inform you of every single cost involved so there are no surprises in what you will pay.

2. What is Your Sector?

To understand what you need, a quality uniform supply company will need to understand your sector and its needs.

For example, you are ordering new company uniform for your entire staff. Members of staff working on the shop floor will need a completely different uniform to those working in your office.

A good supplier will inform you of the different options available to you. This includes the variations, fabrics, and the durability. Also, they will make recommendations for your sector and the different job roles involved.

All of this will depend on how often you will replace and/or update your uniform and the needs of your company.

3. Do You Want Custom Art or Logos?

Many companies want a uniform to create brand recognition and a unified look. A great way to do this is custom logos embroidered or printed on the garments. A quality company will advise you on techniques - and the durability of those techniques - if you say you want customisation.

Some techniques include embroidery, printing, vinyl transfer, and heat seal. A good supplier will inform you on how long each lasts with multiple washes, what fabric they are best suited to, and how your logo will appear when using each technique.

Most professional companies should have artwork guidelines to help you decide what is best for you.

Always send high-resolution logos. Ask the company to create a visual before you order samples in order see how the garments will appear; you do not want to be disappointed when you receive your uniform.

Quality companies will allow you to have samples of the garments to be used as your uniform. This will help you determine the correct sizing for each employee and check that the uniform looks the way you want it to overall.

These will never be free though. All suppliers will charge you for the sample garments, and when returned, will knock that off your bill.

The process should take as long as it takes to keep you happy because - after all - your employees will wear these uniforms every day.

4. How Many Employees do You Have?

One question suppliers need to ask, or you need to ask yourself, is how many employees need uniform.  A larger number of workers can help keep individual costs down due to tier pricing. Not all suppliers offer tiered pricing, so it's best to check before you buy.

XAMAX® have a tiered pricing structure to help you benefit from the economies of scale we get from our list of manufacturers.

Buying in bulk tends to be cheaper per item, but the supplier needs an idea of the people, the cuts, and the numbers to suggest budget-friendly options for you.

Your uniform suppliers should ask to open an account if you are part of a company that will want repeat orders. If you are a larger company, you should be offered a dedicated account manager.

5. What Styles do You Prefer?

A quality supplier will ask you which styles you prefer and inform you about the different options that are available for both men and wormen.

It's important to include different garment options for each gender. A one-size-fits-all approach to clothing cuts can make employees feel unhappy and/or uncomfortable.

They may also inform you on how a more tailored approach will keep everyone looking their best.

Not all choices are available in gendered cuts, so be sure to check before you buy. A good rule of thumb is that if the garment is "Unisex", then it probably won't have gendered cuts available.

6. How Many Styles do You Need?

For example, in a supermarket staff who work in the bakery department might wear a different coloured top to those who are in the vegetable department.

Also, managers might want a different and more distinguished uniform to set themselves apart and add authority. You may find that you need multiple uniforms in both genders. Make sure you ask this of your supplier.

Knowing the variations you want can help you make an informed decision.

7. When Will You Need to Re-Order?

A smart uniform supplier should ask this question to find the best solution for your company’s unique circumstances.

You might reorder with the supplier because business is growing or because of a high turnover of staff in your field. Also, staff might go through uniform items because of the stress their clothing is under or you might want new looks depending on the season.

These variables should affect which price points and items your supplier thinks are best for you. It might be more beneficial to pay a little more per item and order less frequently, or vice versa.

8. Can I Assist You with Anything Else?

Once your supplier has walked you through the process, they should ask you if they can assist with anything else.

Your supplier should not place the order and disappear. They should be the ones contacting you and keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you are chasing down the company for questions, they may not be providing you with the best customer service and the most quality product. Your uniform clothing provider should ensure that you are happy with your order, no matter the point in the process.

Conclusion

Research your potential or current suppliers to see what past customers think. You can do this by reading reviews and/or testimonials.

Also, you can create a check list of questions such as the ones above, or topics to cover.

Feel free to print off this page to use as a guide when it comes to ordering your next batch of uniform clothing. It could save you a fortune.