Working in Work Wear

According to current statistics, more than 32 million U.S. employees wear company clothing to work each day. And, interestingly enough, the majority of these employees work for small businesses. By providing small businesses with the ability to present a consistent, polished and professional image, work apparel offers the small business an important "competitive edge."

According to an old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Nowhere is this more applicable than in business situations. By outfitting your employees in company clothing, your small business can make a big impression. In addition to enhancing your competitive credibility, work wear can be customized with employee names and company logos, providing you with the ability to promote customer identification while communicating a personable, friendly attitude. And, in the home service sector, customer safety and security remains an issue of concern. Provide your service staff with work wear and reassure your customers that they've hired a true professional to do the job.

Here's something else to consider: A recent study published by the Journal of Marketing Services indicates that "uniformed" employees are perceived by customers as being more "legitimate" and highly qualified. In addition, the study suggests that employees who wear company clothing are naturally motivated to take greater pride in their company and show greater pride in their work.

Concerned about costs? Keep in mind that the employee uniforms don't have to be elaborate. A poplin shirt, embroidered polo or screen printed T-shirt can look polished, professional and nothing less than terrific – especially when combined with a matching cap or pair of work pants.

Work wear can also be offered to employees as a "fringe benefit." Employers who have implemented this idea have found that they often have an edge over their competition when it comes to recruiting and retaining the best employees, as the "perk" of being supplied with company clothing is very appealing.

Other companies use clothing incentives as a substitute for taxable wages – a compensation strategy that can lead to measurable savings in payroll (FICA) taxes. And for most small businesses, the purchase of employee clothing is completely tax-deductible.

What should you know before you buy work wear? First, remember that your purchase is an investment, not an expense. A polished, professional image, after all, just might translate into more satisfied, loyal customers and, in the long run, bigger and better sales! With this in mind, make sure that the work wear you buy is durable. Invest in clothing that will hold up – even under the most extreme circumstances – and still provide your employees with a great look and a lot of long-lasting wear.

Second, don't settle for a limited selection of colors, sizes or styles. "One size" does not fit all. Look for a reputable and well-established company that will offer you a wide variety of looks and extended sizes to choose from.

Third, consider how the clothing you buy will be worn and used. Make sure that your selections are appropriate for and designed to fit your employees' true needs. In addition to appearance, think comfort, function and protection.

Fourth, make sure that you won't get stuck with company clothing you're not completely happy with. Look for a company that offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, even on personalized items. If you don't have a company logo or would like to update your existing one, make sure you find a work wear supplier that can create a custom design just for you. You can even design your own work apparel from the convenience of your desktop if you work with a company that has an online work wear catalog.

Finally, purchase your company's work wear from a company that specializes in servicing smaller businesses. Otherwise, you might end up paying higher prices on lower quantity orders.