Renting vs. Buying Industrial Uniforms

Renting vs. buying industrial uniforms

The Arguments in Support of Leasing Uniform Services

Many blue collar jobs involve getting dirty at work, of course, and maintaining a clean and professional appearance on the job for these workers can be extremely difficult. Mechanics of all types in particular are required to use or service equipment that is typically greasy and dirty, and countless television advertisements for various laundry detergents over the years has made it clear that keeping clothes of any sort clean is a challenging enterprise at best. Given these considerations, an increasing number of companies are electing to lease or rent uniform services from companies such as Cintas and ARAMARK rather than require their workers to purchase and maintain their own uniforms. As a result, many of these companies have realized other benefits as well which are discussed further below, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.

Review and Discussion

In reality, leasing or renting uniforms from a third-party provider is as close to a "no-brainer" as it comes for many companies today. Well-maintained and clean uniforms help promote a sense of teamwork and have been shown to increase productivity on the job. For instance, the promotional literature for Cintas, acronym for Cincinnati Textile and Apparel Service, America's largest uniform rental company (Meyerson 2003:32), states: "Uniforms are part of the fabric of your company's success. A Cintas uniform program can help your business grow by promoting a professional appearance while keeping your employees safe and comfortable on the job. Our industrial work uniforms help build self-esteem and promote teamwork. And when your employees feel like part of the team, they're more productive" (Uniforms & Apparel 2008:2). This point is also made by the ARAMARK promotional literature, which states, "ARAMARK offers businesses and other organizations a total uniform solution that helps them to solidify their image, promote teamwork and motivate employees" (Uniforms & Work Apparel 2008:1-2). "ARAMARK offers affordable uniform solutions via rental and leasing services, as well as through online and catalogue shopping options" (Business & Industry 2008:2).

Requiring workers to purchase and maintain their own uniforms, though, poses a number of problems for them beyond the out-of-pocket expenses involved, even if these are reimbursed or subsidized by the company. Anyone who has ever washed a greasy set of overalls with the family laundry can attest to the problems that can result, and the thick texture of many of these industrial uniforms make them difficult to launder in the first place. According to their promotional literature, "Respected organizations like NASCAR, Marriott and Starbucks trust Cintas for their work uniforms because the uniform rental program is easy, affordable and simply the best way to maintain a consistent, professional image. Plus our pickup, laundry, maintenance and delivery services make it even more convenient for employers and employees alike to participate in a Cintas uniform program" (Uniforms & Apparel 3).

These third-party providers are clearly much better equipped to launder these types of rugged uniforms and report to do so consistently to help promote a positive image for customers as well: "Whether you rent, lease or buy, a Cintas uniform program can enhance your company's image. It can also save you time and money. First impressions matter. In Cintas work uniforms your employees will project a professional, confident appearance and attitude to your customers" (emphasis added) (Uniforms & Apparel 3). First impressions do in fact matter, and it is also reasonable to conclude that different workers will experience different levels of success in keeping their uniforms clean and well maintained on their own.

Beyond the foregoing advantages of leasing or renting uniforms, highly qualified and competent mechanics are in high demand in virtually every industrial setting, and given the choice between working for a company that provides their workers with clean and well-maintained uniforms vs. one that does not, all other things being equal, it is reasonable to assume that such mechanics would opt for former. Moreover, because such uniform leasing or rental costs are tax deductible to the company as a business expense, the decision to outsource this particular ongoing need represents an intelligent decision in almost any setting.