When you’re building or scaling an employee uniform program, your vendor is more than just a supplier—they’re a partner. The right uniform vendor can elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and keep your team looking and feeling great. The wrong one? Costly delays, inconsistent quality, and frustrated employees.

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At Flywheel, we know that choosing a uniform vendor is a big decision. So we put together this list of essential questions to ask before signing on the dotted line, whether you’re starting from scratch or thinking of making a switch.

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1. Can You Handle Our Scale and Industry Needs?

Uniform needs vary wildly between a boutique hotel and a multi-location construction company. Make sure your vendor has experience in your industry and can scale with your growth. Ask for relevant case studies or client references.

‍Bonus Tip: If you're in a highly regulated field (like healthcare or food service), confirm the vendor meets compliance standards for your sector.

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2. What Customization Options Do You Offer?

Your uniforms are an extension of your brand. Do they offer embroidery, screen printing, color matching, or custom cuts? Flexibility here matters. You want your team to look sharp but also to stand out.

Ask to see samples of past work, especially if brand presentation is a priority.

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3. What’s the Turnaround Time?

A great design is meaningless if the uniforms show up late. Ask for their average lead time on first orders and reorders. Also, find out how they handle rush requests or seasonal fluctuations.

‍Pro Tip: Ask how they manage supply chain delays and what their contingency plans look like.

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4. How Do You Handle Sizing and Fit?

Comfort = confidence. Poor sizing is one of the most common pain points in uniform programs. Ask how they support accurate sizing (e.g., on-site fittings, online guides, fit kits), and how they handle exchanges.

Look for vendors with inclusive sizing and gender-neutral options.

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5. What Are the Pricing Options?

Get a clear picture of pricing, not just per unit, but also setup fees, customization costs, returns, and shipping. Ask about volume discounts or uniform allowance programs if you're managing a larger team.

Request a full cost breakdown upfront to avoid surprise fees later.

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6. What’s the Quality Guarantee?

Uniforms take a beating. What happens if a shirt fades after two washes or stitching unravels in a month? A quality vendor should stand by their product with warranties or satisfaction guarantees.

Ask about their return or replacement policy for defective items.

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7. Can You Support Program Management Long-Term?

Uniform programs require ongoing support. Will you have a dedicated account manager? Do they offer online ordering portals or inventory tracking? You want a vendor who grows with you and takes the admin headache off your plate.

Look for tech-forward vendors who offer tools for seamless reordering and tracking.

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Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider

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Your uniform vendor should make your life easier, not harder. They should understand your brand, respect your team, and bring expertise to the table.

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At Flywheel, we believe uniforms should be both functional and empowering. Whether you’re dressing a five-person team or a national brand, partnering with the right vendor is the first step in getting it right.‍

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Need help getting started with a uniform program? Flywheel can help you design, source, and manage uniforms that move your brand forward. [Contact us today →]