Uniform Rentals- How to protect yourself and what you need to know.

Dirty Laundry is a Dirty business.  When renting uniforms you must know how to protect your company's assets.

Contract terms- A uniform rental company will more than likely always have a contract. Some are even as long as six years. Most of the contractual terms are excessively long and are unneccesary. Not only are contracts lengthy they more than likely have an automatic renewal hidden in the fine print. The good news for consumers is that competition is heating up and that means friendlier contract terms. Some companies agree to yearly terms and some are even going without a contract to gain your business. Contracts will more than likely include an annual increase of about five percent for cost of living. Unfortunately cost of living is only on the rise by maybe 2%. Make sure to negotiate this or tell the rental company to hit the showers. Some companies have what they call an off cycle increase, this is where they will raise your rates at any given point unless you refuse it. That doesn't sound very customer friendly nor does it make sense. This is like seeing a hamburger on the menu for five bucks, then having the cashier ring you up for six dollars and then having you refuse to pay the six dollars and paying five. Sounds like a big waste of time doesn't it? Especially since they want you to respond in writing, nip this in the buttocks and scratch it off the contract.  

Loss or damaged garments- This is the rental companies bread and butter. Install a counting system make the rental company count every single uniform that comes in and every single uniform that comes out. A counting system will save you thousands of dollars and make the rental process hassle free. Also make sure you are shown anything that is considered damaged. One rental company based in Southern California looks for the management team to charge the customer for 20% of their garments as either lost or damaged. If you do lose a garment make sure you are receiving a new one and not a used one. If you do receive a used one have them pro-rate the cost.

Do your homework follow these tips don't sign a long contract, don't have an automatic renewal clause, have a counting system and don't get ripped off!