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Top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering workwear

Top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering workwear

6 minute read

Having trouble ordering workwear for your team? We get it.

Order delays can leave your workforce without the correct clothing. Poorly managed workwear procurement can also cause cost overruns and wasted time.

Despite the challenges, making sure your workforce has the right gear for the job is essential.

Durable and comfortable protective clothing can boost productivity, as well as keeping your team safe on the job.

In comparison, poor-quality workwear can negatively impact your team's performance and company image.

Want to make your workwear ordering easier? We've got you covered.

We'll show you the top five mistakes to avoid when ordering workwear and what the benefits are of switching to a single source supplier.

WHY IS ORDERING CUSTOM WORKWEAR DIFFICULT?

Ordering workwear online can be stressful and time-consuming.

Common PPE procurement issues are often caused by:

Too many suppliers.
Long delivery times.
Poor quality products.
Low stock availability.
Limited communication.
Complicated ordering systems.

Without good management, ordering uniforms and protective equipment can be more difficult than it needs to be.

That's why we're here. We can make your workwear ordering easy and hassle-free.

5 COMMON WORKWEAR ORDERING MISTAKES

Mistakes can be easy to make when ordering workwear and PPE from multiple sources.

Save time, money, and effort by avoiding these common pitfalls:

1. USING TOO MANY SUPPLIERS

Ordering workwear from multiple sources creates extra admin. More suppliers means more invoices, more tracking, and more room for mistakes.

It’s harder to control spending, quality and compliance when you’re sourcing from different places.

SOLUTION: Source everything from one supplier so you're always on track.

2. ORDERING THE WRONG SIZE

Bulk buying without checking the fit can backfire. Poorly fitting PPE affects comfort and safety.

Always order workwear that meets the individual needs of your team.

For example, if there are women in your workforce, providing them with safety footwear designed for men can be dangerous. Instead, opt for women's safety footwear.

SOLUTION: Order PPE from an inclusive supplier offering a range of styles and size options.

3. NOT PRIORITISING QUALITY

Low-quality PPE puts your team at greater risk of workplace-related injuries.

All protective workwear must comply with HSE Personal Protective Equipment regulations.

Buying the wrong gear means wasted time returning items and waiting for replacements. Get it right the first time to keep your team safe and your business running smoothly.

SOLUTION: Only buy from suppliers who offer compliant workwear from trusted brands.

4. LOGO DESIGNS THAT IMPACT COMPLIANCE

For example, branding must not affect breathability, damage waterproof membranes, or reduce visibility on hi-vis garments. Make sure your logo’s size and placement keeps the garment compliant.

Choose a simple, eye-catching design that promotes your business without compromising safety. The wrong design or branding method can put your team at risk.

SOLUTION: Design an eye-catching logo and research the best branding methods for your team’s workwear.

5. GETTING OVERWHELMED BY ADMIN

Managing multiple supplier accounts wastes valuable time on invoices, stock checks, and order tracking.

That’s why we’ve streamlined the process and removed the hard work from ordering uniforms and PPE online.

Chat with us today to learn more!

SOLUTION: Reduce admin by ordering all of your PPE from one reliable supplier.

HOW TO ORDER WORKWEAR CORRECTLY

Ordering work clothes and protective equipment doesn’t need to be a pain.

At SMI, we make it easy to get it right the first time.

Avoid common mistakes with these top tips:

Check compliance - Make sure protective workwear meets all health and safety standards. Never compromise on your team’s protection.
Choose trusted brands - Prioritise performance, comfort, and durability. Well-known brands offer reliable quality that lasts.
Order the right fit - Keep your entire workforce safe with sizes and styles that meet individual needs. An inclusive supplier makes it simple.
Use a single source supplier - Managing orders is easier when everything comes through one account.
Add custom branding - Build your brand with high-quality uniforms. Choose a design that’s clear, professional, and easy to recognise.

Reach out to SMI for more branding advice and to learn more about our simple ordering system.

WHY CHOOSE A SINGLE SOURCE SUPPLIER?

Not sure if a single source supplier is the right choice for your workwear needs?

Here are the key benefits:

Less admin
More control
Quick delivery
Reduced costs
Consistent service
Reliable stock levels
Dedicated account manager
Quick and consistent communication

SMI MAKES ORDERING WORKWEAR SIMPLE

We take the hassle out of workwear procurement.

Here's how a MY-SMI® account works for you:

Next day delivery - Order by 5PM for delivery the next working day.
MY-SMI® ordering portal - Track orders, invoices, and stock in real time.
25,000+ products - All the workwear styles and sizes you need, in one place.
Own van delivery - Dedicated fleets in key regions for fast, reliable delivery.
97% stock availability - Keep your team protected with quick access to our large stock.
Trusted industry brands - Only supplying PPE and workwear from brands you can rely on.
Dedicated account manager - Get expert advice and account support from a team that cares about your workforce.

Want help ordering custom uniforms and PPE?

Get in touch today for a chat with one of our team.

FAQS

How to order workwear online?

Ordering workwear online doesn’t need to be time-consuming. Instead, use a single source supplier to bulk buy all of your uniforms and PPE.

Do employers have to provide workwear?

It’s not always an employer’s responsibility to provide their team with uniforms and workwear. Some businesses do, but others ask employees to purchase their own work clothes.

The rules are different when it comes to protective workwear.

Employers are legally obligated to provide workers with HSE-compliant PPE, free of charge.