Being the uniform buyer for a sheriff’s department can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large staff. Staying ahead of ordering requirements as officers need replacement uniforms and new officers are hired may seem like a never-ending cycle. To make your life easier, you need a good vendor. Choosing the right Sheriff uniform supply company can make your job so much easier. Here are some tips for evaluating your vendor choices.
- Look for an established vendor. The last thing you need is to have your vendor go out of business after a year of ordering. Choose a company that has been in business for at least five years.
- Choose a vendor that caters to the law enforcement market. If your vendor dabbles in every industry uniform, it’s likely he won’t carry a large inventory of anything. This can be a problem for you if you need something in a hurry and he doesn’t have it in stock.
- Make sure they have options. Of course, it’s critical that your vendor carries all the items your department currently uses. But, it’s a good idea to ensure that he carries a wide range of options outside of your current needs, too. If your office chooses to make a change in part of your uniform five years down the road, you don’t want to have to look for a new Sheriff uniform supply company.
- Compare prices – Look for the best combination of price and quality. Cheap uniforms may need to be replaced more frequently, which costs the department money and costs you time. At the same time, it’s important to ensure that your vendor’s prices are competitive, and that you’re not paying more than you have to for high quality uniforms. It can be helpful to compare prices on a particular brand of gear to have a fair comparison.
- Ask about service. Your vendor should make your job easier by having regular replacement cycle notices and by keeping sizing information from past orders. Vendors that collect information from your orders and keep this information for future orders can save you time and money. It’s also important to find out the company’s policy on rush orders, so you know what to expect if you have an emergency.
You have plenty of choices when it comes to Sheriff Uniform supply vendors, so make your choice wisely. Your vendor should offer plenty of options and great service at fair prices.
