How to Start a Uniform Business
Janitors, industrial workers and professionals working in the medical field may be required to wear uniforms. Since the average retailer doesn't sell uniforms, professionals must either order theirs online or find a uniform supply store. If your town lacks such a store, or you believe you can beat out existing competition, starting a uniform supply business could prove to be quite lucrative.
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Things You'll Need
- Location
- Liability insurance
- Sales tax permit
- Business license
- Scrubs
- Lab coats
- Uniforms
- Safety gear
- Accessories
Instructions
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Find a location for your uniform store. If your local mall doesn't already have one, consider setting up shop there. This will give you greater visibility. Depending on the variety of uniforms you will stock, look for at least 800 square feet, which is enough room for a dozen racks, wall shelving, a cash wrap, back room and storage area.
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Find out what type of uniforms are worn in your area. For example, hospitals and clinics may require that their employees wear different colored scrubs based on their position. Contact construction site managers, schools, hotel and restaurant managers and cleaning services for information on uniform requirements.
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Choose a wide variety of uniforms. In addition to stocking scrubs in the colors required by local hospitals and clinics, purchase patterned scrubs tops and pants. Look for scrubs with various necklines, holiday prints and different materials. Select current and trendy styles in addition to traditional cuts and colors. Purchase lab coats, chef uniforms, housekeeping uniforms, aprons, coveralls, fire resistant shirts and pants, school uniforms, high visibility uniforms, rainwear and disposal garments. When starting out, avoid stocking items that can be readily found at department stores, such as blazers, polos and slacks, until there proves to be a demand or you can offer customization.
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Become a one-stop shop for professionals by stocking your store with in-demand accessories such as comfortable footwear with non-slip soles, steel toed boots, stethoscopes, medical scissors, forceps, pedometers, watches, pens, lanyards, badge holders, protective eye shield and patient gowns.
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Find a wholesale uniform supplier online that can provide you with everything you need to stock your shelves. Request stock photos of the inventory, which you can use on your website or catalog.
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Create a catalog of your inventory. Contact hospitals, mental hospitals, clinics, site managers, hotels and cleaning companies and ask if you can drop off a catalog. Ask to speak with the purchasing manager or administrative supervisor about placing bulk orders with your uniform supply store. If they currently purchase uniforms online, point out how you can provide much faster delivery.
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Advertise in trade magazines for nurses, mental health workers, medical aides, site managers, cleaners, and food and entertainment industry managers.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider offering embroidery services for creating name tags and logo customization. Hire someone who can sew and embroidery. Detail this information on your catalog and inform buying managers.
