If you plan to buy new workwear, you generally have two options: to rent or to buy.
Many companies hesitate to make the most appropriate choice because they do not immediately know the pros and cons. We are happy to explain how you can calculate yourself which method is the cheapest for your company and also give you a clear insight into the options and differences between renting, leasing and buying.
Management
Renting and leasing
Clothing is owned by the lessor and you pay a monthly fee for rental and management. The rental company takes care of the complete procedure from A to Z:
- Selection of the appropriate workwear from their range
- Collection of used workwear
- RFID, barcode or UHF facilities for track & trace
- Washing, repairs, maintenance and replacements
The difference in renting and leasing is that you can purchase the clothes after the end of the agreement.
Buying
When you buy clothes, you decide on the garments you want. You organise the management and maintenance yourself with your own chosen party. If you choose a high-quality product, you can be sure that the clothes will be able to withstand a lot of washes. Of course, it takes some time and effort to manage everything yourself, but after a while you will gain a lot of insight that will help you to optimize the process.
Look and feel
Renting and leasing
In the case of a rental contract, you and the rental company decide which clothing is suitable, based on your assessment of the risks. For most applications, there is usually something off-the-shelf from which you can choose. This is ideal when the look and feel is of little importance.
If the look is important for your company, or if you want to use specific company colours, it's a little different...
Buying
If the look and feel is important for your company, or if you want special reflective tapes, then buying is the best option. This way, you can determine the design of the garments yourself. For example, a special flame retardant and chemical resistant jacket with the company logo.
Please note that, depending on your choice, the delivery time is initially longer in this case, as it is customized.
Costs
Renting
If you opt for a rental contract, then you put the entire management in the hands of a workwear rental company. You rent your items monthly, and pay a fixed monthly (or weekly) fee per item of workwear. This amount includes collection, laundry and a service fee.
Many companies are aware that they have to pay more for this service. They want to carry out as little administration as possible themselves. This is the earnings model of a workwear rental company. You know where you stand, and you pay the price.
Leasing
Another option is to enter into a lease contract. This way, you are the owner of the clothing once you have paid off everything. With this formula, the monthly amount is based on the number of employees, rather than the number of garments.
Buying
When you buy, the initial investment cost is high, as you write it off over a number of years. Which also means that clothes that last a long time cost nothing after three years.
You pay for management and services separately: i.e. per wash effectively carried out. That gives you flexibility.
Examples:
- Employees leaving service, being ill: cost does not continue but you pay
- For example, you no longer pay anything for employees who are off duty or ill
- Unused clothing of employees who have left your employment can be reused for other employees.
- You can decide per employee, function or location how many garments someone needs and how often they need to be washed.
Conclusion
Now, what is the cheapest and most appropriate choice for you? The following is a list of the pros and cons.
| renting workwear | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A fixed amount paid per month or per week. | You pay an additional rental service fee. |
| The entire process is managed by the rental company. | Few options in terms of corporate identity. |
| Little insight into the data (costs, number of washes, etc.). | |
| buying workwear | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| You only pay for the number of washes. | Time investment required in management and monitoring. |
| You decide on the look and feel of your garments. | High initial investment. |
| Suitable for large and small volumes. | |
Your own clothing project
Customers such as Port of Rotterdam, Eastman, Aertssen have indicated that our insights helped them make this choice. Curious about what is the most advantageous and appropriate choice for you? We would be happy to make this calculation with you. Start your own clothing project or contact us.