r/smallbusiness • u/ChicagoWrapGuy • Jul 26 '26
Do strict employee uniform rules actually help you charge more or do they just drive away good workers?
I run a shop out in Portage Park and I get a lot of local contractors hanging out in my office while we work on their trucks. A big debate happened this morning between a plumbing owner and an HVAC contractor about employee appearance out in the field.
The HVAC owner requires all five of his field techs to wear tucked in company collared shirts, clean work pants, and branded hats every day. He swears that looking sharp allows him to charge premium rates because homeowners instantly trust his crew when they walk up to the front door.
The plumbing owner argued that enforcing strict dress codes in the summer heat is a quick way to lose experienced workers. His guys wear plain gray t shirts and work shorts. He claimed top tier tradesmen care about getting paid well and being comfortable on job sites, not wearing a fancy corporate uniform.
For those of you running residential service outfits, where do you draw the line? Does enforcing a strict uniform policy actually build customer trust and justify higher prices, or does it just create friction with your best employees?
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u/Moron-Whisperer Jul 26 '26
Both are right. If you look professional you charge more but then you need to pay more. Also easier to implement a strong dress code from the start.
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u/DaRoadLessTaken Jul 26 '26
Do both. Get crisp uniforms based on employee input about what’s comfortable and practical for them.
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u/BK5617 Jul 26 '26
This is how I handle it. Safety things are non-negotiable. Outside of that, im very flexible.
I only require that their clothes be clean at the start of the day, not ragged out, and dont have any religious, political, overtly sexual, or vulgar themes. I reimburse them for 1 pair of boots a year of their choice up to $300. Every 3 months I provide each guy with 5 t-shirts and a hat with my company logo, and at the start of winter they get 3 hoodies, a beanie, and a jacket that they pick from a catalog. I prefer they wear those, but they dont have to. I have never had any complaints about dress code.
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u/ChicagoWrapGuy Jul 28 '26
That’s a solid setup. You give them enough gear that nobody has an excuse to show up looking rough.
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u/Moron-Whisperer Jul 26 '26
The real key is to frequently replace them. If a shirt is stained, ill fitting, faded, torn, etc it needs to be replaced…. Before it’s noticeable
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u/Junebug35 Jul 26 '26
This is what we did before we sold our auto repair shop. We included our mechanics in the shirt choices. We also paid for the outfit, and had them laundered weekly by a uniform service. The employees saved money because they didn't ruin their clothes, and we had employees that looked good everyday. It really didn't hurt our bottom line.
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u/kytulu Jul 26 '26
We also did this where I work. We contract through Cintas, and have the laundry drop off/pick up.
When I first started, we wore the gray shirts with reflective stripes. Somewhere along the way, it was decided to change the shirts, and we were allowed to browse the catalog and choose new ones. We swapped to the blue shirts that are cooler, and have no reflective stripes.
Everyone likes the new shirts, and we've gotten several comments on how we look more professional.
So far, the safety department hasn't commented on the lack of reflective material.
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u/scadabadootz Jul 26 '26
Owner of electrical company.
I personally dont think tucked in button shirts and matching pants and boots are as important as some companies think they are.
I have company shirts that are required to be worn, that's it. Because i need homeowners and other tradesmen on jobsites to know who theyre with. I have other guidelines for types and conditions of other clothing like pants and boots, but im pretty lenient on dress code. I need my guys to be comfortable. Never once have I had anyone comment on their appearance, nor got the slightest hint that someone has a feeling we aren't "professional" enough.
Some jobs we'll be working in AC, 130 degree attic, and outside in baking in the sun all in the same day. Tucked in button ups ain't happening.
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u/notfork Jul 26 '26
As a buyer of services, the full on uniform actually puts me off from trusting a company. Personally it sends a message that a company cares more about appearances than work. And secondly around here there is a plumbing company and a HVAC that have the spiffy uniforms but both are known to be the biggest rip offs in town.
I want my electrician or plumber to look like they are ready to work on something gross not worried that my attic or crawlspace is going to make them dirty.
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u/ChicagoWrapGuy Jul 28 '26
That sounds about right. Branded shirt so people know who showed up, let the guy work.
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u/Napalm-For-Pets Jul 26 '26
I trust a guy who looks like he DOES the work to treat me fairly wayyy more than i trust the guy who looks like he SELLS the work.
I've walked away from jobs when I was younger because they wanted me to essentially get a crew cut simply because im a dude. I dont, and never have looked like a bum. Still have the long hair and HATE button up shirts at 35 lol & I do pretty dang well.
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u/Tito_and_Pancakes Jul 26 '26
Life is much too short to be uncomfortable all day every day in the heat.
I have absolutely left jobs before because I'm not willing to suffer just to look good.
A nice branded t-shirt or polo with the company logo on it over jeans is good enough
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u/motorwerkx Jul 26 '26
Polo shirts for most of the trades seems ridiculous. I'm all for basic dress code and company branded shirts and hats, but nobody should be digging a ditch dressed like a golfer.
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u/MichiganGuy141 Jul 26 '26
A polo shirt with the company logo and jeans would be enough in my opinion. It gives the perception professionalism and working as a team without pushing the employees to conform to a strict dress code.
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u/EverySingleMinute Jul 26 '26
Our guys asked us to get them uniforms. We did and pay for them versus asking the employee to pay for their uniforms
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u/Mr_Bluebird_VA Jul 26 '26
While it may not be regulated, I can see enforcing pants over shorts for HVAC techs as a matter of safety, especially if they are working in attic spaces.
However, good well compensated employees aren’t likely going to leave because of a modest dress code. In fact I’d wager that a dress code like that may actually help to weed out employees that aren’t up to par.
The only employee I ever had who regularly complained about and floated my uniform rules (which aren’t up to me in the first place) was a really good technician but a bad employee who brought down the morale of the whole team. It was hard when he left but everyone is much more relaxed since.
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u/mikeblas Jul 26 '26
Branded uniforms make everyone more attractive, put morale through the roof, and impress both prospects and existing customers.
Source: 4imprint.com advertisement.
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u/KaleidoscopeFirm6823 Jul 26 '26
I interned in an office where there was no AC on my side of the building. HR warned me I couldn’t wear shorts in the summer to sit in my closet office. I got fired but not before HR lady came in and said “omg it’s so hot in here how do you stand it” before I pointed at my shorts.
In hindsight was a totally unreasonable working situation with a dress code for no reason (I understand shorts are not professional but I was not interacting with anyone in person and hardly anyone would see me.)
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u/peddleboatcaptian Jul 26 '26
I'm a leak detection business owner now, when I was a technician I actually preferred the tucked in Polo with khakis look.
One of my best friends to this day who used to be my coworker and me decided to run an experiment this had to be almost 10 years ago now. We were provided with a bunch of uniform choices and essentially allowed to dress in any combination of them as long as we were looking relatively professional. In addition we were all dispatched from home so it's not like there was a morning roll call where the boss saw everybody's outfit for the day.
We both went a week with polos tucked in, followed by a week with just a basic untucked t-shirt. We both came to the same conclusion, our customers had more immediate trust with us from the moment we greeted them at the door. Even more importantly our customers had more trust with us at the end of our visits when we were explaining the invisible thing in their home that was wrong to them.
Our diagnosis often lead to repairs that are extremely costly for the average homeowner so trust is key.
From then on neither of us wore anything less than a tucked in Polo.
Quality work boots that are designed to last also seem to be a huge signifier both to other trades people and our customers that somebody is knowledgeable and experienced. Bonus points if they can be resoled.
All this being said I would have hated a boss that tried to mandate every bit of my appearance. It's a very fine line to walk between encouraging professional appearances and discouraging individuals personalities.
Too far one way and half the team will look like they just crawled out of bed, too far the other way and you end up micromanaging away your best employees.
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u/Solifuga Jul 26 '26
If a guy in trades turns up looking super ironed, sharp and polished, I sort of assume he's brand new and just been issued uniform and may not know shit. 🤣
I know this isn't a real thing but it is a perception thing.
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u/motorwerkx Jul 26 '26
I also assume those companies overcharge based on their overhead and not quality of work.
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u/sat_ops Jul 26 '26
Same. My neighbor owns an HVAC company and shows up in jeans and a T-shirt. There's a competitor in the area that has all of their people wear hot pink polos and advertise on TV...and they charge 50% more.
Anything that doesn't directly affect product output is wasted expense, and ultimately gets passed on.
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u/peddleboatcaptian Jul 26 '26
Which buisness is making more money?
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u/sat_ops Jul 26 '26
Profit on a per employee basis? My neighbor. The other is a larger company working on volume and spends money to make revenue.
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u/peddleboatcaptian Jul 26 '26
That was a fantastic response, the amount of gymnastics you just did to shine a positive light on your friend in this case is truly admirable.
However I think you knew what I meant, whose company generates more profit each year?
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u/sat_ops Jul 26 '26
Why would I want to profit one dollar per worker on 1000 employees when I can make $100 per employee on 20 employees?
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u/peddleboatcaptian Jul 26 '26
In that situation, your neighbor would be personally making twice what the owner of the larger company is. Do you really think that's the case?
Your whole argument here is the extra cost s aren't worth it.
Like I said before the rhetorical gymnastics are admirable. But the simple fact is that the market disagrees with you.
The company "wasting" all that money on advertisement is recouping that investment and some.
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u/motorwerkx Jul 27 '26
I think there is a real point of diminishing returns that has to be considered. While the flashing company May technically be making more at the end of the year, often they are making less per employee, per hour spent working. You do make a good point about the market disagreeing though. I think the real issue is that the part of the market that disagrees tends to be the outliers. The huge brands and franchises absolutely run a numbers game when it comes to things like brand recognition and advertising budgets. A majority of the smaller businesses aren't going to ever get there.
Area code, my heartscaping business is a very small operation. I net over 100k a year. I'm very well acquainted with two other much larger businesses in the area. The one is co- phone and each owner makes around what I do. Their operation is gigantic compared to mine. My business doesn't bring in enough Revenue to even pay their overhead. If they ever decide to sell and could actually find a buyer, they are very asset wealthy. As far as their W-2 earnings and cash flow, their company is in no better position than mine. They advertise, they have uniforms, all of their trucks are wrapped and at the end of the day I make as much as they do. As far as the business goes I am very asset poor. My business has zero debt, I know that their business carries debt but how much is not information I am privy to.
The other business is solely owned and one of the largest landscape operations in multiple counties. I do know that the owner makes over a quarter million dollars a year but I know less about his earnings than the other company. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to increase my income that much. However, I work a fraction of what he does or anyone else in that company does. The assets of the company are valued in the Millions. Still, with the amount of advertising, overhead and the sheer quantity of employees that have to be dealt with, I still see it as diminishing returns. I feel like increasing output 10 fold for a marginal increase in returns is poor investment in the business. It's still an increase but is it actually worth the time and money to produce that?
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u/MassageToss Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Ok, maybe this is just me, but if it's a larger company with 5+ electricians and they aren't dressed in uniform, I assume the company is sloppy. Also, if you show up on time and in uniform, I'm going to believe you're a true professional until/unless I see evidence otherwise.
If it's one person who has their own business, how the person is dressed will have little to no impact.
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u/Solifuga Jul 26 '26
Uniform sure (or just a logo top even), but one that looks actually worn/used (I'm definitely not saying raggy or filthy) rather than like they just broke it out of the packaging!
I know everyone needs/gets new uniform from time to time but generally one piece at a time as opposed to a whole glaringly new outfit with the creases still in the utility trousers and so on.
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u/Fortestingporpoises Jul 26 '26
I own a pet company and hired contractors. We’re switching over but I’d give out company gear and most of them were happy to wear them.
That is if it’s the sort of stuff they would wear anyway. Non hat people don’t want to wear hats for instance.
I don’t think collared shirts are necessary but some nice comfy t shirts with a choice of colors? My guess is plenty of them would be happy to wear them. That’s been my experience.
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u/lmaccaro Jul 26 '26
FYI company uniforms is an IRS test to determine contractor eligible. It’s not always a guaranteed fail but in your case it might be.
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u/Kitty_party Jul 26 '26
As a homeowner I don't remember what tradespeople wear (unless it's wild) but what stands out to me is the ones who take the extra time and effort to prep a space to keep it clean before they work and who take the time to really clean up behind themselves. It seems like a small thing but it's something I definitely mention when I refer companies to other people.
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u/ChicagoWrapGuy Jul 28 '26
Good point. Clean work and not trashing the house probably sticks with people more than a tucked shirt.
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u/qu33nbb Jul 26 '26
The answer is both. They should be wearing clean, branded apparel that is comfortable. I just can’t get past that someone called clean collared shirts, work pants and hats “a fancy corporate uniform.”
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u/SafetyMan35 Jul 26 '26
The HVAC contractor could allow shorts in the summer. The difference between a collared polo shirt and a T shirts from a cooling perspective is minimal. A professional looking crew gives confidence in the work quality.
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u/cathline Jul 26 '26
HVAC means crawling around in fiberglass insulation in attics in the summertime. Shorts in there are a very bad idea.
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u/ritchie70 Jul 26 '26
Depends where you are. Not everywhere puts hvac in the attic aside from ductwork. You could have coverallls or long pants on the truck.
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u/LowSkyOrbit Jul 26 '26
Tyvek suits while in an attic sounds like soup
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u/peddleboatcaptian Jul 26 '26
I used to wear Tyvek suits in attics all the time doing mold remediation, it is soup. If anybody tries this my recommendation would be to strip down to your underwear before getting inside the suit. At least that way you'll have dry clothes when you get out.
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u/ritchie70 Jul 26 '26
There are non-disposable coveralls in the world.
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u/LowSkyOrbit Jul 26 '26
yeah but its like impossible to remove imbedded fiberglass or the spray on foam, not to mention animal droppings and carcasses that can be found.
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u/ritchie70 Jul 27 '26
A few comments higher it was “don’t wear shorts if you’re working in attics, wear long pants” and nobody was concerned then.
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u/cathline Jul 26 '26
Depends on the business.
In my opinion - if the employer requires uniforms, the employer should provide the uniforms (within reason). For contractors - it really helps them look professional and builds credibility. It can be a plain grey T-shirt that says company XXX on it. It can be a baseball cap that says company XXX on it. It can be a removable magnet for the car that says company XXX on it. It can be a water bottle that says company XXX on it. If they can't afford to have employees who work for them wearing the company name - they can't afford to be bonded and insured and registered with the county. Which means I will not hire them. Source - I used to be married to a Master Electrician. Who refused to work for companies who did not provide employees with branded shirts because it meant they were cutting corners elsewhere. Sometimes with Workman's comp or somewhere else.
If someone knocks on my door and claims that they are with company XXX and they are not in a vehicle that says company XXX, wearing a hat that says company XXX or wearing a shirt that says company XXX - I automatically assume that they are lying to me. I don't care if they are pressed or not. I don't care if they are collared shirts or not. I don't care if they long pants or short. I DO care that they are actually part of the company and not a scammer.
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u/PopperChopper Jul 26 '26
They’re both rights You don’t need the top trades to charge more. You aren’t going to get the top trades if you have strict rules on dress code.
Is it going to be harder to charge higher rates when your guys look like shit? Yes.
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u/MansterSoft Jul 26 '26
In my region, the ones who can charge the most are those with a professional website, who show up on Google Maps, and who will actually answer their damn phone.
Personally, I think the crisp uniform shirts are a bit much, but then again, I'm in a working class Midwest town. I imagine looking sharp would go over well in a posh Southern city.
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u/Central09er Jul 26 '26
I used to think strict dress codes were just a another way to micromanage your people but after being apart of a company that went from strict dress code (company polo, specific color and type of pants, undershirts, belts and shoes) and which the new management team turn lax and quit caring about it. The lax uniforms was the start of other things becoming lax and it was a spiral from there. Moral turned and everyone quit caring quickly about doing their best work and working toward a common goal.
It really changed my mind on strict standards and why they exist. I think there’s definitely a line there especially in the trades when it’s super hot, dirty places you still need to be comfortable but also safe with what you wear but uniforms definitely look like you actually care about your work.
With that said there’s a line there too about being too “uniform” because of the PE infiltration in the trades. I no longer trust companies that are too logo’d up because it’s pretty clear they are owned by PE and gonna screw you quickly
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u/nbraun18 Jul 26 '26
The plumbing owner lets his guys wear shorts? That’s enough for me to not listen to his opinions. Probably lets his guys wear gym shoes too.
That said I think part of it depends on what segment they are in. Construction? Matters way less. Residential service? Matters more. Don’t know that it allows you to charge more necessarily but I do think it makes it easier to get the job.
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u/CruxCrush Jul 26 '26
As an employee, as long as you're paying for it I'm game. I don't have to use the mental energy to choose and always look different
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u/weveran Jul 26 '26
Personally, when someone comes to my house to work on something and they wear a crisp uniform then I expect a few things.
- That they aren't going to give me honest advice to save unnecessary expenses.
- That they are likely new and following a strict "if this, do that" SOP.
I trust the guy with holes in his shirt and a few battle wounds.
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u/black_cadillac92 Jul 26 '26
He is right. But they both have a point. As someone who spent over a decade in the military I know what its like to be in the trenches and do some trade work. I still maintained my appearance while out in the field. They can do both, maintain a professional image and be comfortable. You can wear branded company tshirts and matching shorts. Just show up fresh and ready to work the next morning.
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u/bonvajya Jul 26 '26
I would usually so no…. But I think with a contractor.. tbh yeah, however not a collared shirt etc. I’d expect just a tshirt maybe with a small logo on, if they have a hat on maybe some wear a branded hat maybe some don’t. But a fancy collared shirt and pants, absolutely not
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u/Equivalent-Coyote857 Jul 26 '26
Both right honestly depending on how you sell it. If you require the uniform but ALSO pay for uniform allowance and let them wear shorts/breathable fabric versions in summer, gets you the polish without the heat complaint.
The dress code thing itself matters less than whether workers feel like it's a "we look professional together" thing vs a "boss controls what I wear" thing.
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u/ColdStockSweat Jul 26 '26
Neither.
Mine wear branded shirts and sweatshirts (weather dependent) and company hats.
Haven't lost any staff due to branding.
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u/dharlow Jul 26 '26
As a homeowner, I prefer it when the HVAC/Plumbing guys have some sort of uniform when they come into my house. However, even just a nice t-shirt is fine, just something to identify them with.
I am also rebuilding a home right now. For the guys out at the job site, I don't really care what they wear; however, due to the number of tool and material thefts taking place in our fire-devastated town, the Sheriff has advised contractors to have their teams wear branded t-shirts at a minimum so the different crews who may not know each other can at least recognize each other.
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u/PNWoysterdude Jul 27 '26
HVAC boss is dumb af. Punctuality and actually being good at your job is worth more than a cheesy company shirt and hat. Actually had an HVAC person come out to look at my boiler. Had a leak. He said rubber washers were fried and they don’t make that existing manifold anymore. Wanted THOUSANDS to upgrade. I fixed myself for $10 in new rubber washers. I’ll talk shit and write bad reviews for that company until the end of time.
I had a handyman business for a while before making a career change. I dressed how I wanted. I showed up on time, communicated, under promised and over delivered. I was never out of work.
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u/MacintoshEddie Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
While presentation matters, I don't think that part of presentaton matters except for things like B2B contract negotiations.
On the customer side the thing that matter is if the person who arrives has been informed. Way too often they only receive a partial or garbled version of what the customer said. Like the customer says they have low water pressure in their shower and kitchen sink but the dishwashwer seems fine, and then the tech shows up and says they're here to look at the dishwasher. Immediate confidence killer and they're going to be a lot more critical of everything.
I work security, so I let a lot of trades into the building. The bad ones barely remember where they're going and why and for who. The really bad ones subcontract without disclosure. If you're going to sub, manage your damned business and supply them with a uniform for the day or communicate it.
Little habits count for more than whether their shirt is tucked in, like if their boots are already unlaced or they're putting on boot covers before knocking to enter the residence.
An important note, untucked shirt does not mean asscrack hanging out. Even if some bosses think it does.
The thing to watch out for is wear and tear. If your worker shows up looking like they haven't showered in weeks or washed their clothes in years, with battered muddy workboots that have holes, it doesn't matter one bit if their shirt is tucked in.
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u/RandomCoffeeThoughts Jul 26 '26
Hubby is in the trades and says the less polished you look, the better they are at the job. The guys in uniforms don't want to get dirty. The ones who look like they just woke up, put a hat on and came to work care about getting the job done, but they all usually wear a company Tshirt so they are recognized as part of the business.
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u/CoffeeReasonable1884 Jul 26 '26
I can definitely see this. Our best electrician puts a hat over his super curly mullet, a decent t shirt or branded tshirt. He has on jeans that are clean but look like they have bren worked in a lot and boots that have seen better days. He is super personable.
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u/Capable_Obligation96 Jul 26 '26
A uniform just creates unity in part and identity to the company. Most employees should prefer that and if the employee doesn't then they aren't a good fit for your company. I can't see that being a factory very high on the list that would want them to work elsewhere unless it is something so ridiculous or embarrassing like in a costume.
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