Once you've got your brand and identity sorted out, you need to order uniforms for your team.Uniform procurement isn't just about how many items you order, it's about choosing the supply model that fits your business. The way you source uniforms can influence cash flow, sustainability, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Some organisations thrive on bulk ordering. Others need the agility of on-demand fulfilment. Increasingly, many are choosing a hybrid approach. They key is finding the model, or combination, that works for your workforce, budget, and long-term plans. Bulk Ordering: Efficient, Scalable – Best for Stability Best suited for: Stable headcounts Centralised teams Predictable uniform usage Benefits Secure volume discounts (often 10-25% savings depending on quantity and branding) Roll out new designs across your entire team at the same time Centralise distribution and maintain consistent quality control Trade-offs: Requires accurate sizing predictions – errors can lead to reorders and delays You may order too much stock tying up valuable cash Storage and inventory management become essential (and resource-intensive) Front-loading costs can impact cash flow and limit flexibility if team structures change On-Demand Supply: Flexible, Sustainable – Best for Change Best suited for: Remote or rotating teams Seasonal or project-based hiring High staff turnover or role changes Benefits: Staff order their own sizes, reducing misfits and returns Eliminates overstocking and warehousing needs Supports personalised branding or role-based variations without excess risk A 2023 Unifi study found that on-demand systems can reduce uniform waste by up to 30% thanks to fewer excess units and more accurate sizing Trade-offs: Slightly higher per-unit cost Relies on robust supplier technology and fulfilment infrastructure The Hybrid Model: Control Meets Agility For many organisations, the best option is both. Typical approach: Bulk orders for standard, stable needs On-demand top-ups for new hires, size changes, or seasonal shifts Why it works: Achieves volume savings on core needs Maintains flexibility for changes in staffing or branding Reduces waste and improves sustainability outcomes Increases team satisfaction with better fit and timely delivery Key Questions to Find Your Best-Fit Supply Model Ask yourself: How often does your team change or grow? Do you have storage capacity for stock? Is branding consistent or varied by role/site? Are you aiming to reduce waste or streamline admin? Do staff work across multiple locations or shifts The right model should support performance, sustainability, and morale – not just procurement. If in doubt, ask Arrow Uniforms!Our expert team have deep experience across both approaches and can make a recommendation to you on what would work best all things considered. Sometimes it's timing of rollout, sometimes it's cash, sometimes it's having an appropriate employee internally to manage the ordering issuing and stock levels of your uniforms. Sometimes it's best to leave it to a specialist uniform company like Arrow Uniforms.We will advise you on what the options are for you to decide.

A few years ago, in pre-COVID era, a well-known New Zealand food manufacturer with a 130-strong, 24/7 workforce approached Arrow Uniforms with a specific need: a customised head covering to improve hair control on their production line. Designing and manufacturing specialist garments is second nature to the Arrow team, and the solution was swiftly delivered. But it was a casual comment from the company's new Procurement Manager that sparked a much bigger conversation: "I'm new here and keen to make a difference – I need to find real savings." That simple remark promoted Arrow's founder to offer an unexpected suggestion. Observing that the facility operated around the clock and relied on commercially laundered hire garments – with every employee changing into fresh white daily – he proposed a different approach: Have you ever thought about bringing laundering in-house? Buy the garments. Control the process. Own the outcome. Bank the savings. The Results Were Game-Changing The Procurement Manager took the idea and ran with it. Within days, the business had crunched the numbers and built a practical plan. They went on to: Build a double Skyline garage for onsite laundering Install a commercial washer and dryer Set up garment racking and a basic sorting system Hired a part-time staff member to manage the laundering Purchased a full wardrobe of our uniforms, crafted in durable, industry-specific fabrics The result? The project broke even within the first year. In a few short years, after factoring in wages, utilities, and consumables like detergent, the company had saved over $250,000 – a direct boost to their bottom line. Beyond Financial Savings The impact extended beyond cost savings: Garment Longevity: Arrow's durable uniforms reduced replacement frequency. Operational Awareness: The team discovered they'd been paying rental fees even during staff absences and shutdowns. Community Connection: With spare laundering capacity, they began washing local school rugby jerseys on weekends – a small but powerful gesture of community goodwill. Why Buying Can Beat Hiring This success story highlights a powerful business insight: for large organisations, purchasing uniforms outright – combined with a smart operational plan – can deliver far greater value than long-term garment hire. With Arrow Uniforms, businesses gain more than just a supplier. They partner with a team offering: Access to over 250,000 garments in stock Onsite embroidery for fast, accurate branding myArrow™, a smart uniform management platform The AROUND recycling programme for end-of-use uniforms Ready to Rethink Your Uniform Strategy? Arrow Uniforms has helped businesses in food production, healthcare, logistics, security, and hospitality gain control of their uniform operations – saving money, enhancing brand image, and delivering real impact. Talk to Arrow Uniforms today.We’ll help you elevate your brand, streamline your uniform management, unlock real savings – and bring some creativity and fun to your uniform journey!

Managing uniforms across departments or locations can be a logistical headache – unless you’ve got the right system. That’s where centralised uniform management comes in. Arrow’s full-service model, powered by the myArrow™ platform, helps streamline ordering, track inventory, and reduce admin – all while supporting brand consistency and smart procurement. Here’s why more businesses are making the switch.

Cheap uniforms may save you money upfront — but over time, the cost adds up in replacements, discomfort, and brand damage. From poor fit to premature wear, low-cost garments can quietly drain your budget and morale. At Arrow, we believe in spending smarter: investing in quality that supports your team, your image, and your bottom line.

Cheap uniforms cost more than you think. Frequent replacements, inconsistent branding, and staff discomfort all add up. Arrow’s “1 Wearing, 1 Washing, 1 Waiting” approach helps teams stay sharp while reducing waste, admin, and hidden costs. By investing in durable, comfortable workwear, businesses spend less over time — and look better doing it.