Polo shirts
T-shirts
Hoodies
Sweatshirts
Jackets
Hi visSupplier switch service
Switching Workwear Supplier Made Easy
Most businesses don’t look at switching workwear supplier because things have gone badly wrong. It’s usually smaller than that. You’ve had to chase an order. A delivery due on Friday turns up the following Wednesday. The logo on this year’s polos doesn’t quite match last year’s.
None of it is bad enough to do anything about on its own, and moving everything to someone new sounds like more work than living with it. Your current supplier has your logos, your sizes and your order history, after all.
There is some work involved in switching, we won’t pretend otherwise. Most of it is ours, though.
How it works: you send us what you’ve got, we match your existing garments and branding, you approve a sample, and your reorders carry on from there.
Supplier Switch Service
We match your existing branding and do the legwork for you
Talk to our team
We'll listen to what's not working and find a better way, we're available by phone, email, live chat and in person
Transition Checklist
Everything that helps us match what your team already wears, in one list
Why your embroidery files matter when you switch
The one thing worth asking your current supplier for before you move, what it looks like, and why it makes matching your existing logo so much easier.
From Businesses Who've Made the Move
AV technology
Came to us after disappointing results with previous suppliers. The team’s verdict on the new shirts: they actually fit, and they’d wear them all the time.
Commercial kitchen maintenance
Around 40 new engineers a year, each with uniform ready before their first day.
Data centres
On-demand ordering through their own portal for staff across different sites, cutting wasted stock and guesswork on sizes.
Why do businesses switch workwear supplier?
When someone gets in touch about switching, it nearly always comes down to one of these, and communication comes up more than anything else:
- You’ve had to chase for an update more than once
- Lead times keep drifting past what you were told
- The embroidery or print doesn’t look as sharp as it used to
- Prices have gone up and nobody’s explained why
- They can’t get you the garments you actually want
If none of that sounds familiar, stay where you are. A supplier that’s working is worth keeping. If one or two ring true, that’s usually reason enough for a conversation.
Worried about reliability in particular? Here is what reliable workwear supply should actually look like.
Workwear Supplier Switch Service
Moving to us doesn’t mean starting from scratch. The checklist below covers everything that helps us match what your team already wears: garment codes, colours, sizes, logo files and a few photos.
You won’t have all of it. Most people don’t, and that’s fine. The more you can send, the closer the match, and if you’re stuck on any of it, give us a ring and we’ll work out what you actually need.
What helps us match it
- A recent invoice or quote, for garment codes and sizes
- Your logo files, or the embroidery files if you have them
- Pantone or colour references from your brand guidelines
- Photos or a sample of what your team wears now
Your Supplier Switch Checklist
Gather what you can from the list below and send it over. Anything you can’t find, we’ll help you track down. Prefer a printable version?
Garment Information
Garment Codes
Provide the specific codes for each type of garment you currently use, this should also include the brand name. You can simply send us an existing invoice or quote so we can match garments and prices.
Colours & Sizes
List the exact colours of the garments (for example some brands have different versions of navy blue so 'navy' may not be sufficient, it may be 'French Navy' or 'Oxford Navy')
Embroidery Files & Logo Files
Embroidery Machine Files
Your supplier will have these, if you've paid a setup fee you may be able to request a copy of the embroidery files. These are usually in .dst or .emb format (you won't be able to open them as it's the file that the embroidery machine reads), there will also be a .pdf 'run sheet' that accompanies the embroidery file which should hopefully contain the thread colours used. Just ask your existing supplier for a copy of the embroidery machine files, and the pdf run sheet.
Logo Files
If your logo was printed, we'll need a 'vector' file. You may have sent this to the supplier in the first place so sourcing this may be easier. This allows us to manipulate the logo in the correct way to print the artwork and scale it without it looking blurry or pixelated. A vector file is usually .ai .eps .pdf file type, however without trying to make it more confusing, even these file types may not always be in the correct format! We always say just to send what you have and we can check.
Colour Matching
Pantone References
If your company has a 'branding guidelines' document these are great. Ideally we need a Pantone reference for any colours in your logo. A Pantone reference example is 151C. These are different to RGB, CMYK and Hex codes, again we can advise you on this. If you do not have a Pantone reference that's ok we can work with you to ensure the colours are right.
Physical Samples
In order to get the best result, sending us a physical sample of your existing workwear is a great option, it allows us to check the colours, match thread colours (if they're not in the documents above) and helps us ensure we can get as close to your existing branding as possible.
Photos & Samples
Photos Of Embroidery
If you cannot send us a physical sample, including high-quality photos of the embroidery on your current garments can also help us get a good match.
The more you can send us, the closer we’ll match what you’ve already got. Although if quality is the reason you’re switching, we’re probably better off starting your branding fresh, rather than matching something you weren’t happy with in the first place.
Printable version
Want it as a PDF to work through?
Two pages you can print or forward to whoever has the files. Pop your details in and it's yours straight away.
- Tick boxes for everything on the list
- A short email to send your current supplier
- Space for notes as you go
We'll email you a copy too, plus the occasional useful note. Unsubscribe any time.
Why teams stay with us
Plenty of suppliers can put a logo on a polo. This is what keeps customers with us.
We Won't Let You Down
It's our promise, and we take it personally.
Things occasionally go wrong in any supply chain. When they do, we own it, tell you straight away and get it sorted. That is why customers stay.
In-House Embroidery & Printing
Embroidery and DTF print, done under our roof.
Our embroidery and DTF printing happen in-house, so you get faster turnarounds, tighter quality control, and room for last-minute tweaks without the delays.
Workwear Experts, Not Just Printers
Your brand, worn well.
We advise on logo placement, sizing and fabric, so the kit suits the job and looks the same across your team.
Showroom & Sizing Help
See it before you order.
Come and check the fit, fabric and colours at our Maidenhead showroom, so your team can choose with confidence. No guesswork.
Planned Around Your Dates
New site? New intake?
Tell us early and we plan production around your dates, with fast track when you need it sooner.
Sustainability Where It Counts
Better choices, every day.
We use ethical suppliers, recycled packaging and energy-efficient lighting, and we can help you choose more sustainable garments.
Ordering workwear often becomes complicated as teams grow. We explain why in more detail here
Common Concerns When Changing Workwear Suppliers
Switching supplier feels like a bigger decision than it should be. These are the questions people actually ask us before they do it.
Who do we talk to during the switch?
You’ll have one point of contact here, by phone or email, and you’ll get updates on each order’s progress and dispatch date as it goes.
How long do orders take?
Our standard lead time is 7 to 10 working days, with fast track available when you need it sooner. If we don’t think we can meet your date, we’ll tell you before we take the order on. See how MCFT gets new engineers kitted out before their first day.
Our current supplier has our logo on file. What happens to that?
Send us your existing design files and we’ll set your logo up on our system. Your current supplier may be able to send you the files they hold. If the files aren’t usable, we can recreate or tidy up your logo.
Will the colours match what we wear now?
Send us a garment or a photo of your current embroidery and we’ll match the thread colours, using Pantone references where you have them. If you can get the embroidery run sheet from your old supplier, it often lists the thread colours too. You’ll see a proof before anything is made.
Will the logo size and position match?
Yes. We record the size and position of every logo, so each order matches the last. A garment from your current uniform or a few measurements is the easiest way to get it right first time.
Can we see a sample before a big order?
Yes. On new orders we embroider a sample, photograph it and email it to you for approval before production. Print samples can be arranged too, and we can post a sample to you if you want to see it in person (this can add to the lead time).
Can you supply the same garments we use now?
Usually, yes. Send us old invoices or order records with the garment codes, styles and brands, and we’ll source the same items or suggest a close alternative if one isn’t available.
What if we're under contract with our current supplier?
We can help you plan the move around when your contract ends. We don’t tie customers into contracts ourselves, so you stay because it works.
Will you keep our order history?
Yes. We keep a record of your orders and preferences so reorders match. For teams that order often, we can set up an ordering portal with your items ready to reorder. Kao Data uses one for staff across different sites, read how it cut their wasted stock.
How does pricing work?
Our standard pricing is spend-based, worked out on what you spend with us over a rolling 12 months, so every order counts. See how spend-based pricing works and our price match policy.
What about our designs and confidentiality?
Your logo files are only used for your orders. Our terms let us use some photos of finished work in our marketing, but just tell us if you’d rather we didn’t.
Chloe and the teamReal people, happy to talk it throughGet In Touch Today
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you going forward. We’re available by:
- Phone: 01628 308810
- Email: [email protected]
- Live Chat (during office hours)
- In Person: visit our showroom
Otherwise you can fill out the form on our contact page to get in touch. We’ll always help advise on the best route when switching suppliers.
