[Mac]

I just put this together and was wanting to know what you all think of this. Does anyone do anything similar or do you think I am out of line? If you think this is a good idea, do you think I am leaving anything out that should be in there and vice-versa. Those who think this doc stinks, how come?

[Terre]

Not qualified to comment from an employer perspective, but I think its good. I have always disliked it when my husband would change jobs, and out of the first paycheck they always withheld for uniforms. Damn it, those first few checks are important! And it seems to me, that the employers who charged for uniforms, were also the ones who paid less, and all around showed they valued you as an employee less.

I would probably change "wash periodically" to "wash regularly" and somewhere in there require that everyone start the day with a clean uniform. I know this seems obvious, but it isn't to some.

Just my 2 cents.

[yardmanlee]

I think its a great idea !!! It lets them know without a doubt how professional you want to be

[papercutter]

You need to put a replacement cost for each item on the form. You're more likely to get the stuff back if they know how much it costs. Along those lines, you may want to consider some sort of deposit- if their last paycheck is for one day, it looks like they'd come out ahead if they kept everything.

[Stonehenge]

You might also want to call your attorney about taking the last paycheck as payment for the uniforms. If the last paycheck is $1,000 and they have a depreciated value of uniforms of $50, I could see there being a problem. Find out first if you can even keep a paycheck for that reason - and you may discover that you can't withhold more than the value of the uniforms. But an attorney would be far more capable of addressing that than I would.

I also like amending to "wash regularly" - I have a guy that I swear his pants could walk on their own if he took them off.

Other thoughts - they return the clothes if they quit. What if they're fired? For wear and tear - have them return worn clothes to get replacement. One other thought - for the looks of it, you're in it to a new employee for about $250 based on the list in that attachment - to save some up front cash, you might consider having a probation period where the employee wears his/her own clothes (you'll probably have to be a bit forgiving on the attire) until such time as the employee proves their worthiness of a uniform. Maybe 30 days.

My $.02.

[TrickyDick]

"I understand that I must wear proper work boots for work each day. I also understand that the items given to me are mine to keep as long as I work for Landcare Solutions. If I ever quit, I agree to return all of the above listed items. If I do not return all items, I understand Landcare Solutions will keep my last paycheck as payment for the above clothing. I understand Landcare Solutions will provide me replacement items as requested, due to normal wear. I understand that items replaced due to being lost will be deducted from my paycheck during the period they are replaced."

I think the concept is good but I would definately want to run it through a lawyer. Each sentence of the part I highlighted seems like it could present some legal challenge either by being illegal, too specific or not specific enough.

[GLAN]

I think it's a great idea...

I don't feel I need to supply pants though.........Jeans are fine with me ........and I give my guys more than enough

enough that I am very interested in something of an agreement with the men.



On a side note........been thinking of doing away with "my" providing any clothing to the men....Shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc......adds up $

[Mac]

Thanks everyone for your great points. I will make a few changes and have it looked over and hopefully then we will have a winner.

Jeff, your point about a probationary period is a valid one - however in more than a few past conversations I have had with clients, it actually shocked me how important my company image is to their purchasing decisions. Knowing this, even for the probationary period, I just feel like all employees must be kept uniformed. PS, do you do embroidery on the side? Total outlay per uniform set is $280 and I have been able to make most sets stretch two years. Not a terribly costly proposition IMO

[NCSULandscaper]

Why not look into a uniform service where you know the clothes will be patched and washed on a regular basis and rent them instead of buying

[Mac]

Matt, almost without fail, even without looking at the numbers, whenever I am given the choice between rent/lease v. own, I will always strongly favor the own position. Its just who I am and my disposition.

[NCSULandscaper]

I think some of them will let you buy them, and they will still come through and fix/wash them. Especially if appearance is such a big thing with your customers

[BigD]

I don't know if you have a fear of employees taking advantage of your good nature, but you might want to state that you will exchange damaged/shotty items so that you can verify the replacement is actually needed.

[GLAN]

I had an outfit talk to me about uniforms........I don't recall now the exact number $....$30 or $40 a week........Shirts, pants, 1 jacket..this was per man.

Thousands of $........sorry.......Not me