As a dog walker, should I get branded workwear?

Do you need it to be successful? Should you wear it to be identified? What are the downsides to branded, printed or embroidered workwear, t shirts and apparel? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Branded Workwear

Professionalism

Like it or not, we’re all judged by how we look and wearing smart, branded clothing will make us appear more professional and established.

People often associate professional attire with competence. The psychology behind this is based on cognitive biases – when we see someone dressed professionally, we are more likely to assume they are capable and skilled in their role.

It promotes the image that we’ve taken time to start our business and gone to the effort of creating a logo, a business name and now we’re all in when it comes to making our business a success.

Marketing

Wearing branded workwear turns you (and your staff if you have them) into walking advertisements.

Whether they’re in the park walking dogs, or picking up a few bits in the supermarket on the way home from work, people will notice a bright logo or a large business name on a shirt or jacket.

Allowable expenses

Having branded workwear allows you to claim the cost of buying them as an allowable expense whereas if you just go out and buy some new tops, waterproof jacket or hats without branding then you’ll be stumping up for the full cost of those.

Trust and Credibility

Branded workwear can enhance trust and credibility. It shows that the company or team is serious about its image and invested in presenting a professional front. This can lead clients, customers, and colleagues to have more confidence in the abilities and reliability of the individuals wearing the branded attire.

Uniformity with a team

If you have staff, then not only are you maximising the marketing opportunities which come with wearing your logo, but you also help make people feel part of a team. This can lead to lower turnover of staff and also more accountability when they’re working as the general public will know exactly who they work for.

Safety / reflective

If you’re working early warnings or into the evening, your workwear can incorporate some form of reflective panels which will increase the visibility and safety for you and your staff.

Cons of Branded Workwear

Easily Identifiable

No one intends to make a mistake when they’re at work, but on those occasions where we do, branded clothing makes us immediately identifiable.

Even a minor mistake can be blown out of proportion, misinterpreted and all over Facebook groups harming your reputation before you know it.

Mistaken for others

Branded clothing can put you in a position where you may be mistaken for someone else or another company.

It could be that you’ve picked a similar colour or branding to another local dog walking company which may lead to confusion among clients, or even all your hard work and marketing benefitting the other dog walker!

Or you may just be asked where stuff is when you pop in b&q on the way home…

(I was once asked where something was in Homebase despite my polo shirt being a completely different colour to the staff. People will see a logo on a shirt and make an assumption based on the context of the situation.)

Cost/seasonal outwear

It’s a paradox that when you launch your business you need to spend the most on marketing and advertising, and yet at the beginning, you may not have the necessary funds to do so.

Branded tops and waterproofs will cost more than standard clothing, and you’ll be spending even more to ensure you have something for all weather. T-shirts, waterproofs, fleeces, hats etc. Make sure your logo and details are visible on the top layers of your clothing at all times and in all weather.

People approaching you/interrupting a walk

Marketing is great, but do you really want someone asking about availability when you’ve got your hands full with 6 dogs on a group walk? Or approaching you and a reactive dog on a solo walk?

Clients might not like it

Some clients won’t like branded clothing for the same reasons as not liking sign written vehicles in their driveways. It indicates that the house may be empty (although post pandemic with more people working from home this concern is becoming less relevant).

Less personal, too commercial

Some clients enjoy the more relaxed relationship we tend to have with clients and will see a uniform as being less personal in that respect.

To recap, the decision to embrace branded workwear comes with a balance of advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, it undeniably adds a layer of professionalism, building a strong initial impression that fosters trust and credibility.

It serves as an effective marketing tool, turning you and your team into walking advertisements, showcasing your commitment to your business’s success. Branded workwear can also be claimed as allowable expenses, providing a financial benefit.

However, there are some cons to consider. The high visibility of branded clothing can make you easily identifiable, leading to the spotlight on any mistakes or misunderstandings.

There’s also the risk of being mistaken for another company, potentially confusing clients and diminishing your marketing efforts. The cost of branded workwear, especially for varying weather conditions, can strain a startup’s budget. Additionally, it might attract unwanted attention in certain situations, interfering with your focus on handling your furry companions.

It’s essential to carefully weigh these factors, taking into account the nature of your business, your target audience, and the overall image you wish to project.

Finding the right balance between professionalism, branding, and personal connection is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your goals and enhances your business’s success.