A one-off purchase and an ongoing supply relationship are different things, and the ordering process should reflect that. A trade account is how most workwear suppliers, us included, structure that ongoing relationship: one point of contact, saved sizing and branding details, and an invoicing arrangement that fits how your business actually pays for things.
What a trade account changes
The core purchasing process, browsing and ordering, does not change. What a trade account adds is everything around it.
- Saved details. Your logo files, brand colours and any placement preferences are kept on file, so a reorder does not mean resending artwork and re-approving a proof from scratch every time.
- Sizing history. A record of what was ordered for which team member or role, useful when a new starter needs the same kit as the rest of their team, or when someone needs a replacement in the same size.
- Invoicing, not card payment. Orders are invoiced rather than paid by card at checkout, which fits how most businesses process supplier payments through their own accounts function.
- One point of contact. A named contact who already knows your account, rather than starting from zero on every enquiry.
Who a trade account suits
Any business that expects to order more than once. That covers a wide range, from a two-person trade firm replacing kit once or twice a year, to a multi-site operator running regular reorders for new starters across several locations. There is no minimum order size or minimum spend to open one.
What we need to set one up
- Your business name, address and a billing contact.
- An idea of what you are ordering and roughly how often, so we can set the account up in a way that matches your pattern of use.
- Your logo file, if you already have branded kit or know you want it, though this can also be added once you place your first order.
We usually set this up alongside your first order rather than as a separate step, so there is nothing to arrange in advance. Just mention you would like a trade account when you enquire or place your order.
Ordering across multiple sites
If your business operates from more than one location, a trade account is also where multi-site ordering gets organised, whether that is one central point placing all orders, or several site managers ordering against the same account. Our guide to ordering workwear across multiple sites covers how that works in more detail.
Keeping reorders consistent
Once an account is set up, reordering the same branded kit for a new starter or a replacement item is quick, because the sizing, branding and product history are already on file. Our uniform allowance and rotation guide is a useful companion if you are also working out how many uniforms per employee makes sense for your business.
The short version
A trade account does not change what you can order, it changes how ordering works: invoiced rather than card-paid, with your branding and sizing details saved so reorders are quick. There is no minimum order to open one, and it is usually set up alongside your first order rather than in advance.
