Expert Selling guide Workwear
Spa supplies pages 146 - 147
Expert Selling guide Workwear
An introduction to workwear This guide introduces you to the products and services that Alexandra can offer your customers. It also provides you with more
information on the processes involved from establishing a sales lead, through to the delivery of workwear to your customer.
About Alexandra
Contents
Alexandra is the UK’s leading international provider of workwear, corporate clothing and uniforms to businesses and the public sector. From SME’s to multi-national organisations, we are equipped to provide the products and services our customers need.
Our services
We supply clothing and accessories for every profession, from healthcare, beauty and hospitality to PPE and traditional workwear our, comprehensive range offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for all your workwear requirements.
Personalisation
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alexandra.co.uk
3-4
Ethical trading
4
CSR policy
4
Returns and refunds Key products
5 6-7 8 - 10
Identifying the opportunity
11
Managing your customers’ expectations
12
Contact information
12
Our services…
By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Suppliers of Corporate Uniforms and Workwear MWUK t/a Alexandra
Six reasons why your customers should choose Alexandra 1
K’s No.1 provider of workwear, U established for 160 years
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‘ A head to toe solution’ with over 20,000 fully stocked catalogue lines, with excellent availability throughout the year
3
Year quality guarantee on all 2 Alexandra branded garments
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ast, high quality embroidery F service delivered within 7-10 working days
5
ree or minimal postage F and packaging
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imple returns service, with S refund within 10 working days if returned within 30 days
Our 2 year quality guarantee Alexandra works hard to design and manufacture the highest quality garments, tested to rigorous standards. We are confident in the quality of our own label products and offer a 2 year Quality Guarantee (subject to our usual terms and conditions). Alexandra are committed to ensuring that our products are manufactured to a defined standard of content and fitness for purpose. To demonstrate this, Alexandra operates and has certification to Quality Management System EN ISO 9001:2008.
Sizing advice and samples The Alexandra catalogue and our website, alexandra.co.uk/how-tomeasure both have detailed sizing guides to advise on selecting the right size, whatever the product. We are happy to offer a 30 day ‘sale or return’ samples service, subject to our usual returns policy (see returns on page 5 for more details). Please place your sample order in the same way as a standard order. Sizes outside of our standard catalogue range may be available, please contact reseller_leads@alexandra.co.uk or call: 0333 600 1111 for details. If your customer requires more comprehensive sizing support we are able to provide guidance over the phone, online via Fit Advisor or onsite for larger orders.
Fit Advisor Alexandra have developed an online sizing calculator, Fit Advisor enabling you to assist your customer to select the best fitting garment size for their own personal measurements. The Alexandra website gives step-by-step instructions to make it simple and easy to use. Please visit alexandra.co.uk/fit-advisor for more information.
Man-packing At a standard cost of £1.50 per wearer, we can provide a premium ‘man-packing’ service so that each employee receives all their garments in one package. This is ideal for businesses with over 150 employees with more complex uniform needs.
Please contact the Alexandra helpline on 0333 600 1111 if you require further information on our quality policy.
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Product feed As an Alexandra reseller you have access to our product feed, a csv file available to download via the web. Updated twice daily, it gives you important product information including full sizing, links to product images, product descriptions and stock levels. Please contact Alexandra for your log-in details.
A typical full time worker would require… 5x Polo-shirts or tops
Image Bank Should you require product images you can also access our image FTP site, please contact your Business Development Manager for details.
Reseller Portal Our online portal gives you access to information about our products and services. You can also download marketing support materials and exclusive guides.
2x
Sweatshirts, hoodies or fleece
2x
Trousers/shorts
1x
Shoes or boots
1x
Outerwear coat/jacket
Don’t forget... Personal protective equipment particularly for head, hands and feet.
Account management support In addition to our Business Development Managers ongoing support, Alexandra have a number of additional marketing resources available to you. From mini-catalogues to point-of-sale and merchandising solutions, we are able to assist you in the sale of our products. Please discuss your requirements with us.
Delivery Alexandra will generally deliver all orders directly to your customer. Orders will be delivered within 2 working days (subject to stock availability). Please note any orders with Personalisation may take up to 10 working days for delivery.
Northern Ireland, ROI, Highlands & Islands**
UK mainland:
UK mainland:
2 working days
£5.49
FREE
£9.99*
Next working day by 18:00
£6.99
£1.99
Not available
Next working day by 13:00
£9.99
£4.99
Not available
Next working day by 09:00
£14.99
£9.99
Not available
Saturday 08:00 - 18:00
£9.99
£4.99
Not available
Delivery costs:
Orders under £30 online (£50 by phone)
Orders over £30 online (£50 by phone)
*Normally takes one extra day. Personalised items may take up to 10 working days. All values are ex VAT. **Scottish Highlands and Islands, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man. For Channel Island orders, please email: export@alexandra.co.uk † Note: Next day delivery service available to UK mainland only. Order by 17:00 (16:30 online).
Ethical trading
CSR policy
Alexandra is committed to upholding the principles of environmental sustainability, labour conditions and welfare across our entire supply chain. We ethically source and manufacture our garments and are members of Sedex and the Ethical Trading Initiative.
Alexandra recognises the health, safety and welfare of employees, visitors, contractors, external stakeholders and the wider community, who may be affected by its operations. It also recognises its obligations to care for the environment through the prevention of pollution, and the implementation and monitoring of good environmental practices. We continually strive to maintain best practice seeking continuous improvement and innovation through the implementation of our accreditation of BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, and BSI OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety. Should you require any further information on our Corporate Social Responsibility policy please contact the Alexandra helpdesk.
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Returns and refunds It’s easy to return an item to us. Unless faulty or not as described, returned items must: • Be returned to us within 30 days of receipt. We will not accept the return after this time has elapsed. • Be unworn, unaltered and unwashed and in resaleable condition. • Not be embroidered, bespoke or customised. If you want to order a replacement garment in the meantime, just go ahead and place another order in the usual way.
Just follow these four steps to return an item to us: 1 Locate the returns form in your delivery package
2 Complete the returns form
2 Separate the Returns Form from your Despatch Note, along the dotted line.
3 Prepare your package
Write the number of items you are returning in the ‘Quantity’ column next to the product style that you are returning. Please note the reason why the item is being returned by entering the correct reason code. Reason codes can be found on the return form.
4 Send it - by mail or courier
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Return by mail: you can send the package back to us through the Royal Mail or your own courier service. We recommend that you use recorded delivery so that you can track the package. You can use the original packaging that your item arrived in to return it to us. Ensure that you insert your completed Returns Form along with the item that you are returning before sealing the package. Ensure that the following address is clearly visible on the outside of the package: Alexandra Returns Unit, Unit E, Acton Close, Acton Road Industrial Estate, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1FY.
Return by courier service: call us on 0333 600 1111 and we can send you details so you can drop-off your package at any UPS Access Point at a time convenient to all for a fee of £3.00+VAT. Alternatively you can arrange for our courier to collect your package for a fee of £4.00+VAT by calling us on 0333 600 1111. Please note we do not cover the cost of return postage unless the item is faulty, not as described or substituted.
Receiving your refund When we receive your returned package, along with the completed Returns Form, we’ll arrange your refund. We’ll do this as promptly as possible and usually within 10 working days of receipt of your package. Should you need any further help, please contact our customer service team on 0333 600 1111 quoting your Account Number and Order Reference. Or go to alexandra.co.uk/returns
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Personalisation
Instant online approval
Digital embroidery
Tax tabs and labels
Encourage your customers to personalise their workwear. This will help them to promote their brand, and present to their customers a smart professional image.
Screen printing
Embroidery, print or labels can be applied on most garments, but please check with the Alexandra helpline before confirming suitability to your customer. There are two ways of embroidering, either with standard lettering, or with a full logo.
Standard lettering Choose between 8, 10 and 12mm lettering and the fonts shown here...
1 Confirm which font is required and the location of the lettering on the garment. This is most commonly required on the right chest, left or right arm or on the back of the garment. 2 The customer will be sent a proof of the lettering to check there are no errors and once approved, Alexandra will place the order. Please note the average lead time for delivery on standard lettered embroidery is 7 - 10 working days. We are not able to give refunds on embroidered items where the customer has given approval to print.
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Logos/embroidery There is no minimum order quantity.
What do you need to do? Send a high resolution image of your logo to... newemblem@alexandra.co.uk onfirm pantone colour code references, the size 1 C and positioning. nce the above is received, an electronic form 2 O showing an image of the logo will be sent to either
Printing, tax tabs and heat seals The minimum order quantities are as follows:
Screen print No minimum order.
Tax tabs Minimum order of 1,000. These are small woven labels with a company brand or logo featured. They are sewn into the seam of garments and allow companies to promote their brand, and in many cases claim tax relief on the cost of the garments. Please visit Gov.co.uk for further information.
Heat seals Minimum order of 25.
What do you need to do? end a high resolution image of your logo to... 1 S newemblem@alexandra.co.uk onfirm pantone colour references, size 2 C and positioning. nce the above is received, an e-mail showing 3 O a visual of the print will be sent for approval.
yourself or direct to your customer if requested, for them to approve. This turnaround is 24 working hours. The form gives them the option to request a sample swatch, accept or reject with instructions to alter.
3 Once all confirmed, the logo will be given a reference number to be used when placing the order. 4 Once the order is received with the logo approved, Alexandra endeavour to achieve a 10 working day turnaround for delivery.
Personalisation pricing Digital embroidery Our advanced digitisation converts any type style or logo into high quality, durable embroidery in hundreds of colours - just 7 days from order to delivery. Price starting at just £2.50 per application. Set up charge for logo design £20.00. Set up charge for text is FREE (choose from 5 standard fonts).
Printing Printing is the ideal choice for very large designs or high volumes. We offer a range of printing techniques to produce bold, permanent full-colour images, logos and designs. The choice of finish will depend on your needs, the fabric and volume required, so please contact us for more information. Price starting at just £2.50 per application. Set up charge for printing £20.00.
Express service We now offer express three day delivery on embroidery to customers who already have their embroidery set up with us. Terms and conditions apply, please contact us for more details.
Heat seals
nce confirmed, the logo will be given a reference 4 O number to be used when placing the order.
No set up charge.
nce the order is received with the logo 5 O approval, it is a maximum 15 working day turnaround for delivery.
Standard lettering
Prices will be provided on application.
Visit the Alexandra website: alexandra.co.uk
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Key products
WL30
Workwear
SG2
WL89
W101
Workwear bestsellers
Businesses who buy these products include… Manufacturers (including food), trades (plumber, electrician, builder), transport companies, heavy industry and facilities management including security.
Don’t forget...
W640
Code
Description
WL30
Men’s trousers
W640
Women’s pleat trousers
SG2
Men’s short sleeved shirt
WL89
Men’s coat
W101
Basic coverall
always offer your customer head-to-toe solutions - from headwear to footwear and everything in between!
NS69 SW22
NU560
GT190
PPE and footwear
NS16
PPE bestsellers
Businesses who buy these products include… almost any UK business has a requirement for hi-vis garments and protective footwear where some other personal protection requirement has been identified.
Code
Description
SW22
Hi-vis waistcoat
NU560
Optima rubber gloves
GT190
Disposable coverall
NS69
Tough grip gloves
NS16
Eye shield
Footwear bestsellers Code
FW516
8
NU970
NU962
NU282
Description
FW516
Toffeln Ezi-klogs
NU970
Toffeln flex lite clogs
NU962
Toffeln ultra lite clogs
NU282
Blackrock Ultimate boots
FW114
Safety Gibson shoes
FW114
HP298
D313
ST298
D397
D398
Healthcare bestsellers
Healthcare Businesses who buy these products include… care homes, private medical establishments including dentist, doctors, vets and private hospital.
Don’t forget...
Code
Description
HP298
Women's tunic (round neck)
D313
Women's tunic (square neck)
ST298
Women's stripe tunic
D397
Unisex scrub tunic
D398
Unisex scrub trousers
W40
Women's trousers
W40
we also offer a wide range of healthcare accessories including fob watches and footwear.
W112
W691
CZ22
NG30
NU965
Hospitality bestsellers
Hospitality and catering Businesses who buy these products include… bars, restaurants, leisure centres, cafés, hotels, hospitality businesses or any business with its own catering facilities.
Code
Description
W112
Easy care tabard with pocket
W691
Bib apron
CZ22
Skull cap
NG30
Short waist apron
NU965
Chefs trousers
NU167
Classic chefs jacket
NU167
Don’t forget... to ask how your hospitality and catering customer washes their garments; many use commercial laundry services, so will need garments that can be washed industrially or over 60°C.
NF990
NF960
NF959
2251
NF172
Beauty and spa best sellers
Beauty and spa Businesses who buy these products include… hotels, spa resorts, nail bars, hair salons, beauticians.
Code
Description
NF990
Women’s easy care wrap button tunic
NF960
Women’s classic cut beauty tunic
NF959
Women’s stand collar beauty tunic
2251 NF172
Women’s concealed button beauty tunic Women’s stud front beauty tunic
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W231
Leisurewear Businesses who buy these products include… T-shirts, polo-shirts and general team wear can be found within this section of our catalogue. Most UK businesses have a requirement for these garments.
Don’t forget...
NG19
JX58
JX21
NF184
Leisurewear and outerwear best sellers Code
Description
W231
Unisex polo shirt
NG19
Anti-pill fleece
JX58
Ultimate polo shirt
JX21
Classic t-shirt
NF184
Women’s polo shirt
W232
Unisex sweatshirt
W232
many businesses will use t-shirts throughout the year for seasonal or promotional activities.
Most businesses will review the staff uniforms when the seasons change. Get in contact with your customers as the summer and winter months approach.
NF160
Businesswear Businesses who buy these products include… Public bodies including councils, hotels and catering establishments, banking, finance and professional services.
NG4
NG10
CZ203
CZ204
Businesswear best sellers Code
Description
NF160
Women’s woven blouse
NG4
Women’s easy care shirt
NG10
Women’s diamond print blouse
CZ203
Cadenza women’s kick flare trousers
CZ204
Cadenza women’s short line jacket
Don’t forget... to offer personalisation on business wear items, particularly on accessories including ties and scarves as this is often a more cost effective solution.
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Identifying the opportunity… When engaging with your customers you will either discover that they are currently purchasing workwear or there is an
Step 1 Qualifying the lead Key Questions to ask • Who is their current provider? • Are they in an agreement with them? When does this agreement cease what are the key dates? • What are your customer’s key needs, how important is price, availability, lead time and quality to them? • What personalisation do they have or want? Embroidery, screen print, heat seals, tax tabs or standard lettering?
opportunity for them to do so. Any customer of yours is a potential workwear buyer or wearer of workwear.
Step 2 Account Handling Once this information is gathered there are a number of options for handling the account:
Less than 50 staff... Dedicated telephone support at Alexandra. This will give you access to garment knowledge, stock, advice on sizing and personalisation. This will also be your route to register your lead. If you require samples they should be ordered as a normal sales order and you will have 30 days in which your customer can trial and return these samples for a full credit refund*. Please contact 0333 600 1111 or email: reseller_leads@alexandra.co.uk
• How many staff do they purchase for? • What are the different functions their employees undertake? • Do they have an annual budget for workwear? • How often to do they re-purchase? • Do they install uniform roll outs, providing clothing all in one go or provide uniforms to staff as and when required?
For an opportunity between 50 - 249 staff... you will have regional support, please contact: reseller_leads@alexandra.co.uk. The appropriate account manager will give you a call back within 24 hours to assist you with your query.
• How long do garments currently take to be delivered? Or how quickly would they need them? • How do they size the workforce for their requirements? • Do they have any special garment requirements for example do they need to be industrially laundered?
Over 250 staff... you should contact your account manager, reseller_leads@alexandra.co.uk
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Managing your customers’ expectations Forecasting
Delivery
As the largest supplier of workwear clothing within the UK, we pride ourselves on consistently having over 93% stock availability across our best sellers.
If a garment is in stock it will usually be despatched within 2 working days, unless personalisation is required. Items that are being personalised usually take up to 10 working days from receipt of order and logo approval.
However, if you have a significant opportunity (above 50 wearers) it is imperative that you check with the helpline to ensure that stock is available before advising your customer of an anticipated delivery date. We can then manage your customer’s expectations and any future demand.
Note: 50+ staff uniforms call 0333 600 1111 to check stock availability
Note: Personalised - will usually take up to 10 working days from receipt of order and logo approval
Contact us alexandra.co.uk Fully optimised for mobile and tablet
email: reseller_leads@alexandra.co.uk telephone: 0333 600 1111 08:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday
(standard local call rate).
fax: 0333 700 2222 Speak to a specialist Account Manager. We can link you up with regional or sector-specific sales teams. John Howard Northern England and Scotland e: john.howard@alexandra.co.uk t: 07850 312273 Barry Rowles Central England and Wales e: barry.rowles@alexandra.co.uk t: 07703 199219 Sean Matthews Southern and South West e: sean.matthews@alexandra.co.uk t: 07876 351897 Chris Deighton National Accounts e: chris.deighton@alexandra.co.uk t: 07850 312015 Work Uniforms Direct Limited T/A Alexandra Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland e: orders@workuniformsdirect.com t: 0845 463 1018 12
Northern England and Scotland: John Howard Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland: Work Uniforms Direct Limited T/A Alexandra Central England and Wales: Barry Rowles
Southern and South West: Sean Matthews