Buying uniforms and accessories for law enforcement departments is a tough job. There are many different pieces to buy and many different vendors, as well. Accessories can become a large portion of your budget, so it’s important to choose these with care. Here are some things to look for when choosing accessories:
* Durability – Accessories need to last an officer for years, and need to be counted on to be in good working order when needed. Choose vendors that make high quality products.
* Practicality- The accessories should be ones your officers find easy to use and practical on the job.
* Availability – Once you’ve added an accessory to your department’s standard uniform, you want to know that it will be available for a while. Check vendors out for longevity before you purchase. You want to know that the Safariland Mag pouch you purchase today will be available for purchase six months from now, too.
* Reputation – Choose a manufacturer that has been in the business for years. This ensures the availability of products, as well as indicating that the vendor believes in good customer service.
* Competitive Pricing – It’s important that your gear be durable, so you will likely never buy on price alone. However, your vendor’s pricing should be fair and competitive in the marketplace.
* Responsiveness – Your vendor should be responsive to your needs and requests. If you find it difficult to talk with your vendor or get your phone calls returned, it might be time to consider another company. Multiple distributors sell widely used accessories like the Safariland Mag pouch, so you can always find the products from a more responsive company.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the accessories your department needs from a vendor you can work with for the long term. The right vendor makes your job as a buyer so much easier.
