DealersEdge Professional Forums

I need some input on a uniform issue. We are finding that alot of dealers charge their techs, porters, parts dept., etc. for their uniforms. How do any of you handle this at your dealerships?

I haven't charged for uniforms in years, however I am thinking about charging a small deposit for any new hires (especially porters) that would be refundable provided all uniforms are turned in upon their leaving our dealership. The state of PA will not let you hold a final pay check for missing uniform fees.

Be careful with this.

The rules vary by state, with most permitting employers to require employees to pay for uniforms.

Some states (California comes to mind) prohibit the practice.

Also, the way in which the reimbursement is collected can matter if your state has rules on what can be deducted from a paycheck.

If the employee is at or close to the minimum wage, the charge for uniforms cannot reduce compensation below the minimum.

If you haven't already done so, the practice should be blessed by the dealership's attorney.

We dont charge for uniforms but I believe in California that you can charge for uniform service-laundry if you wanted-for whatever that is worth

In Va. We split the weekly fee with the technicians. I dont charge any lesser pay personel. This is a common practice in our area.

I am in California and if you require employees to wear company uniforms, you cannot charge them for cleaning. You cannot also charge them for lost uniforms by witholding thier paycheck, you may take them to small claims court to re-coup your losses.

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We pay a cleaning fee each week of 3.50 But no upfront fee for receiving the uniforms initially. I am in MI