Stop Paying the Loyalty Tax: How to Save 20–30% on Your Annual Workwear Spend

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The Hidden Cost of Staying Loyal

Across the UK, thousands of companies are unknowingly paying 20–30% more for workwear and PPE every year. It’s what we call the Loyalty Tax - the silent price increase that builds up over time when you stay with the same supplier out of habit.

Most buyers never notice it. Prices creep up slowly, contract renewals roll over, and “preferred supplier” deals make it seem like you’re saving - when in reality, you’re funding someone else’s margin.

At OAKEYS Safety Ltd, we see it every week: identical hi-vis jackets or safety boots sold for £6–£12 more per unit than our price - often to long-term clients who’ve never benchmarked their spend.

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How the Loyalty Tax Adds Up

Let’s break it down:

• Company size: 75 operatives
• Average annual PPE spend: £18,000
• Loyalty tax impact: 20–30% markup = £3,600–£5,400 per year

Over three years, that’s up to £16,000 wasted — money that could have gone into better kit, site training, or vehicle safety.

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Why It Happens

1. Automatic uplifts: Annual “inflationary” price rises regardless of real market cost.
2. No benchmarking: Buyers assume pricing remains competitive after year one.
3. Product rebrands: The same item under a new SKU at a higher price.
4. Minimum-order premiums: Small top-ups billed at full retail.

The result? You end up rewarding loyalty instead of value.

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How to Escape the Loyalty Trap

Step 1 – Request a Benchmark Audit
Ask for a side-by-side comparison from an independent supplier. OAKEYS can deliver a free cost analysis within 24 hours — no obligation.

Step 2 – Verify Compliance Documents
Many buyers overpay for “certified” gear that doesn’t actually meet EN ISO 20471 or RIS-3279-TOM standards. Confirm every product is properly tested.

Step 3 – Work Direct, Not Through Resellers
Buying from a true distributor like OAKEYS cuts out two or more layers of markup.

Step 4 – Lock Your Pricing for Two Years
We freeze prices for 24 months — no hidden uplifts or small-print increases.

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Real-World Example: 27% Saved Overnight

A UK utilities contractor sent us their existing PPE order list. After comparison, we reduced their like-for-like spend by 27%, covering hi-vis clothing, gloves, and safety footwear.
They switched to OAKEYS, received next-day delivery, and saved £4,860 in their first year — all while keeping the same brands and compliance levels.

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What Makes OAKEYS Different

• Typical savings: 20–30% across PPE and workwear
• No minimum order values – order only what you need
• Next-day UK delivery – just £5.99 standard
• Price Match Guarantee – we beat any like-for-like quote
• Exclusive access to OAKLINE – our UK-tested hi-vis range, designed for durability and comfort

Quick tip: Benchmark your spend every 12 months — loyalty should be earned, not billed.

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Compliance and Cost: The Winning Combination

Savings mean nothing without protection. OAKEYS only supplies fully EN-compliant, UK-tested garments from trusted brands such as Portwest, Pulsar, Delta Plus, and OAKLINE.

Each quote includes certification data sheets for full traceability — protecting your workforce and your audit trail.

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Your Next Step: Compare Your Spend

If you’ve been with the same PPE supplier for more than a year, you’re almost certainly overpaying.

Email your current order list to jake@oakeyssafety.co.uk for a free side-by-side comparison.
Most UK firms save 20–30% on their first audit — often without changing a single product.

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