Is there any point in a uniform?

Since the recession, the service industry has never been more crowded. But we're in a time where choosing a professional to provide a service at your home is more difficult than ever. Why? Not everyone takes business seriously. 

It's the 21st century and let's face it, we want to know who is in or around our property and who we're handing our money over to.

Basically, by this point in human history, we should be trying to be good at what we do. 

In this blog I just want to look at one detail of spotting a good professional.

Most shops you go into, most large organisations, pizza shops (and of course stag and hen do's) all have uniforms. So why don't all trades catch on.

I come across a lot of people that are great tradesman, and who are experts at what they do. But how will people know if they've got no idea what they do or why they are there? Should plumbers really be able to wear crocs? Should your gardener be allowed to wear cut off jeans? Should every day be dress down Friday? 

From the start I instituted smart professional apparel with clear branding that makes each member of staff recognisable to our customers. I don't think this is any form of self-righteousness on my part, this is the norm. This should be standard shouldn't it?

The feedback we get back from our customers, is that we appear to be professional, trustworthy and easy to identify.

What do you think? Does it really matter? 

Joel