We are sometimes asked the question by our customers, whether we can provide them with a mat rental service. The question is asked as this is something that some businesses have become accustomed to, as they have always rented their mats, and perhaps don't know any different. Our article aims to settle the Mat Purchase vs. Mat Rental debate and make it clear on the best option for you in terms of cost, convenience, flexibility, performance and more.
Quality and Performance
Firstly, let's consider the difference in quality and performance of buying or renting your mats.
When renting mats, you will usually be supplied with basic carpet type mats, which only have a small amount of pile, giving them little dirt removing properties. Your best bet is a bi-level entrance mat, which will scrape and remove dirt and water at the door, holding it in the lower level of the mat until it is cleaned.
Another issue is that rental companies tend to supply you with mats that may be a variety of different ages. It goes without saying that the older the mat, the more worn it becomes and the lower the performance. With a carpet type mat, as the mat gets older the pile will become crushed and ineffective. In contrast, if you purchase your own mats, you will always know how old it is, and you can purchase a high quality mat that will stand the test of time.
Flexibility and Choice
Every organisation has its own unique requirements, which is why flexibility and choice are important factors when choosing mats for your premises.
When renting your mats you will usually be limited to a choice of either blue or black mats, which may not necessarily suit the decor of your premises, or your company colours. When purchasing your own mats you will have more colour choices, allowing you to choose the best option for you.
The same goes for size, with most rental companies only offering around 3 sizes of entrance mats. When purchasing your own mats, you will have a wealth of sizes to choose from and you may even be able to order a bespoke size, to suit the exact size and shape of your premises.
Aesthetics
As mentioned previously, the mats that you receive from a rental company may be a variety of different ages. This will mean that some mats will look more worn than others, causing differences in the colour and appearance of the mat.
Cleaning and Convenience
One of the biggest selling points of rental mats, is that the rental company provide a laundering service, whereby they come to collect your mats for cleaning and replace them with a fresh set. However, why pay for a service to have your mats cleaned for you, when your existing cleaning staff will clean them for you as they do your carpets and floors?
You will have no control over what type of establishment your mats have been put down in previously, as the mat rental company will be providing a service for a variety of different organisations, such as food establishments, shops, hospitals, offices and more. This means there has to be an element of trust between yourself and your rental service provider, that the mats are being laundered correctly and not just passed from one organisation to another.
Cost
It is a myth that rental mats are economical, they are actually very expensive as a long term option. Although purchasing your own mats may seem like a daunting initial investment, if you purchase the right, high quality matting, the mats will perform for you for five years or more.
Switching from rental to purchase will not only save you money, but you can choose colour coordinated mats to compliment your decor and branding, as well as being able to choose from a variety of sizes and mat types.
If you are still unsure which mats are right for you, please feel free to give us a call on 0121 313 6748, where one of our friendly advisers will be happy to help you.
