When You Accept the Lowest Price

In business, every purchasing decision comes down to value — but that doesn’t always mean price. While it’s tempting to choose the lowest bidder, that decision can often come with hidden costs, shorter contracts, and lasting frustration.

“Oftentimes when a prospect accepts the lowest bid, they’re offered introductory rates,” said Alex Clark, Director of Sales at CITY Laundering Co. “Once that prospect becomes a customer, those introductory rates quickly disappear, followed by annual and off-cycle price increases. Over time, this leads to frustration with both the rising costs and declining quality of products or services.”

At CITY, we’ve seen this story unfold countless times. A business selects a national provider promising savings — only to discover later that service responsiveness fades, invoices climb, and communication breaks down. It’s a costly cycle that local, family-owned providers like CITY have worked hard to solve for over a century.

Shared Values Create Stronger Partnerships

“Shared values are the foundation of every lasting partnership,” Alex shared. “When our customers value the same things we do — honesty, reliability, local relationships, and doing what’s right — the partnership naturally grows stronger over time.”

When values align, trust follows. It’s that trust that allows both sides to communicate openly, solve challenges quickly, and work toward shared goals rather than transactions. “Our customers know that when we say we’ll deliver quality products and dependable service, we mean it — and that consistency builds long-term loyalty,” Alex said.

At CITY, putting people first isn’t just a tagline — it’s how business has been done since 1906. As Alex put it, “When you partner with people who share your values, retention isn’t something you chase; it’s something you earn.”

Looking Beyond the Lowest Bid

When price is the only deciding factor, the bigger picture is often missed. A lower quote might look appealing today, but what about six months from now? Will that provider still show up on time, deliver clean, well-maintained uniforms, and provide responsive service when you need it most?

“When I talk to prospects, I help them look beyond the number on the quote,” Alex explained. “A lower bid often comes with hidden costs, lower service quality, inferior garment quality, or price increases once the introductory rate ends.”

Instead, CITY focuses on consistency, transparency, and partnership. As Alex described, “We’re a local, family-owned company that reinvests in our customers, not shareholders. Our reliability, responsiveness, and commitment to long-term satisfaction protect their investment and eliminate the frustration that comes with switching providers every few years.”

Doing Business the Right Way

In a world where fine print can change everything, CITY keeps it simple: do what’s right, deliver on promises, and treat every customer like a partner — not a contract.

When price fades, what’s left is the relationship. And at CITY, that’s where the real value lives.