Buying School Uniforms

[DSJJ]

Our Catholic school requires we buy from a special vendor (school uniforms). This is so they can make money off of the uniform from the vendor. They are very expensive this way since it goes through two people making profit from the sale. We just had to borrow money from someone to make ends meet in our home budget and can’t afford to buy them this way. The school requires a patch from the vendor be on each clothing so they can tell you bought it there in stead of another store. Is it wrong to buy the exact same clothes from Kohl"s for a way discounted price and sew the patch from last year on the clothes to save money? Thanks for any replies.

 

[JohnDamian]

It is not wrong to sow the patch on and say nothing.

However; if asked it would be wrong to lie about it.

I do understand this problem and sympathise. Someone in my family had to decline a scholarship to the best school in Nottingham because he couldn’t afford all the sports uniforms.

It may also be possible for you to buy the uniforms of other students from the year/s above for those who may have grown out of them.

 

[Rence]

No, I don’t think it’s wrong to buy the uniform from Kohl’s and sew a patch on. Go for it. You have a responsibility to pay your bills, put food on the table and make sure you and your family has a roof over their heads.

If they had any integrity, this school wouldn’t impose this financial burden on the parents of their students. There are other ways for them to try and get funds. When I was in school we were required to participate in fund raisers for the school. Penalizing the parents and burdening families is wrong.

Tuition for Catholic schools is a burden enough for a family.

 

[Sharen]

As long as the styles (no low rise) and colors are the same, it should make no difference. Our schools tuition is very reasonable (under $ 3,000) but I still don’t want to spend $500 on uniforms. I bought the things that have an embroidered logo from the approved vendor, then got the oxford shirts, pants and shirts from Sears or Penneys. I can’t remember which. They carry a brand called French Toast Uniforms that are reasonably priced. If you need colors besides navy blue, white or kakhi, it may be harder to find what you are looking for.

Our school has a “uniform exchange” at the end of the summer. Parents can drop off their outgrown uniforms and get “pre owned” uniform items in the appropriate size. All free of charge. Maybe you could seek out some support from other parents and go to the headmaster with this in play for next summer.
Good Luck!!!

 

[Corki]

Our Catholic school requires we buy from a special vendor (school uniforms). **This is so they can make money off of the uniform from the vendor. **They are very expensive this way since it goes through two people making profit from the sale. We just had to borrow money from someone to make ends meet in our home budget and can’t afford to buy them this way. The school requires a patch from the vendor be on each clothing so they can tell you bought it there in stead of another store. Is it wrong to buy the exact same clothes from Kohl"s for a way discounted price and sew the patch from last year on the clothes to save money? Thanks for any replies.

Are you sure that’s the reason?

I just came from the uniform store for my yearly purchases. All of the Catholic and private schools around here use a uniform store. They can be sure the style and color are true matches that way. You can buy khaki pants at Kohls but the khaki may or may not be a true match. Most of the schools offer at least one alternate vendor (such as Lands End). Our schools don’t make a penny from uniform sales. They do encourage the use of the designated stores, in part, because the stores give free and discounted uniforms to students with financial need and they are big supporters of the schools’ fund raising.

But I feel your pain.

 

[pnewton]

No, there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the uniform ends up matching what it is supposed to. I understand the reason for set vendors though, as I wear a uniform. Having too many choices starts allowing for variances that can defeat the purpose of a school uniform. I think an exchange program is a great idea. I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality of our school uniforms. If it weren’t for out-growing the size, I would see that they are actually a better bargain. We are using some from the exchange program that rotates through three or four years.

Check in your parish if anyone has some hand-me-downs.