Linen contracts are easy to sign and famously hard to leave. Ten minutes of pointed questions before signing prevents years of quiet overcharges. Here’s what to ask — and what a good answer sounds like.
1. What exactly is in the weekly rate?
Get the per-item price list in writing, and ask which charges appear on top of it: delivery fees, fuel surcharges, environmental fees, minimums. A trustworthy provider itemizes without being cornered.
2. What happens when items are damaged or lost?
Loss-and-damage billing is where margins hide. Ask how counts are done, whether you can audit them, and what a ruined napkin actually costs you.
3. How do rate increases work?
Look for capped, scheduled increases you approve — not open-ended “market adjustment” language buried in the renewal clause.
4. What’s the term, and how do I exit?
Auto-renewing multi-year terms with 90-day cancellation windows are the industry’s favorite trap. Shorter initial terms with clear exit language signal a provider that plans to earn your renewal.
5. What’s your fill rate on my items?
The best price means nothing if Saturday’s tablecloths don’t arrive. Ask how shortages are handled and made right.
6. Who do I call when something goes wrong?
A route rep with a name beats an 800 number. Ask who owns your account and how fast issues get resolved.
7. Can I talk to two customers like me?
Any provider proud of their service will hand you references in your industry and neighborhood.
Compare before you commit
The single best negotiating tool is a competing quote from a provider running routes on the same streets.
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