How to Own a Dry Cleaners

Owning a dry cleaning business can be lucrative.

Owning a dry cleaning business can be challenging, rewarding and lucrative. There aren't many other small businesses that can become such an integral part of the community as the local dry cleaner. It is up to you to keep people looking their best at all times. And if you do your job well, your customers will remain loyal.

Instructions

1. Gain experience and knowledge about every element of running a dry cleaning business. This can either be through training or working for a dry cleaner.

2. Decide if you want to own a franchise of a dry cleaning chain or open an independent business. Choose a location. Seek out a location with little competition but a high volume of daily traffic.

3. Create a business plan or have one created for you to determine how much startup and operating capital you will need to run your business for the first year.

4. Seek out financing from a financial institution or private investor.

5. Familiarize yourself with your local and state laws regarding dry cleaners to have the proper permits and licenses when you open.

6. Hire experienced employees who will help make your transition to business owner a smooth one.

7. Promote yourself at least four weeks prior to opening. Create a marketing plan to seek out your target market and begin the process of bringing in customers.

Tips & Warnings

• When planning your location, decide if you will be cleaning the clothes onsite or sending them out.

• Hire an accountant to take care of your financial information so you can concentrate on the day-to-day business activities.

• Hire someone to create your marketing strategy if you have no experience with marketing a small business.

References

• DrycleanUSA: Franchise
• Small Business Administration: Manage Your Business from Start to Finish