Setting Up a Dry Cleaning Business
Setting up a dry-cleaning business requires research, acquiring the necessary training and hard work. If you enjoy working with the public, have a knowledge or aptitude for garment care and are willing to work night and day to get your business off the ground, then you might consider entering into this industry. The success of a dry-cleaning business is based on the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Set up your service in a downtown district where there is steady foot traffic from busy professionals since they are your target market.
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Things You'll Need
- Business plan
- Legal/tax documents
- Dry cleaning machine
- Solvents
- Pressing and finishing equipment
- Drying racks
- Touch-up station
- Bagging stand
- Storefront with production and storage space
Instructions
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Research the market and competition for your dry cleaning business. Consider what the demand is for dry cleaning in your target area. If there is competition, you will need to think of ways to compete. Come up with a marketing strategy to attract business and place your focus on customer service to establish repeat business. Research the equipment necessary to start your business as well as the availability of property and typical costs in your market.
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Write a detailed business plan based on your research. Write a mission statement that highlights your goals for your business. Provide a detailed description of your business including how you will set up your service and production/storage area, hours, service pricing, policies and any of the day-to-day operations. Other elements include a detailed analysis of the market and competition, a marketing plan and financial projections. Attach any necessary legal documents at the end of the business plan.
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Fill out and file the business registration form as well as any other business forms necessary to establish your dry-cleaning business as a legal entity with local, state and federal authorities. These may include licenses or permit applications since you will be operating out of a retail storefront and will be serving the public. Fill out and file a tax registration form as well as any other forms on the local, state and federal level. Consult an accountant with any specific questions or concerns. Set up a bookkeeping system.
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Work with an attorney to create a service agreement to relieve you of any liability for damage, theft or loss of the garments that are in your care. An agreement should be signed prior to leaving the garment in your shop. There are standard agreements for this type of business available; however, it is suggested that you consult an attorney to ensure that the wording is legally binding.
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Meet with a local insurance agent to discuss options for insurance. Liability and property insurance will be necessary since you will be dealing directly with the public and the public will be entering onto your property. Another concern is protecting your clients' property from theft or damage through insurance. An agent will be able to advise you of your options.
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Purchase or lease a dry-cleaning machine along with your other equipment based on your research and projected budget for equipment. There are many companies that offer entire packages along with training. If you are unfamiliar with dry-cleaning equipment, then this would be a good option. Training is important because you will need to know how to operate the equipment properly to avoid damaging your clients' clothing. Become proficient with the equipment prior to opening your doors for business. Some other equipment besides the dry-cleaning machine include solvents, pressing and finishing equipment, drying racks, rolling bins, bagging racks, garment bags and garment tags. You will also need to purchase a cash register and counter for customer service.
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Locate and lease or purchase a storefront with production and storage space based on your initial research and budget projections. Select a storefront in a heavily traveled area by busy professionals who would most need your services. High visibility will provide you with a large amount of walk-in clients without a need for extensive advertising. Stock your production area with supplies and set up your equipment so that there is an efficient work flow from the reception of the garment all the way through to the bagging and return. Set up your storefront to provide a garment reception area and customer service counter.
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Advertise in your local papers. Announce your opening by writing a press release to send to local papers. Join your local chamber of commerce. Take the opportunity to network with other business owners and advertise with them to increase your presence within the community.
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Tips & Warnings
Focus on high-quality service to create a loyal customer base.
Become an expert at dry-cleaning prior to opening your doors for business. One or two ruined garments could destroy your reputation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit shirts. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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This good.
