Americans have depended on dry cleaners for decades to properly clean and launder their clothes. Today, it’s estimated that up to 40,000 dry cleaners are currently operating in the United States. The dry cleaning industry is also projected to be worth almost $8 billion. While this industry generates a substantial amount of revenue, it’s not uncommon to find dry cleaners operating as corner stores outside of quaint neighborhoods or even in small shopping centers.
If you’re looking for a career change, want to become an entrepreneur, or just want to get in on a piece of that multi-billion-dollar pie, then you should consider starting a dry cleaning business! But before you place an “open” sign on your front door, there’s a lot of work to be done. Let’s break down the process and take a closer look at how to start a dry cleaning business from start to finish.
Plan Accordingly
First things first – you need to find a physical location to open your store. As you might imagine, this is a lot easier said than done and it’s about more than just leasing a property where it’s available. You should conduct a thorough analysis to see which areas may need a dry cleaning store and look to start your business in or near this location.
After you pinpoint a location, you’ll need to develop a business plan. A good business plan should include both short and long-term goals, a market analysis, financial projections, competitive advantages, and a marketing plan. Before you can begin thinking about opening your store, you’ll need to have a solid strategy to work from to achieve the best results.
Acquire the Right Equipment
Once you’ve got your location and a plan in place, you’ll need to start budgeting for dry cleaning equipment. A good dry cleaning business offers a lot more than just washers and dryers. You’ll need to purchase a variety of other equipment such as condensate tanks, blow-down tanks, and boiler pumps. Then, there’s a range of value-added equipment, such as vacuum dry cleaners, industrial air vacuums, and vertical air vacuums. The more services you offer, the more successful and valued your business will be.
When you’re sourcing equipment, it’s important to work with a reputable manufacturer, such as Rema Dri-Vac. It’s critical to choose a provider that doesn’t just make industry-leading products but is also invested in the success of your enterprise. Purchasing quality equipment from a reputable supplier is beneficial for a few reasons: One, it can facilitate a cleaner overall end product and more satisfied customers, and two, it often translates to less maintenance and business downtime.
Market Your Business
Last, but certainly not least, you need to market your business to build a strong customer base. There are so many ways to do this both digitally and via conventional marketing and advertising methods. Some ideas may include:
- Sending postcards to area residents
- Starting social media channels and advertising on them
- Asking for emails and sending out a monthly digital newsletter
- Advertising in area community newspapers or coupon books
- Getting involved with the local chamber of commerce
- Running strategic promotions around your grand opening and other special events
Choose Rema Dri Vac
When it comes to operating a successful dry cleaning business, choosing equipment from Rema Dri Vac is in your best interest. For questions about our equipment, contact a member of our experienced team.