Dry Cleaning

[laundryboy]

I have the opportunity for my thrid mat. It has a newer, non-PERK, dry cleaning machine and alot of dry cleaning business. While I'm just starting to look at this store, can anyone direct me to more information on the dry cleaning side of the business? Is there a board like this?

Thanks

[Jim]

laundryboy

Try this link... http://www.nca-i.com/

[DirtyLaundry]

The biggest difference that you'll notice between drycleaning, and coin laundry, is that drycleaning is more labor intensive. I've been out of the drycleaning business for about 5 years now, but I can tell you it's a lot more work. It's very hot work in the summer, and you'll have a lot of employee turnover - especially pressers. Drycleaning takes a lot more knowledge, and continued learning. Coin laundry and drycleaning go well together. (sister businesses), although drycleaning does better in the more upscale or affluent areas. Although it is more work, labor, regulations, education, and the inevitable garment replacement costs, you do make more money. Example: you do drop off laundry @ approx .90 or $1.00 a pound, where with drycleaning you can charge by the piece. You can make what you do on an average drop off order, by just cleaning a couple pieces. Here's a little secret: about half the incoming drycleaning, can (and in most circumstances should,) be wetcleaned. Also, wedding dresses = killer profit - don't undercut. It's like any other business, if you're doing a good volume, it will be profitable, but you'll be spending more time, labor, and supplies. Definitly join the IFI. (International Fabricare Institute)

[Rich]

I do bulk Dry Cleaning in my mat. I have owned it for a year now. The Dry Cleaning accounts for about 5% of my gross, and 50% of my problem's. And as Dirty Laundry said 50% can be wet washed, and we do. If an item can be wet wash it will come out much better then Dry Cleaning.But its still very labor intensive. My machine is a perc machine. I am doing away with it this spring. I think the self serve end of my store is good enough that if I take the D/C out and put more washers and Dryers I will do better. I can't wait to see it go. Wish me luck. And good luck to you.

[Ken]

I had full service dry cleaner for over 10 years,closed 2 years ago.
It is much easier to run just laundromat,I don't even offer drop off drycleaner.
When I had drycleaner,I had to hire emplyee speak ok Englih and understand clothes otherwise I got called all the time.It depent on your area,drycleaner made money for my family for a few years then over building just kill the market,I am much happier without drycleaner.