A dry cleaning business can provide a valuable service.Since there is always a demand for dry cleaning services for clothing and household items, a business of this type can be viable in many locations around the globe.Starting a dry cleaning business can be an exciting way to own your own business.
Step 1: Gain exposure.
Try to work in a dry cleaning shop for a few months to a year before opening your own business.This will help you determine if the dry cleaning business is right for you, and can teach you valuable skills that you can bring to your own business.What kind of equipment you will need, how much money you can expect to spend, and how to interact better with customers are some of the things you may learn.If you don't want to work in a dry cleaning business, do some research.Ask questions to people who work in the industry, learn what it takes to run a dry cleaning business, and borrow books from the library, if you want to.
Step 2: Find out what the market is like.
If you've never worked in that market before, it will be difficult to start a dry cleaning business.Census data can be used to determine the population in your area.To find out how many dry cleaning businesses exist in your community, use a phone book or internet search.You don't want to start a business in a saturated market.
Step 3: Decide on a location and model.
In order to factor in the cost of renting a storefront, you'll want to know where you plan on opening your business.You could brand yourself as an alternative dry cleaning business that offers home delivery or uses sustainable cleaning methods.This could help you fill a vacant niche in your community.If you want to make your business a delivery service, you'll need reliable transportation and reliable drivers.You have to decide whether or not to hire a staff and how big it will be.Consider opening a "green" dry cleaning business.Many traditional dry cleaning businesses use harmful chemicals.Green dry cleaners use healthy chemicals.
Step 4: A business plan is necessary.
This should be a declaration of your professional goals and your plans for achieving them.It may be necessary to get funding for your business if you want to take out a loan.Start with management and organization.This is a good place to start your business plan, as it lays out your company's managerial structure, professional qualifications for your employees, and your plans for maintaining ownership of the company.Mention any factors that separate your business from existing dry cleaning businesses.A description of how your service works should be included, as well as any existing, pending, or predicted patents related to your business.How you plan to enter the market, how you want to grow your business, what your channels of distribution might be, and what you intend to do with your customers are all part of your proposed marketing strategy.The sales strategy should include your proposed sales force and activities.If necessary, draft up a funding request.This should include your business's current financial needs, projected financial requirements over a period of five years, how you will use funding upon receipt of financial assistance, and strategic financial plans for the future.You will need to draft up a financial projection after analyzing the market you intend to enter.Historical financial information and projected financial data are included if you've been in business before.For the next five years.
Step 5: There is secure funding.
You'll need to secure funding to get your business off the ground after you've set a budget and calculated your projected profits and losses.Depending on where you want to operate your business, as well as what kind of equipment you intend to use, how much you need will be determined.It's possible to start a dry cleaning business for under $2,000, but high-end equipment can cost $40,000 or more.Start-up dry cleaning businesses need $500,000 in capital to get off the ground.Determine how much money you will need with the help of an accountant or financial advisor.You may be able to get a small business loan.Contact a financial institution in your area, or read more about small business loan qualifications at the SBA website.If you want to start a business from scratch, consider opening a franchise location.A successful business model is one of the advantages of a franchise.
Step 6: Obtain permits and licenses.
You'll need a special permit and license to operate a dry cleaning business, and you will probably need to renew your license and permit on a regular basis.To start a dry cleaning business, you need to contact your local and state officials.If you want to hire a staff, you need to register your business with the IRS and get an Employer Identification Number.
Step 7: Equipment can be rented or purchased.
Without dry cleaning equipment, you can't run a business.If you buy cheap equipment, you could end up paying more for repairs or replacements.Buying equipment from a dry cleaner who is going out of business can be a good idea.
Step 8: Hire a person.
If your staff knows how to work at a dry cleaning business, it's best.You will have to pay competitive wages to your staff.In some cities the minimum wage may be as high as fifteen dollars an hour.Expect to spend most of your time at the store.To help keep costs down, you will probably need to work at cleaning clothes quite a bit, especially if you want to do your own work.You will need to spend a lot of time at the store to be the face of your business, networking with customers and ensuring that clients are satisfied with the work you've done on their clothes.
Step 9: Make sure you market your business.
In order to keep your dry cleaning business going, you need to market it.A phone book advertisement could bring in a lot of clients.Businesses can advertise for free on social media, and customers can reach them directly.Special discounts or coupons can be offered through social media, which would encourage customers to follow your business online.