Turn your Invoices into cash in within 24 hours. Same day funding up to £300k on turnover up to £3 million. Get a Quote Now. Ashley Commercial Finance

Proven Small Businesses You can Start – Dry Cleaning

Last Updated
July 20, 2010

Dry Cleaning

Running a dry cleaning shop will involve the managing of items coming in and out, the hiring and firing of staff and possibly some machine operation.

You would need to have the ability to communicate in a friendly and helpful manner with customers, to manage items effectively (ensuring no mix ups), and communicate well with staff.

You do not need any prior-training to startup a dry cleaners, training or instructions on the process will be given when the equipment is purchased; although researching the process beforehand will help you. The ability to organise the accounts and flow of orders will be a strong benefit.

All dry cleaning equipment must meet the appropriate pressure equipment safety regulations, and be maintained and checked regularly. The solvents that are used in the process can also be dangerous and need to be stored and used in accordance with health and safety regulations. There are many competitors in the dry cleaning industry, including large chains and small independent stores. To succeed you need to make sure that the location you choose is suitable, with lots of passing trade and within the range of lots of potential customers; this is likely to mean that location costs are high.
Dry cleaning is a reasonably profitable activity, by building up regular customers and encouraging the dry cleaning of multiple items; it is possible to run a very solid business. There are several growing aspects that you could take advantage of, including the dry cleaning of bed linen and sofa covers.
Dry cleaners can attract customers with local advertising, coupon or voucher offers, and by encouraging customers to return with quality service. You will probably need to promote quite heavily at the start of the business to make customers aware of you, especially if you are not in a location with lots of passing trade. Special offers that encourage customers to bring items they may not normally dry clean can help to increase sales over time.

Pros

  • There is quite a large market available, with several growing aspects that can be taken advantage of (e.g. The cleaning of bed linen and sofa covers etc.).

Cons

  • There are lots of competitors, both small and large chain businesses.
  • You are likely to need a lot of promotion to attract custom, particularly with the less known, growing sections.
Skill Level
Low
Start up Costs
Medium
Training
Short courses
Experience
Not needed, but an advantage
Equipment Costs
Medium to High
Location/Office Costs
Medium to High
Transport Required
No
No of Staff (incl. you)
3-6 +

Article Index

  1. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Introduction and Retail Shop
  2. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Call Out Services
  3. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Hairdressing
  4. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Accountancy
  5. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Painter and Decorator
  6. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Laundry Services and Laundrette
  7. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Take Away and Restaurant
  8. Dry Cleaning
  9. Small Businesses You can Start
  10. Proven Small Businesses You can Start - Marketing and Public Relations
Related Articles
Popular Articles in Small Business