How to open a dry cleaning business

After all, what’s more satisfying than a freshly pressed dress shirt or a miraculously stain-free skirt? And, with the dry cleaning market size projected to grow over the next five years, now’s the perfect time to transform your hobby into something more.

Wondering how to start a dry cleaning business of your own? Here are six considerations to keep in mind as you lay out your plan.

1. Do your research

Before embarking on this exciting journey, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you. A quick Google search will show you other dry cleaning shops in your area. What are their hours? What do their websites look like? What are the key themes of the available online reviews–positive and negative? What are the demographics of the customers near your proposed business? Taking diligent notes can help you assess the market opportunity and plan out your business strategy.

READ: How to start a small business in 9 simple steps

2. Find a location

Use your research to determine the best location for your new business. With the dry cleaning and laundry services market worth a whopping $69 billion in 2022, there’s no shortage of profitable neighborhoods to choose from.

Consider finding a spot that can easily cater to both commercial business and residential customers. Hospitals, restaurants, and hotels provide regular and booming business, while the relationships and loyalty you foster among your everyday customers will make you a staple in your community. Find a location that brings you the best of both worlds.

3. Set prices

So, you’ve done the legwork, but how are you going to set prices that make a profit?

There are an array of variables that affect pricing, especially when starting a dry cleaning business. Labor costs can be high, as handling fragile fabrics requires a skilled workforce. Take into account your overhead costs, like rent and utilities. The equipment needed to start a dry cleaning service is expensive, too, especially when investing in high-quality machinery to bring customers the best service possible.

Remember that research you did on competing dry cleaners? Use their prices as a reference point to help set your own. You can offer competitive prices to attract customers–or market yourself as a luxury shop that entices higher-paying customers with quality services. 

READ: Should you add wash and fold laundry services to your dry cleaning business?

4. Build a marketing plan

After investing in a viable location, quality equipment, and well-trained staff, you’ll want to make sure future customers are aware of your business. 

First, write yourself a mission statement. What problem is your business primed to solve? Maybe you’re open late to cater to a busy white-collar workforce, or you provide convenient pick up and drop off services faster than your competition. Outlining a common goal for you and your employees to rally behind is key as your business evolves and grows.

Next, create a marketing plan. Consider what dry cleaning marketing strategies work best for your specific business. Common ways of reaching customers include:

• Word-of-mouth publicity
• Print advertising
• Email marketing
• Direct mail
• Social media
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• SMS marketing

Investigate social media marketing as a low-cost, high-impact tool to add to your arsenal. Creating a handle for your business on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is an easy step that has the potential to draw in thousands of viewers. With just a few minutes a day, you can keep customers engaged with eye-catching, authentic content that makes your business stand out. 

Snap well-lit photos of clothes before and after you’ve cleaned them. That expensive equipment you invested in? Show it off in behind-the-scenes videos! Reach out to local businesses to collaborate on posts and grow both your audiences. A glowing customer review? Turn it into a graphic for your grid with a tool like Canva. The opportunities are endless.

READ: How to create compelling visual content for social that drives attention

5. Reward loyalty

Turn one-time customers into repeat patrons and give back to those who continually support your business with loyalty programs. With Clover POS for dry cleaners preloaded with Clover Customer Engagement, you can easily create an incentive for visitors to keep coming back again and again with exclusive rewards for frequent shopping. 

Celebrating your business’s anniversary? Want to remind busy moms to dry clean their sons’ suits for prom season? Clover makes it easy to send offers via email or text to alert customers of limited-time offers. 

READ: Choosing the right loyalty program for your business

6. Choose a POS system

It’s never too early to consider your POS system. Optimize operations by choosing Clover POS for dry cleaners, a system ready-made to run a dry cleaning business.

Clover provides support for your small business every step of the way. Make sense of the flood of new customers with a system that does more than just accept payment: set pickup reminders for busy customers with a tracking app integration; get alerts when your solvents and detergents inventory is running low; schedule shifts and manage payroll for your employees; reward loyal customers, offer gifts cards, and much more. 

No matter your niche, Clover has the right POS system to maximize your business goals. Starting a dry cleaning business can be very manageable with some research and the right tools. For more information on how Clover can address your unique business needs, reach out to a Clover Business Consultant today.

Editorial Team

Insights, Professional services, Start a small business

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