Clean Profits

The need for special care of garments, sofas, chairs, carpets and car interiors has made the dry cleaning sector more prominent. Till a few years back, dry cleaning was limited for the elite section of the society but with the rising standards of the middle class people, the dry cleaning industry has gained great momentum.

The sector has a lot of scope for growth as there are very few players in this sector who offer franchise to the aspiring entrepreneurs. Some of these are White Tiger Laundry Services; Four Seasons Dry Cleaning Company, Wardrobe and so on. Development of dry cleaning industry has invited many foreign brands to India to rub shoulders with the domestic players. Expanding through the franchise route, they provide ample opportunities to start business in this sector and to reap the benefits of its success. These well established brands provide the required training to a franchisee and do all the marketing, which is required at the initial stages of a business development.

The best part of taking a dry cleaning franchise is that it requires low investment. Therefore, it is a golden opportunity for those who can not afford huge investments to start a business. The latest trend in dry cleaning sector is tie-ups. Wondering what are tie-ups? Nowadays, dry cleaners usually sign a contract with some hotels or hospitals for dry cleaning all their commodities. It is a beneficial concept for both the parties as it ensures regular income for the dry cleaner, and allows benefit of discount and quality service to the associate. Majority of the dry cleaners also provide pick and drop services so as to retain and sustain their market value.

The dry cleaning business is of great demand in the market but needs hard work to make it run successfully. With the broadening aspects in dry cleaning, the challenges of setting up a business in this industry have also widened. A franchisee can succeed in this sector only if he is capable of providing his customers with timely and quality services. Or else, why a customer would turn up to his shop? Excellent work and timely services are the key words to grab the customers’ loyalty.

According to Rajeev Sekhri, Vice President, White Tiger Laundry Services, there are certain challenges that a franchisee might face during the early stages of development. He says, “Laundry and dry cleaning is a service based concept, so, it is quite difficult initially for a franchisee to attract customers to their compound. Furthermore, unlike other sectors, dry cleaning is a seasonal business that faces lean period in summers.” So, if you are interested in establishing your own business in dry cleaning, then it is advisable to start your franchise business in April or June, so that you can establish it in the coming two-three months and make its presence felt by the customers.

Apart from initial positioning of the franchise brand in the market, a franchisee also faces some technical problems, viz., installation of new machines, up-gradation of those machines from time-to-time, regular supply of detergents, constant vigil on employees’ work, customer satisfaction, and above all, to keep the good work flowing smoothly. However, a franchisee may not have to sit in his outlet constantly, but he is required to ensure that his men, machinery and equipment function efficiently and effectively.

Challenges are there in every business, but it is the businessman’s dedication and hard work that can make the business bloom.. For an upcoming businessman, dry cleaning franchise outlet is like a ready made treat. But a franchisee has to have some patience and perseverance to enjoy it for long.