Owning and Operating a Dry Cleaner Business

There are several key things that you need to consider when you are looking to or are already planning to purchase used dry cleaning machines. This first thing you will probably notice, and should notice is how the equipment looks. Just like purchasing a used car, look for the dents, scratches, wear and tear and the general overlook shape of the machinery. Depending on the age of the machine you can get a good idea on how well it has been taken care of just by how it appears on the outside. The nicer they look, the better they have been taken care of, in most cases. Make sure that the cleaning equipment is in good repair and is cosmetically in good shape. Another key part of your search is to be able to see the machine in operation and not just in a pile with 50 more just like it, un-powered and un-tested. In some cases you will get some sort of assurance that everything is in working order, but to be on the safe side, you will want to see for yourself. Ask or even insist that you be able to test each and every machine that you plan to buy. In some cases, this may not even be possible, then you need to check on the warranty period and return policies before you buy. Be sure that you are able to return the units within a set amount of time for any reason. Some policies will indicate specifics for returns, you will want it to be open to your discretion, especially if you are unable to test, listen and check for any abnormalities in the function of the equipment. This applies to any type of machinery really, from dry cleaning equipment, laundromat machines, etc.

Another part of some of these used and older machines is the service and parts availability. Ensure that you are buying a machine that is still serviceable in your area. Do not buy rock bottom deals because they are cheap, they may be cheap because no one can fix them if they do break down. This will lead to far higher maintenance costs then you may have budgeted for in your business. Check for all accessories to the equipment ( if it applies ), everything should be there, and if there is anything missing, find out the replacement cost for new or used accessories prior to your purchase.

I understand that there are economic considerations in todays market, everyone is on a tighter budget and cost saving is a priority for most, if not all small businesses. Dry cleaning services are really a small business, usually locally owned and operated or franchised. Either way, you need to watch your bottom dollar. Saving money on equipment is a good idea, if you do your research. Don’t be stuck with sub-standard machines just to save a dollar up front, because they may come back and bite you in the pocket book in high maintenance and repair costs. Staying competitive in tight markets is tough and one of the ways to do it is to use more efficient machines. Often in the dry cleaning business you will find that efficiency comes at a high up front cost. Everyone wants the highest efficiency they can get for their money, but there is a tipping point where the higher costs don’t reflect the savings you actually get in the long run. Number crunching to the rescue, be sure to calculate operating costs of your equipment. You can do this by power and water usage ratings for the machines. Chemical usage, recycling, heating and cooling. There is a bit more to it, but you get the idea. By calculating the running time, size and utility requirements per load, you can figure out your operating cost of the machine. Then by using the price per load/garment you can calculate what your profit is per load. Based on that number you should be able to determine where that fits into your operating budget and life-cycle of the machinery.

Remember that not all dry cleaning machines last forever. Yes, they do last a long time, if properly maintained, but as some point in the life of your business you will be upgrading and replacing that equipment. Your decision is based on so many factors that I can’t even begin to start, but generally, you will be looking at total time you are investing into your business and when you will be getting out ( selling your business ). The longer you plan to be the owner of your business, the more you may want to spend up front for better, long lasting equipment. Again, it is a numbers game and there are a lot of factors to consider, I am hoping to bring the key ones to light.

There are a lot of great deals to be made on used equipment, the best deals usually happen when you are not expecting it, however, you need to be prepared to jump on them when you can. Knowing the used dry cleaning machine market is helpful, spend some time researching local suppliers, online suppliers and larger reseller distributors. Narrow down your target machine brand, price range, options, or even down to the specific model. Then, when you see the deal you will know immediately if it is worth buying or not, regardless of the other research factors required. I often see the best deals made from local businesses that are closing out. Although the dry cleaning service business does see it’s share of failures, they are far and few. The industry itself is fairly stable, but on occasion you will see that close out auction sale for that model of machine you want to replace your existing equipment. Online actions and resellers will usually have the best deals on average, but you have to consider location and shipping costs in your price. You do have the same issue locally, but freight is different in different parts of the country. The only problem with auctions, even local ones, is that you have no opportunity to test the equipment ahead of time, and often with auctions you have to recourse if something does not work. So, be weary of that and consider that into your price and risk factor.

I personally don’t see the value in buying dry cleaning machines through auction, just because of the risk involved. I recommend a used machine reseller ( they will often sell new dry cleaning machines as well ) to get some sort of service warranty and/or guarantee of functionality. Basically, before you buy any type of cleaning equipment, from vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, carpet cleaners, dry cleaning machines, dry press machines, laundry machines and coin operated equipment you should consider the 3 most important questions. First is what is the warranty after purchase from the reseller? The longer the better, but also labor and parts costs should be covered in the initial purchase warranty ( some are not, so be careful ). Next is the age of the machine. You will want to know how long the machine has been in service, and if you can, find out where it was used. Often you can get service and running hours of the machine, you should be able to get repair and maintenance expectancies from the manufacturer based on running hours or age, etc. Lastly, which has nothing to do with the unit itself, but making sure you have a local parts supplier and certified repairman. The last thing you need is to invest money into equipment that you cannot service. If you are still not sure what you are buying, then ask someone else. What I mean is that you can check with your local service depot for their opinions on the brand and/or model you are considering. Often, the best recommendation you can get is from the guy that actually fixes the machines.