To grow, expand your horizon
t happened over 30 years ago. Polyester came
into being and permanent press plus double knit became the
vogue. Marginal operators decided to give up and leave. They
couldn't sell their businesses, nor could they give them away.
In fact, it cost a bit of money to just close the doors!
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They have learned that marketing
techniques, computer skills and management know-how are there
and available for all to practice successfully.
Many have sharpened their operations,
gotten rid of their waste and examined the possible advantages
of diversifying.
For example, they hired a tailor or a
seamstress to handle alterations, which made the whole
operation truly profitable by opening the door to a “one
stop, fabric care center.”
Others offered professional leather
cleaning, and advertised it. Some displayed wedding gowns and
attracted prom gowns and bride’s maid dresses while
running specials on an illuminated turntable display during the
evenings, which not only brought attention to this new service,
but also acted as night security, and gave a new high-class
image.
Some promoted their storage service with
free insurance and no-cost moth-proofing, increasing large
volume orders.
Another offering was day or night route
service anywhere, anytime, at no extra charge.
Some cleaners decided to solicit
commercial accounts, office buildings, uniform maintenance,
theaters, tuxedo rentals, military bases, dormitories,
nurses’ quarters, etc.
For others it was carpet cleaning and
carpet rental equipment and the sale of chemicals, using the
fail-safe steam-cleaning method, either for the home user or
provided as a professional service.
For busy, time-pressed customers, there
were 24-hour drop boxes with automatic credit card billing and
free delivery and pick up and drop-off Sunday service.
Customers loved it.
There are a dozen more ideas that are
basically investment free and it’s all possible because
of the most revolutionary advancement in modern drycleaning and
finishing equipment.
Perc machines of the fifth and sixth
generation continue in popularity and their perc-saving
features are yielding in excess of 70,000 pounds of drycleaning
per drum. Newer methods show greater promise and ever
increasing trends and safety. New wetcleaning formulas offer
easier handling with more types of fabrics.
Next the problem of a skilled and
dependable labor force has finally given relief to the average
plant owner, with the new high-production equipment of
tensioning finishing. Here untrained but dependable help can
achieve professional results.
We all recognize that trousers, pants and
slacks constitute over 50 percent of a plant’s volume.
Now with micro processor timers and perc sensors, loads cannot
be released until fully dried and solvent odors are completely
eliminated. I witnessed tensioning equipment, in tandem with a
legger press, operated by high school seniors on a part-time
basis, producing pants at 50 per hour as piece work at 20 to 25
cents and they were delighted to get the opportunity. No
special bonuses for showing up were needed. This leads to a new
opportunity for discount drycleaning. It could be possible and
highly profitable at even a $1.99 price structure.
Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric
care industry, has updated his three guides for key areas of
the drycleaning business. “Up Front” on how to
secure an image and build on customer loyalty; “Pressed
for Perfection” on how quality and production can be
achieved; and “Route to Success,” for continued
profit growth and growing volume. The pamphlets are $25 each or
all three for $70. Postage is included in the price and
immediate delivery is available. Send requests and payment to
Ray Colucci, 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
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