CHICAGO — The drycleaning industry offers many paths to ownership success. Drawn to established systems, some entrepreneurs choose the franchise route. Others prefer the independence of building their own operation.
In this quarter’s American Drycleaner Your Views survey, we asked our readership for their take on the key advantages of these varied business approaches and what the future might hold.
Asked to describe their competitive landscape, respondents unanimously said that it is “mostly independent cleaners with some franchise locations.” When asked how that might change in the future, though, differences emerged, with “only the strongest independents will survive in niche markets” taking 60.7% of the vote. One-quarter (25%) believe that “independents will thrive,” and 14.3% think that “independents will survive but lose significant market share.” No one polled thinks that “independent cleaners will largely disappear within a decade.”
As for the most significant advantage independents have over franchises, 39.3% report “personal relationships and community connections,” while 32.1% say it is their “ability to customize services to local market needs.” Coming in third is “direct owner involvement and accountability,” at 21.4%.
We also asked about the other side of the equation: what are the most significant advantages franchises have over independents? For this, 32.1% replied that it is “established brand recognition and marketing support,” while 21.4% think it is “greater purchasing power for supplies, equipment.” Equal shares of 17.9% chose “standardized training and operational support” and “access to proven business systems, processes.”
Finally, we asked what advice our respondents would have for someone entering the industry about choosing between the franchise and independent routes. Responses included:
- “It’s a tricky and difficult business either way. I would say if you want that ‘experience’ that the franchise model can offer you, go that way. If you want to forge your own path, go your own way. I can’t imagine any way but forging my own path, but that is just how I’m built. Both ways have pros and cons.”
- “If you have no experience, then a franchise may be a better fit. However, not having to pay franchise fees is also nice.”
- “Get big, fast. Consolidation is happening whether we like it or not. Larger independents will be much better equipped to compete with franchises.”
- “If you have no experience running a business, a franchise is something to consider.”
- “If you’re planning on buying or investing in a drycleaning business, go to both. Ask questions that you think will be relevant to both. This is definitely a ‘hands-on operation’ job, not a business just to invest in and have someone else run it. Think before you move forward.”
The Your Views survey offers a current snapshot of the trade audience’s views. The publication invites qualified subscribers to American Drycleaner emails to participate anonymously in the unscientific poll.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].
