OSHKOSH, Wis. — As you look to develop, improve, or purchase a drycleaning plant, there are multiple critical factors to consider that will ultimately shape your business success — now and down the road!
Nobody understands those factors — site selection, plant layout, workflow, equipment mix, financing, services and design — more than your local distributor.
As textile care experts who know the markets they serve, distributors can and should become lifetime business partners who’ve got your back, and provide ongoing services before, during and after the equipment sale.
Do your research, interview distributors in your market and be sure the one you choose checks all the boxes. A “good” distributor is worth its weight in gold.
LOCATION SELECTION
Early on, your distributor works closely with you to evaluate any potential plant sites by analyzing competition, traffic flow, visibility and demographics. Distributors understand their local markets well and will be able to tell you if these factors are favorable for success.
Once a site looks solid, your distributor should then estimate your plant’s sales potential by applying value to your demographic data, competition, equipment mix and utility costs. This tells you whether or not you move forward with that location.
EQUIPMENT MIX AND MORE
Once the location is a go, your distributor works to conceptualize your plant’s equipment mix, utilities, design and workflow.
Whether you’re developing a new plant, or revitalizing an old one, a good distributor will take you through equipment sizes, types and performance levels, while factoring in criteria like efficiency, accessibility, productivity and programmability. Together, if your business model calls for it, you’ll plan space for additional services/revenue streams, including commercial and residential laundry services and pickup and delivery.
By planning for and offering additional services, your business will serve a wider variety of customers and generate more revenue, making you less reliant on the walk-in customer. Finally, your distributor should provide detailed line drawings of the plant.
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Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].