Pick and drop dry cleaning business

Increasing work-load and busy lifestyle among the corporate class in Uganda is creating demand for many services to ease their busy lifestyle.

Pick and drop dry cleaning is a service that guarantees the investor cash on demand especially in growing suburbs of Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts.

Ideally, dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water. Despite its name, dry cleaning is not a “dry” process; clothes are soaked in a liquid solvent. Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), which the industry calls “perc”, is the most widely used solvent.

Dry cleaning is necessary for cleaning items that would otherwise be damaged by water and soap or detergents. It is often used instead of hand washing delicate fabrics, which can be excessively laborious.

Usually the dry cleaning process takes between 24 and 48 hours. But some items require special care and will take longer such as suede and leather.

Start
Now that you have bought in this idea, what would you require you to start this business?
According to Mr Newton Buteraba, the chief executive officer of House of Wealth – a local firm offering business advisory services, it is a viable business especially if you look out for a class of people who are busy.

Ideally, before you start check out the location of the business, and your target customers should be the middle class.

“People in the middle class want to see a machine which can wash, dry and also offer pressing services,” Mr Buteraba adds.

You must come up with a system where people will be able to pick their laundry. Therefore, location matters.

“Thriving in this business will require you to attract clients who are mainly the corporates and from the hospitality industry,” Mr Buteraba says.

It is also advisable to brand your working areas with a big, bright and visible signage detailing all the services you offer, contacts and hours of operation.

Before you start, do your research from those who are already in the business to compare prices charged by the competition.

“You can either charge the same rates or slightly lower ones to attract clientele,” he advises.

The money
On average, the starting capital could range between Shs2m and Shs2.5 million used to purchase the machines and dryers. That’s the estimate that will start you off.

You can then get the polythene bags. If you can, label them with your brands. If you cannot, get hungers and start the business.

When it comes to marketing, Mr Buteraba says you have to be aggressive by moving door to door giving out your flyers with all the details of the business.

For people who do laundry for every household, you can charge a batch at about Shs25,000 twice a week. From 20 households in a week, you will be assured of your Shs1 million weekly.

This will be translated into Shs4 million per month and an annual turnover of Shs48 million.

BUSINESSKADY GIVES TIPS
White Rose Dry Cleaners have been in this business for over 10 years and are operating several outlets in and around Kampala mainly in Ntinda, Wampewo and Nakulabye.

To serve their clients well, the location of their branches has largely contributed to their success in business.

“Most of our outlets are situated in places where they can be able to pick and drop their laundry with ease,” Ms Christine Tibagonzeka, the manager Rose Dry Cleaners shares.

You need to manage the costs in this business especially when doing deliveries.

Her advice to those who want to start this kind of business is to keep to get involved in the daily operations of the business. This will allow you to know your customers and their needs.
Avoid renting out expensive places when you are starting.