Dry cleaning prices

One of the many comments I get both at the counter, and in social circumstances is,  "why are prices so different between Dry Cleaners"?  It is true that every Dry Cleaner has his, or her own price structure.  Every business has it's own model.  From big companies, like Macy's to small operations like Dry Cleaners.

In our industry there are two basic approaches, low price and high volume (you hope!), or quality pricing.
There are several variables that go into deciding which to choose from.  Number one for most cleaners, what is my competition doing!  The second most important variable, is a combination of how much experience a cleaner has, and what kind  of equipment he has to work with.

In our experience, many of the so called low price cleaners have little experience before opening their stores.
They may have bought out the previous owner, and now have a cleaners with used equipment that they have no experience with.  And even worse!  It is full of chemicals and spotting agents that  they have no idea how to use.  The other version of this is they were sold a so calle d "turn-key" operation.  That is where someone built a Dry Cleaners, usually under a franchise style setup.  They sell the franchise to someone, show them where the switches are and say "congratulations, your a Dry Cleaner"  Obviously, not all low price Dry Cleaners fit in either of these sub categories,   but enough of them do.

A quality pricing Dry Cleaner, has good equipment that they know well.  They keep up on the latest developments in  the industry and in allied industries such as fashion.  They will have a complete alterations department, experienced spotters, top notch pressers, and knowledgeable  customer service reps.

A quality pricing style of Dry Cleaner, will inspect the incoming garments, checking for spots, loose buttons, etc.  The garments will be categorized for color, weight, fabric, and other considerations before cleaning.
Then any garments that need pre-spotting will be taken to the spotting department for any action necessary.

Only after the garments are properly cleaned and have gone through the first inspection will they be given to the pressers.  The presser is fully authorized to send any garment back for more spotting, it happens. And a sharp eyed presser is essential.  Then the garments are inspected again as they are assembled and packed for the customer to pick up!  All these steps are necessary to give the customer what they want and need, clean clothes with all  buttons tight, ready to wear.

Yes, the equipment to do it right costs more, the time necessary  to do a quality product costs, more.  That is why a quality Dry Cleaner charges more.  But we are proud of our work, and stand behind it.

Sharon  and John own and operate Cambrian Plaza Dry Cleaners in San Jose, California.  
Visit us  at Cambrianplazacleaners.com