Does Anyone has experience acquiring Dry Cleaning business

searcher profile

March 25, 2025

by a searcher from Cornell University in San Jose, CA, USA

Hi,
I am looking at acquiring a Dry-cleaning business and wanted some tips
Deepak

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commentor profile
Reply by an investor
from University of Southampton in Los Angeles, CA, USA
You need to heavily diligence any potential environmental issues or liabilities. Dry Cleaners in the past used PERC, less common now but a carcinogenic compound used to clean that also contaminates the ground and impacts air quality. There are significant penalties and legal issues that apply to both operator and land owner if there is contamination present. You should focus on clean products and environmentally safe cleaning methods but if the dry cleaner has been around for many years its highly likely at some point they used PERC or PERC like cleaning compounds....outside of that would also be cognizant of whether there is still enough demand for dry cleaners, imagine it very much depends on the location and demographics but WFH and the general decline in business wear has likely had an impact. Most also offer tailoring services which is typically higher margin but requires skilled labor.
commentor profile
Reply by a lender
from University of Missouri in Denver, CO, USA
I have financed them before. Main issue I can think off the top of my head echo's Harry's comments. You may want to do environmental due diligence on the business even if you are not buying the real estate as well as understanding the WFH trends in your area.
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