Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Shawn - I will look into USPS and let the forum know what I find..

Craig - I agree ideally this would be a great option to provide customers.  The challenge becomes setting up pick up/delivery times as each household has their own agenda.  It becomes expensive very quickly (vehicle/fuel/hours) and thus a high volume becomes imperative.  I am pretty sure these are the reasons the services have stopped, but I am not sure. I am continuing to consider this and perhaps might try it going forward.

Maybe initially I`d approach a subdivision of homes and solicit interest.  If enough people express it we can start sending our drivers in that route and expand from thereon to other subdivisions.  Not a bad idea? 

Some people have casually suggested having a website so that I can do PPC on a local basis and optimize it for the local customers...people have suggested having daily specials/coupons that customers can print out and bring in.  In my opinion the cost of this project outweighs any benefit as dry cleaning is a commodity and convenience business.  People want to save time and money and want the convenience brought to them...any thoughts? 

So far the best initiatives as I have gathered from you is 1) implement a good CRM system and run specials/promos to keep customers coming back 2) contemplate and pick up/delivery thus bringing the convenience to the customer and 3) target high income households with direct marketing/flyer mailings etc.

Craig,

You make a good point.  Perhaps hanging up a large sign that reads exactly that?  Interested customers can then consult the manager for further details and maybe we can charge a flat fee for coming out and dropping the garments off?  Or would you suggest a per piece fee?  I personally think a flat fee would do better...what would you suggest a reasonable amount would be?

Thanks

all very good ideas...I will implement some and update on progress..

in the mean time...what are some supplemental services or even goods that you would like to see at your cleaners?  for example, extra hangers for purchase, lint removers etc? 

currently we offer on site alterations, wedding gown restoration and storage (boxes), hats, ties, leather, shoe services....what are we missing?

I opened a new dropp off and pick up store two months ago. Started very slow and two weeks ago it picked up really good but then last week almost nothing and this week is also slow. My question what kinds of pattern do I watch for to know if it`s going to be successful or fail ?

This may seem odd to you since you`re just getting started with a new business. But every business has a period when things slow down, such as seasonal changes, etc...

This time of year many kids are starting to get out of school for the summer months (too include college students too) and parents are planning vacations/trips, etc...

During the first few weeks this is normal in many industries...and you`ll probably notice the same pattern when everybody gets ready to go back to school (kids and college students returning).

After your first full year (and maybe 2 years), you`ll be able to predict these patterns and ride them out (and plan accordingly). This is NOT the time to skimp out on advertising, keep it going...and make sure you have multiple advertising systems in place. Also, think about some type of continuity program so you can continue to charge your customers each month...this way you have revenue coming in on a regular.

For example, at my old place, my lawn guy charged $90 bucks to cut my grass (that included him cutting the grass twice a month -- $45/each time), a few months later, he came back with a new proposal...he knocked 10% OFF ---which brought it down to about $81.00...if I signed a 12 month contract --- this is where he got smart....listen up....

Instead of $81 per month...he said he`d make it affordable by only charging me $40.40 each month for 12 months (i still get my grass cut twice a month), but I pay out for 12 months...this way, during the fall and winter months when he`s not cutting my grass, he`s still drawing in revenue!

Simply Genius!

I had to steal his idea to apply in some of my own stuff

Think about how you can do this within your own business.

Cartess

Amaarou 2,

I agree with the advice given.  It will def take a full 12 months if not more to realize the patterns in your area.  A lot has to do with the demographics in your area and some of course due to seasonal trends.  We have noticed that Jan-Mar are the slowest months in the industry.  June-Oct are the best.  Nov and Dec are not too shabby either...however like I said I feel as if the demographics affect this pattern more than anything else.

Did you buy an existing store or start from scratch?  Either way I agree that advertising cannot stop.  This is something I struggle with myself - however it`s a must.  Now if you are brand new you will have to work extra hard getting exposed to your clientele.  The beginning months are the toughest but over time you will do just fine once you start building your loyal customer base.

I absolutely love the idea of implementing a continuity program.  I have struggled coming up with a campaign enticing enough for dry cleaning customers to bite on.  We offer every kind of clothing related service you can think of - yet I struggle to determine the best way to materialize the idea.  I am very curious in everyone`s thoughts on this matter.  This I think is key to having constant foot traffic and flow of business.  The main question is HOW DO YOU/WE DO IT?