American Drycleaner - June 2013

No Brushing Required

Just spray it on and wash it out… no need to brush. You save time and labor. And because brushing causes damage, customers’ garments last longer.

You Deliver Better Quality

By delivering stain-free garments with RiteGo, you build your reputation for quality – and that’s what keeps customers coming back.

New Micro-Emulsion Technology

RiteGo penetrates quickly to absorb perspiration and collar & cuff stains, and to release ground-in soil, etc.

Environmentally Friendly

RiteGo is environmentally friendly. It’s biodegradable, non-combustible, and California 2013 VOC and Prop-65 compliant.

RiteGo. The Rite Stuff for Collars and Cuffs! To learn more, visit ALWilson.com or call 800-526-1188

A. L. WILSON CHEMICAL CO. • Kearny, NJ 07032

drycleaner

Pre-ins P ection

s ights and s ounds

There’s always so much to do to prepare for the Clean Show, which will convene this month in New Orleans.

It’ll give you a good idea of just some of the diversions you can find beyond the convention center doors.

Bruce Beggs

And I know that once I’m there, I’ll spend each day on the move. It’s always enjoyable to take a break when the convention day is done. If you feel the same, then you’ll want to read Carlo Calma’s New Orleans KnowHow, beginning on page 36. He’s researched some of the Crescent City’s leading hot spots, including attractions, shopping and dining.

Publisher Charles Thompson 312-361-1680 cthompson@american trademagazines.com

Editorial Director Bruce Beggs 312-361-1683 bbeggs@american trademagazines.com

Production Manager

Roger Napiwocki

National Sales Director

Donald Feinstein 312-361-1682 dfeinstein@american trademagazines.com

Digital Media Director

Nathan Frerichs 312-361-1681 nfrerichs@american trademagazines.com Main: 312-361-1700 Fax: 312-361-1685

The Clean Show is, of course, about finding solutions to improve your business. But if you’re not going to make it to New Orleans this year, this issue still has plenty of content aimed at boosting the bottom line. How about focusing part of your operation on casual wear care? Or incorporating a coin laundry into your dry cleaning operation to produce a “one-stop shop”?

Sure, there’s more, but like the Clean Show, you’ll need to get a move on to find it. Laissez les bons temp rouler! O

American Drycleaner (ISSN 0002-8258) is published monthly except Nov/Dec combined. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S. and Possessions, 1 year $39.00; 2 years $73.00. Foreign, 1 year $89.00; 2 years $166.00. Single copies $7.00 for U.S. and Possessions, $14.00 for all other countries. Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chi cago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Drycleaner, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 Volume 80, number 3. Editorial, executive and advertising of fices are at 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661. Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Drycleaner is distributed selectively to: qualified dry cleaning plants and distributors in the United States. No material appearing in American Drycleaner may be reprinted without written permission. The pub lisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. © Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2013. Printed in U.S.A.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Survey: Majority of dry cleaners report boosting employee pay

CHICAGO — A majority of dry cleaners report they have given raises in the last six months, according to data from May’s unscientific American Drycleaner Wire survey.

When asked if they’ve reviewed employee compensation in the last six months, 64.7% of respondents replied yes, saying they “raised pay on an individual basis,” while 23.5% “raised pay across the board.” Only 11.8% replied no, saying that they “did not raise pay.”

More than half of cleaners (52.9%) report that they pay their employees more than other plants in their market area. Roughly 41% of respondents have kept their pay rates about the same as other area plants. Just 5.9% report paying their staffers less than other plants in their area.

Just 17.6% of respondents report having had to lay off employees in the last 12 months for financial reasons.

In addition to ensuring employees receive fair compensation, many dry cleaners offer additional benefits. Three-quarters of respondents provide paid vacation and sick days. Other popular benefits offered by this group of dry cleaners include healthcare insurance (43.8%), incentives and bonuses (37.5%), and retirement fund or

profit sharing (25%).

While most cleaners polled offer traditional benefits, 18.8% report supplying other, less conventional

perks. One respondent says he/she offers “prepaid legal and identity theft protec tion” as an added incentive.

DLI supports tax reform efforts to improve capital access for small biz

LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) Laurel, Md., re ports it has joined an effort to reform the federal tax code.

The informal National Main Street Business Coalition came together last year to advocate on behalf of small retail and service industry businesses on the issue of capital access. DLI joined more than 30 national, regional and state organiza tions in supporting Coalition efforts to im prove access to affordable capital for small brick-and-mortar businesses.

The House Ways & Means Commit tee recently accepted comments on its outlined tax reform principles for small businesses. The Coalition submitted a doc ument that:

• Supports the expansion and simplification of cash accounting principles for small businesses

• Calls for simplified “checkbook accounting” where taxable income is receipts minus expenses (including depreciable property other than buildings/land)

• Calls for parity in treatment of deductibility of donations of inventory property for businesses of all sizes/types.

DLI says it will continue to support the Coalition to help make this country more friendly for dry cleaning operations. O

Top stories @ AmericanDrycleaner.com for the 30 days ending May 15

Top News sTories

1. Former Va. Dry Cleaner to Reimburse EPA Over Cleanup Costs 2. JPB Capital Partners Buys Controlling Interest in ZIPS Dry Cleaners 3. Clean Show Preview: ‘Be There’ or Be Square 4. DLI, TCATA Teaming Up to Host Clean Show Bash in New Orleans 5. ZIPS Dry Cleaners Appoints Reid Bechtle as CEO

Top coluMNs & feATures 1. Deliver What Your Customers Want 2. Cutting Energy Costs 3. Map Out Your Dry Cleaning Market 4. How to Safeguard Your Business Name 5. Protecting Unique Characteristics

Top sTories @ our sisTer siTes

Americancoinop.com: 1. Former Laundromat Owner Indicted on Charges of Stealing Natural Gas 2. Calvary Laundromat: Attendants and Atmosphere Energize Customers 3. North Dakota Fracking: A Gold Rush of Coin-Op Opportunities

AmericanlaundryNews.com: 1. OSHA Fines New Jersey Laundry $219,000 for Reported Safety Violations 2. Panel of Experts: Controlling Linen Loss is Key to ‘Saving Par’ 3. Design-Build Firm Completes Renovation for Houston VA Facility

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

THE NUMBERS

MEDIAN HOME PRICES continue to rise, with the National Association of Realtors reporting a national gain that is the best performance in seven years. The price of a single-family home increased in 133 out of 150 metropolitan areas.

THE REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURE inventory was down in the first quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Delinquency Survey, while the mortgage delinquency rate rose to 7.25%, up 16 points from the previous quarter.

New foreclosures in April were down 5.06% from March, according to Realty Trac, with 144,790 reported. Foreclosures sold stood at 57,039, down 4.56% between February and March, and the average foreclosure sale price was $180,968, up 5.93% in April from the March number.

APRIL EMPLOYMENT

FIGURES increased by 165,000, maintaining the unemployment rate at

7.5%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. While the rate has remained steady the last two months, it is down 0.4% from January, and the number of unemployed stands at around 11.7 million, down 673,000 since January.

THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL of Shopping Centers reported a 2.7% gain in U.S. chain-store sales in April. It anticipates May’s pace to go up by 2-3% as seasonal spending increases.

MEMBERS OF THE National Association for Business Economics, in the April Industry Survey, suggest that business activity advanced at a strong pace for the first quarter of 2013, with expectations of an improved second quarter as well. Members reported their firms showed increased sales early in the year, even though many firms are operating under a streamlined fiscal policy.

The latest report from the Institute for Supply

American Drycleaner, June 2013

Management shows slight growth in economic activity for the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business indicates that the industry’s April index registered 53.1%, which is 1.3 percentage points below the March figures. According to Anthony Nieves, chair of the Institute’s Business Survey Committee, the lower figures indicate growth at a slightly slower rate.

THE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE level took a hit in April, down from March but identical to April 2012. According to the Surveys of Consumers from Thomson Reuters and the University of Michigan, consumers view future economic prospects as being lower than previously believed. They are particularly pessimistic about the economy’s ability to continue to expand. In sharp contrast are gains in household wealth, reduced debts, and favorable attitudes toward buying conditions for larger ticket items such as vehicles. O

—Jean Teller

Our new generation of Point Of Sale system is designed for both small and larger cleaner stores. DryClean PRO Enterprise (DCPe) is even simpler to use than before. With user friendly screens and menus, DCPe will make your life easy. We offer, promise, and guarantee the best after sales support to our end users. Our excellent service commitment to you does not end with your purchase. We are always there to help you whenever you need us. Just pick up the phone and call us on our Technical Support line.

Call us about our new version of Uniform Tracker

DL i , tc A t A teaming up to host c lean s how bash in n ew o rleans

The Drycleaning & Laundry Insti tute (DLI) and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA), both sponsors of the Clean Show, are partner ing to host a “blockbuster meet-and-greet networking party” for DLI members and top industry suppliers at Clean 2013 in New Orleans.

All DLI and TCATA members are welcome at the party slated for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 21, in the Royal Sonesta Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

The cooperative effort between ma jor industry associations is designed to strengthen ties between cleaners and the companies who supply them. The party is a way for both associations to thank members for supporting the in dustry, says DLI CEO Mary Scalco.

“The bond between cleaners and their suppliers is incredibly strong,” she says. “One of our most important roles at the Institute is to create opportunities for our members to associate, network, get together, or whatever you prefer to call it. By working with TCATA on this event, we are creating an informal atmo sphere where suppliers and cleaners can relate on a personal level.”

“There has always been a natural synergy between TCATA and DLI, as many members of both organizations

American Drycleaner, June 2013

have enjoyed a business relationship for many years,” says TCATA CEO David Cotter. “Co-hosting this recep tion serves as a tangible representation of the closer bond between TCATA and DLI that was formalized earlier this year.”

s outhwest Drycleaners Association plans annual meeting at c lean

The Southwest Drycleaners Association (SDA) will have its annual meeting and luncheon on Saturday, June 22, during Clean in New Orleans.

During the noon luncheon in room 346 of the Morial Convention Center, keynote speaker Wayne Wudyka will explain the latest innovation in custom er convenience called “bizzie.”

Following at 1:15-2 p.m. will be the members-only annual meeting in room 347. Attendees will “learn about the new direction the association is head ing as well as the introduction of new officers and directors,” SDA says.

Then, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., SDA members John and Mary Pat Walter will host a membership appreciation cocktail party at their New Orleans area home. Bus transportation to and from the hotel will be provided.

For ticket information, visit the as sociation website at sda-dryclean.com, or call 512-873-8195. O

Capitalize on Casual

By Diana Vollmer

Do you despair when you see public figures giv ing speeches in plaid flannel or when you see wedding guests wearing khakis? Does the “no-press” dress shirt at Brooks Brothers make you despondent? Does the local executive in the polo shirt send you into bouts of depression?

Stop fighting the casual lifestyle and embrace it instead. Does it really matter to you if you work on traditional wardrobes or on less formal garments? Either way, the consumer wants to look appealing.

Their definition of the word “appealing” may have changed, but you can easily meet their requests for the care level they desire.

IT’S AN INVESTMENT. In many instances, casual wear is as much of an investment as more traditional wear, and it takes a professional to care for that investment.

Consider all the variations on denim and the care the hems and trims require; the vibrant colors that need professional care to stay bright; the luxurious cashmere sweaters that are worn instead of

With right marketing, dry cleaners can become go-to experts in casual wear care

(Images licensed by Ingram Publishing)

shirts and ties; that many golf shirts are more valuable and valued than the dress shirts they replace; that you can charge more for processing polos than for processing dress shirts; and the increased number of accessories needed to complement a greater variety of clothing provides you the opportunity to clean the handbags, shoes, hats and other items that accent the casual looks.

Your customers already trust you with their most valued garments, so they know you can easily care for all their textile needs. Just ask for their business.

The variety of casual garments required is frequently greater than the number needed in an environment where a business suit is the standard “uniform,” so there are more items that need your care.

You can help address these needs and possibly become an even more valued adviser and service provider.

VALUE OF ‘APPROPRIATE’ IMAGE. “Appropriate attire” covers a wide spectrum. What is appropriate in a high-tech work environment may be different than what is appropriate in a financial services firm. Even within a given business, such as a bank, the specific position held might dictate differences between what is appropriate. The bosses have different expectations for a bank teller than for a private banker, but the lines in between can be blurred.

Often the consumer is nervous about “appropriately” conforming to the more casual dress code and therefore needs more guidance than she does with the easier choice of traditional business attire.

www.americandrycleaner.com

Consider sharing the following information with your customers and prospects. Stephanie Armour writes in USA Today (Your appearance, good or bad, can affect size of your paycheck, July 20, 2005), “A growing body of research supports what many suspect: In the workplace, an employee’s physical appearance is a powerful symbol that affects job success. … Looking good on the job is an intangible asset that can be important, just as sharp technology skills or the ability to be a team player can give certain workers an edge.”

Emily Jasper at forbes.com (Scanty Fashion Not Just Inappropriate for School, Sept. 1, 2010) offers apparel advice for the aspiring associate: “Your boss and other leaders have probably done the homework for you. They know where to shop, and they also set the bar for what’s acceptable.”

Wendy Braswell at ehowstyle.com offers videos to help overcome the uncertainty of how to dress appropriately for various events and in a range of situations. Many companies hire consultants to teach their employees how to dress appropriately. You could be a resource for individuals as well as companies that are disappointed in the way their associates dress.

MULTIPLE FACTORS TO CONSIDER. Give your customers reasons to choose you: Convenience — Even if a garment ▲

American Drycleaner, June 2013 17

can be cared for at home, do your customers really want to spend their time that way? Convenience will continue to be a compelling factor that guides time allocation choices. Laundry and ironing are not the preferred way to spend scarce discretionary time.

According to Erin Doland (unclutterer. com), “a typical family of four probably generates between eight and 10 loads of laundry per week. … Ten loads of laundry would take just over 12 hours to complete.”

How many of your customers want to spend 12 hours a week doing laundry? Use these statistics to sell your wash-and-fold services.

Do your customers know all of your capabilities? Does your website highlight casual clothing as well as traditional dry cleaning?

Add the convenience of your pick-up and delivery service and you present a compelling argument. By offering a choice of route locations that include home, work, gym, pool, day care, club, hospital and more, you make the convenience irresistible.

Affordability — An article on saving electricity (michaelbluejay.com/electricity/ laundry.html) estimates the cost per load of laundry at $1.34, for a monthly cost of $58 and an annual cost of $697, excluding any cost for ironing. This makes your service look even more convenient and affordable.

Reputation and Dependability —

Your prospects learn about your expertise from their friends, your awards, your

certifications, your sales team, and your professional image in the market. Your customers already trust you with their most valued garments, so they know you can easily care for all their textile needs. Just ask for their business.

Awareness — Do your customers know all of your capabilities, including wash-and-fold services?

Do you display your services in ways that grab their attention? Example: Display unpressed khakis and polos next to professionally finished ones to show the difference professional care can make.

Do your vans do their job as rolling billboards and show casual wear as well as dress shirts and suits?

Does your website highlight casual clothing as well as traditional dry cleaning?

Is your social media directed at less traditional prospects who are more likely to dress casually?

Do you remind customers when it is time to have their seasonal garments readied for the imminent weather change?

Does your staff dress in professionally cleaned and pressed uniforms, or are they allowed to wash and dry their own apparel at home?

CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE. Once you embrace the idea of expanding your business with the expansion of casual clothing, you will find many ways to capitalize on this trend and convert it into profit. O

Diana Vollmer is managing director at Methods for Management (MFM) Inc., which has served the dry cleaning and laundry industries with affordable management expertise for improved profitability since 1953. For assistance with marketing casual wear care expertise, Vollmer can be reached at dvollmer@mfmi.com, 415-577-6544.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Visitusatthe

Shape Your Future Business at Clean

The Clean Show is back in “NorLens.” That means eating some of my favorite foods, and seeing good friends. While you are in New Orleans, you must acquaint yourself with the local delights: shrimp or crawfish etouffee, blackened redfish, the muffuletta sandwich, and the duck debris po’boy. Your shirt will certainly test your stain-removal skills once you get back home.

Culinary wonders aside, the Clean Show is about shaping and refining the future of your business. It is about getting up close with mechanical and chemical tools you may have only read about. It is education sessions aimed at giving you new ideas and reminding you of past ideas that are returning to the forefront in our industry.

At my first Clean Show, perc was king, high-flash (isoparafin) hydrocarbon was just being introduced, and GreenEarth solvent (cyclic siloxaneD5) was still about four years into the future.

In 1995, Stoddard Kwik-Dri petroleum solvent was the “stepchild” of the dry cleaning industry, used by old-timers who didn’t know any better. The only “alternative” solvent was liq uid Freon, which was in the last stages

of a phase-out period mandated by the Montreal Protocol (sound familiar?).

Attending the Clean Show gives you the “up-to-date” on rumors and facts which will affect the future of your investment in your business.

Having pointed out several advantages to attending Clean, let me share a few ideas about things to look for as you walk the exhibit hall. Knowledge in the marketplace is power, and power in business translates into profit.

Over the last 10 years, manufacturers of the chemical tools used in supplemental stain removal have been extremely sensitive to the regulations and recommendations of the bureaucracy overseeing environmental impact. This has resulted in the modification of the formula used in some stain-removal agents and the complete reformulation of others.

When walking the hall, keep in mind the stains that give you the most trouble. Ask if a particular chemical tool will meet or exceed your perceived need. The exhibitors are all competing for your dollar, so exploit the opportunity to gather useful information on products and the best way to maximize the effectiveness of stainremoval agents.

Development of complementary chemistry for some of the newer alternative solvents has been progressing

Martin Young

slowly. If you have switched solvents in the past few years, or if you are considering switching immersion solutions, take this opportunity to find the latest chemical tools that are compatible with your choice of cleaning solution.

I believe the greatest advance in stain removal for our industry is the growth of true wet cleaning. It has matured into a staple of the garment care industry. The basic requirements have remained the same since the idea was first introduced. Refinements are obvious each time the Clean Show comes around.

I use a strict definition of wet clean-

I believe the greatest advance in stain removal for our industry is the growth of true wet cleaning.

ing: exposing a ‘dry clean only’ garment to water by use of immersion in a strictly controlled environment. That is still a calculated risk based on knowledge and experience.

Here are some questions to ask sales representatives while at the Clean Show:

• How gentle can I program the mechanical action?

• How accurately can I control the water temperature?

• Must I use certain chemicals or can I shop around?

• How is dryer humidity determined? How accurate is the measurement?

• Can the washer be programmed for more aggressive mechanical action and use of more aggressive chemical tools?

Until care labeling regulations are finalized and adopted, the cleaner assumes the risk when exposing a “dry clean only”

(Photo: © iStockphoto/Romanchuck)

garment to water immersion. That still leaves garments with some type of water treatment on the care label open to mild water immersion. If it is reasonable and prudent to immerse a garment in water, you have another option for stain removal and general cleaning.

When a beaded polyester prom gown is heavily stained with beverage or mud, it is an excellent candidate for the mild mechanical action of wet cleaning. When a garment is brightly colored, but has heavy stains from perspiration or other bodily fluids, it could be a candidate for the mild detergent and cool water of wet cleaning.

Wet cleaning is not laundering, but rather strict control of the variables that contribute to shrinking and dye bleeds.

The business model of the past that looked exclusively at pieces per hour must now be supplemented with secondary stain removal to capture and maintain market share.

The Clean Show is the ideal place to ask questions and to compare tools of the trade, all to enhance the prosperity of your business. O

Martin L. Young Jr. has been an industry consultant and trainer for almost 20 years, and a member of various stakeholder groups on environmental issues. He grew up in his parents’ plant in Con cord, N.C., Young Cleaners, which he operates to this day. Contact him by phone at 704-786-3011, e-mail mayoung@vnet.net.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Adding

Laundry Creates ‘One-Stop

By Jason Fleck

Asuccessful dry cleaning business can provide solid profits, but what if you’re looking to take your business to the next level? Adding a coin-operated Laundromat may not be the first idea that comes to mind, but there are many reasons it should.

Mike Cowart opened BEST Cleaners & Laundry in Spring Hill, Fla., in 2007. It’s the only dual dry cleaning plant and coin

laundry operation in the community of 100,000 residents. Because of its success, Cowart recently added a second location. When planning a service addition, there are several areas where you should focus your efforts.

OPERATIONAL AND CUSTOMER DIFFERENCES.

In dry cleaning, skilled employees are trained in the proper pre-spotting, cleaning and finishing of garments, with little to no customer involvement in the process.

BEST Cleaners & Laundry, Spring Hill, Fla. offers dry cleaning and coin laundry services in the same building. (Photos: Alliance Laundry Systems)

We make the highest-efficiency boilers in the world.

For over 80 years Cleaver-Brooks has been manufacturing the industry’s leading energy-efficient boiler room solutions. We bring our experience of technological innovation and engineer it into our 10–60 HP ClearFire® steam boilers, perfect for your laundry or dry-cleaning operation. The ClearFire design achieves maximum heat transfer with the premix burner and patented AluFer tubes. Combined with integrated operating controls, the package achieves the highest operating efficiencies greater than other designs, minimizing fuel operating costs and delivering less than 20 ppm NOx emissions.

At a coin laundry facility, however, customers perform most, if not all, of the duties. Some stores employ attendants to monitor the operation and possibly perform wash, dry and fold services for additional revenue.

Dry cleaning customers generally have higher disposable incomes and own their own homes with washers and dryer. In today’s housing market, however, there are more renters, which is the largest customer base for coin laundry operators.

“Co-locating an upscale Laundromat with dry cleaning allows an operator to appeal to a much broader audience than two separate entities,” says Cowart. In addition, customers of all demographics are interested in services such as alterations and cleaning as well as preserving wedding dresses and items with sentimental value.

Not every dry cleaning plant makes a good location for a coin laundry facility, and vice versa.

BUSINESS EVALUATION. Cowart says the most difficult part of opening his coin laundry facility was ensuring all criteria to build a successful operation— the proper demographic location and suitable leasehold or owned buildings, understanding the business model, planning the facility layout, and procuring the right equipment—were present.

Luckily, potential owners can seek out distributors to help guide this process. Through their experiences and direct manufacturer connections, distributors are experts in the field and can provide dry cleaning plant owners with prized insight into the coin laundry industry, which may

be a completely unfamiliar business.

They can help potential owners evaluate the market demographics and local competition and determine an estimated cash flow for any given site. While not a perfect science, these tools take some of the guesswork out of the location’s potential success.

Cowart turned to Huebsch® distributor Dennis Leto of Commercial Laundries of West Florida for help. In addition to counseling Cowart on demographics and local-market competition, Leto helped him secure the necessary resources through the manufacturer to help plan, lay out and procure state-of-the-art, efficient machines.

EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT. A dual operation means a dual investment, so selecting machines that provide reduced utility costs through efficient technology is a must. Keeping this in mind, manufacturers have created washer-extractors that come standard with features such as 200 G-force to remove more water for shorter drying times and lower energy bills.

Some machines available on the market are essentially home products with a coin meter installed on them. As there’s nothing commercial grade about the unit, there’s nothing efficient about the technology.

Selecting efficient machines is not only important for your bottom line and attracting customers to the facility, but it also can make a dry cleaning operation more efficient. Cowart can run the garments that require wet cleaning through his coin-operated washers. The equipment he selected has 24 fully customizable cycles that allow him to tailor a cycle to his specific needs.

By using machines equipped with 200-G-force options, Cowart’s staff can ▲

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

quickly complete the necessary wet cleaning prior to laundry customers arriving on site. This option can save considerable time on drying loads.

Distributors can also help with identifying financing options available through the manufacturer. That way, the profits you’ve accumulated from the dry cleaning business don’t need to be completely reinvested to purchase the most efficient and durable laundry equipment.

customer reach. When doing so, you need to plan accordingly and make sure the space is large enough to accommodate the additional machines. Due to the added space needed, laundry operations are more commonly added to a dry cleaning plant vs. a drop-off location.

Although it may seem insignificant, one location factor to keep in mind when adding laundry is parking. If the current plant has minimal parking, adding a laundry facility to service 15 to 20 people at once may be problematic and become a pain point for customers. The last thing a customer wants to do is haul their laundry across the street or shopping center.

HOURS OF OPERATION. While Cowart admits there’s more work involved in operating both a dry cleaning plant and coin laundry facility, he says it’s an “opportunity to provide many different services during extended hours to capture a larger share of the market.”

LOCATION. Not every dry cleaning plant makes a good location for a coin laundry facility, and vice versa. Two important factors to consider include the geographic location and the physical building.

If your location is in a high-income area, adding coin laundry to your operation may not be the best idea. This is why working with a distributor is so important. Such a partner can provide guidance on whether your current location is ample, or if you should consider relocating altogether.

By adding a self-service laundry to your operation, you’re expanding your

A dry cleaning operation is normal ly extremely busy in the early morn ings and late afternoons during the week as professionals travel to and from work, while a coin laundry’s high-traffic times are mid days, weekends and evenings.

Cowart opens both operations each morning at 7. He notes that, while his production staff may leave when work is complete in the afternoon, “we continue operation of the Laundromat until early evening, and keep our dry cleaning pickup and drop-off operation open as well.”

Depending on the city and neighborhood, owners may choose to operate the dry cleaning plant during the day, but ▲

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Huebsch washers and dryers on the coin laundry side of BEST Cleaners & Laundry.

offer the Laundromat as a 24-hour location. In this case, it’s necessary to address potential security issues.

STAFFING. With complementary hours of operation, dry cleaning plant operators may not need to hire additional staff to support the coin laundry facility. While plants require skilled laborers to treat and clean garments, as well as a customer service representative, Laundromats can be serviced by that same CSR.

This is where cross-training employees becomes essential. During non-peak hours of the dry cleaning operation, the counter attendant can also perform wash-and-fold services in addition to customer support. For example, Cowart’s operation requires that the CSRs perform both wash-and-fold oper ations on the laundry side and act as counter support for the dry cleaning business.

While properly training employees for both positions requires additional time, Cowart has found these combinations of responsibility increase employee productivity and provide them with career advancement opportunities.

MARKETING AND ADDED SERVICES. Once you’ve figured out the nuts and bolts of a dual operation, it’s time to identify how the two will co-exist to the public. Offering both self-serve coin laundry and dry cleaning is great, but making customers aware of the dual offering is key.

While some customers may only be interested in dry cleaning services and others only interested in laundry services, there are customers interested in both.

For example, a family that drops off dry cleaning items at BEST Cleaners & Laundry may choose to do their weekly

laundry at home, but their standard washer and dryer can’t accommodate their bedding and other bulky fabric items they wash monthly. The next time they drop off dress shirts and blouses, the family can choose to have their laundry completed by the attendant, or come in to use the efficient machines.

Although he markets the businesses together, Cowart ensures that customers are aware of both offerings by having two distinct areas and signs on the building. Customers driving by who haven’t used the facility know they can have both dry cleaning and wash-and-fold services performed by BEST, and can also do their own laundry on site.

Cowart plays on the operational synergies to market his location as a “one-stop shop” to customers. He makes the process of laundering clothes an easy and enjoyable one by offering conveniences like drive-thru and pickup and delivery services, and providing a clean, secure, stateof-the-art laundry facility.

As coin laundry customers spend more time in a joint location, owners can further increase revenue through add-ons such as food and beverage sales and vending, Internet stations, and arcades.

While there is no one-size-fits-all plan to adding a coin laundry facility to an existing dry cleaning plant, by working with a distributor, utilizing current employee resources, and identifying an appropriate marketing plan, you can be cycles ahead of your competition. O

Jason Fleck is a regional sales manager for Huebsch, an Alliance Laundry Systems brand, and specializes in vended laundry investment, develop ment, renovation and acquisition. He can be con tacted at jason.fleck@alliancels.com.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

t he d ecision to Raise Prices

Raising prices is a major question for many dry cleaning businesses.

“I can’t do that now,” says one dry cleaner. Another, more vocal, says, “We’re in a recession. No one is raising prices. Better to hold down costs, and wait until things turn around.”

A third offers this comment: “If I increased prices, my customers would go to a competitor.”

Is this conventional wisdom—in tough times, don’t tamper with prices—stopping you from raising prices? Perhaps now is the time to challenge that assumption. For one thing, the economy is improving. The stock market has regained much of the ground lost since 2000. Houses are starting to sell. Unemployment is still high, but 90% of the labor force is working. These folks are living their usual lifestyle—eating out, taking vacations, and saving for retirement. Meanwhile, the fixed incomes haven’t declined for retired folks, and their capital has grown 15% this year.

Poorer classes have safety net provisions—Earned Income Credit, free health insurance, welfare allotments, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, and housing assistance—to prop them up. Perhaps the only class that is really hurting includes recent

high school and college graduates who can’t find appropriate jobs. Fortunately, many of these young people are being helped by their families.

Second, despite the recession, prices are going up all the time. Examples include gas for vehicles, heating costs and medical expenses (insurance plans require us to pay more of the bill).

Restaurant fare is becoming more ex pensive all the time. Meanwhile, many households have hundreds of thousands of dollars of higher education expenses to pay off.

My point is that a large portion of the population does not suffer during a recession. If you haven’t raised prices for a while, a pulling-out-of-recession period is an excellent time to push up prices.

WHY RAISE PRICES? Your competitors aren’t altering their fees. That seems to be a real stumbling block. But, you know, everyone raises prices sooner or later. That’s why the average house was $12,500 in 1960 and is $225,000 today. So you raise your prices this time, and they do it next time. It is just the flow of commerce.

Besides, price is only one of many factors in choosing where one shops. Consider the supermarket industry. Most chains emphasize price. But Whole Foods, a Texas-based chain

Howard Scott

that emphasizes organic and high-quality foodstuffs, is transforming the market. Do you think Whole Foods worries about rais ing its prices? Absolutely not. Its nickname, ‘Whole Paycheck,’ underscores this. This growing giant has determined that a siz able customer base will pay higher prices for higher quality. In our industry, higher quality translates to better service. With the confidence that you offer better service, you will not hesitate to raise prices.

CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION. Another stumbling block is that certain customers will be angry. In fact, most will not say a thing. Fully 80% of your client base won’t even notice the price increase.

To those who protest and put up a fuss at your counter, you have an answer. “I have nine employees who make such a modest living it pains me. These people work hard to clean your clothes, and I want to give them a modest raise. I can only do it by raising prices. Surely you can understand my wish. If you can’t, spend an hour in the plant, and you will see the care my workers take to make your garments look like new. Then, I’m sure, you won’t deny them.”

Even the most hard-boiled customer will be hard-pressed to challenge your good intentions. But if you don’t like that explanation, come up with your own. Perhaps utility cost increases are forcing you to act. Perhaps environmental requirements have hit your firm. What you want is a scenario that explains your actions.

Then there is the problem of inertia. We’re managing, so why rock the boat? If you examine your books and see that profit is down, you’re managing, but you’re not managing well. Don’t ignore that responsi-

bility in bad times. The bold businessman acts and so should you.

LOOK CLOSELY AT YOUR COST STRUCTURE. The exercise of raising prices forces a dry cleaner to confront his/her cost structure. Getting a grip on costs is a key characteristic of good management. You’ll make decisions on firmer ground. You’ll know which costs have increased and why. You’ll spot areas in which you need to be more efficient. You’ll spot weaknesses in your staff.

What you gain by raising prices modestly and selectively is a chance to catch up and overtake increasing costs. A dry cleaner with flat costs who operates on a 3% profit margin, and then increases prices an average of 3% will double his profit. For example, if a firm does $400,000 and makes $12,000 profit, a price increase would double profit ($12,000 + $12,000 = $24,000). A 3% increase in prices creates a 100% increase in profits. But even if costs have increased, a 3% price increase is likely to bump up profits.

Of course, we’re not talking about a huge jump in prices. Raising shirts from $1.75 to $1.95 is not such a large shift. Neither is marking up slacks from $5.95 to $6.45, nor raising sports jackets from $6.25 to $6.50.

Check your costs today and figure out your profit margin. Has it been slipping? Perhaps this is the time to introduce a modest round of price increases. O

Howard Scott is a longtime industry writer and dry cleaning consultant, and an H&R Block tax prepar er specializing in small businesses. He welcomes questions and comments, and can be reached by writing Howard Scott, Dancing Hill, Pembroke, MA 02359, by calling 781-293-9027 or via e-mail at dancinghill@gmail.com.

34 American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

NOLA Know-How

By Carlo Calma, Editorial Assistant

The Clean Show—officially the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning—will settle this month in the Crescent City for the fifth time in the show’s 36-year history.

Though the schedule is shorter than in years past—beginning Thursday, June 20, and wrapping Saturday, June 22—plenty has been packed into the three-day event.

New Orleans has plenty to offer visitors for relaxation and ways for people to take it easy in the city known as the Big Easy.

With a world of culture right outside the convention center doors, visitors at the end of each convention day have every opportunity to do as the locals do: “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or let the good times roll.

GETTING AROUND. Before taking to the streets of New Orleans, have a plan for navigation. Upon arrival, the cheapest way to get from Louis Armstrong International Airport to New Orleans’ Central Business

District (CBD) is via the Jefferson Transit (JeT) bus line. The Airport-Downtown Express (E-2) Bus, which picks up passengers outside the airport’s upper level at Entrance 7, costs $2 and takes about 35 minutes to get to the city.

The E-2 bus then makes stops outside the CBD, circling Tulane Avenue, Elk Place, Pydras Street and Lasalle Street.

A taxi ride will cost up to two passengers about $33 to get to the CBD, according to Armstrong International Airport’s website. For those who want to arrive in style, Airport Limousine provides service at rates starting at $58.

The Clean Show will provide complimentary shuttle bus service to and from the Morial Convention Center during show hours at all headquarter hotels, and within two blocks of all other Clean 2013 official hotels. Bus pick-up will be every 15 to 20 minutes.

Three shuttle bus routes are planned to run from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. Buses will get started a little later, 7:30

What to see and do while in New Orleans for the Clean Show

a.m., on Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, but will otherwise follow the established schedule.

Cab fare around the CBD, according to Taxi Fare Finder, costs a flat $3.50 plus $2 for each additional mile.

But to get the authentic NOLA experience, hop on a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) streetcar, which provides service to various points of interest around the greater New Orleans area. The oldest line, the St. Charles Streetcar, has been in operation since 1835.

Managing the streetcar lines is fairly simple. Head to Julia Station on Julia Street and Port of New Orleans Place, for example, and hop on the Riverfront Streetcar to the Jackson Park area and disembark at the world-famous French Market.

For those who prefer to travel on a more local route, the RTA also has 32 city bus routes. Standard fare for both buses and streetcars are $1.25 one-way, but the RTA does offer day passes (“Jazzy Passes”) starting at $3 for a one-day pass, $9 for a threeday pass.

THE FRENCH QUARTER. The oldest neighbor-

hood in the city, the French Quarter—or Vieux Carre as it was originally called— was established by the French colonists who settled in the area in 1718. Canal Street, Decatur Street, Esplanade Avenue and Rampart Street square off the Quarter, which showcases influences from the French, Spanish, Italian, Sicilian, African and Irish, amongst other cultures.

One street that many associate with the French Quarter is colorful Bourbon Street, where many street festivals, including Mardi Gras, take place.

Named after the royal family who ruled France during the 1700s, Bourbon Street becomes a pedestrian mall each evening. The “party” starts at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon, and stretches 13 blocks toward Esplanade Avenue.

Though Mardi Gras occurs only once a year, the party and events never stop in the French Quarter, where many of its bars, restaurants and music halls along other streets continue to celebrate life on a nightly basis. One such locale rests right in the heart of the Quarter off St. Peter Street, where true New Orleans jazz still plays on. Originally built as a residence

Drycleaner,

(Photo: Alex Demyan and NewOrleansOnline.com)

in the 1750s, Preservation Hall touts itself as a “sanctuary to protect and honor New Orleans jazz.”

If Bourbon Street’s nighttime festivities are a bit too raucous for your liking, Royal Street’s daytime events may be up your alley. Like Bourbon, Royal is closed off to vehicular traffic for pedestrians. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Dixieland jazz bands, puppeteers, magicians and vaudeville showmen overtake the street to pro-

vide live entertainment to passersby.

For those who feel that lady luck is on their side during Clean, venture over to Harrah’s New Orleans Casino on Canal Street. Featuring more than 2,000 slots, 200 table games, comedy shows and a myriad of dining options under one roof, Harrah’s is just minutes away from the French Quarter area and provides the perfect outlet for those who want to keep the good times rolling.

Attr A ctions & Ent E rt A inm E nt

The National WWII Museum. In addition to its many exhibits memo rializing the “war that changed the world,” The National WWII Museum also hosts special per formances in its Stage Door Canteen auditorium. Playing during Clean will be Two on Tap, featuring tap dancers Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano. 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Settled in the campus of University of New Orleans, this museum boasts the “largest collection of Southern art in the world.” Be sure to check out its regular Ogden After Hours music series Thursday, June 20. 925 Camp St., 504-539-9600.

Royal Carriages. Tour the Big Easy aboard its signature muledrawn carriage rides. Guides will escort visitors past NOLA land marks, courtyards and famous eateries. Half-hour tours for four people start at $90. 1824 North Rampart St., 504-943-8820.

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours. Venture out of the city to marvel at the unique Louisiana bay ous aboard the Jean Lafitte

Airboat Tour. Airboats navigate through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where many local wildlife, includ ing alligators, lurk in its murky waters. 6604 Leo Kerner Lafitte Parkway, Marrero, LA. 504-6894186.

The Steamboat Natchez. Touted as the “last authentic Steamboat” on the Mississippi River, the Natchez provides tours of the city on the Mississippi amid live jazz music and optional dinner and lunch packages. 400 N. Peters St., Ste. 203, 504586-8777.

Creole Queen Paddlewheeler. In addition to provid ing picturesque tours of the Mississippi River, the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler also throws in a side trip to the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the

1815 Battle of New Orleans; the MalusBeauregard House; and Chalmette Monument. #1 Poydras St., Riverwalk Marketplace, 504-529-4567.

Preservation Hall. Visit this “sanctuary” where New Orleans jazz is protected and hon ored. Live New Orleans jazz emanates from 8 to 11 p.m. nightly. 726 St. Peter St., 504522-2841.

Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel and Casino. Lady luck on your side during Clean? Live up to the motto of the city and let the good times roll at Harrah’s casino, which features more than 2,000 slots and 200 table games. 8 Canal St., 504-5336000.

Audubon Zoo/Aquarium. Witness the Audubon Zoo’s exotic mix of animals set upon unique natural habitat exhibits, such as the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle. Those look ing for aquatic animals can find refuge at the Audubon Aquarium’s 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. 6500 Magazine St./1 Canal St., 504581-4629.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Aerial display at The National WWII Museum. (Photo: Richard Nowitz/New Orleans CVB)

SEE THE SIGHTS. Those looking for a relaxing experience can find solace in the myriad of tours the city has to offer. For an old world-style tour of New Orleans, try Royal Carriages’ distinct mule-drawn carriage rides, where tour guides highlight various landmarks around the city, including courtyards, iron-laced balconies, Bourbon Street and the Mississippi River, amongst others, according to its website.

Tours run 8:30 a.m. through midnight daily, and embark at the corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets. A half-hour tour of the French Quarter for four people starts at $90.

With the Mississippi running through the city, a different way to experience New Orleans is on tours aboard the Steamboat Natchez, or the paddle-wheeler Creole Queen. Both offer a variety of daytime or dinner cruise options, while the Creole

Queen also offers a unique 21/2-hour tour of the Chalmette Battlefield from the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.

Swamp boat tours offer a unique perspective of the sights and sounds of the Louisiana bayous. A 25-minute drive south to Marrero, La., for example, provides the chance to see the Jean Laffitte National Historical Park and Preserve through the Jean Laffitte Swamp Airboat Tour.

For those who want to venture out on their own, the city also has the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas; The Cabildo, the site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase; and The Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

SHOP AND DINE. Considering the eclectic aura that thrives here, this melting pot of cultures shines when it comes to food and dining. ▲

Drycleaner, June 2013

A quick hop back on the Riverfront Streetcar to the French Market will lead hungry hounds to the Cafe du Monde, famous for its French-inspired beignets (fried dough covered in powdered sugar) and chicory coffee au lait.

If you’re looking for a taste of savory Creole cuisine, The Praline Connection, located at 542 Frenchmen Street just off the French Quarter, serves up crawfish or shrimp etouffee, alligator sausage, barbecue oysters, as well as other favorites.

For those looking for a sweet fix, Brennan’s has the cure with its famous Bananas Foster, served since 1951. It’s a marriage

of butter, sugar, cinnamon, rum, banana liqueur and bananas flambéed in a pan and served with a side of vanilla ice cream.

If shopping is on your agenda, Magazine Street’s six miles of shops run the gamut from clothing boutiques to art galleries. Retail shops begin at the intersection of Magazine Street and Felicity Street, or “Lower Magazine,” pick up at Washington Avenue, and again at Jefferson.

During your shopping excursion, set aside some time to veer off course and stroll around the Garden District around Washington Avenue. The city’s historic antebellum mansions can be found here, ▲

Food & d ining

Cafe Du Monde. This NOLA staple has been located in the French Quarter since 1862. Enjoy its famous beignets, while sipping down some chicory cof fee au lait. Open 24 hours. 800 Decatur St., 504-587-0833.

Brennan’s. Touted as the home of the decadent dessert Bananas Foster, Brennan’s also serves up a bevvy of classy breakfast options such as sauteed baby veal topped with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. 417 Royal St., 504-5259713.

Praline Connection. What started as a home delivery service in 1990 has become a local favorite for Cajun-Creole cuisine. Sample soul food favor ites, as well as delicacies, such as fried alligator sausage. 542 Frenchmen St., 504-943-3934.

Meltdown. This “artisinal ice pop” shop began as an ice cream truck in 2008. A year later the owners opened their shop in

the French Quarter, serving ice cream bars made of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. 508 Dumaine St., 504-301-0905.

Acme Oyster House. Opened in 1910, Acme Oyster House is a New Orleans staple, serving chargrilled oysters and oyster shooters. 724 Iberville St., 504522-5973.

Mr. B’s Bistro. Chef Michelle McRaney dishes up authentic Creole food at this restaurant top-rated amongst Yelp users. Menu items include fresh takes

on Southern favorites such as signature barbequed shrimp and pasta jambalaya. 201 Royal St., 504-523-2078.

NOLA Restaurant. Owned by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, NOLA is housed in a reno vated warehouse and features Southern favorites that include gumbo, remoulade and po’boys, alongside rarities such as duck confit and fried egg pizza. 534 St. Louis St., 504-522-6652.

Cafe Amelie. If its menu that includes muffaletta, jumbo shrimp and grits, or chicken and andouille gumbo doesn’t draw you in, let its lush courtyard set ting be the reason you stop by. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965.

Commander’s Palace. Chef Tory McPhail dishes up unique, sophisticated takes on Creole favorites, as well as delica cies such as grilled wild Texas antelope, worth dressing up for. 1403 Washington Ave., 504899-8221.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Po’boy sandwich. (Photo: New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau)

EXPO

FIERAMILANO S.p.A.

Tel. +39 02.4997.7129 Fax +39 02.4997.6252

and up toward the intersection of Prytania Street and Washington Avenue lies another area for shopping enthusiasts.

Of course, another shopping destination is the French Market, where you can buy local produce at the farmers market, and practice your bargaining skills at its flea market. Hours vary by vendor, according to the French Market’s website, but vendors are usually open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WEATHER THE WEATHER. In the words of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city has a “subtropical climate with pleasant year-round temperatures.”

Riverwalk Marketplace. Home to more than 100 shops, it com bines the joys of retail therapy set along the Mississippi River. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl., 504-522-1555.

Lakeside Shopping Center. Featuring more than 120 retail shops, Lakeside Shopping Center is perfect for those looking for a one-stop shopping destination. 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-835-8000.

French Market’s Flea Market. Browse and bargain over clothing, jewelry, antiques and other wares from merchants from all over the world in this open-air market. 1008 N. Peters St., 504-522-2621.

Frenchmen Art Market. Night owls looking to spot a deal on handmade art and goods can flock here Thursday through Saturday night, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. 619 Frenchmen St., 504941-1149.

It sees sunshine an average of 67% of the time in June, but with the rays comes the summer heat. Average June temperatures can top 90 F. Frommer’s explains that T-shirts and shorts are acceptable attire at most establishments (the exceptions being fine restaurants), so loose, light clothing is the way to go when sightseeing.

But for fashion-conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise fashion for the extreme heat, lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen or madras provide style not only during the day, but when dressing up for the night. A linen blazer and linen

S H opping

Perlis. Considered to be uptown New Orleans’ “premier clothing store” for more than 70 years, Perlis sells men’s, women’s and children’s clothing embla zoned with the company’s trademark crawfish insig nia. 6070 Magazine St., 504-895-8661.

Louisiana Music Factory. Developed an ear for New Orleans jazz during your stay? Boasting a wide selection of New Orleans jazz, Zydeco and Cajun records, Louisiana Music Factory offers a one-stop shop for you to bring the soundtrack of the city back home. 210 Decatur St., 504-586-1094.

NOLA Merchandise. Want to bring the celebratory culture of New Orleans back home? NOLA Merchandise’s stock of Mardi Gras beads, boas, Venetian masks and other souvenir items will help you relive your NOLA experience. 425 Decatur St., 985-236-9560.

Southern Candymakers. This familyowned candy store has a bevvy of chocolates and sweets to bring back home, including its award-winning pralines. 334 Decatur St., 800-344-9773.

Vintage 329. Featuring authen tic autographed memorabilia, barware and other rare collect ibles, Vintage 329 is the perfect shop for those looking to snag a piece of history. 329 Royal St., 504-525-2262.

Fleur D’Orleans. Inspired by the architecture of New Orleans, Fleur D’Orleans sells jewelry featuring the historical designs of the city, such as the iconic Fleur-de-lis. 3701A Magazine St., 504-899-5585.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Entrance to the French Market. (Photo: New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau)

dress pant can make up a perfect outfit for a more formal dinner, without feeling too stuffy.

Those who are unable to bear the New Orleans humidity can take comfort in in door activities, as many establishments are air-conditioned. Those who absolutely can’t stand the heat can wait to go out until the evening, as June lows average around 70.

ENJOY THE BIG EASY. Still undecided about what to do, or which sights to see? Try ing to fit some sightseeing into a three-day show schedule can be challenging, but on line resources such as Frommer’s and TripAdvisor have multiple listings and ideas of attractions to visit on a limited schedule.

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau at 2020 St. Charles Ave. can also help you navigate

your way throughout the city, and even make trip recommendations around your specific interests, according to Frommer’s.

The Visitor Information Center at 529 St. Ann St. in the French Quarter can also make recommendations. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the center has walking/driving tour maps and booklets on local sites.

One other resource: the locals. Don’t shy away from asking the grocer at the farmer’s market which restaurant he recommends for authentic Cajun cuisine, or the shopkeeper at the antique store which museums to check out. Not only can they direct you to local attractions, they can point you toward some hidden gems.

With many things to see and do in New Orleans, make sure you relish in the local flavor during Clean 2013. O

www.americandrycleaner.com

American Drycleaner, June 2013 43

Should You Own or Lease Your Plant’s Real Estate?

By Lloyd Manning

For the dry cleaning plant owner who operates from a leased premises and the lease is about to expire, the question arises as to whether it is better to own or lease your plant’s real estate. However, when investment capital is limited, continuing to rent is the only option. For the established operator who has the wherewithal, if the business has outgrown the plant’s size or the landlord demands are unreasonable, it becomes a matter of weighing the options of leasing, buying or building,

and selecting which is best. Owning vs. leasing your plant’s real estate is not about occupancy. You can always buy, build or rent the plant space you need. It is all about the wisest employment of available capital. Money is not made by owning an asset, but by the use of it.

COST OF OWNING VS. LEASING. Let’s assume the optimum dry cleaning plant has 10,000 square feet of floor space. Allowing for some onsite parking, about 15,000 square feet of land is

(Photo: ©iStockphoto/Chris Lamphear)

required. If buying or building an averagequality building, including limited modifications, special dry cleaning plant systems, and equipment installation, an investment in the $1.5 million range is suggested.

If mortgaging, say, 75% of that investment, or $1.125 million, at 5.0% for 20 years, the annual debt service would be approximately $89,000. Add to this a return on your equity investment of $375,000 that is comparable to other commercial real estate investments of, say, 9.0%, or $33,750 per annum, your property cost would be approximately $122,750 per year ($89,000 plus $33,750).

However, were you to borrow the $375,000 from Aunt Jane at, say, 6% interest with a 10-year amortization, the annual payments to her would be approximately $50,000 for a total of $139,000 per year

($89,000 plus $50,000).

If leasing at $12 per square foot per annum, it would be $120,000 per year for 10,000 square feet. Property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance are additional in both cases.

So, depending on your cost of financing, if buying or building, including the return on equity, it could be $122,750 or $139,000 annually. If leasing, it could be $120,000 per year. This suggests that for the shorter term, leasing is the better way to go. But it may not be.

If you have the equity parked in some bank at a negligible return, or discount any return on your equity, it is about a break-even proposition. With borrowing the equity, on a cash flow basis, for the early years, you are a loser. Still, with the buying, using the demonstrated in- ▲

American Drycleaner, June 2013

terest percentages, you would retire the $375,000 loan in 10 years and the $1.125 million mortgage in 15, after which your debt service would be nil. If leasing at the same rate, you would still be forking out $120,000 per year. Over the longer haul, as you are money ahead, owning the real estate is the better way to go.

UNDERTAKE A COST COMPARISON. You must work out your own cost of buying and financing or leasing. I don’t know what it would cost to buy or rent a 10,000-squarefoot building in your community, so you might get a better deal on interest than what I’ve shown.

It could be that the equity capital is not there, or Aunt Jane says “No.” And, you might not be able to buy or build what you want for $1.5 million, or rent a goodquality building in a good location for $12 per square foot.

It is important that you undertake a complete cost analysis comparison, which would include building adaptation for a dry cleaning plant; purchase and installation cost of the new equipment that you would require; removal and reinstallation costs of retained equipment; and returning your vacated premises to the same condition it was prior to your occupancy.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. With leasing, the big question really lies with the requirement for personal guarantees and with other financial commitments. Are you prepared to assume this much debt? If mortgaging the real estate and also leasing or financing equipment, how will your balance sheet, credit lines, and borrowing ability be affected? Although leasing has some disadvantages, it provides 100% leverage

on your dollar and 100% of the rent is tax deductible. When mortgaging, it is only the interest.

Few investments provide better longerterm return on your capital than real estate. Equity increases through mortgage paydown and value appreciation. However, it is not like the stock market or mutual funds and having the ability to count your money every day. Real estate is landlocked; it cannot be moved to a more favorable location. There are not buyers on every corner waiting to snap it up, or bail you out of a bad deal. If you pay too much, or finance too much at a high interest rate, it could be a loser. Leverage works both ways. Know that real estate is a long-term investment, the returns on which should be compared to other long-term investments.

SEPARATE COMPANY OWNERSHIP. Owned real estate should never be considered as a part of the plant’s business, but as a separate investment, owned by a separate company and leased to the dry cleaning business. Al though this could require some income tax considerations, it protects your investment against any business-oriented liability. Rent to yourself at market rate, the same as if you were leasing from a third party. The IRS will smile on you. On paper, consider yourself as a tenant. Separate property and dry cleaning plant expenses. Compare the returns with other investments, and then determine if this is the best way to go.

THREE CONSIDERATIONS. When you buy or build, envision not only your own requirements but the longer-term potential of the property. There are three important considerations:

1. Your dry cleaning plant’s occupancy,

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

with the most important criteria being how the property fits in with your present needs and your potential growth.

2. Look at it from the perspective of a future buyer, as you may wish to resell the property someday. The more adaptable it is for other uses, the better the price you will receive. Only select a property (if buying) or a location (if building) that will be in demand.

3. You may wish to rent out the property in the future. Accordingly, ensure that the property is adaptable and can now, and in the future, provide a satisfactory return comparable with other investments. Avoid the temptation to build inflation into your calculations. Use constant dollars.

CLARIFY YOUR OBJECTIVES. Only buy after you have considered all factors. Good real estate is one of the world’s better long-term investments, yet is not without its shortcomings. Develop a strategy that will enable you achieve your objectives and overcome your constraints. Which is most cost-effective: owning or leasing? Should you own your own real estate? Yes, no, maybe, sometimes, and all with qualifications. O

Information in this article is provided for educational and reference purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or individual recommenda tions. Consult an attorney or tax adviser for advice regarding your particular situation.

Lloyd R. Manning is a semi-retired commercial real estate and business appraiser, and a freelance writer. He is the author of Winning With Commercial Real Estate – The Ins and Outs of Making Money In Investment Properties.

r elationship Banking

Y

our bank would like you to keep as big a chunk of your cash with it as possible. In order to convince you that they are the best place to keep your money, most big banks and some of the smaller regional banks have come up with special programs to court customers willing to show their loyalty.

Some banks may have a different name for the effort, but the most popular name these days is “relationship banking.” Whatever your bank calls it, it will be to your advantage to be aware of what it involves.

When it comes to banks, it’s all about money, and convincing you to commit as much of your money as possible to their safekeeping is what a bank considers a good relationship; thus, “relationship banking.”

What it all means is that if you’re willing to commit a sizable amount of money to one bank, you can expect to receive the royal treatment, which isn’t available to just anyone who opens a modest savings or checking account. Most of the country’s largest banks are offering attractive perks to customers who maintain thousands of dollars in some combination of checking, savings and investment accounts.

Among the potential benefits are

lower banking fees, higher interest rates on deposits, lower interest rates on loans and credit card balances, and special attention when you contact customer service.

Why all this romancing of privileged customers? Because a customer who keeps lots of money in various types of accounts in the same bank is a profitable customer, while the customer who opens only a modest checking or savings account is likely to be a money loser instead of a money maker.

Here are what a couple of major banks offer to their “relationship” customers:

In what it calls the PMA Package, Wells Fargo offers higher interest rates on some deposit and CD accounts; lower interest rates on loans and credit lines; up to 100 commission-free trades annually through a self-directed investment account; and extra benefits for Wells Fargo VISA credit card holders, including purchase protection coverage. To qualify for the PMA Package, a customer must have $25,000 in qualifying deposit accounts or $50,000 in qualifying deposit and brokerage accounts.

Bank of America, another major player, calls its program Platinum Privileges. To qualify, a customer must have an active personal checking

Bill Lynott

Hunt for the Hidden Hanger

Did you know that, for more than a decade, American Drycleaner has hidden a small hanger on virtually every cover? The tradition began in February 2003 as nothing more than a simple, lighthearted way to challenge our readers. And we don’t make it easy, because where’s the fun in that? It can be caped, or plain wire, and size and color varies, but a hanger is always there. So, put on your reading glasses and spend a few extra moments searching this month’s cover. And if you can’t find it, don’t despair — we’ll give you a clue. Scanning the QR code below with your mobile device will open a web page that will show you a visual clue. If you don’t have a smart phone, visit americandrycleaner.com/hanger-clue . Happy hunting!

account plus $50,000 in combined deposit accounts and Merrill Edge brokerage accounts. Among the Platinum Privileges are higher interest rates on money market accounts, CDs and IRAs; home loan discounts; lower rates on home equity loans; plus 30 commission-free online stock trades per month with a self-directed Merrill Edge account.

Other major banks and many smaller ones offer similar programs to those they consider their “relationship” customers.

In most cases, you need to keep at least $25,000 in relationship accounts to qualify.

Depending on the bank involved, you may get a dedicated phone number for customer service, and lower or no fees on such services as money orders, cashier’s checks and wire transfers. Some banks offer breaks for relationship customers who take out a mortgage loan, including discounts off closing accounts or lower interest rates on a first-time mortgage loan.

Of course, not every banking customer is in love with the idea of being tied to one bank for all or most of his or her banking needs. With easy access to the Internet to shop around for the best deals, some customers feel it makes more sense to shop for top yields on their savings rather than depending on one bank to treat them right. In truth, even the deals on relationship packages offered by the biggest banks often don’t measure up to the best yields offered by many online banks, or even credit unions or smaller local banks.

For many people, the personal interaction of working with a local bank or credit union is more important than obtaining the highest possible return on their deposit accounts. Credit unions in particular are rapidly gaining new members as they relax

their membership requirements while offering highly competitive rates on deposits and loans. (To find a local credit union, log on to culookup.com.)

Of course, the best deals often are available to those willing to deal with an online bank vs. a more familiar brick and mortar institution. For example, online Ally Bank offers a free checking account with no minimum balance, interest rates

Some perks will be more important to you than others, so it’s best to shop around for the deal that is best suited to your needs.

as high as 0.75% depending on the size of the account, and no-fee ATM transactions with reimbursements for another bank’s ATM fees.

Obviously, you have a wide range of choices when it comes to where you park your money. Some perks will be more important to you than others, so it’s best to shop around for the deal that is best suited to your needs.

As long as the bank you choose is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or, in the case of credit unions, the National Credit Union Admin istration (NCUA), your money will be safe up to the maximum insured coverage. O

Information in this article is provided for educational and reference purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or individual recommenda tions. Consult an accountant or tax adviser for advice regarding your particular situation.

Bill Lynott is a freelance writer whose work appears regularly in leading trade publications and news papers, as well as consumer magazines including Reader’s Digest and Family Circle. Visit his website at blynott.com or e-mail lynott@verizon.net.

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

edu C ation & training

Calendar

Wetcleaning. DLI course, to be held June 3-4 in Laurel, Md. Call 800-638-2627 or visit dlionline.org.

Basic Spotting 101. NCA course, to be held June 9 in Bronx, N.Y. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching. NCA course, to be held June 16 at a location to be announced. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Extreme Stain Removal. NCA course, to be held July 14 in Miami, Fla. Call 212-9673002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

DEC Certification. Two-day NCA course, to be held July 14 and July 21 in Nanuet, N.Y. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Introduction to Drycleaning. DLI course, to be held July 15-19 in Laurel, Md. Call 800638-2627 or visit dlionline.org.

Advanced Drycleaning. DLI course, to be held July 22 through Aug. 2 in Laurel, Md. Call 800-638-2627 or visit dlionline.org.

Intermediate Stain Removal and Bleaching. NCA course, to be held July 28 at a loca tion to be announced. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Radical Drycleaning/Stain Removal. NCA course, to be held Aug. 5 through Aug. 9 in Northvale, N.J. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Advanced Stain Removal and Intensive Bleaching. NCA course, to be held Aug. 25 in Bronx, N.Y. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Avoiding Claims: What You Need to Know About Fabrics & Stain Removal. NCA course, to be held Sept. 8 in Nanuet, N.Y. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

DEC Certification. Two-day NCA course, to be held Sept. 8 and Sept. 13 at a location to be announced. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Cleaning & Stain Removal. DLI course, to be held Sept. 9-13 in Laurel, Md. Call 800638-2627 or visit dlionline.org.

Basic Pressing & Finishing. NCA course, to be held Sept. 21-22 in Bronx, N.Y. Call 212-967-3002 or e-mail ncaiclean@aol.com.

Advanced Drycleaning. DLI course, to be held Oct. 12 through Nov. 1 in Laurel, Md. Call 800-638-2627 or visit dlionline.org.

Introduction to Drycleaning. DLI course, to be held Oct. 14-18 in Laurel, Md. Call 800638-2627 or visit dlionline.org. O

Post your organization’s education and training course announcements on AmericanDrycleaner.com!

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

Bruce Beggs, editorial director,

Phone: 312-361-1683 E-mail: bbeggs@americantrademagazines.com

JULY

Feature: Customer Connections

A dry cleaner’s ability to build customer relationships presents valuable marketing opportunities.

Clean Show Report Part 1 The big news from the just-completed event!

Editorial Submission Deadline — May 15

AUGUST

Feature: Distributors Directory

Updated annually, our easy-to-use directory issue lists equipment/ supplies distributors nationwide.

Clean Show Report Part II We offer an expanded look at the announcements, introductions and ideas that made Clean 2013 a success.

Editorial Submission Deadline — June 15

SEPTEMBER

Feature: Contamination and Cleanup

Should your dry cleaning site have some chemical contamination, there are strategies for pursuing cleanup—and doing it without going bankrupt.

Editorial Submission Deadline — July 15

OCTOBER

Feature: Texcare Asia Preview

The popular every-other-year exhibition returns to Shanghai to reach the world’s hottest markets for textile care services.

Customer Convenience Attract more on-the-go customers by using drop boxes, 24/7 kiosks, route service, and more.

Editorial Submission Deadline — August 15

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Feature: Fashion vs. Fabricare

The annual year-end issue visits haute couture’s runways to help dry cleaners determine what challenges may lie ahead.

Editorial Submission Deadline — September 15

ZIPS Dry Cleaners appoints Bechtle as franchise chain’s CEO

Reid Bechtle is the newly appointed chief executive officer for ZIPS Dry Cleaners, the Mid-Atlantic dry clean ing franchise chain has announced.

This comes on the heels of the company’s recent acquisition by JPB Capital Partners, a Maryland-based pri vate equity firm that makes control invest ments in lower-middle market companies located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States.

“ZIPS is the perfect opportunity to work with a proven franchisor and enhance a franchise network that is poised for aggressive growth,” Bech tle says. “Together with JPB Capital Partners, I look forward to moving ZIPS Dry Cleaners through its next phase of growth, including improved execution of the existing system and further geographic expansion of the concept.”

Bechtle has spent the majority of his career in senior management po sitions, having served much of the last 33 years as president and/or CEO for various companies in a variety of industries, including manufactur ing, information services, training/

education and healthcare.

He has significant experience in traditional operating environments, as well as turnarounds, start-ups and the revitalization of mature businesses, ZIPS says. He has worked success fully with public and private compa nies, venture-backed organizations, and family-owned businesses.

Bechtle attended the University of Pennsylvania and received a bachelor of business administration degree from the Wharton School.

Promotion garners 2,200 e-mail addresses for French Cleaners

French Cleaners, a member of the Hartford, Conn., business community for more than a century, recently of fered its customers a chance to win a free year of dry cleaning. Customers were invited to enter the month-long contest by providing a current e-mail address, and the promotion garnered more than 2,200 entries.

A longtime French Cleaners cus tomer was randomly chosen to draw the winning entries on April 10. Van essa Barneschi of West Hartford won the grand prize, a year’s worth of dry cleaning valued at $100 a month. Runner-up was Jennifer Chase, also of West Hartford, who will receive a year’s worth of dry cleaning valued at $50 a month.

Bechtle

“It was a really fun contest and brought a lot of positive feedback from our cli ents,” says Phil Cote, French Cleaners president.

Bridgestone Cleaners donates services to Operation PROM

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Bridgestone Clean ers recently made prom season extra special for local teens by donating the pro fessional dry cleaning of more than 50 prom gowns to Operation PROM’s Brook lyn chapter.

The dry cleaner had previously offered its downtown Brooklyn locations as dropoff points for the nonprofit organization to help collect prom formal wear, like dresses and tuxedos, for less fortunate students.

A member of the Asso ciation of Wedding Gown Specialists, Bridgestone Cleaners has cleaned and cared for gowns of all occasions, the company says. Con sidering this, owner Ken Kinzer wanted to help the organization one step further this year by donating dry cleaning services.

“We met with the Operation PROM people and instantly recognized this was a good thing being done for Brooklyn’s young people, and we wanted to help,” he says.

Shaniqua Schloss, Operation PROM’s Brooklyn chapter director, was grateful for the assistance, citing Bridgestone as hav ing played a fundamental role in making the organization’s first Free Prom Dress Giveaway a “huge success.”

www.americandrycleaner.com

She says her organization greatly ap preciated Bridgestone’s willingness to serve as a drop-off location, to dry clean the prom dresses, and to provide the wear ers with dry cleaning coupons.

Sun Ray Dry Cleaners fuels green initiative through propane autogas

Sun Ray Dry Cleaners, Columbus, Ga., has converted two of its GMC Savana service vans to run on clean propane autogas, the company reports.

Alliance AutoGas helped Sun Ray Dry Cleaners make the switch, and will also provide fuel supply, as well as train drivers how to safely operate and refuel the new propane-powered vehicles.

Additionally, Alliance’s AutoGas pro gram includes the installation of an onsite fuel station, staff safety training, and ongo ing technical support.

The initiative reportedly makes Sun Ray Dry Cleaners the first dry cleaner in the area to operate autogas vehicles, which coincides with its investment in more ▲

American Drycleaner, June 2013 55

Kinzer

Two of Sun Ray Dry Cleaners’ GMC Savana service vans have been converted to run on clean propane autogas.

eco-friendly dry cleaning methods.

The new autogas vans are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, harmful pollutants, and fuel costs. Fleets operating on propane autogas save upwards of $2 per gallon on fuel vs. gasoline, according to Alliance AutoGas.

Sun Ray Dry Cleaners has been serv ing customers in the Columbus and Fort Benning area for more than 80 years.

CIC expands roster with three new hires

Consolidated International Corp. (CIC), National City, Calif., has added three new employees who previously worked for Chicago-based Resillo Press Pad Co.

Nicolae Rascov joins CIC’s roster as export manager, bringing more than two decades of experience to the role, from his previous tenure at Bishop Freeman Co. and Resillo. Rascov has extensive experi ence in dry cleaning and laundry product sales around the globe, CIC says.

Like Rascov, CIC’s new dry cleaning and laundry department manager, Fran cisco Flores, brings more than two decades of industry experience to the company, having previously served as Resillo’s dry cleaning and laundry manager since 1987. At his new post at CIC, Flores will head both U.S. and international dry cleaning and laundry supply production.

Taking the helm as dry cleaning plates manager is Francisco Lopez, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience. Prior to joining CIC, he served as plates department manager at Resillo, where he was responsible for all plate production for U.S. distributors and export customers.

“We are confident that their knowledge and expertise in the dry cleaning and laundry industries will be a great asset to our company,” CIC says of the trio of new comers.

Lapels’ Dubois is NEFA’s Franchise Executive of the Year

Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, based in Hanover, Mass., received the Franchise Executive of the Year award from the New England Franchise Associa tion (NEFA) during its April 9 Franchise Relations Summit in Norwood, Mass.

Dubois’ role in Lapels Dry Cleaning’s growth, commitment to greener dry clean ing processes, and community outreach efforts were among the reasons NEFA honored him with the distinction.

Murray Vetstein, NEFA president, con siders Dubois a “most worthy recipient” of the award.

“Under [Dubois’] leadership, Lapels has raised the bar when it comes to its

American Drycleaner, June 2013 www.americandrycleaner.com

(From left) Nicolae Rascov, Francisco Flores and Francisco Lopez, the newest members of the Consolidated International Corp. team.

business practices, and how much the company and its franchisees give back to the communities they serve,” he says.

In the past 10 years, Lapels has created eco-friendly dry cleaning solutions, mak ing it one of the few dry cleaners in New England to have “no hazardous waste in their process,” NEFA says.

“Considering the high caliber of fran chise executives in NEFA and the area which the association covers—the six New England states—this truly is an honor,” Dubois says.

They will be handled by MarketWise Con sulting Group, a professional mysteryshopping service provider.

“W e have been helping dry cleaners achieve service standards since 1997,” says Carolyn Nankervis, MarketWise Con sulting Group president and an American Dry cleaner columnist. “The mystery shopping program evaluates and scores frontline and cleaning services offered by member compa nies. I am delighted to be associated with an organization that repre sents dry cleaners of all sizes.”

“Customer service is the No. 1 most important aspect of your business,” says DLI CEO Mary Scalco. “By partner ing with an expert firm in that field, we are able to offer services above and be yond what our original Mystery Shopper program could ever do. By offering instore visits, we’re able to give you a better picture of your business from the perspec tive of the people who pay you for your services.”

DLI teams with mystery shopping firm to offer in-store evaluations

Are your counter staff rude to your cus tomers when you’re not around to monitor them? How do you know for sure?

To eliminate this uncertainty and help cleaners find and fix weaknesses in their services, the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) has expanded its Mystery Shopper program to include in-store visits.

www.americandrycleaner.com

MarketWise Consulting Group was established in 1993 and provides market research and competitive analysis. Industrywide Peer Group Data Comparisons are published twice yearly and are considered the benchmark for service standards.

MarketWise is a member of the Mys tery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) and follows a code of ethics set forth by the association to ensure profes sionalism when gathering information about businesses.

The service is available only to DLI members, who may call 800-638-2627 for more information. O

American Drycleaner, June 2013 57

Murray Vetstein (left), president of the New England Franchise Association, presents his organization’s Franchise Executive of the Year award to Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois.

Nankervis

2013 RATES: One- to five-time rate: $2.40 per word, boldface $2.50 per word. Minimum charge: $25.00 per ad. Call or write for our three- and 12-time rates. If box number is used, add cost of 5 words. Display classified rates are available on request. All major credit cards are accepted.

PAYMENT FOR CLASSIFIED ADS: Must accompany order. DEADLINE: Ads must be received by the 1st of the preceding month. For example, for a June ad, the closing date is May 1st.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

AMERICAN DRYCLEANER BOX NUMBERS:

Most ads contain a phone number, street address or a U.S. Post Office Box number for reply. However, some advertisers choose an American Drycleaner confidential reply number. For these ads, address your reply to the box number printed in the ad, c/o American Drycleaner, 566 W. Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661, or fax replies to 312-361-1685. For more information, please con tact us at 312-361-1700.

American Drycleaner and AmericanDrycleaner.com

A Winning Te A m

Print

American Drycleaner is the industry’s premier publication for news relating to dry cleaning plants. In it, you’ll find profiles of successful businesses and their owners, tips for running your operation more successfully, expert advice, and much more.

E-News Web

AmericanDrycleaner.com is your one-click site for all of the most up-to-date information on the industry today. Stories are updated daily to ensure you’re always informed. Plus, online tools such as the Distributors Directory and Buyer’s Guide will fulfill all of your plant’s needs.

Visit us at the Clean Show in New Orleans June 20-22 — Booth 4171

American Drycleaner, June 2013 61

Pricing...

that some foodstuffs in shops, particularly those that sold dairy products, situated near dry cleaning units could absorb perc vapor. Because of this, about 100 dry cleaning outlets were closed, most on a temporary basis. The West German government is intending to establish an emission limit. … Sanitone has scratched the surface of a new marketing campaign called the “Mystery Spot Game.” The promotion, available to all licensees, involves customers scratching off a mystery spot on a scratchoff card, revealing a discount they can use for their next dry cleaning order.

50 YEARS AGO. Delaney-Heald Co. recently faced a pricing predicament when Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry asked the dry cleaner to clean its collection of 107 flags of different nations, all measuring 6 feet by 9 feet. The flags were eventually priced to be cleaned at $1.50 each, the same price Delaney-Heald charges for unlined drape cleaning. Owner Bob Heald explained that the flags for the new African nations were what boosted the total to 107 flags, adding that the opportunity is “nice work if you can get it.” … A Butler, Pa., woman has created a dress that will catch the attention of fashion insiders and dry cleaners alike. Weighing an overall 2 pounds, the gown’s skirt contains 30 feet of steel bonded to cotton cloth with iron-on patches, while the bodice contains 475 sequin-like spangles of stainless steel machine-sewn to a cummerbund of blue nylon tulle … In celebration of Washington’s Birthday, One Hour Martinizing of Wichita, Kan., offered free dry cleaning to

the first woman showing up clad in a bikini. The weather proved to be a factor in the lack of response, according to owner John Woodhams. “It was very cold that day, around 18 degrees, so no one took us up on it,” he says. “We did receive many calls wanting to know if anyone showed up.”

75 YEARS AGO. Energy costs putting a dent in your wallet? Michigan Cleaners has found a possible solution: a diesel engine. After installing one at its Chicago location in the fall of 1935, Michigan Cleaners was able to go from purchasing current at 3 cents per kilowatt hour to three-quarters of a cent per kwh. The engine has allowed the company to save power costs, and has proved to not be a hassle as the cost of maintenance has almost been next to nothing. Michigan Cleaners expects that the machine will pay for itself by the summer of 1939 … Charles R. Griffith of New Castle, Ind., has the solution for cleaners wanting to see more green come into their pockets, as he’s perfected the solution for removing green grass stains from fabrics. He places a Turkish towel, or absorbent cloth, beneath the stain and applies a solution of equal parts alcohol and benzol. He then feathers the solution out, adding acetic acid to speed up the process when necessary. The solution evaporates quickly, and leaves no ring if properly feathered out … The Illinois Association of Cleaners & Dyers is reporting that membership is now three times as large as at any time in the last few years. Helmed by President Fred Schumann and Secretary William Skahen, the association has held group meetings throughout the state, the most recent in Danville. O

— Compiled by Carlo Calma

Pricing Predicament

10 YEARS AGO. President George W. Bush has rejected the imposition of additional tariffs on wire hanger imports from China in a memorandum published in the Federal Register. The response follows the U.S. International Trade Commission’s recommendation from January, saying that new tariffs be levied in response to imports’ “significant injury” to domestic manufacturers. President Bush explained in the memo that, “providing import relief for the U.S. wire-hanger industry is not in the national economic interest of the United States,” and that such action would not only have an “adverse impact” on the U.S. economy, but would also “affect domestic producers unevenly.” … Looks like “Freedom fries” will have to fly solo for now, as L. Philip Cote has changed his Hartford, Conn.-based dry cleaning operation back to French Cleaners. Cote renamed his 92-year-old business Freedom Cleaners after hearing clients express anger over France’s refusal to support a U.N. resolution supporting

military action in Iraq. Upon the name change, a clash broke out amongst his customers between those who prefer the old name vs. those who prefer the new name. Cote held a vote, with the majority of his clientele preferring French Cleaners … The stage is set for Clean ’03 in Las Vegas, and though the exhibition of the latest equipment may attract many in the textile care industry, other attractions await. Whether you’re betting your luck at the blackjack table at the Bellagio, or enjoying its fine art collection, or taking a romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal replica at the Venetian, many sites and sounds await.

25 YEARS AGO. Customers looking for a new dry cleaner can now take their garments to drugstore chain Rite Aid, so to speak, as Rite Aid Corp. is acquiring Begley Co., operator of 140 dry cleaning stores in 10 states, in addition to other healthcare-related businesses. Rite Aid’s offer of $28 per share for all the outstanding stock of the company preempted Begley’s intent of operating its dry cleaning business as an independent entity. … The perc problem has gained attention across the Atlantic as dry cleaners in West Germany are now awaiting new regulation regarding the solvent. The issue came to light as it was found

NO BLOWER OR ELECTRICAL COST FOR FAN

NO POST PURGE OR PRE-PURGE