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Dry Cleaning Station

The price brings them in. The quality brings them back.

The Dry Cleaning Station franchise system will control a significant share of our markets by exceeding the expectations of the customers we serve. We will offer our services at pricing generally below the market and maintain quality standards greater than most dry cleaners.

We will provide our employees with exciting and challenging, but stable and secure, career opportunities. We value inquisitive, innovative minds and reward provocative, productive individuals with vested interests in the success of the system.

We believe that true success is a win-win proposition. We will not profit at the expense of our customers, employees, suppliers or the community. We know that their success contributes to ours and our success to theirs.

What is the success rate of franchised businesses vs. independent businesses?

Per the U.S. Department of Commerce, since 1971 less than 5% of franchises have failed. Per the U.S. Small Business Administration, the small business failure rate is 65% in five years.

Why purchase a Dry Cleaning Station franchise vs. the many other dry cleaning franchises available and how does Dry Cleaning Station differ from its competitors?

Dry Cleaning Station offers many options to a franchisee that others do not:

• Purchase a small plant for a lower investment and service only that one location.
• Purchase a larger plant and open drop stores or have us market to other franchisees who may wish to open drop stores and be serviced by your plant.
• Open only drop stores to be serviced by another franchisee's plant operations
• Purchase the exclusive rights to a small to large market and open stores over a negotiated period of time and we offer a special niche in the marketplace with 20-25% below market pricing, higher quality, better value and an operation that is business management driven. Dry Cleaning Station isn't just another "me too" dry cleaner.

Does the franchisee have to pay into an advertising pool?

Our advertising model is very simple and very inexpensive. We rarely coupon, generally only in mature stores. No national campaigns are planned or needed. Therefore, it is up to you to choose how aggressive you want to be in your own market.

What will my initial investment get me? What will I get in exchange for the royalties I pay?

Your initial investment includes all equipment, construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, signage, franchise fees, working capital for three months, supplies, computer hardware and software. Your investment also includes any travel expenses for training in Columbus, Ohio. Ongoing services include semiannual operational reviews (full review of all operations and people in each store), Operations Manuals, Health and Safety Manuals, conventions paid by the franchisor for every franchisee (travel expenses paid by franchisee; all other expenses paid by franchisor), periodic financial performance and system "bench marking" review, ongoing training, initial membership in the IFI, after-hours support, and equipment distributor pricing.

What kind of training will I get?

You don't need to have dry cleaning experience to own a Dry Cleaning Station. You can have the advantages of business ownership because experienced leaders in dry cleaning, business, marketing, finance, and other areas provide you with methods, training, and support. We'll assist you in:

• Site selection
• Organizing and opening the store
• Grand opening marketing materials
• Operations manuals
• Employee training materials
• Technical training for pressing, spotting, etc.
• Financial pro-formas and business planning
• Ongoing field support
• Optional equipment leasing
• Registered trademark and logo
• Future expansion possibilities

What is the size of the dry cleaning market nationwide? What are the current characteristics of the market?

The dry cleaning market is stable and not represented by many national companies. Most are local. Dry Cleaning Station offers a niche in the market by offering lower prices (generally 20%-25% below our competition), the highest quality dry cleaning, friendly service that goes beyond expectation, and state-of-the-art equipment that provides fresh and perfectly done garments. "The price brings them in. The quality brings them back."

How can Dry Cleaning Station 15-25% less than the competition and still have strong margins?

Dry Cleaning Station franchisees use leading-edge technology throughout their stores. The newest developments offer unparalleled opportunities for optimum management of clothing, equipment, personnel, and accounting records.

A comprehensive Point of sale (POS) Software System provides services undreamed-of a few years ago. The Dry Cleaning Station cash register automatically tags and prices each customer item. The system also provides tags for each garment, the location for each order, and keeps all customer records on hand for easy reference and potential marketing applications.

This sophisticated system is the key to all the accounting and management reports required to run a profitable business. Franchisees may use it to eliminate pricing errors, track inventory, manage cash and provide a wealth of business management information. In addition, it can also provide sales and revenues reports, cash drawer audit trails, and inventory control information.

With all these features, this technology provides a leading-edge in management, sales, and service. Best of all, it helps Dry Cleaning Station franchisees serve their customers better. Customers choose dry cleaning for the impeccable appearance they require in their business life, and the good looks they appreciate in their private lives. However, many are also concerned about the environment--and so are we.

Our state-of-the-art equipment uses fewer chemicals, and in smaller amounts than most equipment used in the past. Chemicals are recycled for more efficient--and less costly--results. New dry cleaning technology combines fast, efficient service with a better environment, both inside and outside the store.

• Machines used by Dry Cleaning Station franchisees are very reliable and long-lived.
• Machinery has automated maintenance programs.
• With computer control, cleaning is very precise.
• Filtering systems provide for recycling and recovery of chemicals.
• Solvent vapor escape is prevented by a sophisiticated machine design.
• Low solvent temperatures provide for gentle treatment of garments also requires less finishing.

These versatile machines come with a wide variety of accessories and optional components.

How does the Dry Cleaning Station formula work?

It is not unusual for a typical household to visit a dry cleaner weekly, bringing several shirts, a suit, a dress, etc. An average cost for these items is approximately $25 per week. If other items such as coats, sweaters and household items are included, a household can easily average spending $100 per month, even during recessionary times.

In today's economy and social climate, dry cleaning has become a virtual necessity. Major factors include:

• Manufacturer's labels requiring dry cleaning
• Double income households who dress professionally
• Lack of time and willingness to clean and iron at home

The Dry Cleaning Station proven formula is to price its garments 20%-25% less than the competition. This provides the initial motivation for customer trial. By ensuring high quality standards, we truly offer these customers a better value for less cost. Through state-of-the-art equipment and efficient management, our profit margins are very attractive.

Keys to success at Dry Cleaning Station are volume and efficiency. The pricing readily generates the volume. Sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment, sound management, and proven franchise systems and procedures address efficiency. For the consumer, there is now an alternative to the high price of dry cleaning without sacrificing quality.

Dry Cleaning Station is a 21st century franchise. The system will exceed all current and pending EPA regulations and standards. It is specifically designed to respond to growing customer dissatisfaction with high-priced and low quality dry cleaning. Franchises are priced to be well within the financial range of many who are seeking a high-quality, customer service franchise with potentially strong returns on investment. The equipment package, which accounts for most of the cash investment, is designed to create cost efficiencies without sacrificing the critical elements of precision dry cleaning.

Our proven formula:

• Price is 20%-25% lower than competition
• Quality is equal to or greater than the competition
• Incomparable service provides the customer with value -- No discernible cleaning odors in the store or on the clothing
• High traffic locations
• Visibly attractive stores
• Reliable and responsive Franchisor support

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