How To Start a Dry Cleaning & Laundry Business in Nigeria
Starting a dry cleaning business or Laundry business in Nigeria is one of the most profitable business ideas you can start with little or no capital. In this article, you are going to read about how to start a successful laundry business in Nigeria with no money or as low as N10,000 or more, depending on your capability. You are also going to be shown the various equipment needed to kickstart a dry cleaning business and many more.
Is Dry Cleaning Business Profitable in Nigeria?
Dry Cleaning services or Laundry businesses involve the rendering of washing services as well as ironing of clothes and other textile materials like sheets, curtains, carpets, rugs, beds, etc.
One of the numerous questions asked by many people who are looking to start this business is whether the dry cleaning business is lucrative in Nigeria. Fortunately, it’s very lucrative and profitable. Depending on your area and how much you are charging, you can be making at least N50,000 monthly with little or no capital.
This applies to people living in busy and populous cities in Nigeria like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and so many others. To help you further understand the earning potential of this business, see our recent post on Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services Price List In Nigeria. The post outlines the lowest cost for each clothing type that a laundry outlet handles.
Many living in these cities do not have the luxury of time to relax not to talk of washing their clothes. These people leave work as early as 6 am and close late in the night. Only a few are available during the weekend and most will want to spend their time on other relevant things rather than doing laundry.
That is where the work of a person running a laundry business comes in. It’s easy to help these busy folks with washing and ironing their clothes while you earn some money in return.
So, if the idea of making an extra buck makes sense to you with little or no capital, you should read this article to the end.
Cost of Starting A Laundry Business in Nigeria
What is the cost of starting a Laundry Business in Nigeria? This question does not have a definite answer. A laundry Business is a low-risk and profitable business that can be started with little or no money.
Depending on your schedule, you can run it part-time or on a full-time basis. The cost you will spend on starting the business will depend on whether you are starting a small-scale or large-scale business.
If you do not have any money, you can start small and grow your business later after acquiring the required capital. You can do this by doing home services by washing at your clients’ house. These clients will be the ones to provide water, soap, basins, and other materials necessary for washing.
After washing, you will still get your money after washing the clothes. For people with little or more capital, you can buy the machines you can afford and buy more when you are financially capable.
Steps to Start a Successful Laundry Business in Nigeria
Like every other business, starting a profitable Laundry business in Nigeria has its process which must be followed. Below are the steps to take into starting a profitable dry cleaning business in Nigeria.
1. Feasibility Study/ Market Research
The first step in starting any business is to carry out your market research. This is to determine a good location for your business as well as intimate you with the necessary information needed to run the business. You should take time to study how the business works, the equipment used and the prices each can be bought.
You can also learn how much other laundry businesses in different vicinity charge per clothing and how they handle their customers. All these are necessary for the successful launching of a business.
2. Find a Suitable Location
Finding a good and suitable location is essential to running a successful laundry business in Nigeria. The dry cleaning business will be more profitable if located where people can see and access the service. That’s why it’s advisable to secure a space close to a residential area or close to a major road where people pass every day.
Choosing an area where there is less or no competition is also important. This will help your business in acquiring a lot of customers rather than struggling with another competitor. Imagine setting up your laundry business in an estate or near a busy road with no competitor. You will be able to charge higher as well as gain a lot of customers.
For people with little or no capital, you can find a space in your home and dedicate it to your business. From there, you can rent a suitable location when you start profiting from your business.
3. Register Your Business
To boost your business recognition, it’s advisable to register it if you are financially capable. You can register with Corporation Affairs Commission (CAC) to legalize your business. Payment like Local Government fees, ESWAMA fees, or even joining Association can be required depending on the location and state.
3. Buy Necessary Equipment
The laundry business requires few machines and equipment. Depending on your capacity, you can make use of a few equipment and materials like iron, and washing basins for those with little capital. If you have enough money, below is the full list of equipment that will be needed for a Laundry business in Nigeria.
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machines
- Washing Basins
- Power Generator
- Pressing Iron
- Ironing table
- Garment Conveyor
- Starch
- Water
- Nylon and tags
- Shelves
- Stain removers
- Nylons/Package
- Peg
- Baking sodas
- Safety Tank and Tank Stand
- Spray/Deodorant
- Drying Rack
- Table Towel/Cloth
- Pressing Table
- Buckets
- Labor
4. Promotion and Marketing
After setting up your business with the necessary equipment, the next step is to start promoting it. Tell family, friends, and others about your laundry business. Word of mouth and referral marketing are part of the best ways to get customers to patronize you. Therefore, always try to give value and render remarkable services, so you can get referrals.
You can place signboards at strategic places and in front of your shop. Also, you can distribute flyers to people and give them discounts to increase the chance of patronage.
The use of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and others can also drive patronage to your business. You should learn how to use it to benefit your laundry business.
More on Laundry Business in Nigeria
The dry cleaning business is lucrative if it is done the right way. Even though there is no business without its challenges, the laundry business in Nigeria is one of the lucrative businesses with little or no risk. With the right steps, determination, and patience, earning huge profits from laundry businesses in Nigeria is surely possible.
