ZIPS vs Tide Cleaners Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of ZIPS vs Tide Cleaners including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
ZIPS Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
Investment $745,700 - $1,300,000$8,000 - $1,573,300
Franchise Fee $30,000$20,000 - $50,000
Royalty Fee 6%6.5%
Advertising Fee 5%2%
Year Founded 19962008
Year Franchised 20062008
Term Of Agreement -10 years +10
Term Of Agreement -10 years +10
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
ZIPS Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
Experience - * An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to succeed * The ability to motivate and train people * The ability to manage finances * The willingness to personally devote full-time and best efforts to the day-to-day operation of the dry cleaning business as an on-premises franchisee * The willingness to complete a comprehensive training and evaluation program to become proficient in all aspects of running the dry cleaning business * The ability to meet financial qualifications

Financing Options

 
ZIPS Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees -/Yes-/Yes
Start-up Costs -/Yes-/Yes
Equipment -/Yes-/Yes
Inventory -/Yes-/Yes
Receivables -/--/Yes
Payroll -/Yes-/Yes

Training & Support

 
ZIPS Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
Training It starts with a six-week training program. In qualifying you to operate a high-volume dry cleaning business, training will cover the following: - Techniques and processes in both laundry and dry cleaning - Management, daily operations and back office systems - Specific store "start-up" assistance at each new location On-The-Job Training: 364 hours Classroom Training: 36 hours Our current training program offers approximately two weeks of hands-on experience in operating a Tide Dry Cleaners location at a training facility/on-the-job/on-site and approximately one week of self-directed computer based training. We also provide additional training for your management staff On-The-Job Training: 240 hours Classroom Training: 37 hours
Support An Operations Manual that provides immediate review of procedures and clear, step-by-step instructions in daily procedures and management policies taught during the training program. Site Selection Guidelines to help you make smart decisions about the site and location of your ZIPS Dry Cleaners franchise. Marketing Support promoting the ZIPS brand identity, along with creative advertising materials, marketing and promotional guidelines and much more. Ongoing Operational Support that includes complete training and management assistance coupled with overall coordination and planning for the ZIPS Dry Cleaners franchise business. Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet PlatformAn Area Representative may be available for assistance and, if available in your area, will be an integral part of our support in assisting you in your business development. * Tide Dry Cleaners team will provide guidance including standards, specifications and operating procedures, marketing, purchasing equipment and products. A series of manuals are also provided in a franchise website portal that will assist in the operation of your Tide Dry Cleaners. * A newsletter may be provided and may be posted on Tide Dry Cleaners proprietary franchisee website to keep you informed of new management tips, research and development, and important events occurring throughout the Tide Dry Cleaners franchise system. Regional activities are an important part of our continuing education program. This program helps keep franchisees informed on a variety of subjects and provides an opportunity to interact with other franchisees and the Tide Dry Cleaners management team. Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform
Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/appCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
Operations Number of Employees Required to Run: 12 Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 22

Expansion Plans

 
ZIPS Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion Yes-
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About ZIPS

Dry cleaning is not a new concept; dry cleaning the ZIPS way, is. It's simply "Professional Cleaning. Unbeatable Pricing." Our successful business model is based on the revolutionary concept of dry cleaning any garment for just $2.49 - that's less than half the price of today's industry average. Plus, we offer this price with same-day pickup - "in by 9, out by 5." Our competitors can't touch it. ZIPS' one price/high volume customer prepay business model outperforms independent operators with high average store sales. At the base of our success is our efficient, technology-based operating system…but that's just the beginning.
How Do We Do It?
ZIPS' efficient, technology based operating system, that's how! Our system combines proven technologies with state-of-the-art equipment.
As a ZIPS franchisee, you will use this same system to run your own ZIPS ‘one price/high volume' dry cleaning business.
Do You Qualify?
ZIPS is expanding, offering franchise opportunities to qualified individuals and groups. If selected, you may be part of the ZIPS revolution with a ZIPS Dry Cleaners' franchise of your own!  ZIPS is looking for individuals who possess the following abilities:
* Management skills
* Motivator
* Good delegator
* Ability to embrace training
* Self-motivated to succeed.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a franchised ZIPS Dry Cleaners Business ranges from $745,700 to $1,300,000. This range includes a $30,000 franchise fee and a $7,500 software license fee that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s). If you are a developer, you will pay a development fee of $10,000 for each ZIPS Dry Cleaners Business to be developed.
Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee


"Entrepreneur
#317 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#229 in Franchise 500 for 2021.


About Tide Cleaners

"Tide
CHANGING DRY CLEANING FOR GOOD. Welcome! And congratulations on your interest in becoming a Tide Cleaners franchise owner.
Imagine yourself as the owner of a Tide Cleaners franchise. Your franchise will have an instantly recognizable brand name built on a foundation of consumer trust developed from more than 60 years of fabric care experience. From day one, you'll work with a dedicated management, sales and marketing team, whose job is to help you make the most of your investment. You and your employees will receive outstanding training and support. Combine that with Tide's services and you'll be able to deliver consumers an amazing dry cleaning experience. Tide Cleaners is a blend of innovation and service that's changing the dry cleaning experience for good. It's clean. It's fresh. And it's a tremendous opportunity for you to take advantage of the brand that practically sells itself.
Invest in a franchise that caters to today's busy lifestyles.
 * The Tide name gives your franchise instant recognition and trust with customers.
 * A clean, bright look, inside and out, along with building amenities like drive-thru service and 24/7 locker access offers your customers a quality and convenient experience.
 * Tide Cleaners uses only the GreenEarth Cleaning process for all dry cleaning.
 * You can generate additional income streams with innovative services like Tide ColorGuard, Tide SpotLift, Tide FreshScent, Tide Back-to-Black and Tide Restore
 * Your staff will receive exceptional training and support to ensure your customers experience world-class service.
 * Reach a targeted, refined clientele and work in an upscale environment - all while becoming an active member of the community you serve.

The total estimated investment necessary to begin operation of a Tide Cleaners outlet is as follows:
  • Plant Store: $681,100 - $1,573,300
  • Drop Store: $153,900 - $636,800
  • Micro Drop Store: $79,500 - $349,750
  • Locker Only Drop Store: $56,900 - $267,150
  • Non-Traditional Store: $8,700 - $86,600
  • Plant Store Conversion: $93,900 - $197,000
  • Central Plant Conversion: $51,500 - $104,500
  • Drop Store Conversion: $75,000 - $134,400
  • Development Rights Agreement: $30,500 - $51,000
"Entrepreneur


#97 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#70 in Franchise 500 for 2021.