Lapels vs ZIPS Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Lapels Franchise
ZIPS Franchise
Investment $86,502 - $710,122$745,700 - $1,300,000
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%6%
Advertising Fee 2%5%
Year Founded 20001996
Year Franchised 20012006
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Lapels Franchise
ZIPS Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer service skills
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Lapels Franchise
    ZIPS Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Lapels Franchise
    ZIPS Franchise
    Training One of the greatest reasons for Lapels success is our initial training and ongoing support. We will have you train in our training store and then bring that same trainer out to your store for additional training and support. We will be with you during your soft opening to guide you through the day to day operations. On-The-Job Training: 62 hours Classroom Training: 61 hours 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
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform 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 Platform
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/app
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 25% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		Number of Employees Required to Run: 12

    Expansion Plans
     
    Lapels Franchise
    ZIPS Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoYes
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Lapels

    A Unique Concept in the Dry Cleaning Industry with a Standardized System from Store to Store
     * Image & Store Design
     * Training and Ongoing Support
     * Tested and Proven Marketing Programs
     * In-store Customer Loyalty Programs
     * A Consistent Customer Experience
     * Hours of Operation
     * Store Operations Manuals
     * Lapels Branded Marketing Materials and Supplies
     * Franchisee Participation is Encouraged
     * Point-of-Sale Computer System
     Lapels Dry Cleaning is a recognized name in dry cleaning. When you own our franchise, you benefit from that name recognition, which helps build your business. Lapels Franchising has built a track record of helping our franchisees grow their businesses. We get you started and provide ongoing support regardless of where you're located or what challenges you face. With a Lapels franchise you are in business for yourself but not by yourself. Our corporate team will be right there working with you to assure your success. In addition, you will be working with other franchisees to compare operational procedures and new strategies along the way. Lapels Dry Cleaning has not only pioneered an innovative dry cleaning store concept but has gone one step further with the establishment of trend setting Quality Control and Wholesaler Liaison positions that are filled by Lapels franchisees, the people at the store level who have day-to-day, hands-on knowledge of what the customer wants.

    Veteran Incentives  20% off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #394 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    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.