Lapels vs Tide Cleaners Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Lapels Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
Investment $86,502 - $710,122$8,000 - $1,573,300
Franchise Fee $20,000 - $30,000$20,000 - $50,000
Royalty Fee 5%6.5%
Advertising Fee 2%2%
Year Founded 20002008
Year Franchised 20012008
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +10
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years +10
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Lapels Franchise
Tide Cleaners Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Customer service skills
    		•  * 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
     
    Lapels Franchise
    Tide Cleaners 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-/Yes
    Payroll No/Yes-/Yes

    Training & Support
     
    Lapels Franchise
    Tide Cleaners 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 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 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 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 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 Email marketing 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)

    		Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 8 - 22

    Expansion Plans
     
    Lapels Franchise
    Tide Cleaners Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    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 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.