ImageFirst vs ZIPS Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
ImageFirst Franchise
ZIPS Franchise
Investment $140,000 - $200,000$745,700 - $1,300,000
Franchise Fee N/A$30,000
Royalty Fee -6%
Advertising Fee -5%
Year Founded -1996
Year Franchised -2006
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
ImageFirst Franchise
ZIPS Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

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

Training & Support

 
ImageFirst Franchise
ZIPS 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
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 Platform
Marketing -Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Loyalty program/app
Operations -Number of Employees Required to Run: 12

Expansion Plans

 
ImageFirst Franchise
ZIPS Franchise
US Expansion -Yes
Canada Expansion -Yes
International Expansion --

Company Overviews

About ImageFirst

Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST is the largest and fastest growing national linen rental and laundry service provider specializing in serving the healthcare market.

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


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