Neighbourhood dry cleaning shop

Office workers, families, wedding and event guests, and local businesses with uniforms or linen.

Price per garment or item, plus extras like express service, repairs and alterations. Regular business accounts help smooth out quiet weeks.

• Knowing fabrics, stains and pressing
• Customer service
• Running a shop and managing staff
• Careful, consistent quality

• There is no single national dry cleaning licence, but requirements vary by state and council: check whether the premises need council planning or use approval, and whether your state EPA requires a licence, registration or notification for solvent use and waste disposal
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' garments in your care
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire, through your state scheme
• High fixed costs for lease and equipment, so test local demand before committing
• Safe handling of chemicals and hot pressing equipment: check workplace safety requirements with your state work health and safety regulator

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the premises, equipment and fit-out. Lease and equipment create high fixed costs, so test local demand before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on location, customer mix and whether you add alterations or business linen work. Expect to put in about 40 hours a week or more.

Check whether your premises need council planning or use approval, and whether your state EPA requires a licence, registration or notification for solvent use and waste disposal. Also check insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and workplace safety rules.