Reasons dry cleaners take out business loans
Setting up and running a dry-cleaning business can be extremely expensive – you need a shop front or kiosk in a convenient location, where you can meet your customers and store the cleaned clothes ready for collection – as well as a cleaning studio fitted out with specialised dry cleaning equipment.
It’s important that you buy safe, high-quality equipment that will run reliably without breakdowns, as down-time for repairs could seriously damage your business. Even if you can buy this equipment second hand it is likely to represent a substantial investment, and many dry cleaners finance these set up costs with a business loan.
Once your business is up and running you’ll have to pay regular costs such as tax, insurance and rent, and you’ll also need to cover variable costs such as wages, protective clothing for your staff, and stocks of cleaning chemicals.
Cash flow can be tricky if your income fluctuates, but a business loan could give you the back-up funds you need to meet all your expenses and keep your business on track.
Another major reason that owners of dry cleaning businesses take out business loans is to help attract customers. Word of mouth recommendations are very important to dry cleaning businesses, and a business loan could help you build customer loyalty via social media, or to raise your profile with a marketing campaign in local media.
What are the requirements for getting a business loan?
Getting a business loan can be easier than you think.
While you can still expect to be knocked back by the big banks unless you have a solid trading history, a top-rate credit rating and collateral to offer, there are plenty of alternative lenders out there willing to offer business loans to dry cleaning companies.
Each lender will have their own criteria when it comes to things like credit rating, how long you’ve been in business, and how high your turnover is. If you’re higher risk (e.g. if your credit score is low) you may still be able to get a business loan, although you can expect to pay a higher rate of interest to compensate for that risk.
The most important factor ALL lenders will look at is your capacity.
Lenders need to know that you will have enough cash – after all your expenses – to cover your loan repayments.
How to apply for a business loan
If you are applying to an alternative lender for a business loan, the process is usually quick and easy:
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1 Create a business case to check how much you can afford to borrow. |
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2 Prepare your supporting documents – expect to be asked for:
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3 Choose your lender and loan product – be sure to shop around, because costs, terms and conditions vary. Be sure to find out about hidden fees and compare all the costs of each product, not just the interest or factor rate. |
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4 Complete a simple online application form and upload your supporting documents. Most lenders will respond within days or even hours. Some will even give an on-the-spot decision. |
Grow your building dry cleaning business
See if you qualifyWhat options are available to dry cleaners?
There are several types of small business loans you could consider, to support or grow your dry cleaning business.
Unsecured small business loan
A short-term option, unsecured business loans are usually for between 3 months and 2 years.
You can use the funds for any purpose, such as new washing machines. Many lenders will let you set a repayment schedule to suit your trading patterns.
Equipment loan
A specific-purpose business loan secured on the equipment you are buying.
The term will often be tied to the lifespan of the equipment. You will not be able to sell or upgrade the equipment until you have repaid the equipment finance.
Vehicle loan
There are several types of business car finance you can use to buy your work vehicles, including car loans, hire purchasing and leasing.
While your work vehicles are under finance you will not be able to sell or upgrade them.
Business line of credit
A business line of credit is similar to an overdraft facility, giving you access to cash up to an agreed limit, often with the right to draw, repay and redraw funds as you need them.
You only pay interest on what you borrow, but there are often set up and admin fees.
Business credit card
Business credit cards are great for covering day-to-day expenses and making purchases, but unless you clear the balance each month the cost can be extremely high.
Before entering in to any business loan agreement, be sure to seek professional advice. It’s also important to ensure you understand all of the costs (including all fees). You can get a head start by using our business loan calculator.
