The 'clean' way to profits

The Self-laundry industry is approximately 60 years old with US being the biggest market. According to a KPMG study, the current demand of laundry outsourcing in India is pegged at Rs 5,000 cr. There are strong attempts being made to organise this unorganised sector that is primarily dominated by the maids and washermen or 'dhobis'.

There are many brands in this particular industry that are young and thriving and on their way to making it big on the national front. Established in 2010, Quick Clean Pvt. Ltd is one of the first few companies to introduce the concept of laundromats and self service laundry in India. Quick Clean has been successfully managing and servicing community laundry facilities in various residential complexes, colleges, universities and other multi-housing facilities.

With minimum investment of Rs 15-20 lakh, the brand is offering franchise opportunities in three different segments- laundromats, Cafe laundromats and mobile laundry.Quick Clean Pvt. Ltd considers timely after sales services and robust training programme for its franchise partners to be important contributors in its success. It also takes pride in being environment-friendly, as its machines consume less water and electricity as compared with domestic washing machines and processes.

The brand provides all support and training to its franchisees and also helps its young associates/partners garner sufficient funds.Another brand to align with in this segment is 5asec. With successful franchising record globally, the brand brings its time-tested and proven success model to India via its Master Franchisee in the country, SB Fabcare Pvt. Ltd.

Starting its operations in 2010 in India, the brand opened its flagship outlet in Mumbai. With gradual understanding of the market, the brand started exploring likes and dislikes of the Indian consumer and since then it has grown to seven stores in Mumbai itself. The brand offers multiple options of franchise arrangement, depending upon the potential partners. It provides a good platform for ‘mompreneurs’. 5asec helps its partners procure funds as well.

“As principal franchisee in India, we have good support from the parent brand based in Switzerland, and also we have good tie-ups with investors and financial institutions who believe in our model”, says Suresh D Bhatia, Director, SB Fabcare Pvt. Ltd (Master Franchisee for India, 5asec)Providing lucrative opportunity to women entrepreneurs and working professionals interested in earning secondary income; is the brand “Wassup – Just Laundry”, coming from the company Laundry Project India Pvt. Ltd. With the agenda of providing maximum convenience, at the minimum possible cost and lowest possible harm to the environment; Wassup defines itself as an affordable and convenient neighbourhood daily laundry service.

It is interesting to note that this young brand which comprises professionals from laundry, retail, hospitality and apparel industries; doesn’t aim to take on the washermen community as competition. Rather it is taking steps to involve washermen and integrate them into their system, so that they aren’t robbed of their livelihood.The brand offers store, area and master franchise opportunities. Also, Wassup supports its franchisees in getting loans processed through their banking network.

Given the hectic urban lifestyle and increasing number of nuclear families, the practice of outsourcing laundry will only grow by the day. There is great potential in this industry to prosper and flourish in the time to come. Early entrants can gain first movers’ advantages and grow along with the industry.

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