How do I prepare a dry cleaner for sale?

A dry cleaner has more moving parts than it looks. There is the counter, the plant, perhaps a few drop stores, and a site that a buyer will ask questions about. Preparing early means you answer those questions from a folder instead of from memory. Work through the folder in this order.

Records of sales and tickets

Gather ticket and counter-sales records for a full stretch of months. Separate walk-in work from account customers, alterations and any pickup and delivery. Buyers look for how much of the business comes back regularly, and how much depends on one location or one person at the counter.

Machines, service and agreements

List the presses, machines and boilers, with age, service history and what is leased. If you supply drop stores or run a plant for others, bring those agreements. Ask your lawyer whether they can be assigned. Keep your claims log too, showing how lost or damaged items were handled.

Lease and site history

Read your lease for term, renewal, assignment and any clause about the use of the premises. Buyers and lenders often ask what has happened at the site over the years. Collect what you have, such as supplier records and past inspections, and let your lawyer explain what it means. The page on environmental checks explains the usual questions.

Plan the rest of the sale

The costs of selling a dry cleaner are worth reading early, and the listing guide covers buyers and channels. Your accountant can help present the records.