Lapels Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Lapels Cleaners, established in 2000, is a pioneering franchise in the dry cleaning industry, renowned for its commitment to environmentally friendly practices and superior garment care. Founded in Hanover, Massachusetts, the company is headquartered in Naples, Florida, under the leadership of CEO Kevin DuBois.
Lapels began franchising in 2001 and has since expanded to 83 locations across the United States, offering services such as dry cleaning, laundry, tailoring, alterations, and specialized garment care.
What sets Lapels apart from competitors is its use of a 100% non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning process, ensuring gentle yet effective garment care.
The franchise offers multiple business models, including full-service plants, satellite stores, pickup and delivery services, and laundromats, catering to various investment levels and operational preferences. This flexibility allows franchisees to choose a model that aligns with their goals and market demands.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Lapels franchise? It costs on average between $42,000 – $730,000 to start Lapels franchised facility.
This includes expenses for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The exact amount may vary depending on factors such as the type of services offered, the location, and whether the franchisee opts to lease or purchase the property. Lapels offers 3 types of franchises:
| Lapels® Business Model | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Lapels® Plant | $391,281 – $730,122 |
| Lapels® Satellite Store | $91,752 – $211,212 |
| Lapels® Pick Up and Delivery Model | $41,500 – $73,200 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Lapels® Plant franchise. For more information on costs required to start a Lapels franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Initial Training and Site Support Fee | $7,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $250 – $2,000 |
| Real Estate and Prepaid Rent, Security, and Utility Deposits | $0 – $15,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $0 – $160,000 |
| Start-Up Supplies and Equipment Package | $293,851 – $329,062 |
| Green Earth Solvent Licensing Fee | $2,500 |
| Signage and Permits | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Grand Opening and First Year Marketing Fee | $8,900 |
| Insurance | $480 – $960 |
| Miscellaneous Opening Costs | $300 – $2,700 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $20,000 – $140,000 |
| TOTAL | $391,281 – $730,122 |
Lapels Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Lapels franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Lapelss investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Lapels franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Lapels?
The Lapels franchise is owned by Clean Brands, a parent company that specializes in environmentally friendly dry cleaning and laundry services.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
Research Lapels franchise data: For the full FDD cost breakdown, investment tables, and Item 19 disclosures, visit FranchisePayback.com → Lapels FDD Review.
