Home

Name:$2.49 Dry Cleaners

Address:214 Clifton Ave., Lakewood

Telephone: (732) 415-8644

Top officer: Paul Hirsch, president

How would you describe your business?

"This is a customer-focused dry cleaning business. We are very competitive and sensitive toward customer needs. We have free pick-up and delivery for customers who cannot come and drop off their clothes.

"We offer rapid service. When a customer brings in clothing before 3 p.m., the next day they can expect their clothes to be dry cleaned and ready to be picked up after 4 p.m. with no extra charge for this overnight service. If they cannot pick up their clothes, our free delivery service will bring their clothes to their front door.

"We also offer expert alterations. Our experienced tailors will repair any torn or worn out clothes. We will guarantee this service."

What makes your business special?

"We are really focused toward customer needs. In this struggling economy, we understand the budget each customer has to face, and because of this, we offer one low competitive rate of $2.49 for any single garment such as pants, skirts, or coats. For shirts we charge $1.19. These rates are very competitive and cannot be found in the entire Ocean County."

What goals do you have for the business?

"We would like to be profitable in five to six months."

How has your business changed?

"We just opened last month -- Jan. 21 -- and are a very new business."

What was your most important deal?

"We were privileged to offer our service to Yeshiva Bais Aharon, 905 Park Avenue. We were happy to see the smiles on the boys' faces when our delivery person delivered their clothes on time."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"It is a very competitive business. People have the perception that since our rate is so low, maybe we are compromising the quality of our work. Several customers have brought in one shirt to test our service. In all cases we have exceeded customer satisfaction."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"Be prepared for tough competition. This business requires long hours and hard work. You have to treat each and every customer very specially, and have to meet their expectations. You cannot leave a black mark on a white shirt. Every customer would like to have their dress dry cleaned and returned the next day. It will become difficult if you have 100-200 customers walk in every day with 10 sets of clothes."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"Yes -- just doze for at least 10 minutes. But seriously, we would like to survive in the competitive Lakewood area. It's our honor to serve the community. We would like to thank all the customers who have come to our store and used our service."