Lapels Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Lapels is a dry cleaning franchise offering environmentally friendly dry cleaning services, focusing on high-quality cleaning and exceptional customer service.

Lapels Cleaners, founded in 2000, has carved out a distinctive position in the dry cleaning sector with its dedication to green practices and top-quality garment care. Originally launched in Hanover, Massachusetts, the brand now operates from its headquarters in Naples, Florida, with Kevin DuBois serving as CEO.

Since opening its doors to franchising in 2001, Lapels has grown to 83 locations nationwide. The company provides a wide array of services, including dry cleaning, laundry, tailoring, alterations, and specialized garment treatment.

What differentiates Lapels in the marketplace is its 100% non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning method, delivering both effective and gentle garment care. The franchise also offers several business models — from full-service plants and satellite stores to pickup and delivery services and laundromats — giving franchisees the flexibility to choose a setup that best fits their market and business goals.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

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 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

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Lapels

key competitors in the

Laundry / Dry Cleaning

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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83

New
+
2%
2%

$25,000 - $50,000

$42,000

$730,000

n.a.

$361,000

$xxx,xxx

94.6%

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Number of units

Training

Lapels® provides a comprehensive training program for franchisees, covering multiple phases to ensure they are well-prepared to operate their business. Here’s a numbered summary of the training programs offered:

  1. Initial Training and Site Support
    Before the franchise begins operations, Lapels® provides training for the owner (or managing partner/shareholder) and one additional employee. This includes classroom instruction using a proprietary Operations Manual, as well as about one to three days of onsite commencement assistance. Training is provided either at a Lapels® operating location or the company’s headquarters, covering topics such as site location, lease review, wholesaler support, and store build-out.
  2. Location-Based Training
    Training is conducted at the company offices in Hanover, Massachusetts, and training facilities in Waltham, West Roxbury, Wellesley (MA), Fort Mill (SC), and Gilbert (AZ). Franchisees are responsible for their own travel and living expenses, and they must complete the program to Lapels®’ satisfaction before opening the business.
  3. Refresher Training
    Lapels® may require periodic refresher training for franchise owners, managers, or experienced employees to maintain operational standards. There may be reasonable fees charged for these courses.

Territory Protection

Lapels® offers franchisees a defined territory, which is typically centered around the store location and may extend up to three miles in less populated areas or one city block in urban zones. While Lapels® commits not to grant new franchises or open company-owned stores within this defined territory during the term of the franchise agreement, this protection is conditional on the franchisee remaining in compliance.

The size and boundaries of the territory are determined at Lapels®’ discretion, considering factors like population density, neighborhood character, and competition. However, Lapels® makes it clear that franchisees do not receive an exclusive territory.

Franchisees may face competition from other Lapels® franchisees, company-owned outlets, and even alternative distribution channels such as online sales or catalog marketing. Additionally, Lapels® retains the right to operate at non-traditional sites and serve national or institutional accounts both inside and outside the defined territory.

Competitors

Zips Cleaners

Zips Cleaners is a dry-cleaning franchise known for its fast, eco-friendly, and affordable one-price dry-cleaning services for garments and household items.

Franchisees

?

70
+
11%
11%
Investment

?

$205,000 - $1,198,000

SPEED QUEEN

SPEED QUEEN is a laundromat franchise offering self-service and full-service laundry options. Franchisees benefit from brand recognition, training, and business support, with access to advanced laundry technology and an efficient operating system.

Franchisees

?

12
+
140%
140%
Investment

?

$1,164,000 - $1,940,000

WaveMax Laundry

WaveMax Laundry offers professional and efficient self-service and full-service laundry solutions, providing a convenient and reliable option for individuals and businesses to handle their laundry needs.

Franchisees

?

50
+
79%
79%
Investment

?

$351,000 - $1,515,000

Tide Cleaners

Tide Cleaners offers professional dry cleaning and laundry services, providing customers with convenient and high-quality garment care solutions to keep their clothes looking fresh and clean.

Franchisees

?

223
+
11%
11%
Investment

?

$698,000 - $2,517,000

Mulberrys Garment Care

Mulberrys Garment Care provides eco-friendly dry cleaning and laundry services, helping customers maintain clean and fresh clothing.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$725,000 - $1,175,000

Martinizing Dry Cleaning

Martinizing Dry Cleaning is a dry cleaning franchise offering professional dry cleaning and laundry services, known for its quality, convenience, and customer care.

Franchisees

?

163
+
16%
16%
Investment

?

$38,000 - $744,000