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Dry cleaning is labour-dominated: pressing and finishing account for most of the time and cost, not the cleaning itself. Because direct cost per garment is small relative to price, a high gross margin is normal and necessary to cover premises and plant.
Labour cost
Labour = Minutes per garment / 60 x Labour cost per hour
Price
Price = (Solvent cost + Labour cost) / (1 - Target margin %)
Because gross margin must cover rent in a retail location, plant depreciation, energy and the fixed cost of a machine that runs part-loaded much of the day.
Hand finishing, delicate fabrics, stain treatment and any item requiring a second pressing — which is why price lists differentiate by garment type.