[Sherman Logan]

Naccara said the ban may force dry-cleaning business owners out of the state

Ludicrous. The cost of new equipment will just be factored into the cost of the service.

As long as the regulations apply to all cleaners, none will have a competitive advantage or disadvantage. Customers will continue to use the service despite the increased price, as the alternative is ruining expensive clothes.

It looks like they're being given a generous change-over period.

[BluH2o]

The cost of new equipment will just be factored into the cost of the service.

Dry cleaning costs are already outrageous. Invest in a high end front loading washing machine, they use less electricity, and the wash cycle is such that most fabrics can be cleaned effectively, many of which are tagged as dry clean only. Suits, sports jackets, etc. still need to be dry cleaned but there are a lot of items that can be effectively cleaned at home.

[KarlInOhio]

It may get to the point where it is cheaper for groups of dry cleaners to bundle their loads, truck them to Nevada and dry clean them there. I don't know how much other chemicals will add to the price vs. shipping them out of state.

[mywholebodyisaweapon]

Uh, whoa!!!

The extent to which the cost of the new equipment will "just be factored into the 'cost' of the service" depends on the relative price elasticities of supply and demand. If supply is very inelastic or demand is very elastic, the supplier would end up eating most of the increase in cost.

I hope they exit the state. The rest of the U.S. has benefited from California's craziness for years. We've gotten some of our best professionals and experts after they fled the Golden State. Why stop with dry cleaning?