When you own a business, you can never afford to take customers for granted. It’s vital to learn how to promote your laundromat in several highly effective ways. This will prevent competitors from gaining the upper hand. Coin-operated machines usually don’t produce enough income to pay for television or radio ads. Fortunately, you can find creative marketing solutions that cost relatively little. Use our tips below to learn how to promote your laundromat.
How to Promote Your Laundromat
Signage
Exterior signs should draw attention and clearly indicate that your establishment is a laundromat. Be sure to illuminate them; this will help people find your business at night. Clean, well-maintained signage can create a positive first impression. Potential customers may question the reliability of your laundry equipment if they see a flickering sign with missing letters or rusty metal. Consider putting up a temporary “grand opening” or “under new management” banner before you open a business.
Promotions
Your laundromat can benefit from attracting more customers during hours and days when relatively few people use it. This will prevent overcrowding and machine shortages at peak times. Think about cutting prices or supplying a free bonus during a specific part of the day or week. For instance, you could provide complimentary snacks and a dryer discount on Tuesday afternoons.
Coupons
Laundromats can use mailings, restaurant bulletin boards, or local newspapers to distribute coupons. You could attract new customers by offering a price reduction or free laundry supplies with any purchase. Coupons may also help you retain loyal patrons. Consider putting them on a table inside of the laundromat or handing them out to familiar customers.
Punch Cards
Another way to reward loyalty is to give punch cards to new customers. An attendant will need to punch a hole in each person’s card during every visit. After a certain number of purchases, the customer could receive a free product or service. Automated loyalty card programs cost more to implement, but they save time and allow attendants to focus on more important tasks.
Website
The Coin Laundry Association reports that less than one out of five laundromats have websites. You can gain a competitive edge by creating an attractive home page with up-to-date contact information, directions, and business hours. Provide details about any student or senior discounts, and consider posting a few photos that showcase clean, well-maintained equipment.
Partnerships
People often need to use laundromats when they stay at hotels. The same goes for individuals who live in apartment buildings or college dorms. You can attract customers by partnering with these businesses. For instance, you could give a small discount to anyone who carries a certain motel’s keycard. This lodging establishment would reward you by informing guests about the laundromat. You could also let the other business place brochures in your waiting area.
If you consistently attract new customers, you will continue collecting plenty of quarters even as some patrons move elsewhere or buy their own appliances. Loyalty programs reduce the likelihood that clients will leave as soon as another establishment offers lower prices. A combination of these two strategies can help you promote your laundromat in an effective and affordable manner.
Finally, if you’re interested in opening a laundromat, be sure to check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Since 1976, we have been providing exceptional sales support, laundry design services, commercial laundry equipment (and leasing options), and laundry equipment service and parts. To learn more about our products and services, please give us a call at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!