The laundry industry is enjoying a revolution. In the past, a coin-operated laundromat was viewed as a dangerous, boring, and dirty place to go. Today, many business owners are reinventing laundromats, transforming them into comfortable places where people can clean their clothes. Although the cleaning process is rarely described as fun, entrepreneurs entering the laundry business are trying to inject positive energy into the environment. To gain success, consider the following tips when setting up a laundry business.
Advice for Setting Up a Laundry Business
Determine the Best Location
Although the potential to make money by running a laundry business exists, the market is saturated and described as “mature.” Many neighborhoods are already filled with these types of businesses, so competition is high. Thus, it is essential to open a laundromat in an area that is experiencing high population growth. When large numbers of people have convenient access to your business, you will have the power to draw in long-term customers. To save some money, consider purchasing an existing business. You can then renovate the laundromat to attract new customers, adding to the existing customer base.
Create a Pleasing Environment
As the tides turn in the world of laundromats, customers are searching for businesses with pleasing atmospheres. Never underestimate the importance of a clean and attractive interior. Not only is a pleasing environment more likely to catch a customer’s eye, but customers appreciate the ability to clean their clothes in such an atmosphere. In addition, remember that your laundromat’s cleanliness and style will influence how customers view its safety, reputability, and quality.
Since time is precious and your customers don’t want to wait around all day, add more washers and dryers if you have the space and budget. This will give your customers the opportunity to get in and out as quickly as possible. Plus, a customer is more likely to return if they can complete their load of laundry quickly and with as little hassle as possible.
Offer Convenient Services
Why just offer washers and dryers when you could provide additional convenient services to increase your revenue? According to the Coin Laundry Association, over half of laundromats have successful wash-and-fold services. As you might expect, this appeals to busy customers who would otherwise wash their clothes at a laundromat. However, it also attracts homeowners who would not normally visit a laundromat.
In addition, you might consider offering conveniences outside the realm of laundry. For example, some business owners are adding coffee bars and children’s play areas to their laundromats. Although these features aren’t necessary, they can help you attract new customers. Plus, they may allow your customers to scratch one more errand (a stop at Starbucks) off their list.
Get Down to Business
We couldn’t discuss setting up a laundry business without mentioning the most important element: the equipment. It is essential to have efficient washers and dryers that maximize water and energy usage. Invest in high-quality products from a reliable distributor to please your customers, minimize maintenance and repairs, and create a solid business.
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!