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How to Start a Laundry Business: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Nina Godlewski helps make complicated business topics more accessible for small business owners. She covers small business topics such as payroll management and launching a business. She was previously a staff writer at Newsweek covering technology, science, breaking news, and culture. She has also worked as a reporter for Business Insider and The Boston Globe.

Christine Aebischer is an assistant assigning editor on the small-business team at NerdWallet who has covered business and personal finance for nearly a decade. Previously, she was an editor at Fundera, where she developed service-driven content on topics such as business lending, software and insurance. She has also held editing roles at LearnVest, a personal finance startup, and its parent company, Northwestern Mutual. She is based in Santa Monica, California.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Laundry is an essential part of life for most people. As long as clean clothes are in demand, a laundry business will be too. After all, not everyone has their own washer and dryer, or the time (or desire) to wash their clothes themselves. This makes starting a business in the laundry industry a great option for budding entrepreneurs.

Of course, this all sounds good in theory, but what does it take to launch a business of your own? If you’re wondering how to start a laundry business, this guide is here to help.

How to start a laundry business in 10 steps

We’re going to cover all of the crucial first steps you need to take to get your laundry business started. You may be eager to open your doors as soon as possible, but taking the time to plan and set up your business through the proper channels can help ensure a successful start.

1. Decide what kind of laundry business you want to start

If you’re already thinking about starting a laundry business, you might know exactly what kind you want to open. But if you’re still exploring your options, we’ll go through a few of the laundry business formats you should consider before deciding.

Laundry businesses are most popular in areas with lots of apartment buildings or where people don’t necessarily have their own washing machines. You may choose to open a laundry business that allows customers to come in and do their laundry using your machines, or you can also offer wash and fold services, where customers can drop off their laundry, and then pick it up once it’s done (some laundry businesses also offer pickup and delivery.)

You might also decide to offer all of these services to your customers. Whichever you choose, you’ll need washing and drying machines and a location for the business. You'll want to keep all of this in mind, therefore, before you continue learning how to start a laundry business.

You also have the option of buying into a laundromat franchise , rather than building a new business from the ground up. There are pros and con s to this type of business model, but if this is your first business endeavor, it can be helpful to work within an already existing — and successful — framework that a franchise provides.

Ultimately, with all of these options, you’ll want to take the time to do your research before you decide which idea to move forward with. See what other types of laundry businesses are in the area, conduct a survey of local people, or see what type of demand there is for your possible business.

This information will help you decide if there is a need for a laundry business in the first place, as well as what type of laundromat would best serve your area.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

2. Choose a business name

One of the most fun parts of learning how to start a laundry business is choosing the business name. Think of all the clever, catchy, and memorable names you can come up with — but make sure it’s also describing your business and is memorable and easy to pronounce.

Once you have some ideas, you can look up whether your business name is available online in most states. The secretary of state website will likely be the best resource for checking business name availability, though some states have a different agency handling this business process, such as the chamber of commerce department.

If your business name is available, you will likely have the option to reserve it for a set amount of time. Although this step isn’t required, you may choose to do so if you aren’t ready to register your business but want to ensure no other business takes your name.

3. Choose a business entity

Another decision about your laundry business that you’ll have to make early on is which business entity you’ll choose to legally structure your business. Choosing the right business entity is crucial, as it affects how you pay taxes, how much risk you’ll be exposed to, how you’ll organize your business, and more.

For example, if you decide to start your laundry business as a limited liability company, you’ll have liability protection for yourself and other business members. On the other hand, if you opt for something like a general partnership or sole proprietorship, you won’t have liability protection, but you also won’t have to register your business with the state.

There are several factors to consider in this step, so we recommend consulting a business attorney or tax professional to walk you through the process and help you choose the best entity for your unique business needs.

4. Write a business plan

Now that you have your business entity, business name and business idea in mind, you can get down to writing your business plan . Your business plan will be on the longer side, think 30 to 50 pages, and it will provide a comprehensive overview and actionable plan for taking your laundry business to a profitable endeavor.

You can either write your business plan on your own or you can use a business plan template to help streamline the process, but either way, there is some key information you should make sure to include in the plan.

Your business plan should include a summary and information about the type of business you want to start, including your structure and any other key employees (besides yourself). It should also include a market analysis. This analysis should show that there is a high demand in your area for a laundry business, as well as outline any competitors, who your target customer is, and more.

Your plan should also include financial information, detail where you’re getting your startup capital, whether or not you’ll be seeking any extra funding, and projections for when you think you’ll actually start making money with your new laundry business.

5. Register your business and get an EIN

The next step involved in learning how to start a laundry business? Although not all businesses have to register with the state (sole proprietorships and general partnerships likely will not), most will need to take this step in order to legally operate. Some states allow businesses to register online, typically through the secretary of state or chamber of commerce website, but other states require businesses to register in person with paper documents. It’s always wise to consult a business lawyer who can help you keep track of the documents and registrations your business needs to file.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose a business entity that doesn't require you to register with the state, you may still want to file a DBA or “doing business as” to operate your business under a name other than your legal name (which is the default).

In addition, it's also a good idea for most businesses to apply for an employer identification number or an EIN. This number is helpful for businesses when applying for a bank account, filing taxes, and more. It’s sometimes referred to as a business tax ID number.

If you plan to hire employees, this is a required step, but even if you’re not at that stage yet, obtaining an EIN has several business benefits. You can apply for your EIN through the IRS website.

6. Get the proper permits and licenses

The licenses and permits you need to run your laundry business will vary depending on the state where you’ll be operating. You may need to get a more general business license in addition to more specific licenses, such as a health department license or water pollution control permit .

Some states and cities even have specific laws around laundry facilities and businesses that provide laundry services. If you plan to do pickup and delivery services too, there are other licenses you’ll need, pertaining to your business vehicles.

Overall, this is another step where it would highly benefit you to consult a business attorney, as licensing rules vary largely depending on the state, city, or county.

7. Find a location

At this point, you've completed much of the behind-the-scenes work required in learning how to start a laundry business. And, in doing so, you’ve likely done some preliminary work on this next step, especially during your market analysis.

This being said, however, it’s now time to get serious about finding the location for your laundry business. Although some smaller operations may be able to be run out of a home (if you’re only doing drop-off/pickup service, for instance), you’ll likely want to find a commercial space.

Keep in mind, a laundry business will require specific plumbing and water line hookups — or the structural bones for these to be added — which will come at a cost. Just how much it costs to start up a laundry business will vary depending on several factors, but know that your physical space will likely be a large investment.

When it comes down to it, though, finding the right space is important, but equally as important is making sure it’s in the right location. In fact, finding a location with a demonstrated need for a laundromat business is probably the most important step of them all.

Renters, for example, generally represent a large portion of laundromat clients, so you might want to consider a location near rental units that do not have washers and dryers built into them, or college students living off-campus. You also want to make sure you’re conveniently located near your target audience. In fact, the closer you are to your customers, the better. Depending on the location, this could mean within walking distance.

Security should also be taken into account. Laundromats are susceptible to robberies and other types of crime, which is why ideally your laundromat should be located in a highly visible, safe area.

8. Get the proper equipment

With your space secured, you next need to turn your attention to buying the equipment to make your laundry business operational. Depending on the size of your business, you may need over 20 washing machines and 20 dryers.

Some other essential laundromat equipment (besides the washers and dryers themselves) to get are:

Change machines.

Credit card payment system.

Laundry carts.

Oversized washing machines.

Security cameras.

Soap dispensers.

Vending machines.

Although most of these things on the list speak for themselves, it's important to remember to have plenty of change machines, as not all of your customers will be carrying credit or debit cards with them.

In addition, you'll want to keep in mind that laundry equipment will most likely be your biggest expense, aside from rent. On average, laundry machines can cost you anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000. While writing your business plan, therefore, you should have done some calculations for how much you expect to spend on these initial startup costs, and now it’s time to find a way to finance them.

Although new businesses have a more difficult time qualifying for traditional business loans, one type of funding that can be particularly useful for laundry businesses is equipment financing . You’ll take your quote for the machines you need directly to a lender who then funds the purchase. You pay off the loan with regular payments, and the machines serve as collateral for the loan, making lenders more willing to work with less-qualified borrowers.

9. Open a business bank account

You’re nearly ready to open the doors of your laundry business, but before you do, one more crucial step is to set up your business’s financial accounts. First, you’ll need to open a business checking account so you can separate your business and personal finances. This is important for many reasons, including simplifying your taxes and helping to protect your personal assets if your business is the recipient of legal action.

Having this account completely separate from your personal bank account can also help establish and boost your business credit score, which will help you qualify for more attractive funding options if and when you decide to expand your business in the future.

You’ll also want a business credit card to help keep your spending separate. Although there are many great options out there, a 0% introductory APR business card can be especially useful for startup businesses, as the intro period can serve as an interest-free loan of sorts. Just make sure your balance is paid off before the offer period ends and a variable APR sets in.

LLC Formation

10. Market your laundromat

Finally, you've reached the last step in learning how to start a laundry business. At this point, you're ready to welcome customers and start drawing people to your business.

A great way to get people coming through your doors is by marketing your business around areas where your target customers like to frequent. For instance, if a sizable portion of your customers is college students, you may want to pass out flyers at popular coffee shops or college bars.

Following SEO best practices is also a definite must, as nowadays many people search online to find new businesses. Make sure your business is easy to find online by creating a user-friendly website, which should list basic business information like your business hours, your business address, and contact information.

You'll also want to ensure that your business develops a strong reputation. Respond to all of your customer reviews on sites such as Yelp and Google Business, no matter how positive or negative the feedback is, as this will only serve to boost your reputation.

Once you've gotten the word out there, you can think about different ways to retain customers. Some laundromats offer free WiFi or install televisions to keep customers entertained while they wait for their laundry to finish.

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How To Start a Laundromat: Costs and Pro Tips If you're an entrepreneur looking to start your own laundromat business, then read on for costs, pro tips, and how-to's on the process.

Feb 15, 2019

Entering into the laundry business can be challenging because there are so many factors to consider — you will need to analyze your target demographic, develop a financial plan, and choose a prime location.

To help alleviate some of your stressors, follow along for a guide on everything you need to know about starting your own laundromat.

Why starting a laundromat could be right for you

People everywhere need clean clothes, so starting a laundromat seems foolproof. Laundromats are self-service facilities (generally coin-operated) where patrons have the space and equipment to wash and dry their clothes without the help of a professional.

Related: How to Start a Coin-Operated Laundry

Laundromats and dry cleaners are not the same, as laundromats are self-service, and dry cleaning is maintained by professionals who complete the task of cleaning special-care clothes for their patrons.

The self-service nature of the business might sound attractive because laundromats can be low maintenance to run. However, before entering any new industry, getting a feel for the lay of the land is essential. To do that, you must weigh the pros and cons of your potential endeavor.

Pros of owning a laundromat

Ready for the perks of owning your own laundromat ? They may include:

• Steady revenue stream
• High return on investment (ROI) potential
• Recession-proof business
• Simplicity of operation
• Work hour flexibility
• Zero eCommerce competition
• Potential for multiple locations
• Low management maintenance

Cons of owning a laundromat

When looking at the downside of owning a laundromat, you may find:

• Capital intensive business
• Barrier to entry
• High utility expenses
• Possible costly repairs

How to purchase and open a laundromat

Now that you've considered both sides of the coin, it's time to get into how to start a laundromat business.

1. Initial research

Before you create a business plan, you'll need to complete some initial research to better understand what ballpark you're in. This step can help guide your business plan and its parameters.

There is no real way to give an exact number on cost because there are so many factors. However, a broad range for how much it may cost to open a laundromat is $200,000 to $500,000.

Factors that can influence cost include:

• New business vs. existing business
• Independent or franchise
• Marketing and advertising
• Employee wages

Related: Start a WaveMax Laundry Franchise

2. Business plan

Once you've completed preliminary research, you'll have a better idea of how much this process will cost and the steps needed. Now that you've got some more information, it's time to create a business plan.

Your business plan should include the following:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Market strategies
• Competitive analysis
• Design and development plan
• Operations and management plan
• Financial factors

Related: How to Write a Business Plan

3. Secure financing

Starting a new business is no cheap feat, so you will likely need some type of financing. There are many avenues to take regarding this topic, but the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the best place to start. The SBA offers countless resources and guides but can also connect entrepreneurs with interested investors and financiers .

The Small Business Administration can help you to:

• Determine the amount of funding you'll need
• Complete the self-funding process
• Connect with venture capital investors
• Fund your business with crowdsources
• Obtain a small business loan
• Use Lender Match to find SBA-guaranteed loans with verified lenders
• Research SBA investment programs

4. Secure location

Ready to scope out real estate? One of the most significant assets a laundromat business can have is its location. You may need to complete market research to determine whether or not it will succeed in that prospective community.

Ask yourself:

• Are there apartment buildings in the area?
• Do those apartment buildings have washer and dryer units?
• Is there real estate within walking distance of the apartment complex?
• Are there competitor businesses in the area?

Other factors to consider about your location are the potential for:

• Optimal lighting
• Layout with adequate space for equipment, seating, and customers
• Welcoming interior design
• Space for interior and exterior signage
• Accessibility for all customers

5. Choose the type of business structure

As you finalize your business plan, you should also consider what type of business entity you want your laundromat to be. Check out the different types below.

Related: Choose Your Business Structure

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a flexible business structure that combines a corporation, partnership, and sole proprietorship.

With this structure, the business owner is legally separate from the business, which dictates tax filing, operations, and management. LLCs are generally safer and more easily manageable than other small business entities.

An S corp is a small business entity that files for federal corporate income tax exemption. Because of the structure of this business, the shareholders are responsible for income, loss, and tax return credits.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a common type of business structure that is a common but riskier choice. It is risky because the business owner is not separated from the business and assumes all financial risks.

Licensing and taxes are simple with this choice, but the weight of the business is all on the owner and their personal finances.

Partnership

If you plan to team up with another entrepreneur in this venture, you may consider a partnership. A partnership is two or more people that share ownership, control, profits, and losses of a business.

In a partnership, the business and the person are the same, much like in a sole proprietorship. This means that the company's legal responsibilities fall upon you and your partners.

6. Choose business name, register the business, obtain IDs, licenses, and permits

At this stage of the process, things are beginning to take shape. It's time to name your business and tackle some legal paperwork.

Choose business name

When registering your business, you will likely need to create a name for your new laundromat. Your business should be named something that reflects the nature of your business and aligns with your brand identity.

Register business

After you've chosen your name, you must register your business . There are four different ways you can do so, which include:

• Entity : State-level protection
• Trademark : Federal-level protection
• Doing Business As (DBA ): No legal protection, but some states require
• Domain name : Online presence shown through website and URL

Obtain IDs, licenses, and permits

You must obtain a federal tax ID to legally open a business bank account, employ a team, and apply for licenses and permits.

Federal and state governments have different requirements for licenses and permits based on your industry. It is always best to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements through information from the SBA .

7. Open a bank account

Having a business bank account that is separate from your personal bank account offers you protection in your business life and balance in your personal life.

The benefits of opening a business bank account include the following:

• Protection and professionalism
• Purchasing power (credit limits)
• Special introductory offers, interest rates, and fees

Choosing a bank is personal to each business owner. Make sure you complete your due diligence and create a pros and cons list for at least three different banks and what they can offer.

8. Secure equipment

Equipment costs can depend on buying an existing laundromat or starting from scratch. If you are buying an operating store, you should check on all the laundry machines' condition.

If you are starting fresh, you may need to research commercial laundry equipment like:

• Industrial washing machines: $700 - $3,000+ depending on size, and top-load versus front-load
• Industrial dryers: $900 - $4,000 depending on size, and top-load versus front-load
• Card system (if you are going to offer credit card payments): Wide range , averaging around $15k if you're adding card readers to all of your laundry machines
• Bill-to-coin change machine: $800 - $7,000
• Water heater system: $10,000+
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Laundry carts

There are also comfort items to consider to make your patrons comfortable while they wait for their laundry:

• Vending machines
• Office supplies
• TVs and cable

9. Employees

The next step is assembling a team for your new business. Once your business is up and running, it is relatively low maintenance. However, that does not mean that you will want to be the sole employee.

When it comes time to hire employees, it's vital to business operations that you find a team that is reliable, positive, and full of integrity.

A few ways to get the word out about open positions are:

• Utilize multiple job boards (LinkedIn, Craigslist, Indeed, and flyers)
• Include descriptive job postings with transparent wages and role responsibilities
• Require references and letters of recommendation
• Conduct a thorough interview process

Related: 15 Tips for Improving Your Skills Interviewing Job Candidates

At this stage, everything has started to come together. Before you open, create a marketing plan to promote the grand opening event.

Marketing for the opening can help raise awareness and promote engagement. There are many ways you can market that are low-cost and effective.

Cost-effective marketing tools include:

• Social media posts
• Local business networking
• Word-of-mouth
• Flyers and posters
• Local business collaborations (especially with apartment complexes)
• Offer discounts

In addition to a solid marketing plan, you should also create a Google Business profile.

Google Business profiles make it easy to:

• Display your business hours online
• Communicate with customers
• Maintain general updates
• Read customer reviews to stay in-the-know

Finally, when it comes to the actual grand opening, put a fun spin on your event. Allocate a bit of your budget and make it a neighborhood event.

Splurging on simple things like coffee and donuts, a randomizer wheel of prizes, and other fun promotional items can go a long way if it broadens your customer base and spreads the word about your new business.

Related: No Money? No Problem. 30 Low Budget Marketing Ideas for Your Busines

Pro tips for opening a laundromat business

As an entrepreneur, it's essential to stay as on top of your game as possible. While you continue your journey of being a successful laundromat owner, there are a few critical pieces of advice to remember.

Pro tips for small business owners include:

• Conduct regular SWOT analysis — examining and reflecting on your business is never a bad idea.
• Make customer loyalty a priority and stay involved in your community.
• Maintain a watchful eye on your cash flow.
• Stay creative, adaptive, and passionate.

Related: 4 Tips for Small Business Owners as They Navigate an Economic Downtur

Is starting a laundromat right for you?

Laundromats might sound like a lot of work, but so is any business. The greater truth is that laundromats can be an excellent investment for a business owner because they are generally steady and straightforward businesses. While they might require a hefty startup cost, the profit margins can be worth it in the long run.

No matter the weather (literally and metaphorically), people always need to do laundry. No matter the economy, people need clean clothes. And no matter how much trends change, fresh clothing will never be out of style.

Looking for more guidance? Explore Entrepreneur for advice on starting your own business, managing business finances, and more

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

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How to Start a Laundromat Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Free Laundromat Business Plan Template

Starting a laundry business could be a smart choice if you’re looking for an enterprise that’s easy to manage and can turn a profit. A laundromat is a place where people can do their laundry themselves, using machines that work with coins.

In our world today, being kind to the environment is more important than ever. Running a laundry business can play a part in this. It’s not just about meeting a basic need in your neighborhood; it’s also about being good to our planet.

To open a successful laundry business, you need to think about several key things. These include finding the perfect spot. You need to get the right permits, buy the needed machines, and spread the word.

Here’s a simple guide on how to get your laundry business up and running.

9 Steps to Starting a Laundromat Business

• Conduct your market research
• Select a business location
• Decide on a business model
• Determine your service offerings
• Create a business plan
• Calculate startup costs and figure out financing
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits
• Get a business insurance
• Marketing your laundromat business

Before going in deep with landing a successful business, let’s understand the different aspects of the laundromat industry that are important for those looking to enter this sector.

Here’s an overview of essential statistics and trends for the laundromat business:

• Industry Growth: Urbanization shows steady growth in the laundromat segment, with the global laundry market revenue projected to reach USD 108.10 billion by 2024 , indicating strong market potential.
• Integrating Tech: Adding modern tech like mobile payments and the option to order services online makes it easier and faster for customers to use your services.
• Going Green: Using appliances that save energy and recycle water not only helps the planet but also attracts customers who care about environmental issues.
• Adding More Services: Besides just washing and drying clothes, offering extra services like dry cleaning and home delivery can meet more of your customers’ needs.

The laundromat business is changing fast. This highlights new opportunities in this space. Using technology and sustainability enhances service. This also meets the changing demands of customers.

1. Conduct your market research

Before entering the laundry business, it is important to understand your target market. Conduct market research that provides insight into your space, local competition, and demand for laundry services in your area. Be sure to research on:

• Competitors: Look into other laundry services and alternatives like home washing in your area.
• Market Demand: Understand the need for laundry services where you plan to operate.
• Target Market: Define who will most likely use your services, focusing on their lifestyle and needs.
• Competitive advantage: Determine what sets your laundry business apart from others.
• Serviceable and Obtainable Market (SOM): Calculate how much of the market you can capture by your services.

Use trusted sources like industry reports and local studies for accurate market research.

2. Decide on a business model

Choosing the right business model is essential to success in starting a laundry business.

The business model of a laundromat primarily focuses on providing a self-service facility where customers pay to use washing and drying services. Some of the business models to consider:

Revenue Streams

Machine Usage Fees: Customers pay per load for using washing and drying machines. Pricing can vary based on machine size, type, and also on number of units.

Service Upgrades: Revenue can be generated by offering premium services, such as extra rinse cycles or high-speed drying, you can even consider charging emergency-based services.

Cost Structure

Operational Costs: Major expenses include utilities (water, electricity), machine maintenance and repair, and the cost of the location.

Labor Costs: While the self-service model minimizes staffing requirements, costs may arise from employees for maintenance, customer assistance, and potentially for value-added services like wash & fold.

Market research and strategic planning are important to identify opportunities for differentiation from existing laundromat businesses and adapt to changing consumer behavior and expectations.

3. Determine your service offerings

Many laundry shops let customers wash and dry their clothes themselves using machines that work with coins. The laundry business is always finding new ways to serve customers better.

Here, we’ll talk about different services you can offer if you own a laundry shop, and how these services can help you keep customers happy by making sure their clothes are clean, such as:

Wash & Fold Service: Where customers leave their laundry for staff to wash, dry, and fold.

Washers and Dryers Service: It can attract customers. They want more convenient looks. They can do this by offering dry cleaning.

Specialty Cleaning: Offering special services helps cater to niche markets. For example, pet linen washing and toy washing.

On-site amenities: Improve the customer experience during their wait. They are facilities such as free Wi-Fi, comfy seating, refreshments, or entertainment.

Digital Payments and Bookings improve customer convenience. They offer mobile payments, online booking, and machine availability tracking. This also boosts operational efficiency.

By providing essential laundry services with value-added offerings and a focus on customer experience, your laundromat business venture can become more than just a place to wash clothes, it can become a convenient solution for busy lifestyles.

4. Create a business plan

Starting a laundry business is not as easy as it sounds. It requires careful planning and constant guidance to be successful. To accomplish this an

business plan can be your roadmap.

Get a sample business plan from the Laundromat Business Plan and start writing your plan. This is especially important if you want money from investors or banks.

Writing a business plan helps you understand your business better. It also makes you think about aspects of your business that you may not have considered before. This can help you identify any problems and fix them before you start spending money.

Your business plan should cover what your business wants to achieve, how you will find your customers, how your laundry business will operate, and how you will make money from it.

But do you wonder what a business plan includes? Here are some elements:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Market analysis
• SWOT analysis
• Services offered
• Business structure
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Financial projections
• Risk management plan
• Exit strategy

To write all these sections with precision requires long hours, attention to detail, and constant effort.

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5. Select a business location

Location is key! You should look for a high-traffic area with convenient parking and easy access. Consider closeness to apartment buildings, student housing, or businesses generating laundry needs.

A quick checklist that your laundry business should have:

• High Visibility and Accessibility
• Close to Target Areas
• Sufficient Parking
• Limited Local Competition:
• Safe and Clean Environment

Selecting an ideal location for your business should be a well-utilized resource and a go-to destination within your community.

Remember, a location attracts customers and plays an important role in

bringing success to your laundromat business.

6. Calculate startup costs and figure out financing

Calculating the costs of your laundry business is an important step before entering the market. This includes understanding the finances of starting and operating your laundry, including purchasing washing machines, maintenance costs for your chosen location, the cost of laundry supplies, and the initial storage of laundry detergent

Financing options for your laundromat business include small business loans, which you can apply for through the Small Business Administration (SBA) on the right terms.

Additionally, considering business credit or personal assets as surety might be necessary. Another avenue is seeking investors who are interested in the coin laundry industry’s potential for steady cash flow.

Understanding and planning for your new laundromat business expenses leads to the foundational steps.

7. Obtain necessary licenses and permits

To run your laundry business as an LLC, you must get the needed licenses and permits.

The types of licenses required can vary depending on your location. Laundry companies generally need at least a general operating license.

You may need a zoning permit to operate your laundry in your chosen location. It is important to check with your local government if a specific license is required for laundry services.

8. Get a business insurance

Before choosing insurance for your laundromat, it’s important to know the specific risks associated with this type of business, such as equipment damage, customer or employee accidents, theft, and utilities. Because of these potential risks, Insurance is important to protect against various risks.

Ensure you have:

• Business Insurance
• General liability insurance
• Commercial property insurance
• Maximum Liability Insurance

Consider additional insurances like:

• Property damage insurance
• Worker’s compensation
• Professional liability insurance
• Unemployment insurance
• Instrument Termination Instruments

These steps will help safeguard your business and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

9. Marketing your laundromat business

Before you officially launch your laundry business to the public, ensure that all your facilities and services are fully operational and ready to meet customer needs. Your marketing strategy should be comprised of, covering both digital and traditional channels.

Online, focus on creating a strong presence through your website and social media platforms. These channels are important for reaching today’s consumers, allowing for targeted advertisements and engaging content that can engage customers in your business.

Offline, we cannot overlook the power of traditional marketing through flyers, posters, and even local newspaper ads. These can be especially effective in local communities and can help reach nearby college students, and busy professionals who may not have the time to do laundry themselves.

Focus on providing quality services because satisfied customers are likely to recommend your services to others, boosting your marketing efforts through word-of-mouth, which is often the most trusted marketing of your new laundromat keeping it different from existing laundry business.

Ensuring a solid foundation in these areas will help a lot. It will get your laundry business off to a smooth start and help it grow. Remember, the goal is not to get new customers. It is to create an experience that will keep them coming back.

By now you must have a rough idea regarding how to step into the laundry industry. First thing first, get you started on writing your perfect business plan.

Upmetrics’ AI-assisted business planning tool is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs exploring small business ideas . Whether you’re in the initial stages of brainstorming or ready to refine your concept, Upmetrics helps streamline the process, enabling you to easily draft a pitch-perfect business plan.

And that’s pretty much all you need to know to get started with a successful laundry business. So what are you waiting for? Start your laundry business Today!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How profitable is owning a laundromat.

Owning a laundromat can be quite profitable. The coin laundry business has a reputation for providing steady income and high ROI. This is because of its low operating costs and consistent customer demand.

Profitability can vary based on factors like location, size, and services offered. But, by managing maintenance costs well, laundromat owners can maximize their earnings.

How much investment is required to open a laundromat?

The investment required to open a laundromat can range significantly based on the scale of the business, the cost of laundry equipment, and whether you’re starting a new business or purchasing an existing business.

Initial costs include buying laundry machines and renovating the space. They also include adding vending machines for customers. And they cover the first few months of operating costs.

How should I market my laundromat?

You need to market your laundromat well. This takes a mix of online and offline strategies. They attract laundromat customers. Your marketing strategy should include social media platforms for promotions.

You should also offer free wash days to attract new customers. Consider laundry delivery services for added customer convenience.

Talking to the local community and the Coin Laundry Association can also give helpful marketing tips. They can also provide opportunities to grow your local customer base.

Do I need any specific permits or licenses to open a laundromat?

Yes, it also needs general business and local permits. Also, opening a laundromat may need permits for water use, waste, and the environment.

You should check with your local government and the Coin Laundry Association. Do they have any specific requirements for the coin laundry industry? Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards is important for smooth operations.

Should I consider franchising or opening an independent laundromat?

The choice is between starting a franchise laundry and your shop. It depends on what you want, your experience, and how much help you expect to need. Going with a franchise means you get a well-known brand and a business plan that already works. This can make things less risky if you’re new to this.

But, often, you’ll have to pay upfront costs and ongoing fees. If you start your laundry shop, you’ll have more control over how you advertise. You’ll also have control over the machines you use and how you run things day-to-day.

Both choices have their good points. It’s important to think about what suits you best, do your research on the market, and check your budget.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Small Business Trends

How to start a laundry business: a comprehensive guide, evaluating the laundry industry, understanding the growth potential.

The industry is witnessing a consistent growth trajectory due to several key factors. The prevalence of busy lifestyles and the rise of dual-income households have led to a greater demand for convenient laundry services.

The Different Types of Laundry Services

On the other hand, full-service laundries offer a comprehensive solution, taking care of every step from washing to folding. You may even consider the pros and cons of franchising  and look into brands offering a franchise model in this industry.

Benefits of Owning a Laundry Business

Developing a laundry business plan.

A well-crafted laundromat business plan is essential for the success of your laundry venture. There are many reasons to write a business plan in any industry, including the laundry business. This section’ll explore key components to consider when developing your laundry business plan.

Identifying Your Target Market

Analyzing the competition, choosing a laundry business model, determining your unique selling proposition.

Developing a unique selling proposition (USP) sets your laundry business apart from competitors. Define your USP by highlighting what makes your services unique, such as premium quality, personalized customer service, or convenient add-on services.

Starting Your Own Laundry Business

Finding the right location, purchasing or leasing equipment, licensing, permits, and insurance.

Starting a laundry business involves fulfilling legal requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses, a sales tax permit and other permits, a business tax id number, and insurance policies, potentially including commercial auto insurance. You’ll also need to choose your business structure, such as a corporation or limited liability company.

Staffing and Training

Marketing Your Laundry Services

Building your brand, developing a marketing strategy.

A well-thought-out marketing strategy will help you reach your target audience effectively. Identify your ideal customers, conduct market research, and define your unique selling proposition. Understanding how marketing research can benefit a small business is essential for creating your strategy. Once you have this vital information, you can develop a plan that includes online and offline advertising, customer referrals, and partnerships with local businesses to maximize your marketing efforts.

Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms

Maintaining and Growing Your Laundry Business

Managing finances, monitoring and improving customer satisfaction.

Customer satisfaction is crucial for the growth of your laundry business. Regularly seek customer feedback and proactively address any concerns or issues. Implement quality control measures to deliver excellent service consistently. Offer loyalty programs or incentives to foster long-term customer relationships.

Expanding Your Services

Adapting to industry trends.

Final Tips for Success in the Laundry Business

Staying organized and continuously improving your skills will keep you ahead of the competition. With these strategies in place, your laundry business is well-positioned for growth and profitability. Best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

How to Start a Laundry Business FAQs

What is the average cost of starting a laundry business, how much profit can i expect from my laundry business, are there any grants or funding opportunities available for starting a laundry business, how can i make my laundry business more eco-friendly.

To make your laundry business more eco-friendly, consider implementing energy-efficient equipment, such as high-efficiency washers and dryers. Use environmentally friendly detergents and offer reusable or biodegradable laundry bags. Additionally, educate customers on water and energy conservation practices, encouraging them to embrace sustainable laundry habits.

What are some common challenges faced by laundry business owners and how can I overcome them?

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Top 10 Laundry Business Plan Templates With Examples and Samples

Samradni Pradhan

The idea of laundry service is a product of Western culture, where customers go to a store and wash their clothes using a washing machine and detergent. When a single washer doesn't work, laundry services clean the fabric on a larger scale. Hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other locations that need regular fabric cleaning extensively use these services.

Like any other business, a laundry service needs a thorough business plan that includes the objectives and a strategy for achieving them. This plan will encompass operational details, staffing needs, financial evaluation, market analysis, customer assessment, and more. It aims to assess the firm's feasibility comprehensively. A well-executed business plan ppt will aid entrepreneurs in securing capital and loans for maintenance, expansion, and growth.

This blog will discuss the best laundry business plan templates for your company.

Best Laundry Business Plan Templates

Table of contents, 1. executive summary, 2. company overview, 3. industry analysis, 4. customer analysis, 5. competitor analysis, 6. swot analysis, 7. porter's framework, 8. marketing plan, 9. operational plan, 10. financial plan.

Getting clean clothes is only one aspect of laundry – the other is improving the overall service. Furthermore, when launching a laundry business, many possibilities are challenging to track. Our templates are helpful in this situation.

Using our comprehensive business plan template gives your business ideas a canvas and a notebook. These templates were created explicitly with the needs of a laundry and dry-cleaning business plan in mind. This blog will cover details on the top 10 pages of the complete deck. After downloading, you will get 65-page Doc, PDF, and XLS files.

An executive summary should highlight your laundry business's distinctive value proposition, mission, and vision. Investors can swiftly determine the organization's viability by viewing your fundamental goals and essential tactics.

In our Executive Summary section, you will get templates for:

1.1 The Quick Pitch: Provide an impressive and brief introduction, highlighting the key characteristics and value propositions that make your laundry business stand out.

1.2 The Entity Profile: Create an easy-to-understand visual representation of your business structure and unique brand strategically designed to capture the attention of investors and partners.

Download this business plan

(Looking for a specific commercial business plan for your laundry services, look no further than our business plan ! Commercialize your services the right way)

Download this presentation

You may inspire trust in potential investors by clearly representing your company's objectives, culture, and long-term goals. This section is an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication, an aspect that lures investors who share your values and vision.

In our Company Overview section, you will get templates for:

2.1 Vision and Mission: Create a compelling mission and vision statement to lead your laundry business to success.

2.2 Company Goals and Objectives: Understand exactly what you want to accomplish with your laundry business, creating a transparent and inspirational roadmap to success.

2.3 Start-up Summary: Provide a glimpse into your laundry business’s history, revealing how it started, how it has been structured, the use of coin-operated machines , and fundamental elements forming the foundation for your creative process.

2.4 Market Gap Analysis and Business Statement: Unlock untold potential in the laundry industry and showcase your unique business brand identity, positioning your brand as a leader.

2.5 Services Portfolio: Showcase a wide range of high-end laundry services .

2.6 Key Success Factors: Identify the key elements defining your laundry business strategy, paving the way to success in design and aesthetics.

(Given the growth of on-demand laundry services, your interest may be piqued to explore our business plan designed especially for those needs, download it right away)

The Industry Analysis section provides an in-depth analysis of the laundry industry’s current state and trends. Investors are looking for high-growth businesses to invest in. This section provides insights into the market size, key industry trends, and new opportunities. It places your laundry business in a position to understand the dynamics of the industry, making it more appealing to investors looking for growth industries to invest in.

In our Industry Analysis section, you will get templates for:

3.1 Market Analysis: Dig deep into the world of laundry, discovering hidden gems and uncovering industry leaders that will shape your business for years.

3.2 Market Trends Tracking: Stay ahead of the rest by keeping an eye on the latest trends to capture the attention of today’s customers.

3.3 Major Challenges and Solutions: Fearlessly take on industry challenges, creating cutting-edge solutions that ensure continuous growth for your laundry business.

3.4 Growth Drivers Identification: Develop strategic plans and identify the crucial factors that will drive your laundry brand to rapid growth and long-term success.

3.5 Geographical Market Analysis: Customise your strategy to the regions in your target market, allowing for smooth growth that aligns with regional preferences and meets unique needs.

(If your business caters to fresh laundry services, we have just the apt resource for you to explore! Download our fresh laundry services business plan template today!)

Understanding your customers is crucial to attracting investors to your business. In this section, demonstrate your understanding of your customers, including their needs, preferences, and characteristics. Investors want to know that you've figured out what kind of market you're in and develop strategies to attract and retain customers.

Our Customer Analysis section offers comprehensive templates for:

4.1 Target Market Definition: Create a crystal clear view of the customer or business segments in which your laundry services excel, ensuring a precise and measurable market approach.

4.2 Buyer Persona Development: Build a detailed profile of your perfect customer, from age and gender to preferences and behaviour. This will help you personalize your services precisely, skillfully meeting your customer’s needs.

4.3 Market Sizing Analysis: Understand the size of your laundry market, calculate the market share that your brand can grab, and paint a picture of the opportunities that are waiting for you in your business environment.

Investors love businesses well-versed in competition and know laundry care growth statistics . This section will give you insights into your competition's strengths and weaknesses. This will help investors evaluate your business’s competitive edge. 

In our Competitor Analysis section, we provide templates for:

5.1 Major Players: Identify and analyze the top competitors and key players driving the laundry market in your area.

5.2 Attributes Comparison: Conduct in-depth research, creating meaningful comparisons of the key characteristics and features that distinguish different laundry products and services on the market, allowing you to position your products strategically.

A SWOT, short for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats- Analysis is a must-have tool if you’re looking to self-assess your business. It helps investors understand your laundry business’s strong suits and weak spots and its external opportunities and threats. On this page, you’ll see how to identify and mitigate your business’s risks while taking advantage of its strengths. This will make your business more attractive to risk-averse investors.

Porter’s Framework looks at the competitive forces in your industry. Investors want to know how your laundry business is positioned in the market and its resilience to competitive pressures. Showcasing your competitive strategies and market positioning can draw in investors looking for businesses with a strong market presence and a long-term competitive advantage.

The Marketing Plan includes information about how to attract and engage customers. Investors are looking for a comprehensive marketing plan that can aid with brand development and building a customer base. A successful marketing plan appeals to individuals and investors who recognize the importance of effective marketing for business growth.

In our Marketing Plan section, we provide templates for:

8.1 Sales Strategy: Create a custom sales plan carefully crafted to exceed your laundry business’s financial goals and aspirations.

8.2 Promotional Strategy: Shine a bright light on your marketing and promotion strategies, creating excitement and a lasting legacy for your laundry brand.

8.3 Pricing Strategy: Discover the secret to your pricing strategy that seamlessly combines profitability and unmatched competitiveness, setting the benchmark in the laundry industry.

8.4 Sales Funnel Optimization: Navigate the captivating experience from discovery to customer satisfaction with the laundromat's business growth . Optimize every sales funnel stage to maximize efficiency and delight in your laundry experience.

On the Operational Plan page, you can outline your business’s daily operations, including personnel, operations, and technology. Having a well-thought-out operational plan helps investors trust that your business will meet its goals and continue to grow.

In our Operational Plan section, we provide templates for:

9.1 Retail Selling Strategy: Lead the way to retail success with a strategic plan for selling your laundry refurbishment, demonstrating your sales skills and tactical thinking.

9.2 E-commerce Sales Strategy: Get ahead of the competition with a comprehensive plan and budget to take over the online market with your unique laundry services.

9.3 Milestones and Achievements: Brighten up your laundry business’s journey by highlighting the critical turning points and impressive successes.

The Financial Plan is essential for investors as it gives them a better understanding of your laundry project management finances. This section guides them in estimating their potential returns on investment. 

In our Financial Plan section, we provide templates for:

10.1 Financial Assumptions: Turn your business goals into a plan that will help shape the financials of your laundry business with professional ironing and folding .

10.2 Revenue Model and Sales Forecast: Show off how your laundry business makes money and how it can grow.

10.3 Break-Even Analysis: Getting to the bottom of what's holding your laundry business back from breaking even is a big step to making money.

10.4 Projected Profit and Loss Account: Draw a clear picture of what your laundry business can do financially, how much money you can make, how much you need to spend, and how much you can expect to make.

10.5 Projected Cash Flow Statement: Make sure your laundry business runs smoothly by observing how much money you expect to make.

10.6 Projected Balance Sheet: Get a complete picture of what your laundry business is expected to make, what it will owe, and what it's worth. That way, you can ensure your finances are as transparent as possible.

10.7 Scenario Analysis: Explore different scenarios to see how different conditions and risks could affect the financial strength of your laundry business.

10.8 DCF Valuation: Using discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, you can determine how much your business is worth today in the laundry industry.

We have so much more to offer

We hope this blog has given you an idea of the amazing content you could gain from this business plan. But this is just the beginning. Upon downloading this business plan, you'll receive all 65 pages and all the valuable content it contains. Starting a laundry business is no easy feat, but we can simplify it. You can download the entire business plan in an easy-to-edit PowerPoint to modify it per your business’s requirements.

FAQs on Laundry Business Plan

1. what is a laundry business plan.

A laundry business plan is a thorough document outlining the plans and goals for starting and running a profitable business. It includes essential elements, including market analysis, financial estimates, marketing plans, and operational strategies. It acts as a road map for business owners, guiding them through the difficulties of the laundry sector and, if necessary, obtaining capital.

2. How profitable is a laundry business?

A laundry business's profitability can vary significantly based on variables including location, pricing, and services provided. A successful laundry operation can make a profit, but success demands careful planning, effective management, and efficient operations.

3. How do I start a laundry business plan?

A laundry business strategy contains the following steps:

• Examine the market and rivalries.
• Identify your offerings and target market.
• Construct a thorough financial plan.
• Create operational and marketing plans.
• Describe your objectives and goals.
• Seek for expert guidance if required.

4. What are the 3 types of laundry business?

There are three primary categories of launderettes:

• Coin-operated machines are used by patrons in self-service launderettes to wash and dry their clothing.
• Laundries that provide complete service, including washing, drying, folding, and ironing.
• Commercial laundry services: Taking care of significant volumes of uniforms and linens for corporations, hotels, and healthcare facilities.

5. What are the risks in the laundry business?

The following are typical risks in the laundry industry: - Equipment failures and maintenance expenditures.

• Variable utility costs.
• The opposition from competing launderettes.
• Changes in market demand.
• Adherence to regulations and environmental issues.
• Difficulties in managing and training employees.
• Economic downturns impact consumer spending.

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Table of contents, a comprehensive laundry business plan guide.

• 14 June, 2024

Essential Elements of a Laundry Business

When starting or running a laundry business, there are essential elements that contribute to its success. In this section, we will explore two crucial aspects: incorporating the latest technology and providing finishing equipment.

Incorporating Latest Technology

Technology has significantly impacted the laundry industry, and incorporating the latest laundry technology in your business can lead to increased profits, safety, and customer satisfaction. The advancements in technology have revolutionized the laundry process, making it more efficient and convenient for both business owners and customers.

By investing in modern laundry equipment, such as high-capacity washers and dryers, you can optimize productivity and reduce operational costs. These machines are designed to handle larger loads, reducing the number of cycles required and saving time and energy. Additionally, the latest technology offers features like programmable controls, automatic detergent dispensers, and energy-saving modes, allowing for more efficient operations.

Incorporating technology goes beyond equipment. Implementing a user-friendly online booking system or mobile app can enhance the customer experience by offering convenient scheduling and payment options. This digital presence can also help you attract a wider customer base and increase brand visibility.

Providing Finishing Equipment

Providing finishing equipment is another essential aspect of running a successful laundry business. This is particularly crucial for businesses in the hospitality, healthcare, and event rental industries, where the quality and presentation of laundered products are of utmost importance.

Finishing equipment includes items such as steam irons, ironing boards, and folding machines. These tools ensure that laundered products are clean, crisp, and ready to use, meeting the high standards expected by customers. By investing in quality finishing equipment, you can streamline your operations and deliver excellent results consistently.

Offering finishing services can also be an additional revenue stream for your business. Some customers may prefer to have their garments professionally pressed or folded, and by providing these services, you can cater to their needs and generate extra income.

To determine the most suitable finishing equipment for your business, consider factors such as the volume of laundry you handle, the types of items you launder, and the specific needs of your target market. By providing top-notch finishing equipment, you can enhance customer convenience and satisfaction, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Incorporating the latest technology and providing finishing equipment are two essential elements that contribute to the success of a laundry business. By embracing technological advancements and prioritizing the quality of your finished products, you can position your business for growth, profitability, and customer loyalty. For more insights on laundry business profitability, check out our article on laundry business profitability .

Enhancing Customer Experience

In the laundry business, providing an exceptional customer experience is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. By focusing on designing luxurious laundromats and offering extra amenities, you can differentiate your business and create a positive and memorable experience for your customers.

Designing Luxurious Laundromats

Designing a luxurious and inviting laundromat can significantly enhance the overall customer experience. A well-thought-out and aesthetically pleasing environment can make doing laundry feel less like a chore and more like a pleasant activity. Consider the following elements when designing your laundromat:

Comfortable seating areas : Provide comfortable seating areas where customers can relax while waiting for their laundry to finish. Plush chairs or sofas, along with tables and magazines, can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Ample lighting : Ensure that your laundromat is well-lit to create a bright and welcoming ambiance. Natural lighting, if possible, can add an extra touch of warmth and comfort.

Clean and organized space : Maintain a clean and organized space by regularly cleaning and tidying up the laundromat. Clear signage and labels can help customers easily navigate the facility.

TVs and entertainment : Consider installing TVs or entertainment systems in the laundromat to provide entertainment options for customers while they wait. This can help pass the time and make the laundry experience more enjoyable.

Offering Extra Amenities

In addition to a luxurious environment, offering extra amenities can further enhance the customer experience and set your business apart from competitors. Consider incorporating the following amenities into your laundry business:

Free Wi-Fi : Providing free Wi-Fi allows customers to stay connected and productive while waiting for their laundry. This amenity is particularly valuable for those who may want to work or browse the internet during their visit.

Vending machines : Install vending machines that offer snacks, beverages, or laundry-related items like detergent and dryer sheets. This convenience can save customers from making additional trips to the store.

Children’s play area : If your target audience includes families, consider creating a designated play area for children. This can keep kids entertained and allow parents to focus on their laundry tasks.

Wash-and-fold service : Offering a wash-and-fold service can be a convenient option for customers who prefer to outsource their laundry. This service involves the laundromat staff washing, drying, and folding customers’ clothes, providing a time-saving solution.

By designing luxurious laundromats and offering extra amenities, you can create a positive and enjoyable experience for your customers. These enhancements can foster customer loyalty and attract new patrons to your business. Remember to regularly assess the needs and preferences of your target audience to ensure that the amenities you provide align with their expectations.

Crafting a Strong Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan is essential for the success of any laundry and dry cleaning business. It serves as a roadmap, outlining the goals, strategies, and financial projections of the business. In this section, we will explore the key components of a business plan and the importance of vision and mission statements.

Key Components of a Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan for a laundry and dry cleaning business should include the following key components:

Executive Summary : This section provides an overview of the business, highlighting its mission, vision, and key objectives. It should be concise but compelling, capturing the essence of the business and enticing potential investors or lenders to continue reading.

Company Description : Here, you will provide detailed information about your laundry and dry cleaning business. Include the legal structure, location, target market, and the unique aspects that set your business apart from competitors. It’s important to highlight your competitive advantage and explain how you plan to meet the needs of your target audience.

Market Analysis : Conduct a thorough analysis of the laundry industry, including market trends, customer demographics, and the competitive landscape. Identify your target market and outline your strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Utilize data and research to support your analysis, demonstrating a deep understanding of the industry.

Organization and Management : Describe the organizational structure of your business, including key personnel and their roles. Highlight the qualifications and experience of the management team, showcasing their ability to lead and grow the business. Investors and lenders will want to see that your team has the expertise necessary to succeed.

Services and Products : Provide a detailed description of the laundry and dry cleaning services you will offer. Explain any additional services or amenities that set your business apart from competitors. Outline your pricing strategy and how you plan to maintain profitability while remaining competitive in the market.

Marketing and Sales Strategy : Describe your marketing and sales strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Define your unique selling proposition (USP), which differentiates your business from others in the market. Develop a solid marketing plan that includes both traditional and digital marketing channels to reach your target audience effectively.

Financial Projections : Include detailed financial projections, including revenue forecasts, startup costs, operating expenses, and estimated profitability. Provide an overview of your funding requirements and plans for securing financing. Investors and lenders will closely examine these projections to assess the viability and potential profitability of your business.

Vision and Mission Statements

The vision and mission statements are critical components of a laundry and dry cleaning business plan. These statements define the purpose, values, and objectives of your business.

Vision Statement : The vision statement outlines your long-term aspirations and what you aim to achieve in the laundry industry. It reflects your ambitions, goals, and desired position in the market. For example, your vision may be to become one of the most successful laundromats in a specific location and be an industry leader and a choice laundry service provider ( PandaDoc ).

Mission Statement : The mission statement describes the fundamental purpose of your business and how you plan to achieve it. It communicates the core values, principles, and commitment of your business to its customers, employees, and stakeholders. For example, your mission may be to establish a successful business that thrives in both success and profitability, aiming to exceed customer expectations with excellent dry cleaning and laundry services at affordable prices ( PandaDoc ).

Crafting compelling vision and mission statements will not only guide your business’s strategic decisions but also provide a clear direction for your team and attract potential customers who resonate with your values.

By incorporating these key components and thoughtful vision and mission statements into your business plan, you will lay a strong foundation for your laundry and dry cleaning business. This will not only serve as a guide for your own decision-making but also demonstrate to potential investors and lenders that you have a well-thought-out strategy for success in the competitive laundry services industry.

Financial Planning for Success

When developing a comprehensive laundry business plan, one of the crucial aspects to consider is the financial planning. This involves conducting a revenue and cost analysis, as well as determining the funding requirements and forecasts for your laundry business.

Revenue and Cost Analysis

To ensure the profitability of your laundry business, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the revenue streams and associated costs. Conducting a thorough revenue and cost analysis will help you make informed decisions and set realistic financial goals.

Revenue in a laundry business primarily comes from the services provided to customers. This includes the charges for washing, drying, ironing, and any additional services offered such as dry cleaning or alterations. It is important to estimate the average revenue per customer and the projected number of customers per day, week, or month to determine the total expected revenue.

On the cost side, various factors need to be considered. These include the initial investment in equipment and machinery, rent or lease expenses for the premises, utility costs such as water and electricity, employee wages, cleaning supplies, and maintenance expenses. Additionally, costs related to marketing and advertising efforts should also be accounted for.

By carefully analyzing the revenue and cost components, you can identify areas where costs can be optimized and revenue can be maximized, ultimately contributing to the profitability of your laundry business.

Funding Requirements and Forecasts

Determining the funding requirements for your laundry business is crucial for its successful launch and operation. The financial plan should outline the initial investment needed and the sources of funding, whether it be personal savings, loans, or investors.

The funding requirements will largely depend on the scale and scope of your laundry business. According to Huckleberry , it can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 to open an average-sized laundromat, with the majority of the cost attributed to commercial washers and dryers. It is important to carefully estimate the costs associated with equipment, renovations, permits, licenses, and any other expenses specific to your business.

In addition to determining the initial funding requirements, forecasting the financial performance of your laundry business is essential. This includes projecting the expected revenue, costs, and cash flow over a specific period, usually covering the first few years of operation. Financial forecasts provide insights into the viability of your business and assist in making strategic decisions.

By presenting a well-thought-out financial plan, including revenue and cost analysis as well as funding requirements and forecasts, you can demonstrate the potential profitability of your laundry business to potential investors or lenders.

Remember, it is advisable to consult with a financial professional or accountant to ensure accuracy and reliability in your financial planning process.

Market Insights and Trends

To develop a comprehensive laundry business plan, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the market insights and trends that impact the industry. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and position your laundry business for success.

Growth in the Laundry Industry

The laundry industry is experiencing steady growth, making it an attractive venture for entrepreneurs looking to enter the market. According to Huckleberry , the global dry cleaning and laundry services market is projected to reach $104.6 billion by the end of 2021. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the busy lifestyles of people seeking convenient laundry solutions and the increasing demand for professional cleaning services.

As you develop your laundry business plan, it’s important to consider the potential for growth in the industry and how you can position your business to capitalize on this upward trend. Identifying your target market, understanding their needs, and offering unique value propositions will be key to your success.

Investment and Cost Considerations

When starting a laundry business, it’s crucial to consider the investment and cost factors associated with the venture. According to NerdWallet , the cost of opening an average-sized laundromat can range from $200,000 to $500,000. This estimate includes expenses for commercial washers and dryers, lease or purchase of a suitable location, renovations, permits, and other startup costs.

It’s important to conduct a thorough financial analysis and create a budget that accounts for all necessary expenses. This will help you secure the funding required to start your laundry business and ensure its smooth operation. Consider exploring different financing options such as business loans or partnerships to meet the upfront investment requirements.

To gauge the potential profitability of your laundry business, it’s valuable to understand the revenue and cash flow projections. According to NerdWallet , coin laundromats can generate annual cash flow ranging from $15,000 to $300,000, depending on various factors such as location, customer base, and service offerings. Conducting in-depth market research and analyzing industry benchmarks will provide valuable insights into the revenue potential of your laundry business.

By considering the growth potential of the laundry industry and carefully assessing the investment and cost factors, you can create a solid foundation for your laundry business plan. This will enable you to make informed decisions, secure the necessary funding, and position your business for long-term success. Remember to continuously monitor market trends and adapt your strategies as the industry evolves.

Marketing Strategies for Laundry Businesses

To ensure the success and growth of your laundry business, implementing effective marketing strategies is essential. By defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and developing a solid marketing plan, you can attract and retain customers while distinguishing your business from competitors.

Defining Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is what sets your laundry business apart from others in the market. It highlights the unique features, benefits, or qualities that make your business stand out. To define your USP, consider the following:

Target Audience: Understand your customers and their specific needs. Identify your ideal client based on factors such as demographics, location, and lifestyle. This knowledge will help you tailor your marketing messages to appeal to your target audience ( Cents ).

Differentiation: Identify what makes your laundry business unique. It could be superior customer service, convenient location hours, eco-friendly practices, or specialized services. Communicate these differentiators to potential customers to showcase the value you offer ( Huckleberry ).

Competitive Advantage: Analyze your competitors to understand what they offer and how you can differentiate yourself. Identify gaps in the market that your laundry business can fill. Highlight the advantages your business has over competitors, such as competitive pricing or additional services ( Cents ).

By clearly defining your USP, you can effectively communicate your value proposition to potential customers and stand out in the laundry business market.

Developing a Solid Marketing Plan

A well-crafted marketing plan is crucial for reaching your target audience and promoting your laundry business. Consider the following strategies when developing your marketing plan:

Online Presence: Establish a strong online presence to build trust and reach a wider audience. Create a professional website, set up social media profiles, and claim your Google Business Profile. Utilize email and SMS marketing to communicate with customers and share updates about your business ( Cents ).

Pricing Strategy: Pricing appropriately is important for attracting customers and maintaining profitability. Monitor competitors’ prices, consider fluctuating overhead costs, and factor in location, services, and customer service quality when determining pricing for services like machine usage, wash-and-fold, and pickup and delivery ( Cents ).

Promotions and Incentives: Implement promotions and incentives to attract and retain customers. Consider strategies such as social media contests, loyalty programs, referral discounts, “Discount Day” promotions, and gifts with purchase. These initiatives can engage customers, inspire brand loyalty, and create a buzz around your laundry business ( Cents ).

Local Events and Partnerships: Host or participate in local events to connect with the community and raise awareness of your laundry business. Consider partnerships with nearby businesses, such as hotels or gyms, to offer exclusive discounts or collaborations that benefit both parties. These local connections can help expand your customer base ( Cents ).

Remember, effective marketing requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Regularly review your marketing efforts, track results, and make adjustments as needed to optimize your strategies and reach your target audience effectively. By focusing on your USP and implementing a carefully planned marketing strategy, you can promote your laundry business successfully and attract a loyal customer base.

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Laundromat Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and laundromat owners create business plans to start and grow their laundry businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Laundromat Business Plan Template here >

What is a Laundromat Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your laundromat business as it stands today, and lays out your business growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes research to support your business plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Laundromat

If you’re looking to start or grow a laundromat, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your laundromat in order to improve your chances of success. Your laundromat services business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your business grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Laundromats

With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for a laundromat are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your laundromat business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a laundromat is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a laundromat as they tend to focus on modern technology companies with quick and explosive growth potential.

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How to write a laundromat business plan.

Your own business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your laundromat business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key component of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of laundromat services business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a laundromat that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of laundromats.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the laundry industry. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your laundromat marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial and sales forecast.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of laundry business you are operating.

For example, you might operate a traditional laundromat in which you offer coin-operated washers and dryers. Or, you might (also) offer fluff and fold laundry services in which your staff washes and folds your customers’ laundry. This wash and fold service could also include home/office pickup and delivery. Be sure to explore all dry cleaning and laundry services that could be of benefit to your target demographic.

In addition to explaining the type of laundromat you operate, the Company Analysis section of your laundry shop business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales forecasts, goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the laundry business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the laundromat industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards fluff & fold, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for offering such a service.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your laundry shop business plan:

• How big is the laundry industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s future growth over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your new laundromat business plan must detail the patrons you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: college students, sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, techies, teens, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of laundromat you operate. Clearly, baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing, and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customer base in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most laundromats primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers. For example, middle-class households may value clean laundry above all else, while upper-class households may value convenience most of all.

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Competitive Analysis

In this section, you should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other laundromats.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes laundry machines/dryers in consumers’ homes or living environments (e.g., in college dorms). You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who needs their clothing washed frequents a laundromat.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other laundromats with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be laundromats located close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of clientele do they serve?
• What laundry services do they offer (self-serve laundry, wash & fold, dry cleaning, etc.)?
• What are their business hours?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior laundry services?
• Will you provide additional services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire the services offered?
• Will you offer any additional amenities such as a coffee bar or free wi-fi access?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?
• Will you offer more payment options suitable for your customer base?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, the marketing section of a business plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a solid laundromat business plan, you should include the following:

Product : in the product section, you should reiterate the type of business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific laundromat services you will be offering. For example, in addition to washing and drying machines, will you offer fluff & fold, dry cleaning, etc.

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your laundry business. Document your strategic locations and mention how each location will impact your success. For example, is your business located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc.? Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. Also, if you operate or plan to offer fluff & fold services, detail the geographic area you will serve.

Promotions : the final part is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will create awareness and drive potential customers to your location(s). You might consider the following strategies to help promote your laundromat services:

• Making your storefront extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Marketing on social media platforms
• Marketing in local papers and magazines
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your laundromat business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the store clean, maintaining laundry equipment, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your X,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a business.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in the laundromat business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in laundromats and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per day or 200? And will your sales strategy help you grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheet : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your new laundromat, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key startup costs:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Start-up expenses if starting a new business
• Cost of laundry equipment like washers and dryers
• Cost of fixtures like folding tables, laundry carts, vending machines, counters, and lighting
• Cost of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Putting together a new business plan for your business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing strategy and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful laundromat.

To further help you, we have other articles on key aspects of how to start your laundromat and running it effectively. Specifically, our laundromat marketing plan will help you develop the best promotions strategy. Our laundromat startup costs post will let you know what costs to expect.

Laundromat Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my laundromat business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Laundromat Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete a business plan for your laundromat.

Where Can I Download a Laundromat Business Plan PDF?

You can download our sample laundromat business plan here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Learning center series

Fundamentals of a laundry business plan

• Published on February 23, 2024
• by Marketing Team
• Last updated: 3 months ago

Surviving in the laundry business is akin to crossing the Sahara with only a water bottle- hopeful, but rarely successful. Indeed, an alarming 90% of laundry enterprises wither before they bloom. What makes this grim statistic less daunting, is that failure often leaves behind a trail of wisdom for the rest to tread upon.

From analyzing a decade’s worth of data, we’ve unravelled common pitfalls and silent killers lurking behind your launderette’s ‘Closed’ sign. Insights that not only shed light on why some businesses stumble but also unravel the tools to dodge those obstacles.

Watch a phoenix rise from the ashes of a failed laundry business, as we explore these illuminating lessons.

Worldwide Dry Cleaning Industry Size 🌍 The dry cleaning industry has an estimated total market size of approximately USD 60 billion globally.

Laundry Business Plan Essentials: Your Blueprint to Success

Understanding your audience and choosing the right venue are crucial for flourishing in the laundry business.

Understanding Your Target Market: The Key to Customer Acquisition

Better returns stem from better understanding of your audience. This cannot be overstated in the laundry business.

Market research lets you dive into the psyche of your potential customers. Think about it, a parent juggling work and personal life might prefer a comprehensive service that offers door-to-door pickup and delivery services over service. On the other hand, students may prioritize affordability over other services. At Metrobi, we specialize in managing delivery operations for laundromats, providing an efficient service for door-to-door laundry collection and delivery .

By identifying your target customers, you can better cater for their specific needs, thereby increasing customer acquisition.

Ever thought about who your ‘go-to’ customer is? Identifying and understanding your target market is not about casting a wide net, but rather focusing on a specific consumer profile. It’s not about appealing to everyone, but about being the best for someone. Your business model, services, and even pricing should be designed around your target audience’s preferences and behaviours.

Choosing the Right Location: The Cornerstone of Your Laundry Business

Location is key in the physical realms of business. It’s no different in the laundry industry.

There are factors to think about when choosing your business’ location. Sure, a bustling city center might guarantee foot traffic. But also consider the convenience factor. Are you within a comfortable distance for your target market? Is there paring? What about competition in the area? These considerations play a crucial role when deciding where you set up shop. Does offering a delivery service for laundry enhance the accessibility of your business for those not within immediate vicinity? This article delves into how a laundry pickup and delivery option might broaden your customer base.

Your carefully selected location will significantly influence your business success. We’re talking increased visibility, ease of access and overall convenience for your customers.

Consider this, a parent tumbling under tons of chores would preferably want to drop-off and pick-up laundry en-route to work/school or shopping. If your business is located strategically, it’s hard to ignore!

Don’t be carried away though. Prime location comes with a heavy price-tag and increased competition. You need to carefully assess how this affects your bottom line.

U.S. Self-Service Laundromats Market Share 🇺🇸 In the United States, self-service laundromats account for about 85% of the overall coin-operated laundry equipment market share.

Common Mistakes in Laundry Business Planning: Avoiding the Pitfalls

Underestimating startup costs: a recipe for financial disaster.

Managing the finances is a critical aspect of launching any new serious business venture, including a laundry venture.

▪️ The establishment of a laundry business involves a host of expenses that are often overlooked. These range from capitalized rent, equipment, insurance, to more hidden costs like permits, licenses, and maintenance budgets. Entrepreneurs frequently underestimate these expenses, leading to inadequate budgets and financial strain down the line. Armed with a detailed understanding of these costs, you’ll start on the right foot.

▪️ The danger of underestimating startup costs is not to be taken lightly. It can result in a premature cash flow crunch, forcing the entrepreneurs to either inject more personal capital or take on high-interest debt. Keep your business afloat and thriving by accurately projecting your initial capital requirements.

Neglecting Customer Service: The Silent Business Killer

Customer service isn’t just important; it’s absolutely essential in the laundry industry.

▪️ In the often crowded and competitive laundry market, exceptional customer service can set apart a business. From handling customer complaints gracefully to offering services tailored to customer needs, it’s these details that make a lasting impression. Comprehend the integral role of customer service in the laundry business to ensure long-term success.

▪️ Strategies for improving customer experience are manifold. From training employees in customer interaction to implementing customer-friendly policies, several effective techniques can be adopted. Rigorous application of these strategies can help elevate a laundry business to the highest level of customer satisfaction, thereby creating a loyal customer base.

Self-Service Washers and Dryers Rental Revenue 💰 The rental revenue generated from self-service washers and dryers in the U.S. reached nearly USD 2.4 billion in 2020.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Laundromat Business: Attracting and Retaining Customers

Leveraging social media: connecting with your customers.

Social media has proven to be an essential tool for business marketing. As a laundry business owner, it offers a personal and direct interaction with your current and potential clients.

The role of social media in marketing a laundry business

Social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can revamp the face of your laundry business from a simple service provider to a digital-friendly local household name. The power lies in their real-time communication and customer engagement capabilities. By sharing relevant content like laundry tips and techniques, responses to customer inquiries and snippets of fun and warmth behind the scenes of your operation, you build a community around your brand. This will, in turn, foster trust and loyalty among your customers.

Tips for effective social media marketing

Perfect social media marketing rides on consistency, creativity, and connection with your audience. Maintain frequent but meaningful engagements on your platforms, be it through content, responses, or promotions. Craft your posts with crisp and lively images, videos, text, and hashtags – visuals that draw attention and spark interest. To achieve this, ensure regular scheduling of posts, interactive and timely responses to clients, and even enticing yet accountable offers like social media exclusive discounts.

Growth Rate of On-Demand Laundry Services 📈 The on-demand laundry services market is growing at a CAGR of around 12%, driven primarily by urbanization and changing consumer preferences.

Implementing a Loyalty Program: Rewarding Your Customers

As much as attracting new customers is important, retaining your current customers is equally paramount. There are costs and efforts involved in acquiring a new customer while a satisfied and loyal customer brings repeat business and possibly referral clients.

*The benefits of a loyalty program for a dry cleaning and laundry business**

Loyalty programs inspire repeat customers, encourage an increase in purchase frequency, and nurture customer-to-customer recommendations, thus increasing your customer base. As they foster a positive business-customer rapport, these benefits culminate in higher profit margins and business growth.

How to implement a successful loyalty program

A successful loyalty program in the  laundry business  stems from understanding the needs and preferences of your customers, setting clear and achievable rewards, and maintaining simplicity in program understanding and reward redemption. This system could leverage a point-based or tiered system, rewarding customers based on the frequency and volume of services used. You could also incorporate non-monetary rewards like exclusive access to new services or products. It is essential to incorporate an easy to use tracking system, possibly digital, for accessibility and convenience for both the customer and your business.

Remember, a marketing strategy is as robust as its implementation. Engage with your customers, reward their loyalty and your laundry business will surely beat the daunting statistics.

Average Annual Spending per Household on Laundry Products 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 American households spend an average of USD 250 annually on laundry products such as detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.

Financial Projections for Laundry Services: Planning for Profitability

Setting realistic revenue goals: the path to profitability.

Crafting a path to profitability begins with setting realistic revenue goals. Goals which are too ambitious could leave you disappointed and disheartened, while set too low could mean missed opportunities for growth and expansion. So, how do you strike the right balance?

For a laundry business, it involves understanding the earning potential within your market space and aligning it with your capacity and capabilities. Research competitors, assess your location’s laundry needs, and estimate the pricing of your services accordingly. Don’t forget to account for seasonality and fluctuations in consumer behavior. With proper research and planning, you can produce an initial financial forecast that paints a practical and profitable picture.

Just setting these goals isn’t enough though. This leads us to the next important task – regular financial assessments and adjustments.

In the dynamic world of business, conditions change and so should your goals. A regular financial review allows you to modify and refine your revenue expectations based on the actual performance and external factors such as increasing competition or changing consumer behavior. The aim is to keep your business sustainable and profitable in the long run.

Controlling Costs: Maximizing Your Bottom Line

Behind every profitable laundry business lies a well-implemented cost control strategy. Understanding the common costs associated with a laundry business is the first step

Energy expenditures (water and power), supply costs, equipment maintenance, and labor are some usual cost drivers in this industry. Making informed decisions in these areas can significantly influence your bottom-line. For example, investing in energy-efficient machines might be costly initially, but it can lead to substantial savings on utility bills in the long run.

Discussing strategies for cost control, the efficiency of your operations plays a huge role. Streamlining processes, investing in effective business management software and reducing waste are some common strategies. Employee training for better equipment handling can also help reduce maintenance costs.

Remember, every dollar saved is an additional dollar earned.

By carefully planning your revenue goals and implementing effective cost control strategies, you can pave the way for a sustainable and profitable laundry business. It’s all about understanding your earnings, controlling expenses, and constantly adjusting your financial plans to suit the business environment.

Every stake in profitability takes you a step further from being part of the 90% of laundry businesses that fail and a step closer to successful business ownership. It’s a complex task, but with methodical approach and continuous learning, it’s entirely achievable.

Global Laundry Care Market Growth 🌍 The worldwide Laundry Care market is projected to grow by 3.18% (2024-2028), reaching a market volume of US$122.50 billion in 2028.

Operational Considerations for a Successful Laundry Business: Ensuring Smooth Operations

Laundry businesses, commercial laundry, laundromat services, and laundry service are essential components of a successful laundromat business plan.

Incorporating washing machines, fold services, delivery service, and vending machines can enhance the customer experience and contribute to a solid business plan template. Metrobi specializes in elevating laundromats by offering streamlined services for delivering laundry .

Effective marketing materials, a well-thought-out sales strategy, and maintaining optimal business hours are crucial for cash flow and the overall success of laundromat businesses. By focusing on these key elements, a laundromat business can thrive in the competitive market of laundry facilities. Looking to enhance your laundromat business? Discover strategies for attracting new customers, optimizing your workforce, and expanding your commercial laundry operations .

Staffing Your Laundry Business: Building a Winning Team

Your team is the lifeblood of your business.

1 in 2 successful laundry businesses attribute their success to dedicated and skilled staff. Their role encompasses dealing with customers, maintaining, and operating the equipment, among others. Businesses with high staff turnover often have a bleak financial outlook.

Hiring quality staff goes beyond just filling positions. You need people who are dependable, quick to learn, and passionate about providing excellent service. A well thought hiring process can gear your laundry business to success—right from job postings to interviews and practical tests aimed at understanding a potential employee’s hands-on skills in managing laundry operations. Once onboard, retaining them should be your next priority. Employment benefits, a conducive work environment, and continuous training are among the techniques employed by successful laundry businesses to lower staff turnover rates.

Equipment Maintenance: Keeping Your Laundry Business Running Smoothly

Smooth operations translate to happy customers and ultimately, financial success. A key factor that facilitates smooth business operations is the state of your equipment. Ensure your critical machinery is always in top condition with laundry pick-up and delivery services , streamlining your operational efficiency and bolstering customer satisfaction.

Regular maintenance of your laundry machines is non-negotiable. Your business heavily depends on this machinery. Broken machines mean no service, and no service means no income. Implementing and sticking to a maintenance schedule will not only ensure your equipment lasts longer but can also save you significant amounts in repair costs down the line. Embrace the convenience and advantages of delivery services for laundry , ensuring your business continues to operate smoothly without the downtime of broken machinery.

Creating a maintenance schedule may seem a daunting task, but it’s simpler than most think. Start by reading the manufacturer’s guide for each machine. Highlight the recommended maintenance activities and how often these should be performed. Next, chart a plan based on these activities, designating times when they can be executed with minimal interruptions to business operations. The ultimate goal is to ensure regular checks and timely rectification of problems before they worsen and cause operational downtime.

US Laundry Care Market Growth 🇺🇸 The Laundry Care market in the United States is expected to grow by 2.46% (2024-2028), with a market volume of US$17.41 billion in 2028.

Why Do Laundry Businesses Fail: Lessons from a Decade of Data

Small business owners looking to establish a profitable laundromat may benefit from creating detailed business plans that outline financial projections and marketing strategies.

Securing small business loans can help cover initial costs such as laundry equipment and supplies. Additionally, offering additional services like wash and fold can attract college students and other customers. Metrobi supports laundromats by managing their delivery operations, delivering services across more than 20 US cities, with courier capabilities in Chicago .

Developing a strong financial plan and considering the legal structure of the business are crucial steps in ensuring the success of the existing laundromat. Implementing effective marketing channels and choosing a memorable business name can further enhance the visibility and reputation of the wash and fold service. Metrobi is at the forefront of offering delivery services across more than 20 US cities, including providing courier services in New York City , to support laundromats in expanding their operations efficiently.

Lack of Planning: The Biggest Culprit

Looking back at past laundry business failures, a dominant culprit is poor planning. A laundry business isn’t just about having equipment and a location; it encompasses detailed preparation and understanding of demographic data, competition, pricing strategy, and more.

In the same vein, the importance of a detailed, comprehensive business plan is paramount. It provides a roadmap for your business, showing the destination and how to get there. It outlines goals, operational plans, marketing strategies, and financial projections, forming the foundation of your venture.

Inadequate Marketing: Missing the Mark

With competition fiercer than ever in today’s digital age, businesses cannot afford to neglect the impact of marketing on success. It’s imperative that an adequate portion of the budget be dedicated to researched and tailored marketing strategies that resonate with the target audience.

Laundry businesses often falter, falling into common marketing pits. These missteps range from unclear branding to not leveraging social media platforms or ignoring online reviews. Avoiding these pitfalls and harnessing new marketing opportunities can greatly impact business growth and client base.

Poor Customer Service: The Silent Killer

Another major factor in the failure of laundry businesses is subpar customer service. In a rapidly evolving consumer market, customers demand high-quality, prompt, and personalized service. Neglecting this can quickly lead to dwindling customer loyalty and business failure.

In order to circumvent this, laundry businesses should adopt strategies for improving customer service and retaining customers. Emphasis on customer satisfaction, prompt response to complaints, and proactive actions to meet customer needs can boost loyalty and ensure a steady stream of clients.

Global Home & Laundry Care Market Growth 🏡 The worldwide Home & Laundry Care market is forecasted to grow by 4.09% (2024-2028), resulting in a market volume of US$239.80 billion in 2028.

Financial Mismanagement: A Fast Track to Failure

A common thread in business failure is financial mismanagement. Negligence or lack of expertise in handling finances can quickly deplete resources and impair growth.

Knowledgeable financial management tips such as setting clear financial goals, keeping track of spending, regularly reviewing financial performance, and planning ahead can aid survival. By keeping a close watch on finances, businesses can catch issues early on and rectify them before they become unmanageable.

Operational Inefficiencies: The Hidden Drain on Profits

Operational inefficiencies are a constant, albeit hidden, drain on profitability. It’s like a termite, eating away at the business, often unnoticed until it’s too late. Inefficiencies could stem from outdated technology, improper inventory management, or flawed workflow processes.

Laundromat owners in the local area can utilize their personal savings to invest in coin-operated machines. Conducting a competitive analysis is crucial before deciding to hire employees and secure funding.

Key aspects such as targeting apartment buildings, implementing search engine optimization, and preparing detailed financial statements are essential for the success of a new laundromat as a new business venture.

Harnessing measures to optimize operational efficiency can significantly boost productivity and profitability. These can include investing in the latest technology, fine-tuning workflow processes, and adopting data-driven inventory management systems.

Revenue of the US Laundry Care Market 💵 The revenue of the laundry business in the U.S. was $7,370 million in 2010 and is expected to reach $7,660 million by 2022 .

Stepping Out of the Spin Cycle: Learning from the Laundry Business Bust

Statistics don’t lie. Over the past decade, missteps in understanding your market, incorrect pricing strategies, and mismanaging growth plans are the common causes behind 90% of laundry businesses crashing and burning.

Remember, these challenges aren’t unique; they plague businesses across all sectors. Use the lessons drawn from laundry industry real-life scenarios to sidestep these pitfalls successfully.

Mitigate these risk factors by saying no to ‘one size fits all’ traditional marketing, embracing competitive pricing frameworks, and aligning your growth in sync with your capabilities. Because nothing worth having comes easy.

Could you identify any other potential choke points in the laundry business from your personal experience?

Here’s to the brave 10%, crushing it in the laundry business. You’ve got this.

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Laundry Service Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Service Industry » Laundry Business

Are you about starting a laundry & dry cleaning business ? If YES, here is a complete sample laundromat business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE.

Hygiene is one important thing that must not be practiced with less seriousness; as a matter of fact, it has to be a frequent practice. One must take it really seriously, so as to avert bad odor and sickness; it is for this reason that one must keep things really clean.

This is also the reason why people love to wash their clothes. However, there are times when one might not have the luxury of time to the laundry. That is where the Laundromat business comes in. This is one business that people all over the world are beginning to key into because of the level of profitability which it promises.

If you are thinking to start in this line of trade, then that is a good idea. Good news is that you can choose to start on a small or large scale. This all depends on the capital which you have got to start the business Below is a sample Laundry business plan.

A Sample Laundry Service Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

In the united states of America and in most developed countries of the world, self-service laundry business which is popularly called Laundromat in the United States is rapidly an essential part of the urban life. This is so because in this age and time, 24 hours seems not to be enough, especially for people that work in the corporate world or even those who run their own businesses.

As the name implies, a self-service laundry or coin wash / laundry or Laundromat is a laundry facility where people come in to personally wash and dry their clothes; technically, customers provide their own labor and still pay the price for making use of the laundry equipment made available.

Customers have the option of paying with coins which is the popular payment option and they can also pay via swipe cards that subtract the cost of the wash or dry or even via mobile money. Despite the fact that customers provide their own labor, some Laundromat owners still employ people to man or provide assistance to customers.

It is normal to find Laundromats where operators are employed to man the day to day operations, as well as provide value added services like; helping customers iron their clothes, starch their clothes, and fold their clothes et al.

Usually when Laundromat hire employees, the core responsibility assigned to them is to man the counter, give directions to customers, sell washing powder, sell laundry bags, provide change and watch over the washing machines and other equipment in the Laundromat to guide against theft of the machines or even customer’s clothes.

Although the laundry industry can be said to be a competitive trade, but it does not in any way stop entrepreneurs who are creative to still make headway in the trade.

It is indeed a profitable industry especially when the business is well located. No doubt busy cities with growing population might just be highly suitable for Laundromat. There are loads of people that patronize Laundromats; and they include; busy corporate executives, students, and even senior citizens.

In the bid to stay afloat in the highly competitive Laundromat business, owners of Laundromats now go the extra mile to ensure that they make their facilities welcoming and conducive for customers. As a result, Laundromats now have coffee bars, snack bars, cigar lounge, video games, children’s playground and free Wi-Fi connection, amongst others.

Over and above, any aspiring entrepreneur can comfortably start his or her own Laundromat business by acquiring an existing Laundromat and then refurbish it to meet the expected standard, or start the business from the scratch by constructing a new one and then equip it with the needed equipment and accessories.

The average startup cost for a standard Laundromat business is around $250,000 to $500,000. When starting your own Laundromat business, ensure that you choose a location where you can easily attract the kind of people that patronize Laundromat services.

2. Executive Summary

Las Vegas City Laundromat is a registered Laundromat facility that was built to serve the people of Las Vegas- especially the busy corporate executives and students. Our Laundromat will be located in the heart of the city of Las Vegas which is less than 30 minute drive from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, and 10 minutes minute drive from Mandalay Bay Event Center.

We are strategically positioned in the world’s headquarter for casinos and games; a commercial center and we are set to services the whole of the community as well as visitors and travelers alike. Las Vegas City Laundromat is a standard Laundromat in a 6,000 square feet facility; we have one of the biggest Laundromats with the latest and easy to use washing machines and dryers.

Aside from welcoming customers to do their laundry chores at an affordable fee in our Laundromat, we have a conducive environment that will encourage them to always choose us as their number one choice. We have a coffee bar in our facility, we cigar lounge, we have children’s fun center and video games and snacks bar et al.

Our Laundromat will be open from 6 a.m. and close 10 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays and will run a 24 hours service from Friday to Sunday. We decided to operate in this format because from our market survey and feasibility studies, we realized that customers usually do most of their laundry during weekends.

Las Vegas City Laundromat is a proud member of the Coin Laundry Association of America and we are well positioned to become one of the leading Laundromat facilities in the whole of Nevada. We will be providing our esteemed customers the right environment and equipment for them to comfortably do their laundry.

We will also provide additional services such as ironing, folding and packaging of clothes for our customers. Our attendants will always be available to change money, sell detergents and softeners et al. We are quite aware that in order to become the number one Laundromat in Nevada, we must continue to make our facility welcoming and relaxing and that is exactly what we will do.

We are open to the use of latest technology in the industry. No doubt our excellent customer service and the range of additional complementary services we offer will position us to become one of the leading Laundromats in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas City Laundromat is owned and managed by Anthony Miller and family. The business will be financed by Mr. Miller and he will be actively involved in the day to day operation of the Laundromat. Mr. Anthony Miller has a B.Sc. in Business Administration and Management and he has well over 5 years of experience in the service industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Las Vegas City Laundromat is a standard Laundromat with state of the art facility specifically positioned to become the market leader in the industry. Our major purpose of starting this business is to provide a suitable and comfortable facility where people can easily do their laundries with little stress at an affordable fee.

Much more than providing a facility where people can do their laundries, we also offer complementary services; services that will get our customers hook to us. Bottom line is that we will go all the way to help our customers maximize their time when they patronize our Laundromat. These are the services and amenities that will be made available to our customers;

• Self – service washing
• Dry cleaning services
• Folding and packaging of clothes
• Home delivery services
• Cigar lounge
• Children playground
• Video games
• Big screen movies

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our Vision is to operate one of the most successfully Laundromat in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Our mission is to develop a highly successful and profitable Laundromat business with state of the art facility in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada; a business that will not only meet the needs of her clients but also supersede their expectations.

Our Business Structure

Las Vegas City Laundromat is set to become one of the leading Laundromat businesses in the whole of Nevada, hence the need for us to build a solid business foundation and business structure that will enable us achieve our aims and objectives.

Excellent customer service and efficiency are top priority for us which is why we will ensure that we look for applicants that match the picture of the business who want to build before hiring them. Although we will provide trainings in areas such as excellent customers services et al, but we will ensure that we shortlist applicants that are customer centric.

In essence, we want to build a team, a dedicated workforce that will work together to help the organization achieve its set targets.

We will not only hire attendants that will help supervise our Laundromat and attend to customers need when they patronize our services, but we will also hire employees that will manage our coffee café, cigar lounge, snacks bar, and our children’s playgrounds et al. Las Vegas City Laundromat will employ customer centric and skilled people to occupy the following position;

• Manager (Owner)
• Accountant / Cashier
• Marketing Officer
• Laundromat Attendant
• Coffee Café and Snacks Bar Manager

Cigar Lounge Manager

• Children’s Playground Manager
• Security Guard

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Manager (Owner):

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for recruitment
• Responsible for payment of salaries
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for managing the daily activities at the Laundromat
• Ensures that the facility is in tip top shape and conducive enough to welcome customers
• Interfaces with vendors
• Prepares budget and reports for the organization
• Responsible for Training and Development in the organization
• Handles procurement
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team hires

Marketing Officer (2)

• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information.
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Manages the company’s CRM system
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al

Coffee Café and Snacks Bar Manager:

• Interacts with customers, take orders for coffee and snacks.
• Responsible for preparing different flavor and style of coffee for customers
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the bar manager
• Ensures that each cup of coffee that leaves the kitchen is tailor made and meet the request of each customer
• Responsible for quality control
• Assesses customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
• Makes lists of supplies in conjunction with the management
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to replenish supplies.
• Ensures that the assigned bar area is fully equipped with tools and products needed for Mixing beverages and serving guests.
• Responsible for managing the cigar lounge
• Prepares inventory or purchase requisitions as needed to re – stock the lounge.
• Clears ashtrays regularly
• Ensures that the assigned lounge area is fully equipped with tools and products needed to by our clients

Accountant / Cashier:

• Moves round the machines to collect payment after each working shift
• Prepares financial report at the end of every working week
• Handles all financial transaction on behalf of the company
• Interfaces with our bankers
• Responsible for payment of tax, levies and utility bills
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the manager

Laundromat Attendants

• Mans the various washing machines and dryers
• Assists customers as required by them especially on how to operate our machines
• Provides change for customers
• Sells detergent and softener to customers
• Ensures that the Laundromat is clean and ready to welcome customers at all times
• Responsible for ironing and folding of clothes based on demand
• Maintains a clean working area by sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning of glass doors and windows et al.
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Handles and move objects, such as waste baskets, clothe rack and hand dryer et al
• Handles special request like pick up and home delivery
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the manager

Children’s Play Ground Manager

• Responsible for managing children’s play ground
• Ensures that the children are safe and happy
• Makes recommendation for purchase of children’s toys and video games
• Mops the floors
• Wipes down the machines
• Cleans the soap dispensers in your front-load washers
• Washes off the folding tables
• Cleans the bathroom
• Empties the trash
• Washes the windows
• Cleans the vending machines, change machines and video game screens

Security Guards

• Ensures that the facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager

6. SWOT Analysis

No doubt starting a Laundromat is indeed capital intensive, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have huge sum of money saved up in a bank. We are aware that it will require loads of cash to set up a standard Laundromat business in Las Vegas, which is why we decided to do all that is required to build a profitable business

We don’t intend to invest our hard earned money in a business that we know we are not truly cut out for. One of the tools that is required to position us in building a successful Laundromat business is SWOT Analysis.

We hired the services of Mr. Coleman Carrington, an HR and Business consultant who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, to help us conduct SWOT analysis and draft a laundromat marketing plan for our company and he did a pretty good job for us.

Here is a of the result we got from the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Las Vegas City Laundromat, Las Vegas, Nevada;

Las Vegas City Laundromat is centrally located in a densely populated area in Las Vegas; our location is in fact one of our major strengths. Aside from the basic service that we offer, we also offer complimentary services that most of our competitors do not offer.

Our Laundromat facility is located inside a very big facility. We have the latest washing machines, dryers and equipment and our attendants are well groomed to handle various classes of customers.

The weakness of Las Vegas City Laundromat could be the fact that it is a new business, which is owned by an individual (a small family), and we may not have the financial capacity to sustain the kind of publicity that can give us leverage.

• Opportunities:

We are centrally located in one of the busiest areas in Las Vegas and we are open to all the available opportunities that the city has to offer.

Our business concept has also positioned us to attract people who like doing their laundries and catching some fun at the same time. Las Vegas is one of the densely populated cities in the United States, and indeed the population translates to opportunities.

One of the major threats that confronts businesses all over the world is economic downturn; when the economy is bad it affects consumers spending which in turn impacts businesses negatively. Another threat that we are likely going to face to confront us is the emergence of a new Laundromat within the same location where Las Vegas City Laundromat is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The ability for business owners to continue to re – invent itself is key to the success of the business. In the laundry industry especially in the U.S., it is trendy to see laundry companies and Laundromats that add additional complementary services to their business offerings.

Once a Laundromat is conducive and relaxing, it sure attracts customers. This is the strategy that helps Laundromat attract customers. This is why Laundromats are now building kids’ fun centers, holding music concerts, karaoke, selling coffee, snacks, and tobacco and hiring attendants who are friendly and helpful.

As a matter of fact, loads of Laundromat owners now realize that they can increase business by providing a play area for children to play. It is encouraging for parents to bring their kids and get them hooked with fun in the playground under the care of a competent employee, whilst they do their laundries.

It is important to state that despite the fact that the trends mentioned above are favorable to Laundromat owners, this does not in any way suggest that the business is booming. The Laundromat industry is what experts describe as a “mature market.

“ Except for areas where that are highly populated; it is easier to find one or more laundry businesses/ Laundromats in same area in most cities in the U.S.

8. Our Target Market

Before choosing a location for our Laundromat business, we conducted our feasibility studies and market survey and we were able to identify those who will benefit greatly from our service offerings which is why we deiced to settle for Las Vegas.

Essentially, those who will benefit from our service offering are busy corporate executives, business owners, households, students and travelers / visitors. These are the category of people that we intend marketing our Laundromat business to;

• Busy Corporate Executives
• Business Owners
• Visitors / Travelers
• Sport clubs

Our Competitive Advantage

From our recently concluded feasibility studies and market survey, we observed that there are several laundry businesses scattered all over the city of Las Vegas, as a matter of fact, there are two or more laundry / Laundromats in same locations in some areas. This goes to show that there are stiffer competition in the industry.

Before launching our Laundromats, we have critically studied the market and we know that we have some form of competitive edge. Our competitive advantage is that we have a standard Laundromat facility that offers additional complementary services that will definitely help us attract and retain customers.

Las Vegas City Laundromat can boast of having state of the art Laundromat facility with latest and easy to use laundry machines (washing machines, dryers, industrial irons et al). We specifically, we leased a big facility, so as to enable us achieve our aim of building a well – equipped children’s playground, coffee and snacks café, cigar lounge amongst others.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Las Vegas City Laundromats will generate income from the following service offerings;

• Self – service laundry jobs
• Ironing, folding and packaging of clothes
• Sale of detergents, laundry bags and other useful laundry products
• Sale of Coffee
• Sales of Snacks
• Pickup and Home delivery
• Cigar Lounge

10. Sales Forecast

It is important to state that our sales forecast is based on the data gathered during our feasibility studies and also some of the assumptions readily available on the field with reference to similar business in Las Vegas.

We know that we are well positioned and we will definitely attract clients that will not only patronize our Laundromat but clients that will patronize our coffee care and snacks bar, and cigar lounge et al meaning that we will generate additional income from these sources.

Below is the sales projection for Las Vegas City Laundromat, it is based on the location of our Laundromat and the type of services and products that we will be offering;

• First Year-:  $80,000
• Second Year-: $120,000
• Third Year-: $180,000

N.B: This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any Laundromat offering same additional services like us within 4.5 miles radius from our Laundromat facility.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

The marketing strategy for Las Vegas City Laundromat is going to be driven basically by making available standard and safe Laundromat facility, excellent customer service and provision of complementary services. We will work hard to build a loyal customer base; customers that will always patronize us over and over again and as well help us use word of mouth publicity to get their friends and acquaintance to patronize us.

We want to drive sales via making available easy to use washing machines, dryers and industrial irons et al. We are quite aware of how satisfied customers drive business growth especially businesses like Laundromat which is why we will always ensure that our customer service and facility are top notch.

Over and above, our unique selling proposition is that we have various complementary service offerings such as coffee café, snacks bar, cigar lounge; children playground, ironing, folding and packaging, pickup and home delivery, and sale of detergents, laundry bags and other useful laundry products.

In view of that, we are going to adopt the following strategies to ensure that we do not only attract customers but ensure that they become loyal customer; Part of the marketing and sales strategies that we will adopt are;

• Open our Laundromat business with a party and free trial for all our visitors for the first three days of launching the business.
• Advertise our Laundromat business on national dailies, local TV stations and local radio station
• Promote our Laundromat business online via our official website and all available social media platforms
• Continuously Improving the performance of our brands
• Hire the services of experts to make our brands the first choice for in Las Vegas
• Delivering consistent customer experiences to all our guest; making our first impression count positively
• Make use of attractive handbills to create awareness and also to give direction to our Laundromat.
• Adopt direct mailing coupon marketing approach
• Position our signage / flexi banners at strategic places
• Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
• Engage on road shows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our Laundromat business.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the power of publicity and advertisement for new businesses like ours which is why we created a budget that will help us access various publicity and advertising platforms that will enable us reach out to our potential market.

At Las Vegas City Laundromat, will ensure that we leverage on all conventional and non – conventional publicity and advertising technique to promote our Laundromat business. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Las Vegas City Laundromat;

• Encourage our loyal customers to help us use Word of Mouth mode of advertisement (referrals)
• Advertise our Laundromat business in relevant magazines (America Coin – Op, and Journal Coin Laundry News et al), local newspaper, local TV stations and local radio station.
• Promote our Laundromat business online via our official website
• List our Laundromat business on local directories (yellow pages)
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Direct coupon mailing approach
• Engage in road show from time to time
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas all around Las, Vegas.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

At Las Vegas City Laundromat, our pricing system is going to be based on what is obtainable in the industry, we don’t intend to charge more (except for premium and customized services) and we don’t intend to charge less than our competitors are offering in Las Vegas.

Be that as it may, the management of Las Vegas City Laundromat have put plans in place to offer discount services once in a while and also to reward our loyal customers especially when they refer clients to us. The prices of our products (snacks, cup of coffee, cigar, detergents et al) will be same as what is obtainable in any part of the United States of America.

• Payment Options

Basically, we have made provisions for our washing machines and dryers to accept coins , but that does not in any way restrict us from receiving payments from other options especially for our complimentary service offerings. In other words, our payment policy is going to be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available in every of our pub;

• Payment by cash /coins
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any difficulty.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

This is the key areas where we will spend our start – up capital on;

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Las Vegas, Nevada – $750 .
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses (Health department license and business license) and permits (Fire department permit, Air and water pollution control permit, and Sign permit et al) – $4,500.
• Marketing promotion expenses (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580 .
• Cost for hiring Consultant – $2,000 .
• Insurance (general liability, theft, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800 .
• Cost of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Cost for leasing facility for the Laundromat – $70,000 .
• Cost for facility remodeling – $50,000 .
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory – $15,000
• Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, glasses case) – $2,720
• The cost for Washer hook-up fees (sewer connection) – $800
• Cost for serving area equipment for coffee café and snacks bar ( glasses, flatware) – $5,000
• Cost for laundry machines and equipment (washing machines, dryers, industrial irons, ironing board et al ) – $100,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, video games, toys, vacuum cleaner, tables and chairs et al) – $30,000 .
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our grand opening party – $5,500
• Miscellaneous supplies (cleaning supplies, soap, invoices for wash-and-fold, bathroom supplies, etc.) – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $1 million to successfully launch our Laundromat business in Las Vegas Nevada. Please note that the startup cost is higher than the average startup cost for a Laundromat business simply because we intend adding coffee café, snacks bar, cigar lounge and children’s playground.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Las Vegas City Laundromat

Las Vegas City Laundromat is a family business and it will be financed by the owner who is also the Laundromat manager. These are the areas where we intend sourcing for fund for Las Vegas City Laundromat;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from family members and friends (soft loans)
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Las Vegas City Laundromat is set to become the number Laundromat business in the whole of Nevada which is why we took our time to craft out business plan that will help us sustain the business , as well as grow the business. Part of the plans we have in place to sustain our Laundromat is that we will have efficient machines and equipment.

We will also continue to deliver quality services, improvise on how to do things faster and cheaper. We are not going to relent in providing conducive environment for our workers and also the required trainings that will help them deliver excellent services at all times.

We are quite aware that our customers are key component to the growth and survival of our business hence we are going to continuously engage them to give us ideas on how to serve them better. We will not waste time in diversifying our services; expand our products and service offerings once the need arises.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit licenses (Health department license and business license, Fire department permit, Air and water pollution control permit, and Sign permit et al): Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Acquiring facility and remodeling the facility: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• writing of business plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of laundry machines and equipment ( washing machines, dryers, industrial irons, ironing board et al ): In Progress
• Purchase of furniture and gadgets (Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, video games, toys, vacuum cleaner, tables and chairs et al): In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: Completed
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and in the neighborhood: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – suppliers of all our needed laundry accessories, drinks, and tobacco et al: In Progress

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How to Start a Laundry Business: Essential Steps for Success

Are you tired of the daily grind and looking for a new venture that’s both practical and profitable? Picture this: endless piles of laundry waiting to be washed, ironed, and folded. What if we told you that this chore could be the foundation of your very own successful business? Starting a laundry business might just be the fresh start you’ve been looking for.

Table of Contents

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to kickstart your laundry business. From setting up your operations to attracting your first customers, we’ve got you covered. Imagine the freedom of being your own boss, setting your schedule, and watching your business grow. Get ready to turn your laundry expertise into a thriving enterprise.

Key Takeaways

• Market analysis is crucial in understanding your target market, industry regulations, equipment needs, service differentiation, pricing strategies, and effective marketing and branding to set the foundation for a successful laundry business.
• Researching the market involves analyzing local demand, studying competitors, assessing industry trends, estimating start-up costs, and identifying regulatory requirements to position your laundry business for success.
• Creating a comprehensive business plan that defines your concept, conducts market research, plans financially, complies with legal requirements, outlines operations, develops a marketing strategy, and sets growth projections is essential for a successful laundry business.
• Securing necessary resources like equipment, location, licenses, staff, financial resources, and marketing strategies is vital to launching a successful laundry business.
• Marketing and promotion strategies such as establishing an online presence, offering promotions and discounts, collaborating with local businesses, utilizing targeted advertising, implementing referral programs, and engaging in local events can help attract customers and build a solid clientele.
• Managing finances by budgeting wisely, developing a competitive pricing strategy, monitoring cash flow, and conducting financial forecasting is crucial for the financial stability and growth of your laundry business.

Understanding the Laundry Business

When diving into the laundry business, it’s vital to comprehend the intricacies of this industry to ensure your venture’s success. Here’s a breakdown to help you grasp the essentials:

Market Analysis:

Understand your target market by analyzing demographics and competitors in the area. Identify customer needs and preferences to tailor your services accordingly. For instance, in urban areas, offering quick turnaround times might be crucial, while in suburban neighborhoods, quality and attention to detail could be more valued.

Industry Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with local and state regulations governing laundry businesses. This includes environmental standards for water usage, disposal of chemicals, and potential permits or licenses required to operate legally. Compliance with regulations ensures smooth operations and avoids legal issues.

Equipment and Maintenance:

Invest in high-quality laundry equipment that suits your business scale. Whether you opt for traditional washers and dryers or high-capacity industrial machines, regular maintenance is key to avoiding breakdowns and ensuring efficient operations. Consider factors such as energy efficiency and durability when selecting equipment.

Service Differentiation:

Differentiate your laundry business by offering unique services such as eco-friendly detergents, pickup and delivery options, or specialty treatments for delicate fabrics. Providing added value to customers can set you apart from competitors and attract a loyal client base.

Pricing Strategy:

Develop a competitive pricing strategy based on factors like operating costs, market rates, and perceived value of your services. Consider offering package deals, discounts for regular customers, or seasonal promotions to attract and retain clientele.

Marketing and Branding:

Create a strong brand identity through effective marketing strategies. Utilize online platforms, social media, and local advertising to reach potential customers. Highlight your business’s strengths, whether it’s exceptional quality, convenience, or affordability, to attract your target audience.

Understanding these aspects of the laundry business sets a solid foundation for launching and managing a successful venture. By being informed and prepared, you can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in this dynamic industry.

Researching the Market

When starting a laundry business, researching the market is crucial for understanding your industry landscape and identifying potential opportunities and challenges. Here’s how you can effectively research the market to set a solid foundation for your laundry venture:

Analyzing Local Demand

Begin by examining the demand for laundry services in your local area. Look at factors such as population density, demographics, and the presence of competitors. Conduct surveys or interviews with potential customers to gather insights into their preferences and pain points regarding laundry services. This information will help you tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs of your target market.

Studying Competitors

Researching your competitors is essential for identifying gaps in the market that your laundry business can fill. Analyze the services they offer, pricing strategies, customer reviews, and overall market positioning. By understanding what your competitors are doing well and where they may be falling short, you can develop a competitive advantage and differentiate your business.

Assessing Industry Trends

Stay informed about current trends and developments in the laundry industry. Whether it’s technological advancements, sustainable practices, or changes in consumer behavior, being aware of industry trends can help you adapt your business model to meet evolving customer demands. Subscribe to industry publications, attend trade shows, and network with other laundry business owners to stay on top of the latest innovations.

Estimating Start-up Costs

Conduct a thorough financial analysis to estimate the start-up costs of your laundry business. Factor in expenses such as equipment purchase or leasing, facility rent, utilities, employee wages, and marketing initiatives. Understanding your financial requirements will allow you to create a realistic budget and secure funding if needed.

Identifying Regulatory Requirements

Research the regulatory requirements related to operating a laundry business in your area. This includes obtaining permits, licenses, and adhering to health and safety regulations. Failure to comply with legal requirements can result in fines or even business closure, so ensure you are fully aware of all legal obligations before launching your venture.

By conducting comprehensive market research, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and insights needed to make informed decisions and position your laundry business for success in a competitive industry. Stay proactive and adaptable as you navigate the market landscape, and leverage your research findings to refine your business strategy and offerings.

Creating a Business Plan

To ensure the success of your laundry business, creating a solid business plan is crucial. Here’s how you can develop a comprehensive plan to guide your venture:

Define Your Business Concept

Start by outlining your business concept. Describe the services you will offer, such as laundry services, dry cleaning, ironing, or specialty treatments. Clearly define your target market, including demographics like age, income level, and specific needs.

Conduct Market Research

Research the demand for laundry services in your area. Analyze your competitors, their pricing strategies, and customer reviews. Identify industry trends and potential challenges to anticipate market changes.

Financial Planning

Estimate your startup costs, including equipment, rent, utilities, and marketing expenses. Develop a detailed budget that outlines your projected revenue and expenses for at least the first year of operation. Consider seeking advice from financial experts to ensure your financial projections are sound.

Legal Requirements

Understand the regulatory requirements for starting a laundry business in your area. Obtain necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. Comply with health and safety regulations to maintain a hygienic and safe working environment.

Operations Plan

Outline the day-to-day operations of your business. Define workflow processes, staffing requirements, and quality control measures. Develop a system for inventory management, customer bookings, and service delivery to streamline operations.

Marketing Strategy

Develop a marketing plan to attract customers to your laundry business. Use a mix of online and offline marketing tactics, such as social media promotions, local advertising, and loyalty programs. Build a strong brand image that differentiates your business from competitors.

Growth Projection

Set realistic growth goals for your laundry business. Identify opportunities for expansion, such as opening new branches, offering additional services, or targeting new customer segments. Monitor key performance indicators to track your business’s progress and adjust strategies as needed.

By following these steps and creating a well-thought-out business plan, you’ll be better prepared to launch and grow a successful laundry business.

Securing Necessary Resources

To start your own laundry business, you’ll need to secure several key resources that are essential for a successful launch. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to consider:

Equipment and Supplies

First and foremost, you’ll require the right equipment and supplies to operate your laundry business efficiently. This includes industrial washers, dryers, laundry carts, folding tables, irons, hangers, detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning agents.

Choosing the right location for your laundry business is crucial. Look for a space in a high-traffic area with ample parking, accessibility for customers, and proximity to residential areas. Ensure the space is sufficient to accommodate your equipment and has space for customers to wait comfortably if needed.

Licensing and Permits

Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits is a legal requirement for operating a laundry business. Research the specific regulations in your area for opening a laundry service, including health department permits, business licenses, and any environmental regulations related to waste disposal.

Consider your staffing needs based on the size of your business. You may need attendants to assist customers, laundry workers to operate the machines, and a manager to oversee operations. Hire staff with experience in the laundry industry to ensure smooth operations.

Financial Resources

Estimate your startup costs accurately to secure the financial resources needed to launch your laundry business. This includes costs for equipment purchase or lease, location rent, licensing fees, staff salaries, marketing expenses, and an initial reserve for contingencies.

Develop a marketing strategy to promote your laundry business effectively. Consider offering promotional deals, discounts for first-time customers, and partnering with local businesses or residential complexes to attract a steady flow of clients.

By securing the necessary resources outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful laundry business that meets the needs of your target market and sets you apart from the competition.

Marketing and Promotion

Now that you’ve laid down the foundation for your laundry business, it’s time to focus on marketing and promoting your services. Effectively reaching your target audience is key to attracting customers and building a solid clientele. Here are essential strategies to boost your business:

Establish an Online Presence

To increase visibility, create a user-friendly website showcasing your services, prices, and contact information. Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with potential customers and drive traffic to your website.

Offer Promotions and Discounts

Attract new customers and retain existing ones by providing promotions like discounts for first-time users, loyalty programs, or bundle deals. These incentives can entice clients to try your services and keep them coming back.

Collaborate with Local Businesses

Form partnerships with local hotels, Airbnb hosts, spas, or gyms to offer exclusive laundry services to their guests or clients. Networking with complementary businesses can expand your customer base and establish credibility within the community.

Utilize Targeted Advertising

Invest in targeted online advertising through social media ads or Google AdWords to reach specific demographics interested in laundry services. Targeting your ads based on location, age, interests, and behavior can maximize your marketing efforts.

Implement Referral Programs

Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family by offering discounts or rewards for each successful referral. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool that can significantly increase your customer base through personal recommendations.

Engage in Local Events and Sponsorships

Participate in local events, fairs, or sponsor community activities to increase brand recognition and connect with potential customers face-to-face. Promotional materials like flyers, brochures, or giveaways can leave a lasting impression on attendees.

By incorporating these marketing strategies into your business plan, you can effectively promote your laundry services, attract new customers, and establish a strong presence in the competitive market. Stay proactive, creative, and customer-centric to differentiate your laundry business and drive success.

Managing Finances

When it comes to managing finances for your laundry business, it’s crucial to establish a solid financial foundation to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth. Here are key steps you should consider:

1. Budgeting Wisely

Start by creating a detailed budget that outlines all your expected expenses and potential revenue streams. It’s essential to account for costs such as equipment purchases, rent, utilities, payroll, supplies, marketing, and any unforeseen expenses. By setting up a comprehensive budget, you’ll have a clear understanding of your financial obligations and can make informed decisions to optimize your resources.

2. Pricing Strategy

Develop a competitive pricing strategy that reflects the quality of your services while remaining attractive to your target market. Consider factors such as your costs, competitor prices, and perceived value by customers. Pricing plays a significant role in determining your profitability, so it’s essential to analyze your pricing strategy regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay competitive in the market.

3. Cash Flow Management

Maintaining a positive cash flow is crucial for the financial health of your laundry business. Monitor your cash flow regularly to ensure that you have enough funds to cover your operational expenses and invest in future growth. Implementing efficient invoicing and payment systems, negotiating favorable payment terms with suppliers, and managing inventory levels can all contribute to improving your cash flow management.

4. Financial Forecasting

Conduct regular financial forecasting to project your revenues, expenses, and profits over a specific period. Forecasting allows you to anticipate potential financial challenges, identify growth opportunities, and make proactive decisions to steer your business in the right direction. By staying ahead of your financial projections, you can better prepare for fluctuations in the market and optimize your business strategies accordingly.

By effectively managing your finances and implementing sound financial practices, you can lay a strong financial groundwork for your laundry business, ensuring long-term success and stability in a competitive industry.

Starting a laundry business involves thorough market research, a solid business plan, and strategic resource allocation. Effective financial management is crucial for long-term success. By budgeting wisely, setting competitive prices, and monitoring cash flow, you can build a strong financial foundation. Implementing these practices will help you navigate the competitive industry landscape and ensure the stability and growth of your laundry business. Best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. why is market research important for launching a laundry business.

Market research helps you understand your target market, competitors, and industry trends, guiding your business decisions effectively.

2. What should be included in a comprehensive business plan for a laundry business?

A business plan should outline your business goals, target market analysis, marketing strategies, operational plan, and financial projections.

3. How can I secure necessary resources like equipment and staffing for my laundry business?

Consider leasing or financing equipment, hiring qualified staff, and training them to ensure efficient operations.

4. What are some effective marketing strategies for a laundry business?

Utilize online marketing, social media, local advertising, partnerships with local businesses, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.

5. How can I manage finances effectively for my laundry business?

Implement budgeting, develop competitive pricing strategies, manage cash flow, and conduct financial forecasting to ensure financial stability and success.

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Clean Start: Launching Your Own Laundromat

Written by: Esther Strauss

Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on April 21, 2021 Updated on July 2, 2024

Investment range

$76,550 - $104,100

Revenue potential

$180,000 - $550,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 - 3 months

Profit potential

$60,000 - $110,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Would you be interested in owning a relatively hands-off business that makes you money when you’re not even there? If so, operating a laundromat could be for you!

Of course, this doesn’t mean owning a laundromat requires no work. Getting a successful business up and running requires many steps, and then you’ll have to keep the shop clean, the machines functional, and, most importantly, your customers happy. 

This step-by-step guide provides all the information you’ll need to launch your successful laundromat business, from examining the industry to registering and marketing your new company.

Let’s get started!

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business is Right for You

Before you tackle the world of laundry, you should familiarize yourself with the industry. 

Pros and cons

Every business has their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh both before starting your business.

• No experience or expertise required
• Constant demand, as clothes will always need cleaning
• Minimal inventory requirements
• Laundromat’s have a near-perfect (95%) success rate
• Generates passive income once operations are running smoothly
• Potentially a 24-hr job
• Utility costs are rising
• Risks of broken equipment

Laundromat industry trends

With an impressive 95% success rate, laundromats boast an average return on investment of nearly 30%, according to industry expert Martin Ray Laundry Systems.(( https://martinray.com/p-33942-key-statistics-laundromat-investors-should-know.html#:~:text=The%20laundromat%20industry%20sees%20about,between%2020%2D35%25%20ROI. ))

Google Trends data backs up the success rate of laundromats, showing consistent demand for laundry services in recent years.((https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=US&q=laundry%20services))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Market analyst IBISWorld values the laundromat industry in the US at more than $5 billion.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/laundromats-united-states/ )).  
• Growth forecast – Demand for laundromats is expected to increase in areas near colleges and universities as in-person classes resume. Laundromats in densely populated areas with many renters are also expected to perform well.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/laundromats-industry/ ))
• Number of businesses – There are more than 18,000 laundromat businesses in the US as of 2022.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/laundromats-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 47,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/laundromats-united-states/ )) 

Trends and challenges

These are some of the latest trends in the laundromat industry:

• Shift toward technologically advanced machines that accept all forms of payment (credit, debit, cash, coins, loyalty cards, and mobile payments) and offer easy-to-use digital interfaces
• Use of apps that enable the laundromat owner to keep a close eye on the business from anywhere

Some challenges remain such as:

• High fixed costs such as utilities and supplies
• Competition from wash-and-fold services

What kind of people work in laundromats?

Laundromat managers maintain the machines, collect the money, purchase supplies, keep the laundromat tidy, and manage the staff. 

• Gender – About 52% of laundromat managers are male, while more than 47% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/laundromat-manager-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – Almost half of laundromat managers in the US are high school graduates, while 30% hold an associate degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/laundromat-manager-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – Most laundromat managers are over 40 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/laundromat-manager-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a laundromat business?

You could start a laundry business for as little as $100,000, or as much as $1 million or more. The average laundromat owner lays out about $200,000 to get started. 

On the lower end, this is what your startup costs would look like, excluding the purchase amount or rental of your shop, which would depend on the location, size, and condition:

How much can you earn from a laundromat business?

A laundromat can generate $100-$1,500 in daily revenue, with an average of around $500. Best of all, a laundromat stays open every day of the week, so your $500 a day will result in more than $180,000 in annual revenue. After accounting for expenses, you might end up with a margin of 33% and take home a tidy $60,000 in profit. 

As you gain more customers, you could add more washers and dryers, hire staff, and  increase your daily income to $1,500. This means an annual revenue of nearly $550,000 and, with a smaller profit margin of 20%, a profit of about $110,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

It’s good to be aware of any potential barriers to entry so that you don’t have any surprises when you start your laundromat. 

Here are some of them: 

• High utility costs or sewer connection fees in your area
• Laundry machines are expensive
• Many residential areas have serious competition in laundry

Related Business Ideas

Start Your Own Laundry Business: 13 Steps to Success

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you have a bird’s-eye view of the laundromat industry, let’s start crafting your actual business idea.  

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

It’s important to scope out your competition to see what they offer — and what they do not. Maybe they have outdated machines, charge too much, or have no drop-off service. 

Look to improve on your competition’s weaknesses by offering a better laundry service and a more comfortable customer experience.

What? Determine your services

It’s a good idea to aim for a full-service laundromat if you’re looking to immediately attract many customers and increase your revenue fast. Besides the coin laundries and dryers, you can also offer self-service dry cleaning. 

You can also encourage customers to just drop off their laundry and have your staff wash and fold for an additional fee. You might also want to consider offering commercial laundry services for restaurants and hotels. Some laundromats have expanded their services to include a coffee shop, video games, and other activities that will keep customers busy. 

How much should you charge for laundromat services?

Your best bet is to look at what laundromats in your area are charging and use that as your baseline. Then you should work out whether this price range will give you enough profit to make your time worthwhile. 

Generally it costs $1.50 to $4.00 for U.S. customers to wash a load of laundry, with the national average at $2.00.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

There are a couple of options for your target market. Traditionally, low-income renters, such as university students, are the primary users of laundromats. So you might open your laundromat in a university town or near student dorms. You might also focus on people in urban areas with no washing machines in their apartment or building. 

Where? Choose your laundromat location

Since a laundromat is a physical service business that attracts customers who live nearby, you’ll need to find a location in a high-traffic, mainly residential area.

Consider accessibility and convenience, ensuring that the location is easily reachable by foot or public transportation, and has ample parking.

By strategically choosing the right location, you can establish a profitable and successful laundromat business that caters to a diverse range of customers and stands out from competitors. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Even if you find the perfect location, you might not succeed if there is an existing laundromat next door! So keep your eyes out for competitors. 

Step 3: Brainstorm a Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “laundromat” or “laundry”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Wash World Laundromat” over “Industrial Laundry Solutions”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary : A brief summary of the entire business plan, highlighting key points and objectives.
• Business Overview : An introduction to your laundromat, including its name, location, and a concise description of what it does.
• Product and Services : A list of the laundry services you offer, such as self-service machines, dry cleaning, or special features like eco-friendly detergents.
• Market Analysis : An examination of the local market, including demographics, customer needs, and potential demand for laundry services.
• Competitive Analysis : An assessment of your competitors in the area, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
• Sales and Marketing : Strategies for promoting your laundromat, including advertising, pricing, and customer acquisition plans.
• Management Team : An overview of the key individuals involved in running the business, including their qualifications and roles.
• Operations Plan : Details on the day-to-day operations of the laundromat, including hours of operation, staffing, and equipment.
• Financial Plan : Projections of your laundromat’s finances, including startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis.
• Appendix : Additional information that supports the business plan, such as market research data, legal documents, and any other relevant materials.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to laundromats. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your laundromat will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a laundromat business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a laundromat business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your laundromat business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as CleanCloud , DragonPOS , and Geelus to manage your laundromat, enhance customer experience, and strengthen customer loyalty. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Professional Branding — Establish a clean, reliable, and easy-to-use image with a recognizable logo, clear signage, and a well-maintained facility.
• Website Optimization — Develop a website that showcases your location, services, and special features like free Wi-Fi or extended hours, optimized for local searches related to laundry services.
• Local SEO  — Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Direct Outreach — Network with local businesses, community centers, and residential complexes to introduce your laundromat and offer opening discounts or loyalty programs.
• Social Media Engagement — Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to post updates, share customer testimonials, and engage with local community groups.
• Content Marketing — Run a laundry tips blog to offer advice on fabric care and efficient laundry practices, positioning your business as a helpful resource.
• Email Newsletters — Send out updates about new services, changes in operation hours, and special promotions to keep your customers informed.
• Video Content — Produce video tours of your facility and customer testimonials to showcase your unique offerings and build trust.
• Local Collaborations — Partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotion, such as offering discounts to customers from adjacent shops.
• Student Discounts — Target local college and university students with special discounts to tap into the student market.
• Customer Loyalty Programs — Implement a loyalty rewards program that offers benefits like every tenth wash free or discounts on drying services.
• Targeted Local Advertising — Employ local advertising through newspapers, community bulletin boards, and online platforms to reach your demographic.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the unique characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your laundromat meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Some signature USPs for your laundry business could be:

• Add a small shop or vending machines with snacks, drinks, detergents
• Arcade games, free wifi, and a child’s play area would provide added entertainment 
• Open a small cafe, bar, or pizza place within the laundromat, embracing the global industry trend 
• Install the most advanced, energy efficient equipment 

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a laundromat business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in a laundromat for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in laundromats. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

Initially, if you’re willing to work long hours at your laundromat, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a laundry business would include:

• Maintenance — take care of machines, clean the shop, etc. 
• Marketing Lead — SEO optimization, social media strategies 
• General Manager — oversees operations at several laundromats

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glass d oor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Laundromat Business – Start Making Money!

For a laundromat to succeed, location is extremely important. If your laundromat is easily accessible, it can provide you with a stable source of income. There’s no time for complacency, though. It’s wise to always strive to improve your services and inspire your customers to keep coming back. Perhaps you can add a coffee shop, provide a lounge or reading area for your customers, or offer a workspace with internet.

You now know all the steps needed to get your laundromat up and running. Now it’s all about getting to work and making money! Best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

• Laundromat Business FAQs

Laundromats boast around a 90% success rate , and it is a mature market meaning that they have been around for a long time. According to Laundry Solutions, laundromat owners report an average net profit of $5,000 to $7,000 per month . So we’d say that opening a laundromat is profitable!

While numbers will vary depending on your location and the size of your store, laundromat owners report an average net profit of $5,000 to $7,000 per month . So there is an opportunity to make some decent profits.

While there has been a 20% decrease in the number of laundromats since 2005, the industry isn’t dying by any means. The laundromat industry still generates around $5 billion in gross revenue each year .

Operating a laundromat can be a relatively straightforward business, but it does require careful management and attention to detail. While the day-to-day operations of a laundromat may not be overly complex, there are still important considerations such as maintaining and repairing equipment, managing cash flow, ensuring cleanliness and customer satisfaction, and staying updated with industry trends. 

Utilize both online and offline marketing channels to promote your laundromat. This can include creating a professional website, utilizing social media platforms, distributing flyers or brochures in the local community, or partnering with nearby businesses to cross-promote services.

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• Decide if the Business is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Business Name
• Create a Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses/Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Laundromat Business - Start Making Money!

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How to Write a Laundromat Business Plan + Example Templates

Elon Glucklich

7 min. read

Updated February 7, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Laundromat Business Plan Template

Would you open a business in an industry that continuously sees annual growth rates between 3 and 5 percent , with steady growth forecast for the next decade?

Starting a laundromat business may not sound flashy, but it has proven to be a profitable venture for many.

But just like a retail store or tech startup, operating a successful laundromat business takes careful planning. It also requires accounting for major upfront costs, and keeping in compliance with environmental regulations.  

That’s why it’s so important to conduct extensive research and planning, before investing in building space and expensive commercial-grade laundry equipment. Putting together a solid business plan will help you focus on the important purchases to make and processes to implement to run a successful laundromat business.

Get started by downloading our free sample laundromat business plan template .

• Why You Need a Business Plan for Your Laundromat Business

Because of the careful planning and attention to details required, it’s crucial to map out the vision and structure for your business. That’s where a business plan comes in handy.

Do you know how much you will need to spend on equipment before you ever bring in any revenue? Will you need a bank loan to get up and running? Most customers look for the laundromat that’s closest to them , so how much do you know about the demographics of the neighborhood you plan to operate in?

A business plan is the place to compile your most relevant market research , financial projections , and your overall strategic vision for the business. It’s where you can document assumptions about your startup costs and ongoing operational costs, as well as the processes you’ll put in place to ensure compliance with environmental rules.

This guide will help you structure your laundromat business plan, detailing the main areas to cover in the plan and what types of information you’ll need to compile.

• Understand Your Business Model and Startup Costs

All laundromats are not the same. There are the traditional, coin-operated models. But there are also more modern card-operated systems. Many are self-service, but some provide drop-off service, dry clearing, even tailoring. In your business plan, you should discuss the laundromat business model you are choosing and why. Higher-end services like tailoring might attract a broader customer base, but they bring additional costs.

Your business plan is the place to define the services you will provide . It’s important to document these decisions, even if you are just opting for a traditional coin-operated laundromat. Producing a detailed estimation of your startup costs before launching the business is essential, since it will ensure you are considering the full range of equipment and utility costs.

Once you have defined your business model, you will need to show that it aligns with your projected costs, including:

• Building lease or purchase
• Renovations
• Commercial-grade laundry equipment
• Laundry detergent
• Business license

Without detailing your startup costs upfront, your financial projections for the business won’t be accurate, and you will be less prepared for unexpected costs .

A detailed financial projection will also help you determine how long it will take for your business to break even . With a detailed description of your business model and startup costs, you will be ready to approach lenders or investors to get funding for your laundromat . That initial investment will be key to your success, since laundromat startup costs are often hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Know the Area You’ll Serve

Location, location, location. It’s true for many businesses that the location it operates in plays a major role in determining how many customers walk through its doors. That’s especially true for a laundromat. Many customers will be apartment tenants, and are likely to seek out a laundromat within 1-3 miles of where they live.

So the location of your laundromat is a significant determinant of its potential success, and should be a focal point in your business plan. A strategic location can drive high foot traffic, increase visibility, and ultimately boost revenue.

Your selected location should ideally be in an area with a high density of potential customers. This could include neighborhoods with many apartments or near university dormitories where residents may not have easy access to laundry facilities. Additionally, your location should be easily accessible, preferably on a main road with clear visibility from the street to attract passers-by.

In your business plan, explain why your chosen location meets these criteria. Describe the following:

• Demographics of the area
• Ease of access to the business
• Visibility from the street
• Competitors and their distance from your business

While marketing may not be a huge portion of your operating budget, you will want to demonstrate in your business plan that you have a strategy for acquiring customers and retaining them . Consider strategies you might use to promote your business, like advertising through flyers and newspaper ads, or digital marketing on social media or through search engine optimization.

Understanding your target customers will help inform these strategies. For instance, if your laundromat is near residential areas or college campuses, you may want to advertise in student publications or on social media channels. But if it’s in the middle of a busy downtown, you may want to advertise cleaning services for suits, or commercial laundry services.

• Stay on Top of Operating Expenses

We’ve discussed the sizable costs to open a laundromat business. But there are also ongoing operational costs that need to be taken into account. Think about a washing machine that’s broken down, dryer lint screens that need to be replaced, or maintenance on your water connections. 

Your business plan is where to compile those costs, since they’ll have a significant impact on your long-term finances. You won’t be able to accurately estimate your break even date without them.

Your business plan must detail the maintenance and repair strategies you intend to employ in order to extend the life of your equipment. Document your strategy for handling repairs – whether you’ll use an on-call technician, train any staff to handle minor upkeep, or send faulty equipment to the manufacturer for repairs.

You should also state whether you will have a contingency plan while machines are being repaired. Do you have spare machines, or a regular maintenance schedule to minimize disruption? This will show potential lenders or investors that you’ve considered steps to maintain steady revenue streams.

Don’t forget about utility and insurance costs, as well. These are ongoing expenses that can change as your business grows. You will want to demonstrate in your business plan that you have considered the impact of these costs on your business – not just when you start the business, but on an ongoing basis.

• Compliance Can Make or Break Your Business

Laundromats are subject to a variety of regulations , from local zoning laws to environmental standards. For instance, there might be specific requirements for wastewater disposal, given the amount of detergents and chemicals laundromats typically use. You may also need to comply with safety standards regarding equipment operation and maintenance.

It’s crucial to comply with all relevant regulations, just as in any business. Your business plan should include a section dedicated to detailing these legal and regulatory requirements.

Start by identifying the agencies that oversee these regulations, from local health departments to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency. List the concerns these agencies will be looking out for, from wastewater disposal to emissions from your laundry machines. Then, detail the steps you’ll take to ensure compliance, such as regular inspections and audits, staff training and the implementation of safety protocols.

Show customers and your lender that you know about the relevant regulations and have a plan to stay on top of them. Not only will it reassure them that you can responsibly run a laundromat business, but it also reduces the risk of costly fines, operational disruptions and even lawsuits.

• Download a free laundromat business plan template and example

For help getting your business started, download our free laundromat business plan template . You can download this document in Word form and use it as a foundation for your own business plan.

If you want to brush up on how to write specific sections of a traditional business plan, take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to write a business plan .

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Elon is a marketing specialist at Palo Alto Software, working with consultants, accountants, business instructors and others who use LivePlan at scale. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA from the University of Oregon.

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How to Start a $150K/Month Laundromat Business (2024)

Did you know the average laundromat makes over $238K, and up to half of that can go to the laundromat owners?

The laundromat industry in the U.S. is worth $5BN, with over 21,000 businesses in operation that employ over 50,000 people.

Do I have your attention? If I do, get ready to learn how to start a laundromat!

We have interviewed the owners of four different laundromat businesses, including Dave Menz, the CEO of Queen City Laundry, who owns four laundromats and makes over $1.8 million annually.

Dave will share his wisdom on finding a laundromat, getting financing, how to value the business, and how to negotiate a deal. We pull in insights from other successful laundromat owners, too. Get ready to learn how to start a laundromat.

Case Study: Queen City Laundry

Learn about the laundry industry, step 1: choose a business model, step 2: write a business plan, step 3: build relationships with distributors, step 4: get financing, step 5: find a location, step 6: get permits and insurance, step 7: set up your business, step 8: develop a marketing strategy, final remarks about laundromat businesses.

Dave Menz got into the laundry business in 2010. He told us:

I grew up in poverty and people looking down at me. I fought out of poverty to middle class and then financial independence. I could do nothing if I wanted to, but I prefer to teach people to reach that same level.

He bought his first laundromat and worked at it on nights and weekends. He bought two more before he made enough that he could quit his job and still live a comparable life. Dave told us:

I don’t love doing laundry, but I love the industry. I love the people, the impact on my community, and the opportunities it provides.

The laundromat industry is not for everyone, but for many it can be a phenomenal business. I see the antiquated nature of the industry as a positive because it makes it easy for you to stand out compared to a coin laundry business.

His primary services are:

• Self-serve laundry
• Drop-off wash and fold
• Dry cleaning
• Pickup and delivery laundry
• Commercial laundry services

Since starting, Dave has bought four more laundromats. When he buys laundromats, he looks for locations he can fix up that offer services he can improve on to make them more appealing to local clients.

Dave maintains one company that owns the land his laundromats are on. This separate company rents the land to his laundromats, effectively making him his own landlord. This unique strategy has built him a $3.8 million net worth and makes him over $1.8 million in revenue per year. Find out how below:

He’s currently working on upgrading from coin machines to accepting cards and PhonePay in addition to the other services he offers.

Have you ever found yourself wondering how much money a laundromat makes? Or Is the average laundromat cost something I can afford?

Dave told us:

Laundromats are a vital community resource. That’s really why I fell in love with the business.

Established organizations provide the information you need. Keep reading to find places that conduct market research and provide market analysis.

Check out the free industry overview by the Coin Laundry Association (CLA) . Also, download their most recent Laundry Industry Survey and Laundry Customer Profile, which presents the results of over 400 customer surveys.

For commercial laundry, the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) offers benchmarking reports . Don’t overlook the National Apartment Association (NAA), which provides insight into the industry’s multi-housing segment.

How much do laundromats make?

When you open a laundromat, you should assume that it will make around $300K in revenue annually. You can add additional sources of revenue by adding vending machines , laundry delivery, and other services.

Almost everything is paid upfront before services are provided. This makes running the business easier because you don’t have to chase customers for payment.

Businesses focus on [repairs] and collecting the money from a coin laundry machine. You can reimagine this to save you time, money, and help your customers better.

The laundromat business is not passive income, but semi-passive or flexible.

Of course, emergencies are bound to occur if all you do is fix things when they’re broken. Take proactive steps to keep your laundromat running smoothly, and you’ll find yourself on the road to laundromat success.

One of Dave’s recommendations: Add an annual sewage drain flush to your maintenance routine to reduce breakdowns.

He does that for all his laundromats, and listen to what happened:

We were looking for a consolidation loan and were putting all the financials together, and I realized I am a millionaire.

Inspired? Get ready to learn about laundromat profitability.

Are laundromats profitable?

According to Cents , the average U.S. laundromat profitability is 20 to 30% on approximately $300K in revenue assuming they are not using leverage. According to Dave, top-performing laundromats can operate with 50% margins or higher. That’s two to eight times higher than the average real estate investment, which is 7 to 10%.

A laundromat’s ROI changes depending on:

• Age of Machines: As washers and dryers age, maintenance costs increase.
• Business Expenses: Rent, water, gas, electric, and inventory can easily add up to $10K per month.
• Competition: The less competition you have, the more your new laundromat can charge. Adding full-service makes it so you can charge more.
• Location: Like home mortgages, a new laundromat will cost more to operate in places with higher property values.
• Pricing: While a coin laundromat might charge between $1.50 and $4 a wash, you can charge by the pound when people pay for full-service washing and drying.
• Services Offered: Providing services like full-service washing, drying, and delivery can increase revenue and reduce the employee costs as a percentage.
• Employees’ Pay: Even at minimum wage, payroll is the largest expense for most laundromat owners.
• Local Taxes: Local and state sales taxes can be up to 13% .

Ancillary services like dry cleaning, pickup and delivery, sneaker cleaning, wash and fold, and other luxury services can increase your profitability .

Rosie Wash Express Laundry achieves impressive 36% margins by offering additional services and a rewards program. Want to learn more? Check out our interview with the existing laundry business owner.

How much does a laundromat cost?

Entrepreneurs normally spend between $100,000 and $1,000,000 to start a new laundromat or buy a laundry business for sale.

Dave suggests that you should normally spend between two and five times revenue, but that you should base your business valuation on what it’s worth to you.

The startup costs to open a laundromat depend on:

• Size: Small laundromats will normally cost less than $300K, while larger laundry facilities will cost $500K or more.
• Equipment: The number of machines, capacity, and age will impact the price of a laundromat.
• Services: The startup costs will vary depending on whether you offer other services. An old store with no customers is worth less than one with a great customer base.
• Location: Every city has different property costs.
• Buy vs. Build: Buying an existing laundromat will normally have less startup costs than building a new laundry business. You’ll also earn revenue faster, which should reduce the overall startup costs.
• Future Operational Costs: You should include a budget of approximately $15K monthly for future operating expenses, loan payments, rent, and maintenance.

Where is the best place to put a laundry business?

The best location for a laundry business will have the following characteristics:

• Population Density: Laundromats do best in areas where there are at least 20K to 35K people in a one-mile radius.
• Low-Income Neighborhoods: Locations near apartments, colleges, low-income housing, and trailer parks tend to do better because low-income families often need to use a coin-operated business.
• Accessibility: You’ll want a location that is easily accessible by car, bus, or foot. Signage should be easily viewable and parking abundant.
• Low Competition: Lots of competition means lower profit margins and potential price wars.
• Good Neighbors: Businesses like auto part stores, cash checking, convenience stores, and grocery stores are good neighbors for laundromats because they provide lots of traffic that might need your services.

Get ready to learn step by step how to start a laundry business.

How to Start a Laundromat

Starting a laundromat means you’ll need to

• Choose a business model.
• Write a business plan.
• Build relationships with distributors.
• Get financing.
• Find a location.
• Get permits and insurance.
• Set up your business.
• Develop a marketing strategy.

First, you’ll need to pick a laundry business type, which means selecting your services, business structure, and business model.

Consider the different kinds of laundromat businesses:

• Coin laundry
• Private laundromat equipment for multi-tenant buildings
• Wash-and-fold service
• Commercial laundry for uniforms, linens, and facilities
• Pickup and delivery

Learn about each type of laundry service below.

Self-service coin laundry business

When you want to start a laundry business, you’ll find most business entities offer coin-operated machines that people operate themselves. A business venture that focuses on this strategy is normally going to have the lowest profit margin of companies that clean clothes.

That said, at Ferndale Laundry, the most revenue comes from self-serve machines. Owner Justin says:

There’s little to no maintenance or cost to me because they’re doing all the work.

Check out our interview with Justin below.

You might also check out this video about a day in the life of a laundromat business owner.

Dry cleaning business

A dry cleaning business uses completely different laundry machines than standard washers and dryers. Dry cleaners normally charge by the garment. Common dry cleaning prices range from:

• Shirts : $2.99 to $8 • Pants: $6 to $11.99 • Sweaters: $7.50 to $12.99 • Dresses : $13.25 to $19.99 • Suits: $14.99 to $25.95 • Coats: $15 to $25.99 • Comforters : $18.99 to $42.99

Wash and fold service

Owning a laundromat that offers wash and fold services can be highly beneficial. It improves your customer experience because they can drop off their clothes on the way to work and pick them up on the way home.

Laundromat prices will normally be based on the pound. That means you make more money per wash and protect your machines by not overloading them, which saves your business entity from increased maintenance costs.

Commercial laundry facility

A commercial laundry facility provides uniforms and other items to service companies and hotels, picks up dirty uniforms and sheets, and washes them. This is highly profitable because you make money from both the rental of clothing and the cleaning.

Check out Cintas’s website for an example of commercial laundry and uniform company offerings.

Laundromat service for apartment complexes

Whether you choose to operate a coin laundry business or laundromat equipment rental business, you can make money by supplying quality equipment to apartment complexes. Check out information about multi-unit housing on NAA’s website.

Delivery service

Rosie Wash Express Laundry uses an app to manage its home delivery business, allowing customers to enter details and pay online. Delivery drivers receive GPS information to complete their routes.

Pro Tip: Get more information about owning a pickup-and-delivery business here .

Choose a business structure

In addition to deciding what kind of laundry services you’ll offer, you need to create a business entity for your laundromat. This requires selecting a business name that is available as a website domain, trademark, and social media handle.

The two most common ways to create a business entity are a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. There are other types of business entities you might want to consider, but most involve potential liability you don’t want to assume.

Both LLCs and corporations limit your potential losses to the initial investment as long as you don’t sign anything guaranteeing personal liability. You can also run both on your own or with business partners.

Dave uses numerous business structures to manage his business, including LLCs and land-rent agreements between his company that owns the land and his companies that own the laundromat.

Pro Tip : Learn how to register your business and how to get an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS .

This plan should outline your strengths, competitors, goals, and workflow. A good plan can help you attract investors or earn grants.

Iron out your vision, objectives, and strategy into a laundromat business plan that will help you accomplish essentials like securing financing or partnering with other businesses. It’s totally worth your time.

Pro Tip: If you want some extra guidance on how to write a business plan that will appeal to investors, consider working with a company like Wise Business Plans , whose team of MBA-trained writers have experience writing business plans that successfully secure funding from banks and other lenders.

Dave told us that relationships with his distributors contribute to nearly 50% of his success. Some of the most common types of distributors are:

• Fly-by-Night Distributors: Laundromat owners who are doing it because their own distributor was bad. They may work from home and play middleman. They only work with small groups of manufacturers and normally deal with bad customers.
• Plain Janes: They are more established but they just do the bare minimum. They are typically very nice but don’t add much value to the industry.
• Rock Star Distributors: These professionals get you access to an extensive infrastructure and are well-established with a major building and service department. They normally have company vehicles that are branded and fully stocked. You’ll also have access to a full parts department with technicians who can predict problems based on your description of the issue you’re facing. They will train you as a laundry business owner and work with manufacturer reps. Plus, they’ll have a professional installation department.

But how do you find the best distributors? Do a Google search, contact manufacturers, or network with people . After you’ve found a prospective distributor, you’ll want to talk to them on the phone then visit their location.

You’ll need money to cover leasing or buying a space, hiring employees, and buying equipment. Getting into the laundromat business isn’t cheap. You’ll want to estimate how much you need to start and operate the business, which you can learn how to do through Udemy .

Once you’ve established how much money you’ll need, you have to find a way to get the money. Some common funding options include:

• Self Financing: If you have a cool $1M lying around, you can open a laundrymat with your own money. Most people don’t have that much, though.
• Equipment Loan: You can secure an equipment loan with the equipment when you start or buy a laundromat. Learn more in our blog about business loans .
• Rollover Business Startup: Create a corporation and a 401K, then sell your shares of the corporation to your 401K. Use the proceeds for buying a laundromat or starting a laundromat business.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free courses on financing options and funding programs . Consider alternative sources of funding, like crowdfunding or even a home equity loan.

Many small business owners finance their investment at least partially through a business loan. You can inquire about financing options with your business banker, or compare options from multiple lenders on National Business Capital .

You can find a range of financing options on their site, including term loans with flexible financing and business lines of credit. Many of these have no credit score requirement, either, so you can access funds for your business regardless of your personal financial situation.

Pro Tip: Want to know how to open a laundromat with no money? Check out our blog about seller financing to find out how.

Fact: 87% of laundromat customers live within one mile of their preferred location.

Taking the time to find an ideal location is the best investment of your time as a future laundromat owner.

Consider a location near any of the following:

• Apartment buildings
• College students
• Tourist areas
• Hotels and motels
• Large family housing developments

Dave offers some suggestions on how to find a business location in your local market, including:

• Check business listings.
• Network, talk to distributors, and use business brokers.
• Compile a list of attractive locations.
• Visit the locations.
• Value the business.

Self-serve laundromats are normally in small towns or outskirts of suburban areas, under 5,000 square feet, and unmanned. Large laundromats are typically over 5,000 square feet and in busy areas.

High-volume laundromats with lots of ancillary laundry locations are the biggest and largest laundry businesses and normally have four or five streams of revenue that diversify their income.

The CLA offers more information about site selection for a laundromat business.

Once you have found a strategic location, there are things to do before you open to customers. You’ll need to get business licenses, a state tax ID or sales tax permit, and relevant insurance. Some common types of insurance include general liability, commercial property, workers compensation, and crime insurance.

Licenses, permits, and tax forms

Regardless of the legal structure you choose, determine if your business may require any licenses, permits, or tax forms to operate legally. Use the SBA’s tool . Also, you might be required to collect sales tax. Now go out and do it!

Business insurance

During his first week of operations, Jeff, the owner of Rosie Wash Express Laundry, witnessed a customer fall down, crack his head on the floor, and start bleeding. Hopefully, that shows why every laundromat owner needs commercial property insurance and liability insurance.

Both will typically be included in small business general liability insurance that you can get from trusted providers like Simply Business . Even if you have an insurance provider you trust for your personal property, it’s a smart move to work with a company that specializes in small businesses for your laundromat.

Furthermore, if you plan to hire employees, you will need workers compensation insurance and unemployment insurance. Gain general knowledge about insurance for a small business here .

You can also check out CLA’s listing of insurance products that meet the specific needs of a coin-operated laundry business .

Get a business bank account and credit card, and purchase equipment. You’ll also need to set up software and prepare marketing materials.

Get a business bank account

Whether you start a new laundromat or buy an existing laundromat, you’ll need a business bank account. You can get a business bank account from major banks, regional banks, or online banks.

Regional banks tend to provide better business loans, but online banks offer better interest rates on cash in your bank account. Learn more about business bank accounts .

Get a business credit card

A business credit card can help fund your laundromat startup cost. You may have to get a secured one at first.

Purchase equipment

You’ll need washers, dryers, and other equipment for your laundromat. This equipment is a major part of the cost to open a laundromat.

Expect to spend between $1K and $5K each for a commercial washer or dryer. Meanwhile, industrial washers and dryers can cost between $10K and $50K depending on the load size and power.

The machines’ capacity can range from 30 to 80 pounds. To learn more, check out this handy formula for calculating the capacity of a machine .

Dave explains that you want to find properties with value-add opportunities. Look at the space usage, the amenities you can add, the services you can add, and how the property can be upgraded to provide a different or better experience. He told us:

We turned a $500-per-week property into a $7,000-per-week business by making changes.

As you’re shopping and pricing, consider that new equipment comes with a warranty. Read a white paper about replacing laundry equipment . Buy the right laundry equipment for your store by referring to the laundry equipment and services directories .

You might also want to include vending machines or a small convenience store in your laundromat to supplement income.

Technological innovations are fueling a revival of the laundry industry. Laundry apps are becoming increasingly popular, but what’s the bottom line?

• Dexter Pay: According to its website, Dexter Pay is an app “that allows laundry customers to pay for their laundry and track cycle progress via their smartphone or mobile device.”
• Speed Queen Value Center: Speed Queen is a popular laundromat equipment manufacturer that offers an app for cash users. Customers add physical cash to the value center machine, which uploads it to their payment app.
• Accounting Software: Keep track of income and expenses and run regular reports to understand how your laundromat business performs. Try accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks .

You can attract customers with a good location, but you can optimize that even further with marketing such as a website, social media, and advertisements.

Dave explains that you’ll want to invest in

A market differentiator that makes your laundry business stand out against [its] competitors.

He says some of the things that make a difference include:

• Clean bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• Payment systems
• Other services

You can use all of these to market your business and stand out in the laundromat industry. Provide a value proposition, charge more, and market the differences without putting your competitors down.

Digital marketing

Digital marketing includes email newsletters, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO).

Google My Business helps you:

• Track the number of visitors and impressions.
• Determine where visitors see an advertisement based on a code.
• Know if a new customer is the result of a conversion from your marketing campaign.

Facebook is another great site for marketing your business.

Another pro tip is to invest in an all-in-one marketing software like Semrush . The Site Audit tool demystifies search engine optimization for new business owners, while their Keyword Magic tool can save you tons of time on keyword research. Using this type of program also makes it much easier to track marketing campaigns across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the full value from the time and money you spend.

Printed materials

Print marketing includes business cards, flyers, brochures, t-shirts, and even uniforms! Try designing yours in Canva .

You might also run advertisements in local newspapers, or ValPack mailers, which reach 10K residents for $300 a month on a five-month subscription.

Attracting customers

Consider offering extra amenities, such as Wi-Fi. CLA published a guide to help laundry owners through the basics of setting up a secure network .

Other ways to create a welcoming atmosphere include cleanliness, professionalism, a children’s area, and televisions.

We’ve discussed the coin laundry industry, startup and monthly cost to run a laundromat, and how to start a laundromat business. Along the way, we provided information on how to craft a great laundromat business plan, getting a business license, financing, choosing locations, and marketing your laundromat.

It’s up to you to decide whether you want to start a new laundromat or buy a laundromat for sale. What strategies will you use to take your laundromat business idea to the next level?

80% of businesses fail... Learn how not to.

Learn from business failures and successes in 5 min or less. The stories, frameworks, and tactics that will make you a 10x better founder.

Brandon Boushy

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Laundromat Business Plan Template & Guidebook

How to write a laundromat business plan in 7 steps:, 1. describe the purpose of your laundromat business..

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Laundromat Business.

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your laundromat business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

Target market

Customer base , product or service description, competitive analysis, marketing channels, form an llc in your state, 4. write your operational plan., what equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a laundromat business, 5. management & organization of your laundromat business., 6. laundromat business startup expenses & captial needed..

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your laundromat business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Laundromat Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a laundromat business.

A business plan is an essential document for any new business, including a laundromat. It outlines the business's goals, strategies for achieving those goals, potential obstacles and solutions for overcoming them, and the financial information needed to make well-informed decisions. A business plan allows you to think ahead and anticipate potential problems before they arise. It also provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for getting the laundromat up and running and keeping it operational and profitable in the long term.

Who should you ask for help with your laundromat business plan?

Can you write a laundromat business plan yourself.

Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but there are many helpful resources available to help you create a comprehensive and effective business plan for your laundromat. A good starting point is to research the local market and competition. From there, you can begin to develop a business model based on the information you find. You should also consider the financial commitments of the venture, such as start-up costs, ongoing costs and revenue projections. Lastly, be sure to include a solid marketing strategy and ensure you have all of the necessary permits and licenses.

Related Business Plans

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Home > Blog > Laundry > Starting a Laundry Business

• Launderettes

Starting a Laundry Business

• May 6, 2020

We know that starting a laundry business can be daunting, and that you may need some help along the way. With four decades’ experience, we can offer that help, beginning with a ‘Starting a Launderette’ Business Guide that has been specially designed to cover the steps you need to take when setting up a self service coin-operated washing machines , ‘drop-off and pickup’ service wash, specialist dry-cleaning or even a collection and delivery business.

How to start a laundry business

Here are our quick tips for starting up your very own laundry venture…

• Write up a solid business plan
• Choose the right location
• Get planning permission (and any permits required)
• Check out the competition
• Decide on your services
• Source reliable  commercial washing machines  and  tumble dryers
• Explore different financing options – such as subscription contracts
• Pick a comprehensive service plan
• Start marketing and open your doors!

Anyone can set up a laundry business

Thousands of UK launderettes, dry cleaners and coin laundry business owners trust us to provide them with the heavy-duty equipment they need to serve their customers and make a profit. Many of them, often inspired by the U.S Laundromat model, had no prior experience…

Before I opened up, I’d never turned on a washing machine in my life – I ran a bakery and a fish & chip shop, and I wasn't domesticated at all. It just goes to show that anyone is capable of starting a laundry business. Peter Marks - a JLA customer @ The Lost Sock Launderette

If you’re interested in starting your own laundry business, we’ve made it a bit easier by putting together a FREE laundry and dry-cleaning starter guide.

Start a laundry - download your FREE guide

Our dedicated team have created a handy guide to help you on your way when putting together your laundry shop business plan – take a look at what it covers, then simply fill in the form below to download it today and take the next steps towards a profitable laundry business of your own.

• Tips on target market research and marketing
• Advice on the commercial laundry machines you might need
• Expected startup costs
• How much your laundry services could bring in once you open
• How to write a business plan

Get the startup laundry equipment you need for no capital outlay

• Market-leading equipment with no capital outlay
• Fully-inclusive breakdown cover with no wear-and-tear clause
• An 8 working-hour engineer response…or we pay you £100
• Seven-day call-out cover, including bank holidays
• No repair bills – ever
• …all for a simple monthly payment.

FREE Download : Starting A Launderette

If you’re thinking of setting up a laundry business, read our overview of all the things you need to consider..

Get our expert advice on:

• Services to offer
• Planning Permission

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• Purchase History

Laundry Business Plan Template

Trusted by 500+ Downloaders

What You Get

• A compelling & detailed pre-written Laundry business plan template in WORD
• A full & automatic Laundry financial plan model in EXCEL you can easily customize
• Customized text tailored to the Laundry business
• The ability to paste advanced charts and tables within a click
• No accounting or specialized financial knowledge needed
• A truly cost-effective solution saving you time and money

Laundry Business Plan Template Description

Our ready-made Laundry business plan package is all you need to build an investor-grade laundry business plan fast and easy. It comes with a pre-written business plan document in Word and an automatic financial plan in Excel tailored to the laundry service business. All you need to do is customize these documents to perfectly make them fit your own laundry project. For more information regarding the content, check out the full description below.

Laundry Business Plan Document in Word

Our ready-made Laundry business plan template is in Word format and includes 24 pages. The document is divided into multiple sections. Each section contains the essential points that are necessary to effectively present your Laundry project. Each section and sub-section offer you a sample text that you can easily customize to make your business plan unique. Below is a small excerpt of your pre-written Laundry business plan document in Word.

Automatic Laundry Financial Model in Excel

Our pre-populated financial model is in Excel format and includes multiples worksheets. You can easily edit the model’s inputs including changing costs and revenue assumptions to generate pro-forma financial forecasts including P&L, Cash flows and Balance Sheets. Below is a small extract from your automatic laundry financial plan in Excel.

The Benefits of Building a Business Plan for your Laundry Project

Building a business plan for your laundry project can bring a variety of benefits, including:

• Securing funding: A laundry business plan can help you secure funding from investors or lenders by outlining your vision for the business, the market opportunity, and your financial projections.
• Identifying and mitigating risks: It can help you identify potential risks and opportunities associated with your laundry project, and develop strategies to mitigate those risks and capitalize on those opportunities.
• Establishing clear goals and objectives: A business plan can help you establish clear goals and objectives for your laundry venture and create a roadmap for achieving them.
• Improving decision-making: By providing a framework for decision-making, a laundry business plan can help you make informed choices about how to allocate resources and manage the business effectively.
• Communicating effectively with stakeholders: A laundry business plan allows you to communicate your vision and strategy to stakeholders, such as employees, investors, and customers, and align everyone’s efforts towards the same goals.
• Benchmarking and tracking progress: Do you wish to track your progress against your goals? A laundry business plan can help you do that. It allows you also to make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.

Overall, a business plan can provide a comprehensive view of your laundry project, including both short-term and long-term goals, and can help you make better decisions, secure funding, and track progress over time. It’s a valuable tool for any aspiring laundry owner.

This Ready-Made Laundry Business Plan is For

• Entrepreneurs wishing to start a Laundry business
• Aspiring laundry store owners who want to create a business plan fast and easy
• Entrepreneurs who wish to pitch their project to investors
• Laundry professionals who wish to better understand the potential of the opportunity

Immediate Delivery by Email

• Once you complete the order, you will receive an email with links to download your documents
• Your order will contain the full pre-written business plan in Word
• Your order will contain the full customizable financial model in Excel

Your Laundry Business Plan Content

Executive Summary:  Our Laundry business plan template starts with a compelling Executive Summary. This key section is very important as it summarizes in 1 page your Laundry concept. It will introduce your business model, the key people behind the project as well as the unique selling proposition offered by your Laundry service. This section will also mention how market conditions and consumer trends are favorable for launching your project.

The Problem Opportunity:  Next, your ready-made Laundry business plan will list a number of problems experienced by your prospects in your target market and will show how this presents a unique opportunity for your Laundry. These can include issues such as the lack of laundries in a certain location, undifferentiated offering by current actors in the market…etc.

The Solution:  This section explains how your Laundry business will take advantage of the current problems in the market and will detail your innovative solutions.

Mission & Vision:  Your mission will explain in a couple of sentences your Laundry service’s business ethos. In other words, it will summarize your unique value proposition and will explain how you are different than the competition. Your vision will explain the long-term plans for your Laundry concept. Are you planning to start with one branch today and expand to a multi-branch business model? Are you looking to transform your Laundry business into a franchise model?…etc.

Business Model:  This section details your Laundry concept using the business model canvas method. In a visually appealing table, we will detail your Laundry business’ key partners, activities, resources, value proposition, customer segments, customer relationship plan, marketing channels, cost structure and revenue streams.

Products & Services:  Next, we will talk in detail about your various products and services. We will describe your various types of washing, dry cleaning and pressing services…etc. We will also provide information about your pricing and average order values.

Market Analysis:  This important section describes the various market statistics and consumer trends in the laundry service industry and explains how they support your own concept. The purpose of this section is to show that the market conditions are favorable for launching your new Laundry.

Global Market Trends:  In this sub-section of the market analysis, we will discuss the latest general market trends in the laundry service industry. We will look at the global industry size, growth rate, growth diving factors and consumer trends.

Local Market Trends:  This sub-section explains the local market trends that are relevant to your specific Laundry business in your own area of operation.

Target Customers:  In this section, we will describe your various customer profiles by providing information about their demographics, behavior and purchasing habits.

Competitive Analysis:  We will analyze key competitors active in your target market and provide insights about their strengths and weaknesses.

Competitive Advantages:  After looking at the competitive landscape, we will then show how your Laundry business is differentiating itself from the competition through a number of key advantages.

SWOT Analysis:  This section features a 4-quadrant table with explanations about how your Laundry intends to leverage its key strengths, mitigate weaknesses, capture opportunities and thwart any future threats.

Marketing Plan : This chapter provides detailed information about your go-to-market strategy. It includes a detailed action plan to help you build brand awareness and generate sales.

Branding & Awareness:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to build branding and awareness.

Customer Acquisition:  We will describe in this sub-section your choice of key marketing channels to acquire customers and increase sales.

Operating Plan:  This chapter provides information about your Laundry’s opening hours, internal processes and describes the interactions between various key departments and teams.

Management Team:  It is very important to present the key people behind your Laundry project and thus we have dedicated a section for this very purpose. It is also important to talk here about the founder’s vision, his past education and professional experience.

Hiring Plan:  No business can succeed without having on board the right team. This section lists all the key positions you plan to hire with information about their salaries and expected start dates.

Key Milestones:  To be able to launch and execute your Laundry project, you need to follow a set of actionable tasks with target deadlines. This section serves this purpose.

Financial Plan:  Without a robust financial plan, your Laundry business plan would be an incomplete document. This important section provides crucial information about your pro-forma financial projections and shows that you have really done your homework. The data mentioned in this and the following sections will be provided by the dynamic Excel financial model accompanying your Laundry business plan.

Projected Revenue:  This module shows your Laundry business’ revenue projections over the next three years.

Projected Profit and Loss:  This module shows your Laundry service’s income statement (also called profit and loss statement) over the next three years. Your income statement includes detailed projections about your sales and expenses and shows how your Laundry’s revenue is converted into a net profit.

Projected Cash Flows:  This module shows your Laundry business’ cash flow projections over the next three years. The first year of operation is even detailed on a monthly basis. Your cash flow statement will detail the various cash inflows your Laundry will generate from its day to day operations and from funding sources, as well as the various cash outflows required to pay for operating expenses and business investments.

Projected Balance Sheet : This module shows your Laundry’s balance sheet projections over the next three years. The balance sheet will provide a summary of your Laundry’s short term and long term assets in addition to your short term and long term liabilities and capital.

Profitability Analysis:  In this section, we will provide information about your gross margin, net margin and discuss the profitability of your Laundry business.

Funding Requirement:  This module states the amount of funding your need to be able to comfortably launch your Laundry business. It also describes the planned allocation of the funds between Opex and Capex.

Conclusion : Finally, we will conclude your business plan by recapitulating the key points that make your Laundry project compelling and reiterate the rationale behind your business opportunity.

Why Use our Ready-Made Laundry Business Plan?

• Speed & Convenience:  Once you complete your order, you will receive the Laundry business plan directly in your mailbox. Since it is already pre-written with fully customizable financials, you will only need to spend a couple of hours to edit it and adapt it to your own Laundry project.
• High Quality:  Your Laundry business plan has been written by our professional team of business plan writers and experts from the laundry service industry. You will receive a professional Laundry business plan template ideal for presenting to potential investors or banks.
• Low-Cost:  Our pre-written Laundry business plan template is the most cost-effective solution in case you need to build a solid and professional Laundry business plan. We are confident you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by ordering our premium business plan compared to hiring a consultant or subscribing to complicated and expensive software.

If you have any question regarding our ready-made Laundry business plan package,  do not hesitate to contact us , we are here to help.

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