How to Start a Laundromat 1-2-3
Owning a laundromat business can be a low-maintenance operation, especially if your laundromat is a
self-serve facility without a staff. You can either buy an existing coin-op laundry business or start your
business from scratch. Purchasing an existing operation can be easier, and start-up costs will vary, depending
mainly on your location.
Location is important for a laundromat business. Convenience is a big factor for customers, so you want to
be located in high-traffic residential areas and supply ample parking for customers. Close proximity to other
services such as restaurants or shopping is can also determine the amount of customers you attract.
You can operate a laundromat on a part-time basis, and this line of work offers a very flexible schedule.
Many coin-op laundry owners run multiple shop locations, so you may decide to increase the number of facilities
you operate as you grow your income. If you do not have mechanical skills, it may be a good idea to have a
handyman or appliance repair person whom you can call when repairs are needed.
Customers generally want to pay the minimum to get their laundry cleaned, and with utility costs continually
rising, you may find it challenging to stay competitive. It is worthwhile to look into using energy-efficient
equipment and lighting in your facility.
To increase your profits while keeping your business low-maintenance, you can offer additional conveniences
to customers like snacks or drinks or other vending machine items. To keep customers returning back, keep your
building clean and repair equipment quickly.
Although special education is not required to start a laundromat business, many business owners recommend
talking with other coin-op entrepreneurs or getting advice from people experienced in this field before getting
started.
Brooke Hodges shows you every aspect of 
starting and running your own laundromat so
you can avoid many of the costly mistakes new coin-op owners make. This is an easy way to minimize your
risk and maximize your own success.
See what you get >>
- How to choose a profitable location and analyze the laundry competition in your area to know the best
way to compete effectively.
- How to put together a marketing plan, an advertising budget and consistently bring in new paying
customers.
- Licenses and permits you'll need, bookkeeping tips.
- Practical, useful layout design tips, information on getting new and used equipment and supplies.
How to Start a Laundromat Business
Laundromat Business Resources:
Marketing Your Coin-Operated Laundry Business
Get Free Publicity
Write a one-page press release to your local paper announcing the grand opening of your new laundromat. See
press release outlines to follow on this page: How
to Get Free Publicity
Advertise with Signs
Use a car magnet to advertise your business while you are on the road, a yard sign to announce a sale or a
banner to promote your store's grand opening. You can design and create your own signs cheaply online using
Build-a-Sign.
Advertise with Coupons
Who doesn't like saving money? Coupons can be a very effective way to bring attention to your coin laundry
shop. Even when coupons are not redeemed, you receive exposure in newspapers, magazines, online or in
neighborhood coupon mailers. Get details: Advertise
with Coupons
Set up a website using a free website builder to advertise
your laundromat. Help people find you in the search engines: get listed in 20 search engines for free or in
300 search engines for $4.
Local Search
is becoming more and more popular. People are many times using online search instead of the traditional yellow
pages to find local businesses. Local Search sources that are affordable and receive substantial traffic
include: Google Local, Yelp, Super Pages and Insider Pages.
See Also: Business.com to get a $100 free advertising
credit.
Laundromat Business Associations
- Coin Laundry Association
This group helps its members connect and network with other laundry business owners. They also provide help
to members in reducing business costs and increasing company sales.
- Coinwash
Coinwash claims they are the largest online community for laundry professionals. It's a great place to get
and share information about the business. They also have classified ad section where you can get discounted
commercial washing machines, dryers and other equipment.
