How to Start a Laundromat Business | A Complete Blueprint (2025)

Laundromats are low-overhead, high-return businesses that can provide a reliable source of income. In fact, the laundromat industry has been booming in recent years, thanks to the increasing number of renters and people living in smaller spaces with no access to laundry facilities.

But starting a laundromat can seem daunting. Where do you start? How do you find the right location? What kind of equipment do you need? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

We’ll explore the key steps you need to take to start a successful laundromat, from conducting market research and creating a business plan to selecting the right equipment and managing your finances.

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Grab a pen and paper, and get ready to learn how to start a laundromat – the profitable and reliable business you’ve been looking for.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Laundromat

Knowing the Market: Researching the Laundromat Industry

Before you start your laundromat business, it’s important to do your research to ensure that there is demand & identify potential gaps in the market.

Here are some key steps you can take to research the industry:

Market Analysis

According to research, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the global market for dry-cleaning and laundry services is expected to reach a projected size of US$94 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% over the analysis period of 2022-2030. This is compared to an estimated size of US$67.3 billion in 2022 before the pandemic’s impact on the industry.

However, to determine the demand for laundromats in your area, you’ll need to conduct a market analysis. This involves researching the demographics of your local area, including population size, income levels, and housing types.

To get started, use online resources such as the U.S. Census Bureau & the Small Business Administration to gather data on your local area. Conduct surveys to understand what potential customers are looking for in a laundromat.

Competitive Analysis

Once you’ve gathered information on the local market, it’s important to identify existing laundromats and assess their strengths & weaknesses.

When conducting a competitive analysis, consider factors such as pricing, services offered, hours of operation, and customer reviews. You can also visit existing laundromats to get a firsthand sense of what they offer and how they operate.

By conducting an analysis, you’ll be better prepared to start your laundromat & position it for success in the local market.

The Blueprint for Your Laundromat Business

Once you’ve conducted your market and competitive analysis, it’s time to develop a comprehensive business plan for your laundromat. A business plan is an important way to secure funding & setting goals for your business.

Here are some key components of a laundromat business plan:

Location

The location of your laundromat is a crucial factor in determining its success. In your business plan, you should identify potential locations and assess their pros & cons.

Consider factors such as traffic, parking availability, accessibility, and proximity to your target market.

Equipment

The equipment you choose for your laundromat is another key consideration. In the business plan, you should identify the types of washers & dryers you’ll need, as well as any additional equipment, such as vending machines or laundry carts.

Marketing

To attract customers to your laundromat, you’ll need to develop a marketing plan. This might include strategies such as targeted online advertising, social media campaigns, and direct mail promotions. Outline your goals and budget, as well as the specific strategy you’ll use to reach your target market.

Finding Your Laundromat’s Ideal Location

Once you’ve developed your business plan, it’s time to start looking for the right location for your laundromat.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a location:

Foot Traffic

Look for locations with high foot traffic, such as near shopping centers, supermarkets, and apartment buildings. The more people that pass by your laundromat, the more likely you are to attract customers.

Parking

Parking is an important consideration for customers who need to transport their laundry to and from your laundromat. Look for locations with ample parking that is convenient for your customers.

Accessibility

Your laundromat should be easily accessible for all customers, including those with disabilities. Look for locations that have wheelchair ramps and are located near public transportation.

Negotiating a Lease

Once you’ve found a potential location for your laundromat, it’s time to negotiate a lease.

Tips for getting the best deal:

• Ask for a long-term lease to give your business stability.
• Negotiate for a lower rent if possible, or consider offering to pay a higher rent in exchange for other concessions.
• Clarify the terms of the lease, including any maintenance responsibilities and renewal options.

Choose the Right Equipment and Supplies to Boost Your Laundromat’s Bottom Line

Choosing the right equipment and supplies is critical to the success of your laundromat.

Factors to consider when selecting equipment:

Washers & Dryers

Choose the right mix of machines based on the size of your laundromat and the needs of your target market. You may also want to offer machines that cater to specific markets, such as larger-capacity washers for families or machines with shorter cycle times for busy professionals.

Vending Machines

Vending machines can provide an additional revenue stream for your laundromat. Consider offering snacks, drinks, and laundry supplies. Make sure to choose machines that are reliable and easy to maintain.

New vs Used Equipment

New equipment comes with a higher price tag but can offer better energy efficiency and reliability. Used equipment can be a more affordable option, but make sure to thoroughly inspect and test any machines before purchasing.

Supplies

In addition to vending machine products, you’ll also need to source supplies such as change machines, laundry bags, and cleaning supplies. Look for suppliers that offer competitive pricing and reliable delivery.

Building Your Customer Base Through Marketing & Advertising

Marketing and advertising are essential for attracting and retaining customers to your laundromat. Here are some strategies to consider:

Branding

Develop a brand and logo for your laundromat that reflects your unique selling proposition. Make sure your branding is consistent across all your marketing channels.

Website & Social Media

Create a website and social media accounts to showcase your laundromat and attract customers. Your website should include info such as location, contact number, & services offered.

Use social media to promote special offers and events and engage with your customers online.

Targeted Advertising

Consider targeted online advertising through platforms such as Google AdWords and Facebook Ads to reach your target market.

You can also distribute flyers in the local area and advertise in local newspapers or magazines.

Community Events

Participate in local community events such as fairs & festivals to promote your laundromat and build relationships with potential customers.

How to Manage Your Laundromat’s Financials

Managing your finances is crucial for the success of your laundromat.

Tips to help you plan and manage your finances:

Costs

Start by understanding the costs associated with starting and running your laundromat. These may include rent, utilities, equipment maintenance, and staffing. Do your research to ensure that your budget is realistic and takes into account all the necessary expenses.

Budget & Financial Projections

Create a budget that outlines your expected expenses and revenue. This will help you track your cash flow and ensure that you have enough money to cover your expenses. Use financial projections to estimate your revenue and expenses over time.

Managing Cash Flow

Cash flow is critical for the success of your laundromat. Implement strategies to minimize expenses, such as buying in bulk and negotiating better deals with suppliers. Also, make sure to manage your accounts receivable and payable carefully to ensure that you have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses.

Hiring Key Players for Your Laundromat’s Success

When starting a self-service laundromat, you may not need to hire many employees, but it’s important to have the right staff in place to ensure that your business runs smoothly.

Here are some employees you may need to consider hiring for a self-service laundromat:

Attendant

An attendant or technician can be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of your laundromat. They can help customers with any issues they may encounter, such as broken machines or lost items, and ensure that the machines are working okay.

Maintenance Person

A maintenance person will be responsible for maintaining & ensuring that Machines are working properly.

They can also troubleshoot any technical issues & perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning lint traps and replacing worn-out parts.

Marketing/Advertising Person

A marketing/advertising person can be responsible for creating and executing marketing and advertising strategies to promote your business. They may create flyers, social media posts, and other advertising materials to attract customers.

When hiring employees for your laundromat, it’s important to

• Develop clear job descriptions for each position when hiring employees for your laundromat.
• Conduct thorough interviews to find the right candidates for each job.
• Manage and train your staff effectively once you’ve hired them.
• Develop training programs that provide clear guidelines and expectations for job performance.
• Provide ongoing feedback and support to help your employees succeed.

Launch Your Own Laundromat Business Today!

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves & get to work on starting your own profitable & fulfilling business.

Keep in mind that starting a laundromat can be a great way to make money, but it’s not easy & will require plenty of effort and determination.

But with the right location, equipment, marketing tactics, budgeting, and team in place, you can make it happen! So, let’s get to it and start your laundromat journey today.