There are over 19,000 laundromats in the United States. They tend to be a stable business, particularly in big cities.
So, do you want to jump into the laundromat business? Check out this guide to help you start a laundromat today.
1. Create a Business Plan
First, you’ll need a solid business plan to make sure that your business succeeds. Figure out how much money you have to invest, and how much you’ll need in loans and other support. Always ensure that you take into account what the ongoing expenses will be, and put in a cushion in case of an emergency.
While you lay out your plan, you can also think about your business itself. Think of a catchy name for your new laundromat.
2. Do The Paperwork
When you start a business, you’ll have to fill out quite a bit of paperwork. You’ll need a legal structure, such as an LLC, to protect your new business. Then, you’ll need to ensure that your tax information is squared away, and set up a bank account for your new business.
Plus, you’ll need a physical location for your laundromat. If you don’t already own a building, you’ll have to either purchase or rent one that suits your needs.
This will add more paperwork to the mix. Make sure you choose a location that’s conveniently located, and that a lot of people will want to utilize.
You may want to hire a manager or advisor to help you keep it all straight. This will help you ensure that you don’t accidentally run into issues.
3. Get The Equipment
You can’t have a laundromat without laundry machines, of course. Do the math and figure out how many you need. Then, look for a reputable supplier, such as Laundry South. You don’t want your washer and dryers to break at the worst possible moment.
4. Spread The Word
You’ll need to draw attention to your new business. Social media can be one great way to get the word out about your laundromat. You can also use physical mediums. Put up flyers in the neighborhood.
And, you can also use promotions to entice people to use your laundromat over the other options they might have available. You can offer discounts, or have a pizza party for people waiting to finish their laundry.
5. List Your Business
You’ll also want to get your new business listed in the right places. Create a website for your new laundromat. Make sure that your new laundromat gets listed on Yelp, so that people can review your business.
Take the reviews seriously, even when they’re negative. These will help you make your business the best it can be.
Running a Successful Laundromat: Now You Know
It’s not as hard as you think to open and operate a laundromat. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be bringing in the customers in no time at all.
Do you need more business advice? Read through some of our other helpful articles.