Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello guys, I am interested in opening up a laundromat. I have been doing some research on it and I have decided that this is the route I want to go. Does anyone have experience in the Laundromat Business? Is it better be a part of a franchise or self owned. I currently live in NYC so there is alot of competition. Any feedback?

I don't know much about the laundry biz but I do know that the place that I go to get my dry cleaning also serves as a laundromat. The people always look bored and are either just sitting waiting or outside in their cars. There is no food place or anything next door, its just a stand alone building. Maybe make it more of like a fun place to go where time will fly by. Have like plasma TV's playing movies/shows. Wifi would be great. Maybe incorporate a cafe. Incorporate something or things that will help your customers time go by.

Also maybe since you are located in NYC there should be plenty of things for your customers to do just outside your laundromat. Somehow if you could get locks on the washers/dryers and issue keys I think people will feel a lot more safe leaving their clothes unattended. Idk maybe they already do this at some places. In any event add some appeal to your laundromat and you definitely will be able to charge premium for your services.

Franchising would be a safer bet and will make it a lot easier especially if you have never been in this business before but I think if you do your homework you can become wayyyy more successful doing your own thing.

As an added thing I would probably go to some local laundromats and survey people asking them what they want or would like to see.

Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback, defintely appreciate it. I am doing extensive research

If you are worried about the competition, then take up a franchise of a reputable company - then your marketing headaches will be much less as the brand will be well known. May be you should franchise for a while and then shift to your own brand when you have good experience and have made your franchise a success.

Hello Chrissy,

I want to check back with you on your laundromat.  How are things progressing?  I just read the great feedback from members and it's about a year later so let me know the status of the business.

Thanks,

Marilyn Thorpe

Busine

i own one. it can be good passive income, but the problem is repairs on machines. make sure you learn how to do it yourself or all your profits will be going there

I think these are always good. I can see the repairs being a problem. I would add WIFI and possibly something strange and out there. There is one our local town that does hot wings sounds crazy but it works. Good Luck

Make Money Starting A Laundromat | Starting Your Own Small Business If you've always wanted to start your own small business to generate ...Indian Restaurants