How to Open a Laundry Mat

Knowing how to open a laundry mat requires knowing how much space you need, what type of equipment you will need and what type of licenses and insurance you will need for the site. You have to determine if you will have security cameras and vending machines as well. The location of the laundry mat is important. One service many laundry mats are offering in these busier times is drop-off service.

Instructions

1. Find a location that is prime for a laundry mat. Many people do not have access to a washer and dryer where they live and use a laundry mat weekly. Neighborhood laundry centers always have plenty of business. You can conduct a survey of people in certain neighborhoods or visit a nearby big chain store and survey people. It is important to have the ideal location.

2. Determine what equipment you will need. You will need industrial washing machines and built-in dryers (see resource box). Decide how many of each you will need. A good starting point is 20 washing machines and 20 dryers.

3. Decide whether to have a soap, fabric softener and bleach vending machine (see resource box) that dispenses these solutions after the customer pays. This is ideal for laundry mats. Other vending machines to consider are drink and snack machines.

4. Consider whether to have drop-off service. Many people are too busy these days to do their own laundry, so laundry mats are increasingly offering wash-and-fold service. This is labor intensive and may require hiring employees as the laundry gets busier.

5. Decide whether to have security cameras inside and outside. This is optional but can protect your business from theft and destruction. It also aids in prosecuting criminals. See the resources.

6. Check with local and state governments to see what licenses and insurance coverage are needed to open a laundry mat. Your government may require a special license with strict requirements and regulations for operating a Laundromat. You can access this information from your state government's website.

Tips & Warnings

• Operating a laundry mat takes time. You should expect to spend at least 40 hours a week at the store cleaning the building and the equipment.

References

• Entrepreneur

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Laundry Mat Equipment
• Soap Vending Machines
• Security Cameras