How to Start a Home-Based Laundry Business
Even before the washing machine was invented in 1846, people have been taking in laundry to make extra money. In today's busy culture, it is not only the wealthy who have their laundry done. College students and busy professionals sometimes use pick up and delivery laundry services. Companies also have a need to outsource their laundry. They may need uniforms, sheets or towels washed. If you have a washing machine (or two or three), you can easily start a laundry business out of your home.
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Things You'll Need
- Tax identification number
- Washer
- Dryer
- Professional Steam Press
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Printed laundry bags
- Fliers
Instructions
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Register your business and get a federal tax number. The federal tax number, otherwise known as the employer ID number, or EIN, is essential for doing business. You'll need to file separate taxes for your business using your EIN.
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Buy enough washers and dryers to make your business profitable. If you want to make a full-time income from a home based laundry business, you will need more than one washer and dryer. You will also need a high quality iron, a professional steam press and an ironing board.
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Check the zoning laws in your area. Since you are doing the laundry out of your home, you may run into problems with zoning laws if customers come to your home to drop off or pick up laundry. The same is true if you hire employees to work out of your home.
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Purchase large cotton laundry bags and have the name of your business printed on them. You can leave these bags with your customers and pick them up on customers' scheduled pick-up days. You can use the bags to price your laundry services. Instead of weighing laundry, simply charge by the bag.
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Promote your laundry business by leaving fliers in college dormitories and in places where busy professionals congregate, such as a popular coffee shop. Join the Chamber of Commerce and get to know business owners who may need your service.
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