Information on How to Open a Laundromat
Opening a laundromat can require quite a lot of start up capital to purchase all of your machines and find a location big enough to hold them all. However, once you are open for business you can run your business almost on auto pilot. As long as your machines are working and there's no shortage of change, your door will always be open.
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Instructions
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Write a business plan or hire a marketing agency with experience writing business plans to write one for you. This will help you out if you are seeking financing, and it will also act as a blueprint to keep you on track to achieve your goals.
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Determine if you will seek to open a franchise or independent laundromat. There are benefits to each. A franchise will offer more support as far as start-up and marketing go, but staying independent can mean more freedom in the long run. You must also decide if your laundromat will be fully automated, partially automated or offer extra services such as folding, dropoff, pressing or food service.
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Find a location for your laundromat. Will you simply take over an existing laundromat, or build one from scratch? An area that has a high amount of foot traffic and is close to bus routes would be ideal. Avoid locations that are isolated and away from main sources of traffic. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits required in your state to operate a laundromat, including a general business license from city hall.
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Look into the benefits of buying new or used washers and dryers and decide which would fit your business best. Less maintenance will be required for newer machines, but they will be more costly. You should also consider vending machines for food, soap dispensers and machines that give change.
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Promote your laundromat. Try to have your exterior sign put up before you open to generate interest. Distribute fliers to your geographical area, including schools and apartment complexes. Consider creating a website to show your hours, location and features of your laundromat.
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Tips & Warnings
To reduce the amount of loose change, you may consider using prepaid swipe cards for your washers and dryers.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laundromat image by Scott Patterson from Fotolia.com
