How to Open a Commercial Laundromat

Opening a laundromat business.

A successful laundromat owner is often a jack of all trades. The responsibilities are endless and can include repair and maintenance, accounting, customer service and supplier negotiations. Entrepreneur.com reports that owners of coin laundry services are looking for ways to better use their space and provide customers with more options of convenience such as Wi-Fi Internet access, a play area for children and free coffee. Although starting a new coin laundry business can be lucrative, the start-up costs can be steep.

Instructions

1. Find a location. The ideal location for a coin-operated laundry business is near high-traffic areas around busy apartment complexes and condominiums, near universities and in trendy city areas. Be aware of the crime activity in the area you are interested in starting a business. Look for an area without any nearby competition from other laundromats.

2. Decide the type of additional services you would like to offer that will set you apart from the competition. First, consider your potential customers. Will they be young adults, college students or families? College students may be interested in free Wi-Fi, a study area or a bookshelf full of books and magazines. Families would be interested in a children's play area, television set to child-friendly programs and a selection of toys.

3. Obtain the applicable permits, licenses and contact your zoning authority office. You will need to have a business license, a federal tax identification number, sales tax permit and fire department permit. Your local zoning bureau will give you additional information about zoning, permits and licenses.

4. Purchase the essential equipment and supplies, such as front- or top-loading washers and dryers, coin machines, water heaters, laundry carts and soap vending machines. Additionally, purchase a sign for your business, along with flyers, brochures and business cards.

5. Advertise your business locally and online. Post flyers of your business in local supermarkets, local colleges and on telephone poles. Mail brochures to local apartment and condominium tenants, and submit your business to online directories.

References

• Entrepreneur.com: How to Start a Coin Operated Laundry
• New vs. Existing Stores: Starting a Coin Laundry in a Tough Economy

Resources

• Vendingconnection.com: Directory of Coin-Operated Laundry Equipment for Sale