8 Essential Tips for Buying and Operating a Laundromat: Key Takeaways from Podcast Show 221
If you’re considering buying your first laundromat or looking to elevate your current laundry business, learning from the journeys of others can be invaluable. In Podcast Show 221 of the Laundromat Resource Podcast, guest Stacey Drake shared her real-world experiences as an owner of Bubbly Mat Laundry. Host Jordan Berry helped uncover actionable insights every current or aspiring laundromat owner can use.
Below are the top tips and lessons from Stacey’s story, each elaborated with practical applications for your laundry business journey.
1. Build Relationships to Win Deals over All-Cash Offers
Tip: Developing genuine relationships with laundromat sellers can help you land deals—even when your offer isn’t the highest or all in cash.
Practical Application:
Instead of only searching online listings, visit local laundromats and speak directly with owners. Share your vision, ask smart questions, and keep in touch. Stacey succeeded because she established a personal connection, shared her vision honestly, and even followed up with a heartfelt interest letter. This built enough trust for the owner to choose her over higher, all-cash offers.
Action Steps:
Get out in your target neighborhoods and strike up conversations with existing owners.
Clearly communicate not just your intent to buy, but your values and future plans for the business.
Consider writing a personalized interest letter—a simple but impactful gesture.
2. Don’t Get Stuck in the Research Loop—Be a Doer
Tip: Research is important, but action is what moves you forward. Avoid analysis paralysis by balancing planning with decisive steps.
Practical Application:
Stacey describes herself as both a researcher and a doer. She didn’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity or the right time; she actively sought out laundromat owners and propelled the process forward despite obstacles.
Action Steps:
Set a research deadline: After a specific date, commit to taking the next step (calls, visits, offers).
If fear is holding you back, remember that most successful owners started with imperfect knowledge and learned on the job.
3. Location Matters—And Proximity is Key
Tip: Choose a laundromat near your home or workplace, especially for your first store.
Practical Application:
Stacey emphasized the importance of proximity, as new owners must spend significant time on site for hands-on management. A faraway store can make it logistically difficult and emotionally draining.
Action Steps:
Limit your initial search radius to what is practical for frequent visits—ideally no more than 15-20 minutes away.
Monitor your travel time as you scout potential stores; convenience leads to better oversight and faster problem-solving.
4. Expect Hands-On Involvement from Day One
Tip: Laundromat ownership is not passive—especially at the start. Prepare to be actively involved, particularly in the absence of reliable staff or operations manuals.
Practical Application:
Upon taking over, Stacey had to do everything herself—from customer service to cleaning, often with help from family and friends. Many sellers will hand over the keys and general instructions, but little else.
Action Steps:
Allocate time for daily or weekly onsite management after acquiring your store.
Build a support network of family, friends, or part-time employees to fill gaps early on.
Don’t be surprised by a lack of detailed guidance from sellers—be ready to learn on your feet.
5. Invest in Upgrades and Create a Welcoming Environment
Tip: Modernize and beautify your laundromat to attract and retain customers—especially in underserved neighborhoods.
Practical Application:
Stacey invested in new machines, fresh floors, colorful décor, local artwork, and better lighting. She made the space inviting and dignified, countering the “set it and forget it” mentality that plagues older laundromats.
Action Steps:
Assess your store’s current state for improvement opportunities: cleanliness, artwork, lighting, comfort.
Prioritize high-impact upgrades: functional machines, intuitive signage, appealing décor.
Get creative—consider a mural by a local artist or improved seating, especially if your community lacks such amenities.
6. Focus on Exceptional Customer Service
Tip: Customer service doesn’t just apply to attended laundromats. Build connections, remember names, and foster community regardless of your business model.
Practical Application:
Stacey learned early that knowing customers’ names and personal preferences transformed casual visitors into loyal clients. She trains her staff to treat everyone like family and organizes community events, giveaways, and promotional days.
Action Steps:
Train all employees in personable, attentive service.
Implement small touches—for example, greeting regulars by name or saving their favorite machines.
Run periodic customer appreciation events, even if they’re simple (discounted wash days, free snacks, etc.).
7. Expand Revenue Streams with Wash-and-Fold and Delivery
Tip: Adding wash-and-fold and delivery services can stabilize and grow revenue, especially during economic downturns or shifts like the pandemic.
Practical Application:
Stacey’s wash-and-fold business took off when she personally needed laundry done during a high-risk pregnancy. She realized many could benefit from the same service—working professionals, the elderly, or recovering patients.
Action Steps:
Research local demand for wash-and-fold or delivery.
Start by offering the service to current self-serve customers.
Market directly to groups who need convenience—busy families, seniors, professionals.
8. Create Systems to Manage Growth—And Know When to Delegate
Tip: Multiple locations and new service lines require processes, checklists, and trusted help. Build systems early, rely on community, and recognize your limits.
Practical Application:
Stacey and her husband scaled to three stores while working full-time jobs by creating clear roles, checklists, and leveraging family and community support. Delegation and consistent management systems are critical as you add locations.
Action Steps:
Document all recurring processes (opening, closing, cleaning, customer issues).
Use shared calendars, checklists, and digital tools to organize tasks.
As you grow, hire or delegate managerial roles and focus on oversight rather than daily minutiae.
Final Thoughts
Stacey’s journey dispels the myth of “set-it-and-forget-it” laundromat wealth. Success in this industry comes from relationship-building, community investment, relentless action, flexible revenue strategies, and operational excellence.
If you’re ready to buy a laundromat or want to revitalize your existing operation, start by implementing one or more of these tips today. Your future customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.
Connect with Stacey and Bubbly Mat Laundry:
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bubblymat_laundry/?hl=en
- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-drake-26704226a/
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BubblyMat1aundry
- Website – https://www.bubblymat.com/
- Phone – 562-231-7262
- Email – [email protected]
For more insights, tools, and actionable advice, check out the full episode at LaundromatResource.com and browse our archive of podcast interviews where pros share what works—and what doesn’t—in the laundromat industry.
Looking for more?
Join us on November 21 – 24, 2025: Laundromat Accelerator Hawaii Event : https://laundromatresource.com/hawaii
