Thinking About Buying a Laundromat? Here’s Your Expert Cheat Sheet
So you’re curious about laundry money, huh? Whether you’re ready to pull the trigger on your first laundromat or you already own one and want to step your game up, this is for you. In the latest episode of Laundromat Resource Podcast Show 227, Jordan Berry and Brien Gearin drop some serious wisdom. We listened in—and now you get the highlights, plus some easy-to-follow advice for actually making it work.
Let’s jump in!
1. Get Real About The Numbers
Sure, laundromats can be money-makers. Jordan Berry says the average spot nets $6,000-$7,000 a month — and yeah, some hit six figures. But don’t fall for hype. Do your own math.
How To Use This:
Figure out your cash goal first. Ask sellers for the real numbers, not just round estimates. Compare income, expenses, and price. What do you actually need to quit your day job or hit that next life goal? Build your plan around that, not wishful thinking.
2. Learn The Basics—But Don’t Get Stuck Forever Googling
There’s a TON of info out there: podcasts, YouTube, forums. It’s easy to fall into an endless research rabbit hole. Stop that.
How To Use This:
Set a deadline for research. Give yourself two weeks (or whatever) to binge-listen and watch, then go visit some laundromats in person. You’ll learn WAY more poking around than sitting at your laptop.
3. Hustle For Good Deals
This game’s more competitive now—everyone wants a piece of it. That means deals aren’t easy to find.
How To Use This:
Hit up online listings.
Contact brokers (seriously, just DM them).
Send mail to laundromat owners (“Thinking of selling? Call me!”).
If you’re brave, cold call or pop into stores. Be persistent. Owners sometimes sell before a listing ever gets posted.
4. Know Your Price Brackets
Laundry businesses come in flavors:
Fixer-Upper: Under $250k. Needs work, probably unprofitable.
Sweet Spot: $250k-$700k. Runs decently, still room for improvement.
Premium: $750k+. More turnkey, higher volume, higher price.
How To Use This:
Pick your lane. Beginners usually do best with a “sweet spot” buy—solid money but not a basket case or a million-dollar monster.
5. Analyze Like a Pro With These Four Pillars
Don’t get burned! Here’s Jordan Berry ’s checklist:
Check Income. Don’t trust numbers—verify with coin counts, water bills, software. Stack up your sources.
Check Expenses. Look for surprises (utility spikes, repairs, rent increases). Hidden costs can kill your profits.
Look at Business Trajectory. Has business been steady? Growing? Dropping like a rock?
Plan Your Value-Add. What’s your upgrade move? New machines? More services? Better customer care?
How To Use This:
Don’t skip due diligence. Ask for proof, run the numbers, make sure your offer lets you walk away if things don’t add up.
6. Don’t Forget the Real Estate Angle
Sometimes you can buy the land/building itself. That’s big.
How To Use This:
If there’s a chance to own the property, strongly consider it. Not only do you get rent and business income, you snag appreciation and tax perks. It’s a two-for-one deal in building wealth.
7. Seriously, Just Take Care of The Basics
A clean, well-lit store with working machines and friendly vibes wins customers. The bar in this biz is shockingly low.
How To Use This:
Walk your store every week. Ask yourself, “Would I want to do laundry here?” Fix what sucks—broken machines, sticky floors, sketchy lighting, etc. Train your people to be nice.
8. Know Your Overhead—Don’t Get Blindsided
Rent, labor, utilities, and equipment repairs are your biggies. Utilities alone can be 15-25% of what you make—and machines don’t last forever (think $20k+ for a new one).
How To Use This:
Do the math before you buy. Budget for repairs, factor in expensive gear, keep a cushion for surprises. Newer machines are more efficient and might save you major cash down the line.
9. Decide If You Want Staff or Not
Unattended stores save on payroll, but problems pop up. Attended stores offer better service and let you add drop-off/pickup services.
How To Use This:
Check your area. If you get lots of transient traffic or want to offer premium services, having staff might be smart.
10. Embrace New Tech—Don’t Be A Dinosaur
Touchscreens, payment cards, and management software are making life easier—and you can run more stores from afar.
How To Use This:
Offer card and cash payments (cover all bases). Use loyalty cards, promos, and consider upgrades to streamline management. Software can track numbers and let you work remotely.
11. Yes, You Can Build An Empire (If You Want)
It’s getting easier to own multiple laundromats thanks to technology—but you need great people and solid systems, especially if you want to stretch beyond your hometown.
How To Use This:
Build a good team and get your tech locked down. Start with a couple stores close by, then consider scaling up regionally or nationally as you get the hang of it.
12. Remember: Laundromats Are Community Hubs
It’s not just about cash—the best laundromats become real community spots. Owners can make a big difference locally.
How To Use This:
Get involved. Sponsor events, offer free laundry for those in need, be present in the neighborhood. Loyal customers = steady income and local good vibes.
Ready To Get Started?
Jordan Berry ’s Laundromat Resource (laundromatresource.com) has free courses, tons of podcasts, and a big community. If you’re serious (or just laundry-curious), that’s the place to dig deeper.
Don’t overthink it—swing by a laundromat, see what the buzz is about, and start stacking those quarters. Good luck!
