Are you thinking about buying a laundromat or looking to improve your existing store? This episode of the Laundromat Resource Podcast (#228) with industry veterans Chuck Post, Chris Mason, and host Jordan Berry was packed with actionable advice for both future buyers and current owners. Here are the main takeaways—each with practical steps you can implement right away to build a successful laundromat business.
1. Know Your Market and Location—Do Your Homework
Tip: Before buying or making any changes, take time to deeply understand your store’s location, demographics, competition, and growth potential.
Practical Application:
Research the Area: Walk or drive the neighborhood. What’s the population density? Are there apartment complexes nearby? What’s the income level?
Study the Competition: Visit every local laundromat. Take note of their cleanliness, equipment mix, pricing, and customer volumes.
Engage with Local Police: Request crime reports for your area. Safety is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
Assess Accessibility: Is your laundromat easy to get to? Does it have plenty of parking?
By doing this upfront work, you reduce the chance of costly surprises and set realistic expectations for growth.
2. Treat Your Laundromat Like a Business—Not a Passive Investment
Tip: Laundromats require ongoing attention, planning, and reinvestment. There’s no true “set it and forget it.”
Practical Application:
Regularly Inspect Your Store: Schedule visits, even if you have attendants. Check on cleanliness, machine functionality, and the overall atmosphere.
Set Clear Policies and Procedures: Outline cleaning, maintenance, opening/closing, and customer service protocols. Train staff, so everyone is on the same page.
Leverage Technology for Remote Management: Install security cameras you can monitor from anywhere. Use remote payment and reporting tools to keep tabs on performance.
Invest in Maintenance: Don’t wait for all equipment to fail before replacing or servicing it. Preventative maintenance saves money and keeps downtime low.
3. Customer Experience Comes First—Clean, Safe, Attended Laundromats Win
Tip: The best laundromat operators focus relentlessly on the customer experience.
Practical Application:
Keep It Clean: Clean frequently—and visibly. Customers judge you by your cleanliness, especially in a business that’s all about washing clothes.
Ensure Safety: Make sure your store is well-lit, has visible cameras, and feels secure. A large percentage of customers are women and families, so comfort is key.
Provide Attendants: Even partial staffing (7-12 hours per day) boosts customer satisfaction, prevents issues with vagrancy, and allows for timely help.
Listen to Your Customers: Solicit feedback. Pay attention to complaints. Fix what they dislike—whether it’s a broken vending machine or uncomfortable seating.
4. Use Technology and Modern Payment Systems to Your Advantage
Tip: Modern card systems aren’t just easier for you—they offer huge marketing and operational benefits.
Practical Application:
Install Card or Hybrid Systems: These allow you to track usage, offer loyalty bonuses, and run targeted promotions (“Add $20, get $2 free!”).
Run Promotions Effortlessly: Use the system’s software for loyalty programs, referral bonuses, or seasonal specials.
Gather Customer Data: Many systems let you collect contact info to reach out with deals or service updates, enhancing retention.
Plan for Upsells: New machines with “extra rinse” or “super wash” options can increase average ticket size by 6-8%, according to
Chuck Post
.
Don’t let a fear of change or a belief that “customers love quarters” hold you back—most adjust quickly if you offer incentives.
5. Always Do Rigorous Diligence Before Buying or Expanding
Tip: Never purchase a laundromat based solely on reported income. You must know what you’re buying—physically and financially.
Practical Application:
Verify All Revenue and Expenses: Get utility bills, vendor invoices, and evidence for payroll, supplies, etc.
Inspect Equipment Age and Condition: Know when you’ll have to replace washers and dryers; factor this into your offer.
Review Leases Carefully: Make sure you’ll have at least 15-20 years (two ‘life cycles’ of equipment) left on your lease.
Plan for Capital Improvements: If you need to invest in a retool, expansion, or renovations, get real bids during diligence—not after closing.
As Chris Mason emphasized, even a $500/month error in your diligence could mean $30,000–$60,000 lost value at today’s buyer multiples.
6. Have a Model and Action Plan—Then Execute on It
Tip: Superstar laundromat owners don’t wing it. They plan, track, and adjust.
Practical Application:
Map Out Your Growth: Define clear metrics (turns per day, revenue targets, customer satisfaction scores).
Track Competition and Adapt: Know your competitors’ pricing and product mix. Adjust quickly.
Update and Market Your Store: Periodically repaint, refresh signage, and run new customer campaigns so regular passersby “notice” your store all over again.
Commit to Continuous Improvement: As
Chuck Post
said, “Give people what they want”—and update your offerings as your market changes.
7. Don’t Let Fear Paralyze You—Act and Ask for Help When Needed
Tip: Fear and uncertainty keep most people from being top operators. Get help from experts and act with confidence.
Practical Application:
Get Professional Guidance: Hire a consultant (like PBI Laundry Consulting or Laundromat Resource) for buying, diligence, or growth strategies.
Participate in Owner Groups or Webinars: Learn from others’ mistakes and successes.
Take Action: Whether it’s raising prices, starting a marketing blitz, or investing in new equipment, calculated, well-informed action pays off.
Remember, as Jordan Berry says, “If you don’t act, you’ll waste your time. Go pick a tip and execute on it today!”
Ready to Level Up Your Laundromat?
Success in the laundromat industry isn’t about luck or working harder than everyone else. It’s about having a clear plan, using technology, staying customer-focused, and acting on great advice like the insights shared by Chuck Post, Chris Mason, and Jordan Berry.
Looking for more hands-on help? Check out:
Take your next confident step—your customers (and your ROI) will thank you!
