Top Tips for Buying and Growing a Profitable Laundromat: Key Takeaways from Laundromat Resource Podcast Show 246
Are you considering buying a laundromat or looking for ways to grow your existing laundromat business? Whether you’re just starting your search or want to maximize your profitability, learning from real-life owners is the best way to shortcut the process and avoid common pitfalls. In this post, we share actionable advice and expert tips for aspiring and current laundromat owners, straight from the insights of Jordan Berry and Alyssa Mouton on Laundromat Resource Podcast Show 246.
1. Network Relentlessly to Unlock Off-Market Opportunities
Many of the best laundromat deals don’t even hit the market. Alyssa Mouton found her successful, fully operational laundromat by reaching out directly to current owners—not through public listings.
How to apply:
Write personalized letters to local laundromat owners expressing your interest in buying, even if their business isn’t currently listed for sale.
Follow up on promising responses and be prepared to meet owners in person: face-to-face connections build trust, set you apart from other buyers, and can lead to seller-financed deals.
Join local business networking groups (such as Causeway Collective) to extend your influence and learn about new opportunities within the community.
2. Always Be Prepared: Organize Your Finances and Due Diligence Process
When an opportunity arises, you need to act fast or risk losing the deal—a key insight emphasized by Alyssa Mouton.
How to apply:
Ensure your personal and business finances are organized in advance, including gathering proof of funds, bank statements, and an up-to-date business plan.
Learn the due diligence process for laundromats—develop a checklist that covers reviewing profit and loss statements, machine conditions, water usage, customer traffic, and lease terms.
Consider investing in a reputable laundromat buying course or seeking mentorship to minimize costly mistakes and ensure you’re confident in evaluating deals.
3. Think Expansion: Add Drop-Off, Wash-and-Fold, and Delivery Services
Modern laundromats often boost their revenue by adding value-added services. Alyssa Mouton significantly grew her business through drop-off wash-and-fold, commercial accounts, and pickup/delivery.
How to apply:
Choose efficient point-of-sale (POS) software like Curbside to manage customer orders, payments, and deliveries.
Invest in the right infrastructure—purchase a van large enough for commercial orders and consider wrapping it for mobile advertising.
Promote your services through targeted ads, mailers, and (especially) by leveraging word of mouth and networking within the business community.
4. Pursue Commercial & Government Contracts for Stable, Lucrative Income
Securing contracts with local businesses or government agencies can provide a predictable revenue base and make expansion less risky.
How to apply:
Explore government contract opportunities through platforms like SAM.gov, and consider specialized courses on how to win these bids.
Target businesses that generate consistent laundry, like gyms, hotels, and military bases—offer tailored proposals for their needs.
Network and build relationships; referrals within business and government circles can open doors to contracts you may not find online.
5. Build a Reliable Team—Leverage Your Existing Network
Success in running or expanding a laundromat often comes down to great staff. Alyssa Mouton highlights the value of looking within your own network for trustworthy, trainable employees.
How to apply:
Ask friends, family, or community contacts for referrals—good people tend to know other good people.
Once you find a dependable team member, use their network to find more staff as you expand.
Invest in training: teach staff to use your POS system and set expectations for consistent, high-quality laundry folding (YouTube tutorials can be a great supplement).
6. Stay Hands-On—But Design for Flexibility
Laundromats aren’t truly passive investments. To maximize results, especially when adding new services, owners must remain involved—at least during growth phases.
How to apply:
Be physically present in your business, especially in the early months, to monitor operations, support your team, and learn the business inside and out.
As your team gains experience, gradually shift more responsibilities so you can step back and focus on strategic growth.
Use your freed-up schedule to pursue other ventures or additional laundromat locations, but always keep a pulse on your operations.
7. Be Patient with Growth—Trust the Process
Growing a wash-and-fold or delivery business takes time and consistency; success builds slowly at first, then compounds rapidly once you gain momentum.
How to apply:
Plan for a 4–6 month ramp-up period for new service lines, and resist the urge to give up if orders are slow in the beginning.
Rely on networking and word-of-mouth—often the best clients come through business referrals, neighbors, or customers recommending your services.
Continually educate your market that you exist and focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences so that they return and bring others.
8. Be a Lifelong Learner—Invest in Your Education
Jordan Berry and Alyssa Mouton both stress the importance of always learning, whether it’s taking courses, listening to podcasts, or seeking direct mentorship.
How to apply:
Regularly listen to industry-specific podcasts, attend webinars, and actively participate in laundromat-owner communities.
Consider formalizing your learning with business courses in due diligence, commercial contracts, or operations.
Stay curious and adaptable: markets and customer preferences are always evolving, so your business must, too.
Start Taking Action Today
The most successful laundromat owners don’t just gather information—they put it into practice. Pick one tip from the list above and apply it to your laundromat journey this week.
For more practical advice and to connect with like-minded owners, check out the full episode of Laundromat Resource Podcast Show 246 and get in touch with industry leaders like Alyssa Mouton via her website (alyssamotonbrand.com).
Ready to buy or grow a laundromat? Networking, smart planning, and a commitment to learning are your keys to lasting success.
