Another Question about running an Out of State Laundromat

[CHRIS BALLARD]

I am currently looking for a laundromat in the Toledo/Bowling Green, OH area, but with little available, I’m shifting to the DFW area in Texas where I’m from and most of my friends and family still reside.

There are a lot of laundromats available in that area, and I have a very trustworthy person in place to partner with in the out of state location. However, they are not as limited in their availability due to other endeavors, and can only commit to around 10 hours a week.

I don’t want to pull the trigger assuming it will only be 10 hours, only to have us realize it is way more hours and be unable to help out. At that point, I’m either stuck with a place out of state with no way of controlling certain aspects.

This is a Coin-Op absentee laundromat, with no Wash & Fold and auto locking doors. The current thought is my in state person would go in several times a week, empty coins, clean, check on equipment, and handle things that need someone in person.

What am I missing, and is this feasible?

[Juan]

checking on equipment is different from repairs and emergency issues which have to be part of the equation. Never a matter of if it happens rather when it happens. Emergencies such as stuck washer doors, water spills, broken machines, stopped or clogged drains. All of these things happen and usually in the most inopportune of times. Is it manageable? Yes but you have to have the right people in place.

[Paul McNeill]

What is the idea distance you should be from your laundromat?

[Juan]

Well.. I live about 7 miles from my location. It’s great in that it affords me the opportunity of being somewhat close to the location if I am around to support. I spent 8 years on work assignment living in Seattle and an additional 3 years on work assignment in Louisiana. Never missed a beat.

But you have to be true to yourself and have the right people in place that will support your business. If you don’t have a small group of solid committed folks on your team. You’ll be better off looking for a different type of investment.

[Author]

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