Top Expert Tips for Buying and Running a Laundromat: Key Takeaways from Industry Leaders
Thinking about buying a laundromat or taking your existing laundry business to the next level? The latest episode of the Laundromat Resource Podcast with Jamie Sewell and Jordan Berry is packed with actionable advice gleaned from decades in the laundromat industry. Whether you’re new to the business or looking to grow, these expert strategies will help you thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.
1. Pick One Focus and Commit for 90 Days
Tip: Instead of trying multiple initiatives at once, choose one key area (like improving wash-dry-fold services, updating your marketing, or optimizing operations) and dedicate 90 days to deep, focused work.
Practical Application:
If you’re new to ownership, select one priority, such as developing a staff training program. For 3 months, devote resources and attention to creating checklists, handbooks, and procedures. Assess progress at the end and decide whether to refine, continue, or shift focus. This keeps you agile and avoids overwhelm while driving meaningful improvement.
2. Intentionally Design Your Ideal Lifestyle and Align Your Business
Tip: Define what you want your life to look like and build your laundromat business around that vision. Don’t drift into someone else’s idea of success.
Practical Application:
Sit down and map out your preferred work hours, involvement level, and income targets. If your goal is passive income, prioritize investing in systems and staff that reduce your hands-on management. If you enjoy being on-site, plan to spend more time in-store. Regularly reassess whether your business structure serves your lifestyle goals, and pivot operations or investments as needed.
3. Leverage Industry Technology and AI to Streamline Operations
Tip: Stay ahead by adopting modern technology tools, like AI-powered cameras, card payment systems, and POS software to monitor business health and efficiency.
Practical Application:
Convert your coin-operated machines to a card system for easier remote management and data collection. Use AI analytics to review customer usage data, spot inefficiencies, optimize pricing, and detect potential issues before they occur. Even owners with a single location benefit from these upgrades by saving time and making more informed decisions.
4. Master the Art of Training and Professionalizing Staff
Tip: Invest in thorough employee training and standardized processes to maximize customer satisfaction and business scalability.
Practical Application:
Implement a formal onboarding program using tools like Laundry University or create custom handbooks and checklists for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Schedule quarterly reviews with staff, using KPIs such as punctuality, adherence to checklists, customer feedback, and productivity metrics. Reward top performers and provide ongoing feedback to maintain high standards.
5. Implement Secret Shoppers or Outside Eyes Audits
Tip: Get unbiased feedback on your customer experience by having outsiders assess your laundromat operations.
Practical Application:
Recruit friends or pay mystery shoppers to visit your laundromat and use both self-service and wash-dry-fold offerings. Ask them to complete a survey on facility cleanliness, staff friendliness, service speed, and any issues they observed. Use their feedback to address blind spots you may not notice as an owner.
6. Build Redundancy and Accountability Into Operations
Tip: Tighter operations don’t just help your business run smoothly—they make scaling and remote management possible.
Practical Application:
Create multiple layers of checks for crucial tasks. For example, track who completed each checklist, monitor order fulfillment through AI-powered cameras, and require confirmations on shift changes or cash collections. This reduces errors and ensures your business is less dependent on any one person.
7. Run Your Own Race—Don’t Get Distracted by Competitors
Tip: Focus on your own goals, strengths, and progress instead of comparing yourself to other laundromat owners or industry trends.
Practical Application:
Regularly reflect on your business’s unique market position, values, and objectives. Identify your competitive advantage (such as outstanding customer service, a clean and safe environment, or innovative wash-dry-fold offerings) and pour your effort into delivering on those promises, rather than constantly adapting to what others are doing.
8. Be Ready for Rapid Change and Continuous Learning
Tip: The laundromat industry is evolving fast, especially with new tech and consumer expectations. Stay curious and adaptable.
Practical Application:
Subscribe to industry news, join professional groups, and attend events like the Wash Dry Fold conference. Set aside time each quarter to audit new technology tools, experiment with improvements, and adjust your business model. Being proactive makes change a growth opportunity, not a threat.
9. Carve Out Time for Strategic Thinking (“Flow State”)
Tip: Schedule regular, distraction-free time for thinking about your business’s bigger picture and creative improvements.
Practical Application:
Block off time weekly or monthly away from digital distractions—go for a walk, do a workout, or try a new setting like a spa. Use this time to brainstorm, revisit your goals, review business data, and explore new ideas. Some of the best business insights come during these sessions.
Ready to Level Up Your Laundromat?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize and expand, these tips from industry pros like Jamie Sewell and Jordan Berry will help you build a more successful, resilient laundromat business. Prioritize focus, leverage tech, invest in your team, and never stop learning!
For more practical resources, staff training platforms, or to connect with other owners, visit Laundry University at laundry-university.com.
Action Step: Review the tips above and pick ONE to implement this week. Consistent action is the key to laundromat success!
