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7-Step Guide to Starting a Laundromat

Written by Alejandro Morales | Mar 3, 2025 7:26:08 PM

 

For years, Laundry Owners Warehouse has been assisting entrepreneurs in entering the laundromat industry by providing quality equipment, expert guidance, and top-tier supplies. Whether you're a new investor or expanding your business, a laundromat is one of the most reliable and profitable businesses in the U.S.

Why Invest in a Laundromat?

  • High Success Rate: Laundromats have a 95% survival rate after five years, one of the highest among small businesses in the U.S, based on Security Bank & Trust CO.
  • Stable Revenue: The industry generates over $5 billion annually, proving it’s a stable, recession-resistant investment.​
  • Attractive ROI: Laundromats offer an ROI of 20-35%, higher than most real estate or stock investments.

To help you get started, we’ve put together this 7-step guide to walk you through everything you need to know!

1. Understand the Investment Potential of a Laundromat

Laundromats are a high-demand, cash-flow business with low labor costs and minimal management requirements. Unlike other industries, laundromats remain profitable in any economic climate—people always need clean clothes.​

With no franchise fees, no special certifications required, and flexible management options, a laundromat can be a semi-passive or full-time business, depending on your preference.​

    • High ROI (20-35%)
    • Recession-proof & pandemic-resistant.
    • Minimal labor required.

2. Choose the Right Location

Your laundromat's location is critical to success. When selecting a site, consider:​

  • Population Density: Look for areas with high foot traffic, apartments, and rental properties.​
  • Existing Competition: Evaluate nearby laundromats and identify service gaps you can fill.​
  • Accessibility & Parking: A visible location with ample parking attracts more customers.​

Tip: Stores near supermarkets or busy plazas attract customers who multitask while doing laundry.​

At Laundry Owners Warehouse, we provide industry-leading laundry equipment and installation supplies to ensure your location is set up for success.​

3. Build a New Laundromat or Buy an Existing One?

You have two primary options when entering the laundromat business:​

  • Build a new laundromat: More control over design and equipment but requires a higher initial investment.​
  • Buy & retool an existing laundromat: Faster setup with an existing customer base and lower upfront costs.​

Laundry Owners Warehouse offers equipment upgrades, parts, and consulting to help you maximize your investment, no matter which option you choose.

4. Identify Your Target Customers & Services

Understanding your customer base helps you offer the right services to maximize profits:​

  • Students: Offer mobile payment systems & loyalty programs.​
  • Busy professionals: Provide wash & fold or pickup/delivery services.​
  • Families: Install large-capacity washers and comfortable waiting areas.​

Knowing your audience = higher profits!

5. Choose the Best Equipment for Efficiency & Savings

Investing in modern, high-efficiency washers and dryers saves on utility costs and boosts customer satisfaction. Key considerations:​

  • Energy-Efficient Machines: Lower water & electricity usage = higher profits.​
  • Smart Payment Systems: Accept credit cards, mobile payments, and loyalty cards.​
  • High-Capacity Machines: Serve more customers, faster.​
  • Affordable & Certified Used Equipment: Start your business with cost-effective, reliable machines.​

Laundry Owners Warehouse offers a range of affordable and certified used equipment to help you launch your laundromat without compromising on quality. Explore our selection here: Used Commercial Laundry Equipment

6. Enhance Customer Experience with Accessories & Facilities

A great laundromat is more than just washers and dryers. Consider adding:​

  • Laundry Carts & Folding Tables: Improve customer convenience.​
  • Vending Machines: Offer snacks, drinks, and laundry supplies for a complete customer experience. Explore our range of vending solutions: Soap & Bag Vending Machines
  • Bulk Laundry Supplies: Provide detergents and fabric softeners at discounted rates to enhance customer satisfaction. Check out our bulk offerings: Vended Soap & Bags
  • Seating Areas with Wi-Fi: Keep customers comfortable and connected while they wait.​

Laundry Owners Warehouse provides all these amenities to ensure your laundromat stands out.

7. Market Your Laundromat & Attract Customers

A strong marketing plan brings in new customers and keeps them coming back.

Grand Opening Promotions

🎉 Boost traffic from day one! Offer:

  • Free Wash Day – Get customers in the door.
  • Bonus Laundry Cards – Deposit $10, get $15.
  • Limited-Time Discounts – 50% off washes for the first week.

Local & Online Marketing

📍 Increase visibility!

  • Distribute flyers and partner with local businesses.
  • Google My Business & Social Media – Ensure customers can find you.
  • Run Google & Facebook ads to target locals.

Loyalty & Referral Programs

💳 Encourage repeat visits!

  • Loyalty Cards – "Wash 9 loads, get 1 free.
  • Referral Discounts – Reward customers for bringing in friends.

Conclusion

A solid marketing strategy attracts customers, builds loyalty, and boosts profits. Need equipment or expert advice? Laundry Owners Warehouse has you covered—contact us today.

About Owners Laundry Warehouse

Laundry Owners Warehouse is a trusted distributor of commercial laundry equipment, parts, and supplies, serving the industry with a comprehensive range of products and services. Conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, their facilities operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, where a dedicated service team is ready to assist customers. With decades of experience as coin laundry owners, they bring a personal touch and unmatched expertise to every interaction. Their extensive inventory boasts over 200,000 replacement parts, a wide selection of soaps and supplies, and a vast array of used commercial laundry equipment.

 

 

B&C Technology

As an authorized distributor of B&C Technologies, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of commercial and industrial laundry equipment designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries


 

 

Multi-Housing Laundry 

Solutions

Laundry Owners Warehouse offers a comprehensive range of commercial laundry equipment tailored for multi-housing facilities, including apartment complexes, dormitories, and other multi-family housing units.

 

Used Laundry Equipment With Unmatched Industry-Leading Warranty

Enhance your laundry operations with our selection of certified used commercial laundry equipment, each piece backed by an industry-leading warranty for your peace of mind. Our rigorous certification process ensures that every machine meets high standards of performance and reliability.