startup business plan for laundry

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Start a Laundry Business: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Laundry is an essential part of life for most people. As long as clean clothes are in demand, a laundry business will be too. After all, not everyone has their own washer and dryer, or the time (or desire) to wash their clothes themselves. This makes starting a business in the laundry industry a great option for budding entrepreneurs.

Of course, this all sounds good in theory, but what does it take to launch a business of your own? If you’re wondering how to start a laundry business, this guide is here to help.

How to start a laundry business in 10 steps

We’re going to cover all of the crucial first steps you need to take to get your laundry business started. You may be eager to open your doors as soon as possible, but taking the time to plan and set up your business through the proper channels can help ensure a successful start.

1. Decide what kind of laundry business you want to start

If you’re already thinking about starting a laundry business, you might know exactly what kind you want to open. But if you’re still exploring your options, we’ll go through a few of the laundry business formats you should consider before deciding.

Laundry businesses are most popular in areas with lots of apartment buildings or where people don’t necessarily have their own washing machines. You may choose to open a laundry business that allows customers to come in and do their laundry using your machines, or you can also offer wash and fold services, where customers can drop off their laundry, and then pick it up once it’s done (some laundry businesses also offer pickup and delivery.)

You might also decide to offer all of these services to your customers. Whichever you choose, you’ll need washing and drying machines and a location for the business. You'll want to keep all of this in mind, therefore, before you continue learning how to start a laundry business.

You also have the option of buying into a laundromat franchise , rather than building a new business from the ground up. There are pros and con s to this type of business model, but if this is your first business endeavor, it can be helpful to work within an already existing — and successful — framework that a franchise provides.

Ultimately, with all of these options, you’ll want to take the time to do your research before you decide which idea to move forward with. See what other types of laundry businesses are in the area, conduct a survey of local people, or see what type of demand there is for your possible business.

This information will help you decide if there is a need for a laundry business in the first place, as well as what type of laundromat would best serve your area.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

2. Choose a business name

One of the most fun parts of learning how to start a laundry business is choosing the business name. Think of all the clever, catchy, and memorable names you can come up with — but make sure it’s also describing your business and is memorable and easy to pronounce.

Once you have some ideas, you can look up whether your business name is available online in most states. The secretary of state website will likely be the best resource for checking business name availability, though some states have a different agency handling this business process, such as the chamber of commerce department.

If your business name is available, you will likely have the option to reserve it for a set amount of time. Although this step isn’t required, you may choose to do so if you aren’t ready to register your business but want to ensure no other business takes your name.

3. Choose a business entity

Another decision about your laundry business that you’ll have to make early on is which business entity you’ll choose to legally structure your business. Choosing the right business entity is crucial, as it affects how you pay taxes, how much risk you’ll be exposed to, how you’ll organize your business, and more.

For example, if you decide to start your laundry business as a limited liability company, you’ll have liability protection for yourself and other business members. On the other hand, if you opt for something like a general partnership or sole proprietorship, you won’t have liability protection, but you also won’t have to register your business with the state.

There are several factors to consider in this step, so we recommend consulting a business attorney or tax professional to walk you through the process and help you choose the best entity for your unique business needs.

4. Write a business plan

Now that you have your business entity, business name and business idea in mind, you can get down to writing your business plan . Your business plan will be on the longer side, think 30 to 50 pages, and it will provide a comprehensive overview and actionable plan for taking your laundry business to a profitable endeavor.

You can either write your business plan on your own or you can use a business plan template to help streamline the process, but either way, there is some key information you should make sure to include in the plan.

Your business plan should include a summary and information about the type of business you want to start, including your structure and any other key employees (besides yourself). It should also include a market analysis. This analysis should show that there is a high demand in your area for a laundry business, as well as outline any competitors, who your target customer is, and more.

Your plan should also include financial information, detail where you’re getting your startup capital, whether or not you’ll be seeking any extra funding, and projections for when you think you’ll actually start making money with your new laundry business.

5. Register your business and get an EIN

The next step involved in learning how to start a laundry business? Although not all businesses have to register with the state (sole proprietorships and general partnerships likely will not), most will need to take this step in order to legally operate. Some states allow businesses to register online, typically through the secretary of state or chamber of commerce website, but other states require businesses to register in person with paper documents. It’s always wise to consult a business lawyer who can help you keep track of the documents and registrations your business needs to file.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose a business entity that doesn't require you to register with the state, you may still want to file a DBA or “doing business as” to operate your business under a name other than your legal name (which is the default).

In addition, it's also a good idea for most businesses to apply for an employer identification number or an EIN. This number is helpful for businesses when applying for a bank account, filing taxes, and more. It’s sometimes referred to as a business tax ID number.

If you plan to hire employees, this is a required step, but even if you’re not at that stage yet, obtaining an EIN has several business benefits. You can apply for your EIN through the IRS website.

6. Get the proper permits and licenses

The licenses and permits you need to run your laundry business will vary depending on the state where you’ll be operating. You may need to get a more general business license in addition to more specific licenses, such as a health department license or water pollution control permit .

Some states and cities even have specific laws around laundry facilities and businesses that provide laundry services. If you plan to do pickup and delivery services too, there are other licenses you’ll need, pertaining to your business vehicles.

Overall, this is another step where it would highly benefit you to consult a business attorney, as licensing rules vary largely depending on the state, city, or county.

7. Find a location

At this point, you've completed much of the behind-the-scenes work required in learning how to start a laundry business. And, in doing so, you’ve likely done some preliminary work on this next step, especially during your market analysis.

This being said, however, it’s now time to get serious about finding the location for your laundry business. Although some smaller operations may be able to be run out of a home (if you’re only doing drop-off/pickup service, for instance), you’ll likely want to find a commercial space.

Keep in mind, a laundry business will require specific plumbing and water line hookups — or the structural bones for these to be added — which will come at a cost. Just how much it costs to start up a laundry business will vary depending on several factors, but know that your physical space will likely be a large investment.

When it comes down to it, though, finding the right space is important, but equally as important is making sure it’s in the right location. In fact, finding a location with a demonstrated need for a laundromat business is probably the most important step of them all.

Renters, for example, generally represent a large portion of laundromat clients, so you might want to consider a location near rental units that do not have washers and dryers built into them, or college students living off-campus. You also want to make sure you’re conveniently located near your target audience. In fact, the closer you are to your customers, the better. Depending on the location, this could mean within walking distance.

Security should also be taken into account. Laundromats are susceptible to robberies and other types of crime, which is why ideally your laundromat should be located in a highly visible, safe area.

8. Get the proper equipment

With your space secured, you next need to turn your attention to buying the equipment to make your laundry business operational. Depending on the size of your business, you may need over 20 washing machines and 20 dryers.

Some other essential laundromat equipment (besides the washers and dryers themselves) to get are:

Change machines.

Credit card payment system.

Laundry carts.

Oversized washing machines.

Security cameras.

Soap dispensers.

Vending machines.

Although most of these things on the list speak for themselves, it's important to remember to have plenty of change machines, as not all of your customers will be carrying credit or debit cards with them.

In addition, you'll want to keep in mind that laundry equipment will most likely be your biggest expense, aside from rent. On average, laundry machines can cost you anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000. While writing your business plan, therefore, you should have done some calculations for how much you expect to spend on these initial startup costs, and now it’s time to find a way to finance them.

Although new businesses have a more difficult time qualifying for traditional business loans, one type of funding that can be particularly useful for laundry businesses is equipment financing . You’ll take your quote for the machines you need directly to a lender who then funds the purchase. You pay off the loan with regular payments, and the machines serve as collateral for the loan, making lenders more willing to work with less-qualified borrowers.

9. Open a business bank account

You’re nearly ready to open the doors of your laundry business, but before you do, one more crucial step is to set up your business’s financial accounts. First, you’ll need to open a business checking account so you can separate your business and personal finances. This is important for many reasons, including simplifying your taxes and helping to protect your personal assets if your business is the recipient of legal action.

Having this account completely separate from your personal bank account can also help establish and boost your business credit score, which will help you qualify for more attractive funding options if and when you decide to expand your business in the future.

You’ll also want a business credit card to help keep your spending separate. Although there are many great options out there, a 0% introductory APR business card can be especially useful for startup businesses, as the intro period can serve as an interest-free loan of sorts. Just make sure your balance is paid off before the offer period ends and a variable APR sets in.

Start Your Dream Business

10. Market your laundromat

Finally, you've reached the last step in learning how to start a laundry business. At this point, you're ready to welcome customers and start drawing people to your business.

A great way to get people coming through your doors is by marketing your business around areas where your target customers like to frequent. For instance, if a sizable portion of your customers is college students, you may want to pass out flyers at popular coffee shops or college bars.

Following SEO best practices is also a definite must, as nowadays many people search online to find new businesses. Make sure your business is easy to find online by creating a user-friendly website, which should list basic business information like your business hours, your business address, and contact information.

You'll also want to ensure that your business develops a strong reputation. Respond to all of your customer reviews on sites such as Yelp and Google Business, no matter how positive or negative the feedback is, as this will only serve to boost your reputation.

Once you've gotten the word out there, you can think about different ways to retain customers. Some laundromats offer free WiFi or install televisions to keep customers entertained while they wait for their laundry to finish.

On a similar note...

Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies

Powerpoint Templates

Icon Bundle

Kpi Dashboard

Professional

Business Plans

Swot Analysis

Gantt Chart

Business Proposal

Marketing Plan

Project Management

Business Case

Business Model

Cyber Security

Business PPT

Digital Marketing

Digital Transformation

Human Resources

Product Management

Artificial Intelligence

Company Profile

Acknowledgement PPT

PPT Presentation

Reports Brochures

One Page Pitch

Interview PPT

All Categories

Top 10 Laundry Business Plan Templates With Examples and Samples

Samradni Pradhan

The idea of laundry service is a product of Western culture, where customers go to a store and wash their clothes using a washing machine and detergent. When a single washer doesn't work, laundry services clean the fabric on a larger scale. Hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other locations that need regular fabric cleaning extensively use these services.

Like any other business, a laundry service needs a thorough business plan that includes the objectives and a strategy for achieving them. This plan will encompass operational details, staffing needs, financial evaluation, market analysis, customer assessment, and more. It aims to assess the firm's feasibility comprehensively. A well-executed business plan ppt will aid entrepreneurs in securing capital and loans for maintenance, expansion, and growth.

This blog will discuss the best laundry business plan templates for your company.

Best Laundry Business Plan Templates

Table of contents, 1. executive summary, 2. company overview, 3. industry analysis, 4. customer analysis, 5. competitor analysis, 6. swot analysis, 7. porter's framework, 8. marketing plan, 9. operational plan, 10. financial plan.

Getting clean clothes is only one aspect of laundry – the other is improving the overall service. Furthermore, when launching a laundry business, many possibilities are challenging to track. Our templates are helpful in this situation.

Using our comprehensive business plan template gives your business ideas a canvas and a notebook. These templates were created explicitly with the needs of a laundry and dry-cleaning business plan in mind. This blog will cover details on the top 10 pages of the complete deck. After downloading, you will get 65-page Doc, PDF, and XLS files.

An executive summary should highlight your laundry business's distinctive value proposition, mission, and vision. Investors can swiftly determine the organization's viability by viewing your fundamental goals and essential tactics.

In our Executive Summary section, you will get templates for:

1.1 The Quick Pitch: Provide an impressive and brief introduction, highlighting the key characteristics and value propositions that make your laundry business stand out.

1.2 The Entity Profile: Create an easy-to-understand visual representation of your business structure and unique brand strategically designed to capture the attention of investors and partners.

Download this business plan

(Looking for a specific commercial business plan for your laundry services, look no further than our business plan ! Commercialize your services the right way)

Download this presentation

You may inspire trust in potential investors by clearly representing your company's objectives, culture, and long-term goals. This section is an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and dedication, an aspect that lures investors who share your values and vision.

In our Company Overview section, you will get templates for:

2.1 Vision and Mission: Create a compelling mission and vision statement to lead your laundry business to success.

2.2 Company Goals and Objectives: Understand exactly what you want to accomplish with your laundry business, creating a transparent and inspirational roadmap to success.

2.3 Start-up Summary: Provide a glimpse into your laundry business’s history, revealing how it started, how it has been structured, the use of coin-operated machines , and fundamental elements forming the foundation for your creative process.

2.4 Market Gap Analysis and Business Statement: Unlock untold potential in the laundry industry and showcase your unique business brand identity, positioning your brand as a leader.

2.5 Services Portfolio: Showcase a wide range of high-end laundry services .

2.6 Key Success Factors: Identify the key elements defining your laundry business strategy, paving the way to success in design and aesthetics.

(Given the growth of on-demand laundry services, your interest may be piqued to explore our business plan designed especially for those needs, download it right away)

The Industry Analysis section provides an in-depth analysis of the laundry industry’s current state and trends. Investors are looking for high-growth businesses to invest in. This section provides insights into the market size, key industry trends, and new opportunities. It places your laundry business in a position to understand the dynamics of the industry, making it more appealing to investors looking for growth industries to invest in.

In our Industry Analysis section, you will get templates for:

3.1 Market Analysis: Dig deep into the world of laundry, discovering hidden gems and uncovering industry leaders that will shape your business for years.

3.2 Market Trends Tracking: Stay ahead of the rest by keeping an eye on the latest trends to capture the attention of today’s customers.

3.3 Major Challenges and Solutions: Fearlessly take on industry challenges, creating cutting-edge solutions that ensure continuous growth for your laundry business.

3.4 Growth Drivers Identification: Develop strategic plans and identify the crucial factors that will drive your laundry brand to rapid growth and long-term success.

3.5 Geographical Market Analysis: Customise your strategy to the regions in your target market, allowing for smooth growth that aligns with regional preferences and meets unique needs.

(If your business caters to fresh laundry services, we have just the apt resource for you to explore! Download our fresh laundry services business plan template today!)

Understanding your customers is crucial to attracting investors to your business. In this section, demonstrate your understanding of your customers, including their needs, preferences, and characteristics. Investors want to know that you've figured out what kind of market you're in and develop strategies to attract and retain customers.

Our Customer Analysis section offers comprehensive templates for:

4.1 Target Market Definition: Create a crystal clear view of the customer or business segments in which your laundry services excel, ensuring a precise and measurable market approach.

4.2 Buyer Persona Development: Build a detailed profile of your perfect customer, from age and gender to preferences and behaviour. This will help you personalize your services precisely, skillfully meeting your customer’s needs.

4.3 Market Sizing Analysis: Understand the size of your laundry market, calculate the market share that your brand can grab, and paint a picture of the opportunities that are waiting for you in your business environment.

Investors love businesses well-versed in competition and know laundry care growth statistics . This section will give you insights into your competition's strengths and weaknesses. This will help investors evaluate your business’s competitive edge. 

In our Competitor Analysis section, we provide templates for:

5.1 Major Players: Identify and analyze the top competitors and key players driving the laundry market in your area.

5.2 Attributes Comparison: Conduct in-depth research, creating meaningful comparisons of the key characteristics and features that distinguish different laundry products and services on the market, allowing you to position your products strategically.

A SWOT, short for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats- Analysis is a must-have tool if you’re looking to self-assess your business. It helps investors understand your laundry business’s strong suits and weak spots and its external opportunities and threats. On this page, you’ll see how to identify and mitigate your business’s risks while taking advantage of its strengths. This will make your business more attractive to risk-averse investors.

Porter’s Framework looks at the competitive forces in your industry. Investors want to know how your laundry business is positioned in the market and its resilience to competitive pressures. Showcasing your competitive strategies and market positioning can draw in investors looking for businesses with a strong market presence and a long-term competitive advantage.

The Marketing Plan includes information about how to attract and engage customers. Investors are looking for a comprehensive marketing plan that can aid with brand development and building a customer base. A successful marketing plan appeals to individuals and investors who recognize the importance of effective marketing for business growth.

In our Marketing Plan section, we provide templates for:

8.1 Sales Strategy: Create a custom sales plan carefully crafted to exceed your laundry business’s financial goals and aspirations.

8.2 Promotional Strategy: Shine a bright light on your marketing and promotion strategies, creating excitement and a lasting legacy for your laundry brand.

8.3 Pricing Strategy: Discover the secret to your pricing strategy that seamlessly combines profitability and unmatched competitiveness, setting the benchmark in the laundry industry.

8.4 Sales Funnel Optimization: Navigate the captivating experience from discovery to customer satisfaction with the laundromat's business growth . Optimize every sales funnel stage to maximize efficiency and delight in your laundry experience.

On the Operational Plan page, you can outline your business’s daily operations, including personnel, operations, and technology. Having a well-thought-out operational plan helps investors trust that your business will meet its goals and continue to grow.

In our Operational Plan section, we provide templates for:

9.1 Retail Selling Strategy: Lead the way to retail success with a strategic plan for selling your laundry refurbishment, demonstrating your sales skills and tactical thinking.

9.2 E-commerce Sales Strategy: Get ahead of the competition with a comprehensive plan and budget to take over the online market with your unique laundry services.

9.3 Milestones and Achievements: Brighten up your laundry business’s journey by highlighting the critical turning points and impressive successes.

The Financial Plan is essential for investors as it gives them a better understanding of your laundry project management finances. This section guides them in estimating their potential returns on investment. 

In our Financial Plan section, we provide templates for:

10.1 Financial Assumptions: Turn your business goals into a plan that will help shape the financials of your laundry business with professional ironing and folding .

10.2 Revenue Model and Sales Forecast: Show off how your laundry business makes money and how it can grow.

10.3 Break-Even Analysis: Getting to the bottom of what's holding your laundry business back from breaking even is a big step to making money.

10.4 Projected Profit and Loss Account: Draw a clear picture of what your laundry business can do financially, how much money you can make, how much you need to spend, and how much you can expect to make.

10.5 Projected Cash Flow Statement: Make sure your laundry business runs smoothly by observing how much money you expect to make.

10.6 Projected Balance Sheet: Get a complete picture of what your laundry business is expected to make, what it will owe, and what it's worth. That way, you can ensure your finances are as transparent as possible.

10.7 Scenario Analysis: Explore different scenarios to see how different conditions and risks could affect the financial strength of your laundry business.

10.8 DCF Valuation: Using discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, you can determine how much your business is worth today in the laundry industry.

We have so much more to offer

We hope this blog has given you an idea of the amazing content you could gain from this business plan. But this is just the beginning. Upon downloading this business plan, you'll receive all 65 pages and all the valuable content it contains. Starting a laundry business is no easy feat, but we can simplify it. You can download the entire business plan in an easy-to-edit PowerPoint to modify it per your business’s requirements.

FAQs on Laundry Business Plan

1. what is a laundry business plan.

A laundry business plan is a thorough document outlining the plans and goals for starting and running a profitable business. It includes essential elements, including market analysis, financial estimates, marketing plans, and operational strategies. It acts as a road map for business owners, guiding them through the difficulties of the laundry sector and, if necessary, obtaining capital.

2. How profitable is a laundry business?

A laundry business's profitability can vary significantly based on variables including location, pricing, and services provided. A successful laundry operation can make a profit, but success demands careful planning, effective management, and efficient operations.

3. How do I start a laundry business plan?

A laundry business strategy contains the following steps:

• Examine the market and rivalries.
• Identify your offerings and target market.
• Construct a thorough financial plan.
• Create operational and marketing plans.
• Describe your objectives and goals.
• Seek for expert guidance if required.

4. What are the 3 types of laundry business?

There are three primary categories of launderettes:

• Coin-operated machines are used by patrons in self-service launderettes to wash and dry their clothing.
• Laundries that provide complete service, including washing, drying, folding, and ironing.
• Commercial laundry services: Taking care of significant volumes of uniforms and linens for corporations, hotels, and healthcare facilities.

5. What are the risks in the laundry business?

The following are typical risks in the laundry industry: - Equipment failures and maintenance expenditures.

• Variable utility costs.
• The opposition from competing launderettes.
• Changes in market demand.
• Adherence to regulations and environmental issues.
• Difficulties in managing and training employees.
• Economic downturns impact consumer spending.

Related posts:

• Top 10 Car Wash Business Plan Templates with Examples and Samples (Editable Word Doc, Excel and PDF Included)
• Top 10 Jewelry Business Plan Templates with Examples and Samples (Editable Word Doc, Excel and PDF Included)
• Top 10 Cleaning Service Business Plan Templates with Examples and Samples (Editable Word Doc, Excel and PDF Included)
• Top 10 Repair Shop Business Plan Templates with Samples and Examples (Editable Word Doc, Excel, and PDF Included)

Liked this blog? Please recommend us

Top 10 Management Summary Examples with Templates and Samples

Top 5 Expense Chart Templates with Examples and Samples

This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Digital revolution powerpoint presentation slides

Sales funnel results presentation layouts

3d men joinning circular jigsaw puzzles ppt graphics icons

Business Strategic Planning Template For Organizations Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Future plan powerpoint template slide

Project Management Team Powerpoint Presentation Slides

Brand marketing powerpoint presentation slides

Launching a new service powerpoint presentation with slides go to market

Agenda powerpoint slide show

Four key metrics donut chart with percentage

Engineering and technology ppt inspiration example introduction continuous process improvement

Meet our team representing in circular format

Laundry Shop Business Plan: Complete Guide

• January 31, 2023

👇 Check all our resources on laundry shops 👇

Whether you’re looking to raise funding from private investors or to get a loan from a bank (like a SBA loan) for your laundry shop, you will need to prepare a solid business plan.

In this article we go through, step-by-step, all the different sections you need in your business plan for a laundromat or a dry cleaning business. Use this template to create a complete, clear and solid business plan that get you funded.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is one of the most important elements of your laundry shop business plan. It gives everyone an overview of your business, including the potential lenders and investors, so it’s important to get all the details right.

An executive summary is simply a summary of your business plan, highlighting all the important sections and the funding ask.

Why you need a business plan for a laundry shop

The only reason you would want a business plan is to get a clear roadmap when executing your business strategies from start to finish. This is important when considering a business as competitive as a laundromat , where a lack of attention to minor detail could have a massive impact on the revenue potential. Ideally, your business plan should help you achieve one of the following objectives;

• Help secure funding from banks or other lenders (think about a SBA loan ).
• Get financing from private investors (angel investors, private funds, etc.)
• Obtain a public or private grant

How to write an executive summary for a laundry shop

The structure of any executive summary is always the same, same goes for laundry shops.

Business Overview

What’s your business name? What is your business model? Do you operate a dry cleaning or a laundromat? This section should contain the answers to all these questions and more.

Note that entrepreneurs have 2 business models to choose from when starting a laundry shop. You may want to purchase a franchise or instead open an independent shop. This needs to be crystal clear from the outset in this section.

Other important elements to consider here include the services you plan to offer, the location of your shop and the legal structure of your company.

Market analysis

In this section, you should summarise the market research you would have conducted as part of your business plan. Indeed, conducting a proper market analysis will give you an accurate estimation of the total number of customers that may visit your shop every month.

For example, do you have a clear picture of the exact number of laundry shops in your area? If you are launching a laundry shop within a busy neighborhood, then what’s the competition like?

Other important elements that will come up at this point include the region’s demography and the demand for laundry services, ultimately determining your pricing strategy . 

Management & People

Expand here on the management team and their experience in the industry. Also, make sure you have a clear organizational structure with the different teams and their reporting lines.

Financial Plan

How much profit and revenue do you expect in the next 5 years? When will you reach the break-even point and start making profits ? It is ideal to include a chart depicting your key financials such as revenue, gross profits, and net profit

Funding Ask

There’s no better way to conclude the executive summary than by laying out the objective of your business plan: to raise funding from investors, banks or to obtain a grant.

Therefore, answer the following questions here: What loan/investment/grant are you seeking? How much do you need? How long will this last?

2. Laundry Shop Business Overview

A business overview is exactly what it sounds like: a description of your company and what it offers to your target customers. For a laundry shop, the focus will be on your specific services, how every product is priced, and who your target market is.

Here are the different sub-sections you should cover here:

As part of the business overview section, describe the history of your laundry shop, covering your interest and reason for starting the business today. Explaining the rationale and the “why you” to investors goes a long way.

For example, if your analysis showed that most laundry shops in the region welcome customers to come in for their cleaning services, you could offer pickup and delivery services instead, to stand out from the crowd.

Business Model

The business model answers specific questions about your laundry shop. For instance, will you purchase an already established franchise or start from scratch? Also, are you opening an independent store or opting for a partnership?  

Laundry Services and Products 

There’s no limit to the number of services and products you can offer at your laundry shop. However, you need a clear strategy to truly stand out from the crowd and target the desired market base. Most importantly, you need to show the potential investors why they should trust your business model and nothing else. 

A standard laundry shop in the US will almost certainly focus on washing, drying, and folding services. However, you can take it a notch higher by offering additional services like dry cleaning, ironing, and stain treatment. Be clear if you cater to a specific target market like colleges, toddlers (diaper services), restaurants, animal shelters, inns, or hospitals. 

Pricing Strategy

What’s a fair price for laundry services? Such questions are best answered after assessing your target audience and other important details related to the laundry shop business. Of course, you don’t have to go overboard when setting your prices for a new start-up. 

On average, laundry services cost about $2.00 per load in most US states. So, this could be a good starting point as you continue to explore the market to determine the most reasonable prices for your audience. 

Generally, the cost of laundry services depend on the location and quality of services. While most laundry services that allow clients to drop off their laundry for cleaning charge by weight, some will help customers pick the desired services from the menu.

Target Audience

For a laundry shop business, it’s important to find out if the local area even needs your services in the first place. And even after identifying an obvious market gap, you will want to dig deeper to find out what the customers will appreciate most about your business and why they need laundry services. 

Knowing your target market not only helps you attract and retain new clients but also shows the lenders the viability of your business model. 

Legal Structure

The legal structure is the last element you may want to include in your laundry shop’s business overview section. Most laundry shops in the US are operating as a limited liability company (LLC). 

But as you may already know, the legal structure is never a one-size-fits-all affair. So choose a structure that matches your needs between a corporation or a partnership.

Laundromat + Dry Cleaning Financial Model

Download an expert-built 5-year Excel financial model for your business plan

3. Laundry Shop Market Analysis

A proper market analysis is another very important section in your laundry shop business plan, helping you showcase your wealth of knowledge about the market. And that’s exactly what many investors will want to see. 

For a laundry business, setting up your shop in a busy location with lots of apartments might be a goldmine, helping you reach out to a large audience in little to no time. Unless you want to spend a couple of hours on the road traveling to offer your pick and delivery services, you will want your laundry shop to be as close to the target market as possible. 

Laundry Shop Market Trends

As part of a comprehensive market analysis, ensure you understand the market trends before jumping on the laundry shop train. An overview of the current market size and a prediction of the future growth opportunities should help you make clear business decisions. 

How big is the laundry industry in the US?

It’s always good to present a few numbers for the US market. For example, you could use the US market size of $10 billion in 2020, expected to grow by 4% annually from 2021 to 2028.

How big is the laundry industry in your area?

However, there are good chances you will want to be as specific as possible by restricting your analysis where you plan to operate instead. Indeed, whilst the US market for laundry facilities might be growing overall for certain reasons, it might not be the case at all in your area.

This can be as easy as listing all the different laundry shops (laundromats, online on-demand delivery / pickup laundry, dry cleaners) in your area.

How fast is the laundry industry growing in your city?

Now let’s look at growth.

Here, you can use the number of laundry shops in your city. For example, assuming there were 20 shops in your city in 2020 and 24 in 2022, we can assume your market is growing at +10% per year.

Laundry Shop Competitor Analysis

A healthy competition puts you on your toes, ensuring you work hard to improve your services and never stay in your comfort zone. However, competition only makes sense if you are smart enough to understand your competitors’ biggest deficiencies.

After finding out the number of laundry shops in the area, some of your biggest competitors in the field, and the services they offer, you will want to go a step higher to evaluate other vital elements. 

For example, you may want to know how much your competitors charge for the same laundry services, the average number of employees and their salaries, and the estimated number of customers they serve every month. The data you obtain from such analyses should help you make smart decisions, fully motivated to meet your clients’ expectations. 

Laundry Shop Customer Analysis

Now that you know the market trends and the level of competition, who exactly are you selling to? This is more or less the same as the target audience, and everything still hinges on the nature of the individuals you intend to serve. 

You can deduce this information from the competitive analysis , taking note of the need for laundry services in the area and the region’s demographic pattern. Find out if the local community appreciates online booking because that will force you to design a reliable website with a user-friendly booking section. 

4. Sales & Marketing Strategy

The sales and marketing strategy section of your business plan should include information on how you will attract new customers to your laundry shop.

Keep it simple by answering specific questions about your business. For example, what marketing channels are best suited to your target audience? How will you know that your marketing strategy is working? What’s the estimated marketing budget? And do you plan to include incentives like bonuses and offers to attract new clients within the first few days/weeks of operation? 

Laundry Shop Marketing Channels

You will never run out of options when it comes to the marketing channels for a laundry shop business. The only question is whether the chosen strategy suits your target market.

Ideally, the chosen marketing channel should be creatively designed to deliver results while helping you outshine some of your biggest competitors in the field. And there are numerous options, including;

• Social media ads (Facebook, Instagram)
• Local pay-per-click campaigns (e.g. Google Ads )
• Website 
• Partnerships (with corporates, hotels, fitness clubs, etc.)

What Are Your Unique Selling Points (USP)?

A unique selling point explains how you stand out from the competition. This section includes a specific feature that customers can only find in your business and should be communicated concisely. 

Your USPs separate your business from competitors, and help customers make a decision between one laundry shop and another.

Of course, a unique selling point varies from one company to another, but some of the key factors that should guide your decision include;

• Price : you may be cheaper vs. your competitors
• Location : your laundry shop might be closer to your target customers
• Quality : you offer higher-quality services and/or faster turnaround
• Services : you might offer an online booking service with the ability for customers to order pickup and delivery so they don’t have to leave the comfort of their home

5. Management & Organizational Structure

The 5th section of your laundry shop business plan should be about people. It should include 2 main elements:

• The management team and their experience / track record
• The organizational structure: what are the different teams and who reports to whom?

Here you should list all the management roles in your company. Of course, the amount of details you need to include here varies depending on the size of your company. A franchise business with a number of laundromats would need more detail vs. an independent laundromat.

If you plan on running your business independently, you may write a short paragraph explaining who are the co-founders and/or senior managers (if there are any in addition to yourself). It’s important to highlight their experience in the industry and previous relevant professional experiences.

Organizational structure for a laundry shop

No matter how many leadership roles there are, you should now explain how you intend to run the company from a management standpoint.

What are the different teams (management, operations, marketing, etc.)? Note that you should include these details even if you haven’t hired anyone yet. It will show lenders and investors that you have a solid hiring and management plan to run the business successfully.

A great addition here is to add an organizational chart that list all the roles, from Directors to managers, key supervisory roles, employees and contractors. Make sure to highlight with reporting lines who manages/supervises whom.

6. Laundry Shop Financial Plan

The financial plan is perhaps, with the executive summary, the most important section of any business plan.

Indeed, a solid financial plan tells lenders that your business is viable and can repay the loan you need from them. If you’re looking to raise equity from private investors, a solid financial plan will prove them your laundry shop is an attractive investment.

There should be 3 sections to your financial plan section:

• Your historical financials (only if you already operate the business and have financial accounts to show)
• The startup costs of your project (if you plan to open a new laundromat , purchase new washing machines, renovate your facilities, etc.)
• The 5-year financial projections

Historical Financials (if any)

In the scenario where you already have some historical financials (a few quarters or a few years), include them. A summary of your financial statements in the form of charts e.g. revenue, gross profit and net profit is enough, save the rest for the appendix.

If you don’t have any, don’t worry, most new businesses don’t have any historical financials and that’s ok. If so, jump to Startup Costs instead.

Startup Costs

Before we expand on 5-year financial projections in the following section, it’s always best practice to start with listing the startup costs of your project. For a laundry shop, startup costs are all the expenses you incur before you open the space to your customers.

These expenses typically are:

• The lease deposit for the space you rent (if your decide to rent)
• The loan downpayment for the purchase price of the building (if you decide to buy with a mortgage)
• The design and renovation of the existing facilities
• The equipment (washers, dryers, coin machine, etc.)

The total startup costs depend on a number of factors, such as the type of business model (laundromat vs. dry cleaning), the quality of the building (whether there is a lot or remodeling to do or not), the number and quality of the machines, etc.

As an example, it costs on average $151,000 to $490,000 to start a laundromat with 15 front-loaders and 10 dryers. For more information on how much it costs to open and run a laundry shop, read our complete guide here .

Laundry Shop 5-Year Financial Projections

In addition to startup costs, you will now need to build a solid 5-year financial model as part of your laundry shop business plan.

Your financial projections should be built using a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel or Google Sheets) and presented in the form of tables and charts in your business plan.

As usual, keep it concise here and save details (for example detailed financial statements, financial metrics, key assumptions and benchmarks used for the projections) for the appendix instead.

Your financial projections should answer at least the following questions:

• How much revenue do you expect to generate over the next 5 years?
• When do you expect to break even ?
• How much cash will you burn until you get there?
• What’s the impact of a change in pricing (say 20%) on your margins?
• What is your average customer acquisition cost (CAC) ?

You should include here your 3 financial statements (income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement). This means you must forecast:

• The number of customers over time ;
• Your expected revenue ;
• Operating costs to run the business ;
• Any other cash flow items (e.g. capex, debt repayment, etc.).

When projecting your revenue, make sure to sensitize pricing and the number of customers as a small change in these assumptions will have a big impact on your revenues.

When it comes to the costs, consider both startup and operating costs . For more information, read our complete guide here .

7. Funding Ask

This is the last section of your laundry shop business plan. Now that we have explained what your laundry shop is about, what’s your strategy, where you go and how you get there, this section must answer the following questions:

• How much funding do you need?
• What financial instrument(s) do you need: is this equity or debt, or even a free-money public grant?
• How long will this funding last?
• Where else does the money come from? If you apply for a SBA loan for example, where does the other part of the investment come from (your own capital, private investors?)

If you raise debt:

• What percentage of the total funding the loan represents?
• What is the corresponding Debt Service Coverage Ratio ?

If you raise equity

• What percentage ownership are you selling as part of this funding round?
• What is the corresponding valuation of your business?

Use of Funds

Any laundry shop business plan should include a clear use of funds section. This is where you explain how the money will be spent.

Will you spend most of the loan / investment in buying the real estate? Or will it cover mostly the cost for the acquisition of the machines?

Those are very important financial questions you should be able to answer in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry, this should come straight from your financial projections. If you’ve built solid projections like in our laundry shop financial model template , you won’t have any issues answering these questions.

For the use of funds, we recommend using a pie chart like the one we have in our financial model template where we outline the main expenses categories as shown below.

Privacy Overview

Laundromat Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and laundromat owners create business plans to start and grow their laundry businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Laundromat Business Plan Template here >

What is a Laundromat Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your laundromat business as it stands today, and lays out your business growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes research to support your business plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Laundromat

If you’re looking to start or grow a laundromat, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your laundromat in order to improve your chances of success. Your laundromat services business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your business grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Laundromats

With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for a laundromat are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your laundromat business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a laundromat is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a laundromat as they tend to focus on modern technology companies with quick and explosive growth potential.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a laundromat business plan.

Your own business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your laundromat business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key component of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of laundromat services business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a laundromat that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of laundromats.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the laundry industry. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target market. Provide a snapshot of your laundromat marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial and sales forecast.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of laundry business you are operating.

For example, you might operate a traditional laundromat in which you offer coin-operated washers and dryers. Or, you might (also) offer fluff and fold laundry services in which your staff washes and folds your customers’ laundry. This wash and fold service could also include home/office pickup and delivery. Be sure to explore all dry cleaning and laundry services that could be of benefit to your target demographic.

In addition to explaining the type of laundromat you operate, the Company Analysis section of your laundry shop business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales forecasts, goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the laundry business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the laundromat industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards fluff & fold, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for offering such a service.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your laundry shop business plan:

• How big is the laundry industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s future growth over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your business. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your new laundromat business plan must detail the patrons you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: college students, sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, techies, teens, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of laundromat you operate. Clearly, baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing, and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than teens.

Try to break out your target customer base in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most laundromats primarily serve customers living in the same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers. For example, middle-class households may value clean laundry above all else, while upper-class households may value convenience most of all.

Finish Your Laundromat Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Laundromat Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

In this section, you should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other laundromats.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from you that aren’t direct competitors. This includes laundry machines/dryers in consumers’ homes or living environments (e.g., in college dorms). You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who needs their clothing washed frequents a laundromat.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other laundromats with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be laundromats located close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of clientele do they serve?
• What laundry services do they offer (self-serve laundry, wash & fold, dry cleaning, etc.)?
• What are their business hours?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior laundry services?
• Will you provide additional services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire the services offered?
• Will you offer any additional amenities such as a coffee bar or free wi-fi access?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?
• Will you offer more payment options suitable for your customer base?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, the marketing section of a business plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a solid laundromat business plan, you should include the following:

Product : in the product section, you should reiterate the type of business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific laundromat services you will be offering. For example, in addition to washing and drying machines, will you offer fluff & fold, dry cleaning, etc.

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your laundry business. Document your strategic locations and mention how each location will impact your success. For example, is your business located next to a heavily populated office building, or gym, etc.? Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers. Also, if you operate or plan to offer fluff & fold services, detail the geographic area you will serve.

Promotions : the final part is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will create awareness and drive potential customers to your location(s). You might consider the following strategies to help promote your laundromat services:

• Making your storefront extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Marketing on social media platforms
• Marketing in local papers and magazines
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your laundromat business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your business such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the store clean, maintaining laundry equipment, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your X,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a business.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in the laundromat business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in laundromats and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 100 customers per day or 200? And will your sales strategy help you grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheet : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your new laundromat, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key startup costs:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Start-up expenses if starting a new business
• Cost of laundry equipment like washers and dryers
• Cost of fixtures like folding tables, laundry carts, vending machines, counters, and lighting
• Cost of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Putting together a new business plan for your business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing strategy and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful laundromat.

To further help you, we have other articles on key aspects of how to start your laundromat and running it effectively. Specifically, our laundromat marketing plan will help you develop the best promotions strategy. Our laundromat startup costs post will let you know what costs to expect.

Laundromat Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my laundromat business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Laundromat Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete a business plan for your laundromat.

Where Can I Download a Laundromat Business Plan PDF?

You can download our sample laundromat business plan here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Laundromat business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how a Growthink business plan consultant can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Small Business Trends

How to start a laundry business: a comprehensive guide.

The commercial laundry industry offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. This comprehensive guide’ll walk you through the essential steps to help you get started on the right foot. From understanding the market to setting up your business operations, this guide aims to provide you with the knowledge and insights necessary to start a business in the laundry sector.

Evaluating the Laundry Industry

To ensure a successful start to your laundry business, it’s important to evaluate the laundry services market. By understanding the growth potential, different types of laundry services, and the benefits of owning a laundry business, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions, from the best time to start a business to questions to ask yourself before starting a business in the laundry industry.

Understanding the Growth Potential

The industry is witnessing a consistent growth trajectory due to several key factors. The prevalence of busy lifestyles and the rise of dual-income households have led to a greater demand for convenient laundry services.

Additionally, with an aging population, there is a growing need for assistance with laundry tasks. These factors collectively contribute to the expanding market potential of the industry.

The Different Types of Laundry Services

The laundry service industry offers a range of options to meet diverse customer requirements. Self-service laundromats provide individuals with a do-it-yourself approach, where customers handle their own washing and drying.

On the other hand, full-service laundries offer a comprehensive solution, taking care of every step from washing to folding. You may even consider the pros and cons of franchising  and look into brands offering a franchise model in this industry.

Online platforms have recently gained significant traction, enabling customers to conveniently schedule pick-ups and deliveries from their homes, providing a hassle-free laundry experience. This type of pick-up business is among the top home or garage-based business ideas for entrepreneurs that want to keep overhead costs down.

Benefits of Owning a Laundry Business

Owning a laundry business brings with it several significant benefits, making it an attractive choice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Flexible Operating Hours: With a laundry business, you can tailor your hours of operation to suit both you and your customer’s convenience. This flexibility can be an important factor in promoting a work-life balance, a feature not commonly found in many other types of businesses.
• Lower Initial Costs: Starting a laundry business often requires less initial capital investment than other business types. This cost-effectiveness opens up the path to entrepreneurship for individuals with a limited budget.
• Consistent Customer Base: Laundry is an essential, recurring task for most households and individuals, ensuring a regular stream of customers. This constant demand creates a more stable business model compared to industries that are heavily influenced by seasonality or economic fluctuations.
• Not Round-The-Clock Operation: Unlike businesses like restaurants or convenience stores, a laundry business doesn’t have to operate 24/7. You can set a schedule that matches your lifestyle, providing more personal freedom and reducing stress levels.
• Stable Revenue Stream: The repetitive nature of laundry tasks can lead to repeat business from customers, providing a steady income. This stability can be especially beneficial when planning for future growth or managing operational costs.
• Opportunities for Ancillary Services: A laundry business also provides opportunities to add additional services, such as dry cleaning, alteration services, or pick-up and drop-off services. These can serve as additional revenue streams, enhancing the profitability of your business.
• Low Skills Barrier: Running a laundry business does not require any specialized knowledge or qualifications, making it an accessible venture for a wide range of individuals.
• Potential for Expansion: As your customer base grows, there are possibilities to scale up your business. You might consider opening additional locations or franchising, offering significant growth potential for your laundry business.
• Community Engagement: Operating a laundry business also allows you to engage with your local community. It allows you to provide a necessary service and become a valued part of the neighborhood.

In summary, owning a laundry business can provide financial stability, flexibility, and a deep sense of community engagement, making it a rewarding entrepreneurial venture.

Developing a Laundry Business Plan

A well-crafted laundromat business plan is essential for the success of your laundry venture. There are many reasons to write a business plan in any industry, including the laundry business. This section’ll explore key components to consider when developing your laundry business plan.

Identifying Your Target Market

Understanding your target market is crucial for tailoring your services and marketing efforts. Research potential customer segments to identify their preferences, demographics, and needs, enabling you to meet their expectations effectively.

Analyzing the Competition

Assessing local competition helps shape your business strategy. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses, pricing, service quality, and customer base to identify opportunities for differentiation and improvement.

Choosing a Laundry Business Model

Different laundry business models exist, such as self-service laundromats, full-service laundries, or online platforms. Consider your target market, competition, and personal preferences to select the most suitable model for your business.

Determining Your Unique Selling Proposition

Developing a unique selling proposition (USP) sets your laundry business apart from competitors. Define your USP by highlighting what makes your services unique, such as premium quality, personalized customer service, or convenient add-on services.

Starting Your Own Laundry Business

Starting a laundry business requires careful planning and consideration. It’s not just about coming up with a catchy business name. In this section, we will explore the key aspects of establishing your new business.

Finding the Right Location

Choosing a suitable location is crucial for the success of your laundry business. Factors such as demographics, foot traffic, and proximity to complementary businesses can significantly impact your customer base and revenue potential.

Purchasing or Leasing Equipment

To run a laundry business, you’ll need essential laundry machines like washers, dryers, and other necessary tools. Understanding the pros and cons of purchasing versus leasing equipment will help you make informed decisions about the best approach for your business.

Licensing, Permits, and Insurance

Starting a laundry business involves fulfilling legal requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary licenses, a sales tax permit and other permits, a business tax id number, and insurance policies, potentially including commercial auto insurance. You’ll also need to choose your business structure, such as a corporation or limited liability company.

Staffing and Training

Hiring and training the right staff is essential for delivering excellent customer service and maintaining the smooth operation of your laundry business. Explore the process of hiring employees, assigning roles and responsibilities, and emphasizing the importance of customer service.

Marketing Your Laundry Services

You need a strong brand, market analysis, an effective marketing strategy, and a presence on social media and online platforms to successfully promote your services.

Building Your Brand

Building a strong brand is important for attracting customers to your services. Focus on creating a memorable logo, designing eye-catching signage, and establishing a consistent visual identity. Provide exceptional customer service and deliver quality results to build a reputation that sets you apart from competitors.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

A well-thought-out marketing strategy will help you reach your target audience effectively. Identify your ideal customers, conduct market research, and define your unique selling proposition. Understanding how marketing research can benefit a small business is essential for creating your strategy. Once you have this vital information, you can develop a plan that includes online and offline advertising, customer referrals, and partnerships with local businesses to maximize your marketing efforts.

Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms

In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms play a significant role in marketing. Create engaging content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your services. Utilize targeted advertising, customer reviews, and online booking systems to expand your reach and engage with potential customers.

Maintaining and Growing Your Laundry Business

Owning a successful laundry business requires careful attention to various aspects of operations. This section explores key areas to focus on for long-term success.

Managing Finances

To ensure the financial health of your laundry business, keep accurate records of expenses and revenue. Regularly review your budget and identify areas for cost-saving measures. Consider implementing efficient inventory management systems and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships to maximize profitability.

Monitoring and Improving Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is crucial for the growth of your laundry business. Regularly seek customer feedback and proactively address any concerns or issues. Implement quality control measures to deliver excellent service consistently. Offer loyalty programs or incentives to foster long-term customer relationships.

Expanding Your Services

Expanding your service offerings can attract new customers and increase revenue. Identify additional services that complement your core laundry business, such as dry cleaning or alterations. Conduct market research to understand customer demand and invest in the necessary resources and equipment to provide these services effectively.

Adapting to Industry Trends

Staying ahead of industry trends is essential for the long-term success of your laundry business. Stay informed about emerging technologies like advanced laundry equipment or mobile scheduling apps. Embrace eco-friendly practices to appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Continuously evaluate and update your business strategies to stay competitive in the evolving laundry industry.

Final Tips for Success in the Laundry Business

Implementing these final tips will set you up for success in the laundry business. You can attract and retain customers by maintaining clean equipment, offering exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and effective marketing strategies.

Staying organized and continuously improving your skills will keep you ahead of the competition. With these strategies in place, your laundry business is well-positioned for growth and profitability. Best of luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

How to Start a Laundry Business FAQs

What is the average cost of starting a laundry business.

Starting a laundry business typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on factors such as location, equipment, and renovations. It’s crucial to create a detailed budget and explore financing options to ensure you have sufficient funds for startup costs and initial operational expenses.

How much profit can I expect from my laundry business?

The profit potential of a laundry business varies based on factors such as location, customer demand, and operational efficiency. On average, a well-managed laundry business can generate a net profit margin of 10% to 20%. However, it’s essential to conduct thorough market research and develop a solid business plan to estimate potential earnings accurately.

Are there any grants or funding opportunities available for starting a laundry business?

While grants specifically for laundry businesses may be limited, aspiring entrepreneurs can explore general small business grants and funding opportunities. Check with local government agencies, Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, and organizations for potential grants, loans, or assistance programs tailored to small business startups.

How can I make my laundry business more eco-friendly?

To make your laundry business more eco-friendly, consider implementing energy-efficient equipment, such as high-efficiency washers and dryers. Use environmentally friendly detergents and offer reusable or biodegradable laundry bags. Additionally, educate customers on water and energy conservation practices, encouraging them to embrace sustainable laundry habits.

What are some common challenges faced by laundry business owners and how can I overcome them?

Common challenges for laundry business owners include fierce competition, equipment maintenance, and customer satisfaction. To overcome these challenges, differentiate your business through exceptional customer service and unique offerings.

Maintain regular equipment maintenance schedules to avoid breakdowns. Actively seek customer feedback and address any concerns promptly to ensure a positive customer experience and loyalty.

Image: Envato Elements

© Copyright 2003 - 2024, Small Business Trends LLC. All rights reserved. "Small Business Trends" is a registered trademark.

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

• Sample Business Plans

Laundromat Business Plan

Planning on starting a laundromat? Great call.

Starting a coin-operated laundry business can be extremely profitable due to its huge market size and growth potential.

Anyone can start a laundromat, but you need a detailed business plan for raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it for good.

So, in this article—we’ll discuss what the laundromat industry looks like, steps to make your business setup process easier, and finally, how to write a laundromat business plan.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new laundry business, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of cleaning & maintenance business plans .

Ready to get started? Let’s roll!

Industry Overview

According to IBIS World , the Laundromat industry is reported to be a 6 billion dollar market in 2023, with 19,375+ operating laundry businesses employing over 52960 employees in the United States.

Although a slight downturn in recent times, the coin-operated laundry market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% .

These laundromats are a great help for students, professionals staying in dorms, or anyone who doesn’t have time to do their laundry—so it is a no-brainer that it could be a potentially profitable business venture.

Additional services like pickup and drop facilities can be an added advantage to your business, as it increases convenience for your consumers.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

Things to Consider Before Writing a Laundromat Business Plan

Pick a convenient location.

A convenient location is central to your business’s success . The location should be close to hostels, dorms, or apartment complexes to make it easier for your customers to access your service. After all, who would want to walk miles with all that heavy laundry?

Decide upon additional services

Coin-based laundries are gaining attention due to the additional services they have to offer. Your busy customers would highly appreciate services like pick up and drop, ironing, etc.

Having these services up for grabs makes it more convenient for your consumers and also gives you additional business opportunities.

Hence, it is a good practice to make a list of services your target audience would prefer to have and arrange resources for the same.

Pick a legal structure

Legal structures decide the taxes you pay, the risk to your personal assets, and many other aspects of your business. Hence, looking into your options and selecting the one that fits the best for your business is essential. Look into all of your options and pick one after considering all of its implications.

Gather market information

Know all there is to know about the industry, current market trends, target audience, preferences, competitors, their business and marketing strategies, and so on. This is one of the best business setup practices out there. It helps you understand what you are getting yourself into like nothing else. Hence, gather all the available information before getting started.

Chalking Out Your Business Plan

Reading sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for and also it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this sample Laundromat Business Plan for you to get a good idea about how perfect a Laundromat business plan should look and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Laundromat Business Plan Outline

This is the standard laundromat business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Mission Statement
• Management Team
• Keys to Success
• Financial Summary
• 3 Year profit forecast
• Startup cost
• Market Analysis
• Industry Analysis
• Market Trends
• Corporate Executives
• Middle-Class Households
• Business Owners
• Sport Clubs
• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy
• Pricing Strategy
• Advertising Strategy
• Sales Forecast
• Financial Plan
• Important Assumptions
• Brake-even Analysis
• Profit Yearly
• Gross Margin Yearly
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet
• Business Ratios

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample business plan into your business plan modify the required information, and download your laundromat business plan pdf or doc file. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

Download a sample laundromat business plan

Need help writing your business plan? Here you go; download our free laundromat business plan pdf to get started.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your laundromat business. Use the example business plan as a guide, and start writing your plan on your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Write your business plan with Upmetrics

A business plan software like Upmetrics is the best way to draft your business plan. Getting started with this tool is a breeze thanks to the step-by-step instructions, customizable templates, and the library of 400+ sample business plans included.

So, whether starting a laundromat business or planning to grow an existing one, Upmetrics is the tool you need to create a business plan.

Related Posts

Dry Cleaning Business Plan

Carpet Cleaning Business Plan

How to Conduct Customer Analysis

Best AI Generators for Business Plan

3-Year Business Plan

5-Year Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, what key components should a laundromat business plan include.

The following are the key components your laundromat business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

What are the common mistakes to avoid in a laundromat business plan?

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing a laundromat business plan:

• Poor market research and ignoring industry trends.
• Inadequate and inaccurate financial projections.
• Undefined goals and lack of details.
• Including outdated and irrelevant information.
• Not proofreading the document for typos and grammatical errors.
• Not regularly updating your business plan.

How to get funding for your laundromat business?

There are several ways to get funding for your laundromat business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan —You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan —SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding —The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors— Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought-after startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available. Check for the same in your location, and you can apply for it.

What is the easiest way to write a laundromat business plan?

There are many ways you can write your business plan, and using Upmetrics’ business plan template is one of them. It allows you to edit and modify the sections of your project as you need—it can be considered the easiest way to write a business plan.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Laundromat Business Plan

Start your own laundromat business plan

Universal Laundromat

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

Many urban residents lack access to in-home laundry facilities, and existing laundromats may not provide a pleasant, efficient environment for customers. Additionally, environmentally conscious customers are seeking sustainable laundry options that minimize water and energy waste.

Universal Laundromat provides a clean, modern, and comfortable space equipped with energy-efficient washing machines and dryers. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere with customer-focused amenities, while also promoting environmentally friendly practices.

It’s been shown that the best method of advertising is through word-of-mouth. No major newspaper ad campaign is planned. However, we shall run weekly specials. In addition, we shall have an incentive program for referrals. Those customers who refer someone else to the store will be rewarded with two free washes, and the referee will receive an introductory gift of a free wash. In addition, we will ensure a clean environment, reliable machines, and friendly, prompt services.

Competition

Universal Laundromat would like to set itself apart from other laundromats that may offer only one or two services. Although the focus of Universal Laundromat is a washing and drying service, we do wish to offer our clients the convenience of these other services in one location. Those services include folding and potentially pick-up/delivery service, as well as online reservation and membership for pick-up and delivery. Most importantly, it’s our convenience that sets us apart from the competition.

Universal Laundromat is a full-service coin-op laundry (washing, drying, and optional folding) service dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering reliable machines and furnishing a clean, enjoyable atmosphere at a competitive price/value relationship.

Expectations

It is very important to note that the minimum monthly amount of loan payback should decrease as principal decreases. Furthermore, the profit projected in the table is after all expenses and monthly loan payback have been subtracted. All net profit will then be paid as an additional sum to greatly shorten the term of the loan.

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

Currently, Mr. Mihn Doung owns a small permanent shop in 7th Berryessa Flea Market selling power tools every weekend. That store brings in approximately $4,500/month on average in revenue. The profit averages out to approximately $2,500/month. Considering the potentiality in the coin-op laundromat industry, he’d like to take on further challenges by starting another venture.

To achieve this objective, Universal Laundromat is seeking $150,000 in additional loan financing. This loan will be paid by the cash flow from both the shop at the Flea Market and the laundry business, and will be collateralized by the assets of the business and steady income it brings along with an initial $75,000 down payment, and backed by the character, experience, and personal guarantees of the owner.

Problem & Solution

Problem worth solving.

Every person needs clean clothes. Not every family can afford a washer and dryer or laundry soap. 

Our Solution

Our Mission : To provide convenient, clean, and friendly laundry service.

Our Motto : "Professional, convenient, friendly service and competitive pricing"

Target Market

Market size & segments.

Universal Laundromat’s target market is every household that needs laundromat services within the immediate area of east San Jose. There is no market segmentation strategy associated with this potential market. The Market Analysis table indicates the estimated number of potential customers and their growth rate.

Current Alternatives

Our advantages.

Universal Laundromat would like to set itself apart from other laundromats that may offer only one or two services. Although the focus of Universal Laundromat is a washing and drying service, we do wish to offer our clients the convenience of these other services in one location. Those services include folding and potentially pick-up/delivery service, as well as online reservation and membership for pick-up and delivery. Most importantly, it’s our convenience that sets us apart from the competition.

Keys to Success

The keys to success in our business are:

• Location : the potential business is to be located in a nice small shopping center of a poor to lower-middle class, ethnically Mexican neighborhood, where it’s the closest and most convenient place to get services. In addition, there are two apartment complexes located nearby. In addition to being the sole laundromat in this neighborhood and surrounded by residences, there is no potential for a competitor.
• Convenience : offering clients services ranging from full-service washing and drying to optional folding, and extended business hours.
• Environment : providing an environment conducive to giving clean, friendly, and professional service.
• Reputation : long-term reputation resulting from friendly, professional service will encourage customers to return.

Marketing & Sales

Marketing plan, locations & facilities.

The laundromat is located in San Jose, California. It will utilize 1,500 square feet. The location is strategically situated on one of the busiest streets in East San Jose. More specifically, it’s located in a small attractive shopping center next to the poor to lower-middle class homes; therefore, there is NO possible competitor (after very careful examining). In addition, there are two apartment complexes located nearby. Surrounding it, there is a Mexican neighborhood whose residents get most of their services and needed goods in this plaza where the laundromat is located.

Milestones & Metrics

Milestones table, key metrics.

Our key metrics are: 

• # of reviews we receive, we shall especially pay attention to the locals
• # of people who walk in verse make a point of calling to see if we are in 
• the cost of running the machines

Ownership & Structure

Brought to you by

Create a professional business plan

Using ai and step-by-step instructions.

Secure funding

Validate ideas

Build a strategy

Management Team

Minh Duong is an ambitious, hardworking, philosophical leader and businessman. He has extensive business experience, and knowledge in various fields including retail sales, service and the Internet industry. Over the years, he has started various small businesses ranging from offline retail sales of a wide variety of products and services to online hosting services. He has extensive leadership skills as he had been elected to be President of five different clubs in High School. In college, Minh had founded two organizations at the University of California, Berkeley. In addition, he had also been elected to various leadership roles such as President and Vice-president of three different large organizations with membership over 500 members. School-wide, Minh had been fortunate to be elected by the student body of the university to be a Senator in the student government. During his term of office, he headed the Finance Committee that dealt with over $500,000 in student fund allocation. Moreover, he also headed the Student Affairs Committee as well as the Computing Facilities of the student government. Realizing his service and efficiency, fellow senators elected him to the board of directors of the Berkeley Student Foundation, the largest scholarship foundation for minority students sponsored by the Associated Students of the University of California. There, Minh dealt with the decision process of fund allocations to top high school minority students throughout the country. In the business world, Minh currently owns a permanent Flea Market Power Tools Shop at the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose, CA. He is also the President/CEO of a small start-up Internet company providing business solutions to other businesses. He is currently working with five other colleagues at his college on that business. In academia, he is currently working with Professor Bradford Delong, a former Bill Clinton’s Foreign Policy Advisor Committee member, as a Research Assistant on  a book titled,  A Time Series of Changes Due to Globalization . Independently, he is currently working on a research paper titled, "Is Chinese Reform Sustainable? Is It Different?"

Minh is currently a fifth year Pre-med, Pre-MBA student with a triple major in Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics. He is currently 22 years old. He came to the U.S. on Nov. 7, 1990 from Viet Nam. After finishing his college education, he plans to achieve an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MD from John Hopkins Medical School.

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

Key Assumptions: 

• People need and appreciate clean clothes 
• People will be willing to pay 20 dollars to have someone help with the wash and fold 
• Not everyone can afford a washer and dryer
• Those who can’t afford them still need somewhere to do clothes. 

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

We estimate $30K in startup expenses, which are mainly location fix-up, some signage, some legal. 

We estimate $40,000 in purchasing assets including the appliances, some furniture and fixtures. 

Sources of Funds

Mr. Duong will invest $80,000 of savings. He will also have $8,000 in accounts payable, left over from some assets purchased. The plan includes a 10-year SBA guaranteed loan for $75,000. 

If all goes according to plan, he will be able to pay off the SBA loan early, in the third year. However, that detail is not included in the plan. 

Projected Profit & Loss

Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

Laundry Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Laundry Business

Written by: Esther Strauss

Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on April 25, 2021 Updated on May 21, 2024

Investment range

$21,550 - $211,100

Revenue potential

$30,000 - $200,000 p.a

Time to build

3 - 6 months

Profit potential

$10,000 - $30,000 p.a

Industry trend

Laundry is one of those necessary household chores. People rarely want to do it themselves, but they always need clean clothes, which is what makes starting a laundry business a good option. They tend to have high success rates and solid profit margins.

But starting a business is never easy. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to develop and launch a successful laundry business.

Let’s get washing!

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business is Right for You

Understanding the laundry industry is the first step you should take in starting your laundry business. First, let’s see what types of businesses you can open. 

Pros and cons

To give you a balanced view of the industry, here are the pros and cons of a laundry business: 

• Reliable, proven business model
• Clothes always need cleaning, rain or shine 
• Simple work; no training or certification required 
• High utility costs
• Large initial investment  
• Machine maintenance can be demanding

Laundry industry trends

The US is home to about 35,000 laundromats, which generate some $5 billion in annual revenue, according to industry expert Martin Ray Laundry Systems.(( https://martinray.com/p-33942-key-statistics-laundromat-investors-should-know.html#:~:text=The%20laundromat%20industry%20sees%20about,between%2020%2D35%25%20ROI. )) With an impressive 95% success rate, laundry businesses boast an average return on investment of nearly 30%.

Dry cleaning is doing particularly well in recent years. Despite the recent pandemic-driven slowdown, market analyst IBISWorld expects the US dry cleaning industry to grow nearly 6% in 2021.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/dry-cleaners-united-states/ ))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services market was valued at more than $10 billion in 2020(( https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4514502/u-s-laundry-facilities-and-dry-cleaning-services )), after posting steady growth from a little over $8 billion in 2016.((https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dry-cleaning-laundry-services-market))
• Growth forecast – The market is expected to grow 4% annually through 2028.(( https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/4514502/u-s-laundry-facilities-and-dry-cleaning-services )) 
• Number of businesses – The US is home to about 35,000 laundromats, according to industry expert Martin Ray Laundry Systems(( https://martinray.com/p-33942-key-statistics-laundromat-investors-should-know.html#:~:text=The%20laundromat%20industry%20sees%20about,between%2020%2D35%25%20ROI )), and more than 14,000 dry cleaners.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/dry-cleaners-united-states/))

Trends and challenges

These are among the latest trends in laundry:

• Shift toward technologically advanced machines that accept all forms of payment (credit, debit, cash, coins, loyalty cards, and mobile payments) and offer easy-to-use digital interfaces
• Growing demand for laundry pickup and delivery services

The industry faces some challenges such as:

• Stiff competition
• High startup cost
• Long operating hours
• Risk of accidents

How much does it cost to start a laundry business?

Costs vary, but if you’re starting a small wash-and-fold operation, you’d need as little as $20,000, while larger operations could cost $200,000 or more. The average startup investment for a laundry is $40,000.

Laundromats and dry cleaners, on the other hand, can cost $500,000 or more due to the significant equipment requirements. Here’s a cost breakdown for a basic wash-and-fold laundry, excluding the cost of the commercial space or building:

How much can you earn from a laundry business?

Laundromats generate revenue anywhere between $30,000 to $1 million each year, with profit margins running from 15% to 35%. Industry analyst AmericanDryCleaner.com estimates that most small dry cleaners generate about $200,000 a year in revenue.

The potential earnings vary widely, so it’s up to you to make your business a success.

In your first year or two, you could set up a basic wash and fold laundry with five washers and five dryers. If you could serve 20 clients a day and each spends $2 to wash and dry a load of laundry, you’ll be earning nearly $30,000 in annual revenue and more than $10,000 in profit assuming a 35% margin. 

As you gain more clients and add more machines, your annual revenue could climb to $200,000 a year. At this stage, you’d rent a bigger commercial space and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to 15% and a profit of $30,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

While laundry businesses are simple to operate, there are a few barriers to entry to be aware of: 

• Mature, competitive market
• Startup costs are high
• Bureaucratic hoops to jump through, licensing

Related Business Ideas

How to Start a Dry Cleaning Business

How to Start a Laundromat Business

How to Start a Carpet Cleaning Business

Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Dive into our interview with Mort Fertel, CEO of Poplin , to uncover key strategies for building a thriving laundry service.

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you’re up to date with the laundry industry let’s start refining your business idea.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

A great part about laundry businesses is that your main competition will likely only be in your local area. This makes it easy to assess what your competitors are doing and keep a close eye on any changes to their business. 

Before you create your offering, though, you should do some research to scope out the strengths and weaknesses of your competition. This will help you to create a better experience for your customers.

Here are some questions to ask about your competition: 

• What do they offer?
• Why do people use their services?
• Who are they targeting? 
• Do they have a unique selling point?

What? Determine your services

Choosing a niche is important in the beginning. It will help you streamline your business processes, create effective marketing campaigns and start the process of finding who your target market should be. 

While it’s possible to offer all the niche services under one roof, it’s a good idea to specialize in one service before branching out. This will save you money and help you make your first dollar faster. So now’s the time to do some deeper research into which niche will best fit your current situation and market needs. 

There are three main types of laundry businesses — wash and fold , laundromat , and dry cleaner .

Wash-and-fold laundries offer busy customers a convenient drop-off service, accepting dirty clothes and having them cleaned and folded the next day and ready for pick-up. 

A laundromat is a storefront offering washing machines and dryers for customers to use by paying coins, cash, debit, credit or mobile pay. Requires minimal oversight as customers do their laundry themselves, and is cheaper than other options. Some laundromats also offer wash-and-fold services. 

Dry cleaning is a specialized way of cleaning clothes without water so as to avoid shrinkage. Most people use dry cleaners for delicate garments such as suits or fancy dresses, but dry cleaning is suitable for any garment. It’s also more expensive than a traditional wash.

How much should you charge for laundry services?

How much you charge will depend on what your costs are and the type of services you offer. To find a starting point, you can look at what your competitors charge for their various services. 

But at the end of the day, your prices are up to you. As long as your margin is acceptable to you, that’s a good place to start. You can always adjust based on demand. Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Once you’ve got your niche, you should decide who your target market will be within that niche. For example, if you notice that local university dormitories lack laundry services—or have subpar services—you can make students your target market.

Once you know who your target market is, you’ll be able to craft an experience that’s exactly what they’re looking for. This is what will differentiate you from your competition.

Where? Choose your laundry location

When it comes to opening a laundry business, your location will be determined by your target market. If you want to target university students, then you’ll need to have your store near university dormitories or places that they frequent. For example, you could choose a location that is close to many student apartments, or you could open a store in the local shopping village. 

You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Laundry Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “laundry” or “wash”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “SpinCycle Laundry Solutions” over “Commercial Laundry Solutions”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of your laundry business, highlighting its key aspects and objectives.
• Business Overview: An introduction to your laundry business, including its name, location, and a basic description.
• Product and Services: Explanation of the laundry services you offer, such as dry cleaning, washing, and folding.
• Market Analysis: An examination of the laundry industry in your area, including potential customer segments and market trends.
• Competitive Analysis: An evaluation of your laundry business’s competitors and their strengths and weaknesses.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling your laundry services, including pricing, advertising, and customer acquisition.
• Management Team: Profiles of key individuals involved in running the laundry business, their roles, and relevant experience.
• Operations Plan: Details about the day-to-day operations, including equipment, suppliers, and processes.
• Financial Plan: A projection of your laundry business’s financial performance, including income, expenses, and profit margins.
• Appendix: Supplementary information, such as resumes, permits, and any additional documents that support your laundry business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states offer real advantages when it comes to a laundry business.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your laundry business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings, the sale of property or other assets, and support from family and friends.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a laundry business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a laundry business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your laundry business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

Your software needs will change depending on the type of laundry company you decide to run. But you may use industry-specific software, such as iLaundry , CleanCloud , and Starchup .

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Professional Branding — Create a brand identity that conveys cleanliness, reliability, and professionalism with a well-designed logo, inviting signage, and a pristine facility.
• Website Optimization — Develop a comprehensive website that highlights your services, pricing, and unique features like express options or organic products, optimized for local searches related to laundry and dry cleaning.
• Local SEO  — Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Direct Outreach — Form relationships with local businesses, gyms, hotels, and residential complexes, offering introductory discounts or corporate deals to introduce your services.
• Social Media Engagement — Utilize Facebook and Instagram to display your facility, share customer testimonials, and announce special offers, engaging actively with comments and inquiries.
• Content Marketing — Maintain a laundry tips blog to provide valuable garment care advice and demonstrate your expertise, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
• Email Newsletters — Send regular newsletters to update customers on new services, seasonal promotions, and laundry tips to keep your audience engaged.
• Video Content — Produce videos that showcase the meticulous care you provide for garments or provide practical home laundry tips.
• Experiential Marketing — Host community events or promotional days like “free wash days” to draw in new customers and provide immediate value.
• Targeted Discounts — Provide special rates for students and seniors to attract these demographic groups, especially if they are prevalent in your area.
• Customer Loyalty Programs — Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers with discounts or free services after a certain number of visits.
• Targeted Local Advertising — Employ advertising in local media, community bulletin boards, and online platforms to reach potential customers, supplemented by flyers and mailers in densely populated or underserved areas.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your laundry shop meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your laundry business could be:

• Vending machines for snacks, drinks, laundry supplies
• Add arcade games and TVs
• Use top-quality cleaning supplies, be a premium laundry.
• Partner with local businesses to do their laundry at a discount.
• Offer services for delicate garments.
• Loyalty rewards program.

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a laundry business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in laundry for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in laundry. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small with a home-based wash and fold business, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a laundry include:

• General Manager
• Maintenance
• Marketing Lead 

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Laundry Business – Start Making Money!

A laundry shop can be a great source of steady income if you can build a solid customer base and earn your customers’ loyalty. One way to do this is to offer amenities, such as free wifi and free coffee. You can also provide a lounge where customers can engage in great conversations while doing their laundry.

There are many other creative ways to attract and retain customers. You did the right thing by seeking guidance first. Now that you have the knowledge to start a business, you’re ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey and make money with your laundry business!

• Laundry Business FAQs

Laundromats certainly are! They offer high rates of success and a straightforward business model. It’s estimated that 95% of laundromats succeed based on a five-year evaluation window. The business is also recession-resistant as everybody needs clean clothes no matter what’s happening in the economy.

While profits will vary depending on your location, costs, and your prices, the median revenue for a dry cleaning business is $80,000 per year. So yes, dry cleaners make money, but it’s up to you to turn that money into profit.

There is a range of options for financing a laundry business. You can ask friends and family or apply for a traditional loan through a bank. Another option is through SBA guaranteed loans such as 7(a) loans and microloans.

Implement proper waste management practices, ensuring trash bins are emptied regularly and disposed of properly. Keep the floors and surfaces clean by sweeping, mopping, and wiping them down regularly. Regularly inspect and clean the washing machines, dryers, and other equipment to remove lint, debris, and detergent residue. Use appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants to sanitize surfaces and maintain a hygienic environment.

While laundry businesses can be profitable, it’s important to conduct thorough market research, assess the local demand, and carefully manage expenses to maximize profitability. 

Starting a laundry business at home is possible, but it may have limitations and considerations. Check local regulations and zoning laws to ensure operating a business from home is permitted in your area. Consider the space available and whether it can accommodate the necessary laundry equipment and supplies.

Some common customer segments include busy professionals, college students, apartment dwellers, and households without access to laundry facilities. Additionally, hotels, hospitals, and restaurants often rely on commercial laundry services due to the large volume of linens and uniforms they handle.

In a laundry shop, you can sell various products and services to complement your core laundry offerings. This can include detergent and laundry supplies for customers to purchase, vending machines for snacks or beverages, laundry bags or baskets, fabric softeners, stain removers, and ironing services. 

It’s great that you mentioned how laundry businesses usually have high success rates and solid profit margins. I was checking out some popular types of businesses earlier and I learned about laundry businesses. It seems like a good choice if you want to start a business, and it looks like there are finance my laundry services now too, which makes things even easier.

https://financemylaundry.com/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Decide if the Business is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Laundry Business Name
• Create a Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Laundry Business - Start Making Money!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

17 Business Ideas that Help the Community

Esther Strauss

Published on July 29, 2022

Just about everybody wants to live in a warm, welcoming close-knit community, and you can help build one by starting a business that helps peopleliv ...

18 Cleaning Business Ideas

Carolyn Young

Published on July 14, 2022

Demand for cleaning services in both homes and offices surged in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected to remain higha ...

17 Clothing Business Ideas

Published on July 12, 2022

Are you updated with the latest fashion trends? If so, then starting a clothing business would be a perfect career choice for you. You may open abou ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

• Starting a Business
• Growing a Business
• Small Business Guide
• Business News
• Science & Technology
• Money & Finance
• For Subscribers
• Write for Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneur Store
• United States
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• South Africa

Copyright © 2024 Entrepreneur Media, LLC All rights reserved. Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media LLC

How To Start a Laundromat: Costs and Pro Tips If you're an entrepreneur looking to start your own laundromat business, then read on for costs, pro tips, and how-to's on the process.

Feb 15, 2019

Entering into the laundry business can be challenging because there are so many factors to consider — you will need to analyze your target demographic, develop a financial plan, and choose a prime location.

To help alleviate some of your stressors, follow along for a guide on everything you need to know about starting your own laundromat.

Why starting a laundromat could be right for you

People everywhere need clean clothes, so starting a laundromat seems foolproof. Laundromats are self-service facilities (generally coin-operated) where patrons have the space and equipment to wash and dry their clothes without the help of a professional.

Related: How to Start a Coin-Operated Laundry

Laundromats and dry cleaners are not the same, as laundromats are self-service, and dry cleaning is maintained by professionals who complete the task of cleaning special-care clothes for their patrons.

The self-service nature of the business might sound attractive because laundromats can be low maintenance to run. However, before entering any new industry, getting a feel for the lay of the land is essential. To do that, you must weigh the pros and cons of your potential endeavor.

Pros of owning a laundromat

Ready for the perks of owning your own laundromat ? They may include:

• Steady revenue stream
• High return on investment (ROI) potential
• Recession-proof business
• Simplicity of operation
• Work hour flexibility
• Zero eCommerce competition
• Potential for multiple locations
• Low management maintenance

Cons of owning a laundromat

When looking at the downside of owning a laundromat, you may find:

• Capital intensive business
• Barrier to entry
• High utility expenses
• Possible costly repairs

How to purchase and open a laundromat

Now that you've considered both sides of the coin, it's time to get into how to start a laundromat business.

1. Initial research

Before you create a business plan, you'll need to complete some initial research to better understand what ballpark you're in. This step can help guide your business plan and its parameters.

There is no real way to give an exact number on cost because there are so many factors. However, a broad range for how much it may cost to open a laundromat is $200,000 to $500,000.

Factors that can influence cost include:

• New business vs. existing business
• Independent or franchise
• Marketing and advertising
• Employee wages

Related: Start a WaveMax Laundry Franchise

2. Business plan

Once you've completed preliminary research, you'll have a better idea of how much this process will cost and the steps needed. Now that you've got some more information, it's time to create a business plan.

Your business plan should include the following:

• Executive summary
• Business description
• Market strategies
• Competitive analysis
• Design and development plan
• Operations and management plan
• Financial factors

Related: How to Write a Business Plan

3. Secure financing

Starting a new business is no cheap feat, so you will likely need some type of financing. There are many avenues to take regarding this topic, but the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the best place to start. The SBA offers countless resources and guides but can also connect entrepreneurs with interested investors and financiers .

The Small Business Administration can help you to:

• Determine the amount of funding you'll need
• Complete the self-funding process
• Connect with venture capital investors
• Fund your business with crowdsources
• Obtain a small business loan
• Use Lender Match to find SBA-guaranteed loans with verified lenders
• Research SBA investment programs

4. Secure location

Ready to scope out real estate? One of the most significant assets a laundromat business can have is its location. You may need to complete market research to determine whether or not it will succeed in that prospective community.

Ask yourself:

• Are there apartment buildings in the area?
• Do those apartment buildings have washer and dryer units?
• Is there real estate within walking distance of the apartment complex?
• Are there competitor businesses in the area?

Other factors to consider about your location are the potential for:

• Optimal lighting
• Layout with adequate space for equipment, seating, and customers
• Welcoming interior design
• Space for interior and exterior signage
• Accessibility for all customers

5. Choose the type of business structure

As you finalize your business plan, you should also consider what type of business entity you want your laundromat to be. Check out the different types below.

Related: Choose Your Business Structure

Limited Liability Company

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a flexible business structure that combines a corporation, partnership, and sole proprietorship.

With this structure, the business owner is legally separate from the business, which dictates tax filing, operations, and management. LLCs are generally safer and more easily manageable than other small business entities.

An S corp is a small business entity that files for federal corporate income tax exemption. Because of the structure of this business, the shareholders are responsible for income, loss, and tax return credits.

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a common type of business structure that is a common but riskier choice. It is risky because the business owner is not separated from the business and assumes all financial risks.

Licensing and taxes are simple with this choice, but the weight of the business is all on the owner and their personal finances.

Partnership

If you plan to team up with another entrepreneur in this venture, you may consider a partnership. A partnership is two or more people that share ownership, control, profits, and losses of a business.

In a partnership, the business and the person are the same, much like in a sole proprietorship. This means that the company's legal responsibilities fall upon you and your partners.

6. Choose business name, register the business, obtain IDs, licenses, and permits

At this stage of the process, things are beginning to take shape. It's time to name your business and tackle some legal paperwork.

Choose business name

When registering your business, you will likely need to create a name for your new laundromat. Your business should be named something that reflects the nature of your business and aligns with your brand identity.

Register business

After you've chosen your name, you must register your business . There are four different ways you can do so, which include:

• Entity : State-level protection
• Trademark : Federal-level protection
• Doing Business As (DBA ): No legal protection, but some states require
• Domain name : Online presence shown through website and URL

Obtain IDs, licenses, and permits

You must obtain a federal tax ID to legally open a business bank account, employ a team, and apply for licenses and permits.

Federal and state governments have different requirements for licenses and permits based on your industry. It is always best to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements through information from the SBA .

7. Open a bank account

Having a business bank account that is separate from your personal bank account offers you protection in your business life and balance in your personal life.

The benefits of opening a business bank account include the following:

• Protection and professionalism
• Purchasing power (credit limits)
• Special introductory offers, interest rates, and fees

Choosing a bank is personal to each business owner. Make sure you complete your due diligence and create a pros and cons list for at least three different banks and what they can offer.

8. Secure equipment

Equipment costs can depend on buying an existing laundromat or starting from scratch. If you are buying an operating store, you should check on all the laundry machines' condition.

If you are starting fresh, you may need to research commercial laundry equipment like:

• Industrial washing machines: $700 - $3,000+ depending on size, and top-load versus front-load
• Industrial dryers: $900 - $4,000 depending on size, and top-load versus front-load
• Card system (if you are going to offer credit card payments): Wide range , averaging around $15k if you're adding card readers to all of your laundry machines
• Bill-to-coin change machine: $800 - $7,000
• Water heater system: $10,000+
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Laundry carts

There are also comfort items to consider to make your patrons comfortable while they wait for their laundry:

• Vending machines
• Office supplies
• TVs and cable

9. Employees

The next step is assembling a team for your new business. Once your business is up and running, it is relatively low maintenance. However, that does not mean that you will want to be the sole employee.

When it comes time to hire employees, it's vital to business operations that you find a team that is reliable, positive, and full of integrity.

A few ways to get the word out about open positions are:

• Utilize multiple job boards (LinkedIn, Craigslist, Indeed, and flyers)
• Include descriptive job postings with transparent wages and role responsibilities
• Require references and letters of recommendation
• Conduct a thorough interview process

Related: 15 Tips for Improving Your Skills Interviewing Job Candidates

At this stage, everything has started to come together. Before you open, create a marketing plan to promote the grand opening event.

Marketing for the opening can help raise awareness and promote engagement. There are many ways you can market that are low-cost and effective.

Cost-effective marketing tools include:

• Social media posts
• Local business networking
• Word-of-mouth
• Flyers and posters
• Local business collaborations (especially with apartment complexes)
• Offer discounts

In addition to a solid marketing plan, you should also create a Google Business profile.

Google Business profiles make it easy to:

• Display your business hours online
• Communicate with customers
• Maintain general updates
• Read customer reviews to stay in-the-know

Finally, when it comes to the actual grand opening, put a fun spin on your event. Allocate a bit of your budget and make it a neighborhood event.

Splurging on simple things like coffee and donuts, a randomizer wheel of prizes, and other fun promotional items can go a long way if it broadens your customer base and spreads the word about your new business.

Related: No Money? No Problem. 30 Low Budget Marketing Ideas for Your Busines

Pro tips for opening a laundromat business

As an entrepreneur, it's essential to stay as on top of your game as possible. While you continue your journey of being a successful laundromat owner, there are a few critical pieces of advice to remember.

Pro tips for small business owners include:

• Conduct regular SWOT analysis — examining and reflecting on your business is never a bad idea.
• Make customer loyalty a priority and stay involved in your community.
• Maintain a watchful eye on your cash flow.
• Stay creative, adaptive, and passionate.

Related: 4 Tips for Small Business Owners as They Navigate an Economic Downtur

Is starting a laundromat right for you?

Laundromats might sound like a lot of work, but so is any business. The greater truth is that laundromats can be an excellent investment for a business owner because they are generally steady and straightforward businesses. While they might require a hefty startup cost, the profit margins can be worth it in the long run.

No matter the weather (literally and metaphorically), people always need to do laundry. No matter the economy, people need clean clothes. And no matter how much trends change, fresh clothing will never be out of style.

Looking for more guidance? Explore Entrepreneur for advice on starting your own business, managing business finances, and more

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick Red Arrow

• Lock 3 Things Your Business Idea Must Have to Succeed — as Proven By Famous Harvard Business School Startups
• This Couple Cashed in Their 401ks to Launch a Virtual Business — Here's How It Led to a 9-Figure Exit and Co-Owning 2 Professional Soccer Teams
• Lock The No. 1 State to Retire in Might Not Even Be on Your Radar, According to a New Report
• Lock 12 Books That Self-Made Millionaires Swear By
• Lock These Are the Highest-Paying Side Hustles for a Single Day of Work
• Use These 3 Steps to Find the Perfect Franchise Opportunity for You

Most Popular Red Arrow

Tiktok reportedly laid off a 'large percentage' of employees as the app's fate in the u.s. remains unclear.

Laid-off TikTok employees were notified Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

Four Seasons Orlando Responds to Viral TikTok: 'There's Something Here For All Ages'

The video has amassed over 45.4 million views on TikTok.

More People Are Exploring Entrepreneurship Because of This Unexpected Reason

More new business applications were filed in 2023 than in any other year so far.

Jack Dorsey Says 'the Closest Form of Global Consciousness' Used to Be Twitter — Now It's Something Else

Dorsey recently left Bluesky, an X rival he helped found.

This Investment Bundle Includes a Trading Course and Stock Screener Tool for $150

Approach the stock market with an increased understanding.

5 Strategies to Know As You Scale Your Business

Scaling a service-based company requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply increasing revenue. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Successfully copied link

How to Start a Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business

Most of these businesses require the customer to drop off their laundry, although some companies will pick up laundry from the customers’ homes. A full-service laundry and dry cleaning service charges a fee per item for dry cleaning and a fee per pound for standard laundering. This type of business takes some of the responsibility off of the customers who may have busy schedules.

Learn how to start your own Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a laundry and dry cleaning business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business
• Form your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business
• Get Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business Insurance
• Define your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business Brand
• Create your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your laundry and dry cleaning business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your laundry and dry cleaning business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a laundry and dry cleaning business.

Unless your business is a work-from-home operation, you will need to pay the deposit for the lease and the first month’s rent for the storefront. In a high-traffic area, expect to pay $3 to $10 per square foot per month for the retail space. You will need to have signage on the front of the store that makes it very visible to those that drive by the store. You will need to have laundry and dry cleaning equipment and a cash register. You will need to have cleaning supplies, coat hangers, and plastic bags. You will need to have a mechanical clothes rack that rotates the finished clothing to keep it in order and ready for customer pick up. Most of these businesses start with about $50,000 worth of equipment, which can be leased and about $2,000 in supplies.

What are the ongoing expenses for a laundry and dry cleaning business?

The ongoing expenses include rent, equipment lease payments, insurance, utilities, supplies, and marketing costs (printing and delivery expenses for promotional flyers).

Who is the target market?

This is essentially a retail business, with repeat customers coming from the local area. This business sometimes offers subscription services to customers which can lead to increased profits. Regular customers help create a reliable customer base.

Full-service launderers must consider possible allergic reactions in customers and take steps to prevent these from occurring. This is an important consideration as customers will not be choosing the products that will be used in the laundering process.

Many people are concerned by the chemicals used by traditional dry cleaners. Many consumers are also concerned by the environmental impact of this type of business. A business using less harsh chemicals and more organic cleaning methods while reducing its carbon footprint may be preferred such as the example of eco laundry company.

How does a laundry and dry cleaning business make money?

Items for dry cleaning are charged per piece. Regular laundry is charged per pound. Additional charges may apply for special services, such as severe stain removal or making repairs, such as fixing tears or replacing missing buttons.

In a major metropolitan area, the competition for laundry and dry cleaning services may be very intense. Because of this, many stores offer dry cleaning services for shirts and blouses at $1 per piece in order to attract customers. Premium prices are charged for same-day service.

The price per pound of regular laundry ranges from $0.99 to $1.99 depending on whether the items need folding or pressing. Dry cleaning of items starts at $1 per item for shirts or blouses, $5 for pants, $10 for suits, and goes up to $29 for a comforter.

How much profit can a laundry and dry cleaning business make?

This business, when it serves an active customer base, is very profitable. Revenues easily exceed $200 per day and costs are less than half of that. A small shop can make at least $30,000 in profit per year after paying all expenses. Many entrepreneurs have become very wealthy owning and operating multiple storefronts in this business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Ways to make this business more profitable include offering pick-up and delivery service for an additional fee to help individuals with a busy schedule, offering clothing alterations/tailoring service, and shoe repair/polishing. Opening multiple locations, once finances and demand permit, will also lead to increased profits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your laundry and dry cleaning business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate laundry and dry cleaning business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Labor safety requirements

It is important to comply with all relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements: Here is a link to OSHA’s laundry specific regulations .

Certificate of Occupancy

A laundry and dry cleaning business is generally run out of a storefront location. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) . A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

If you plan to lease a location:

• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a laundry and dry cleaning business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.

If you plan to purchase or build a location:

• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your laundry and dry cleaning business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a laundry and dry cleaning business

The best way to promote this business is to use hand delivered flyers that offer a discount coupon and put them under the doors of homes and apartments in the nearby neighborhood.

How to keep customers coming back

The most common form of advertising is to have a big neon sign in the window saying shirts cleaned for $1. Being very friendly to the customers when they walk in encourages them to come back. Calling them when their clothes are ready adds an extra touch of good customer service.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

To do well in this business you will have to enjoy cleaning clothes and making them nice for others. It is important to pay attention to the details, not lose track of the customers’ items and make sure the results of the washing, cleaning, pressing and/or folding are excellent.

You will need to work with many different chemicals, some of which are known to be quite toxic. You will have to be comfortable with handling dirty laundry. Some might be very smelly and even disgusting before it is cleaned. Wearing gloves and protective equipment will be an important thing to do to protect your health.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a laundry and dry cleaning business?

This business is all about being on schedule. Opening the store on time, keeping public and employee areas clean, and making sure that orders are fulfilled in a timely manner are all activities you can expect on a daily basis.

If the store processes the laundry and/or dry cleaning on site, you will also need to make sure the equipment is operating properly, and load up the washers and dry cleaning machines with additional clothes that need cleaning to keep making good progress for all of the customers’ orders.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful laundry and dry cleaning business?

You will need to be friendly with the walk-in customers and very careful with their items. Attention to detail is important and you will need to notice things like stains or damage to the clothing to point them out to the customers when they drop off the clothing for laundry or dry cleaning.

There is always a tight schedule of work necessary to get everything ready on time. Customers can be very unforgiving if they come back to the store when their clothes are supposed to be ready and they are not available on time for pick up.

Perhaps the most crucial skill is the ability to remove stains. Here is a list of common stains and the best way of getting them out of clothing.

What is the growth potential for a laundry and dry cleaning business?

There is a business model that uses the retail space as only drop off and pick up location, while all the washing and cleaning is done at another location. it is possible to have many retail locations that are supported by an industrial location where all the cleaning of the clothes occurs.

There are also franchise opportunities in this industry. It is possible to start with a single store and then expand to own many more.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

Most of these businesses are family run and operated by just a few people. The time to build up a team comes after the success of operating one store and opening another one. Workers are often paid minimum wage.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• National Cleaners Association website
• Tide Cleaners franchise opportunity
• Comet Cleaners franchise opportunity

Real World Examples

• California-based full service laundromat chain
• Ann-Arbor based self-service/full-service laundromat

Further Reading

• Blog detailing how to start a drop-off wash-and-fold laundry business in-store
• Blog detailing how to start an at-home drop-off wash-and-fold laundry business
• Book detailing how to start and manage a dry cleaning business
• Find more  Business Ideas  perfect for Small Towns!

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

• Find out more
• English - United States
• English - Philippines
• English - South Africa
• Filter by subject
• For Entrepreneurs
• Franchising 101

Laundry Business

• Sharing Experiences
• Filtrar por temas

Business Plan For The Laundry Industry [PDF]

In order to have a successful business, it is crucial to have a plan, a laundromat business plan . But, what exactly is  a business plan ? What should be included? How to know if the steps are being followed? This is what this article is all about!

Step 1. The definition of a business plan is that it is a written description of the future of a business. It's a document that tells the story of what the plan is and how to make it happen.  Although every business has its own story, there are some generally accepted conventions about what a full-blown business plan should include and how it should be presented. First of all, the famous 5 W's: What, When, Who, Where, Why and How .  By answering this 5 questions in the right way, the business plan for laundry services will cover all the important matters that will contribute on making the business a success.

“Going into business without a business plan is like going on a mountain trek without a map or GPS support – you’ll eventually get lost and starve!”  - Kevin J. Donaldson

Any laundromat business plan should start with a list of the services that will be provided. Will the laundry be delivered back to the customers or will there be specialized services offered such as dry cleaning and/ or ironing? It does not matter if entrepreneur(s) will not be going for a bank loan or a venture capital, a business plan doc will give clarity about where the business is heading and it is a helpful tool to stay organized and remain on track.

A BUSINESS PLAN FOR A LAUNDROMAT BUSINESS  

Laundry business has had a boom in these recent years, since people have no time (nor are they are fund of) for washing, dry cleaning and ironing their clothes. This business sector is a great business opportunity to invest in due to the fact that it offers a solution to people's problems, which is why it has a very high and recurrent demand (people will never stop washing their clothes). Although laundry business has a great potential, it is crucial to understand the importance of a business plan in order to make this business work. 

Business franchises come with a large number of benefits, including the providing of everything needed to get a business up and running. As the brand  and business model are already set-up and established, entering a franchise contract can come with less risk than starting a business entirely from scratch.

KEY COMPONENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LAUNDRY BUSINESS PLAN

It is important that every business plan for laundry services answers the 5w's , the length does not matter, as some business are bigger than others or need a deeper explanation for its understanding. As stated before, the main objetive of a business plan is for your product(s) and/or service(s) to be understood.

The following topics are to be explained in a business plan:

• Basic Business Concept
• Strategy and Actions for its Implementation
• Competitive Advantages
• Target Market
• Financial Needs

1. Basic Business Concept

This is an overall of the idea, where the When & How should be explained. This is where the entrepreneur(s) should explain and discuss the following:

• The industry
• The business structure
• The introduction of the product or service
• The plan for making the business

The main objective of this section is for people (such as investors) to figure out if the business is attractive or not and where the What and How  will be explained. 

2. Strategy and Actions for its Implementation

After the introduction of the product or service is made, here is where the following questions must be answered:

What are the specific goals for this business? 

When and How  will the goals be accomplished? 

This three questions are the body of the plan, this is one of the most important sections, it could be said that it is the heart of the business plan. 

3. Competitive Advantages od a laundromat business plan

Why should people look at this laundry business plan instead of other? Why would customers want to purchase those products and/ or services and not those of the competitors? Here is where the chance to dazzle the readers with good and solid information about the laundry business is.

4. Target Market --> Marketing Plan

Everything about the potential and actual customers. 

• What profile is being looked for? 
• What is the demographic audience? 
• What methods will be used to capture the specific audience? 
• How will the “attack” and retain of the customers will be done to gain more profit? 
• What sets your business apart from the competition?

5. Financial Needs

Starting a laundry business might be more expensive than people think. When writing down a laundry business plan , it is important to jot down all the equipment and items that will be needed such as: washers, dryers, detergent, hangers, and so on. These items will need to be factored into the budget to ensure the venture is financially viable.

These statements provide a model of how the ideas about a laundry business, its markets and its strategies will play out. It is important to remember that a business plan is based on facts and not feelings. The entrepreneur(s) have to stick on the projections and numbers instead of hopes, think about realistic expectations of profit instead of focusing on dreams of wealth. This section is about facts - checkable, demonstrable facts - because here, is were the most important component of all comes out: THE CREDIBILITY

IN CONCLUSION:

A laundromat business plan is a great tool that allows founders to present their vision and plans of a project. When using any business plan format, there are standard questions (such as the 5 w’s) that force every person involved to think, analyze & create a long term vision and strategy for the idea.  It is demonstrated that writing things down on paper helps as a guide to track the progress and have better control on the status to be accountable on the future.

“Business planning is incredibly helpful for describing what you do, understanding who your competitors are, and crafting a realistic three to five year plan. Each of these activities is crucial if you are looking to launch or expand a venture, and learning to speak concisely about your company will always be crucial no matter what stage you’re in.”   - Garrett Neiman , College Spring

HOW DID THE MOST FAMOUS SPANISH LAUNDRY STARTUP MADE IT HAPPEN?

Subscribe and stay up-to-date

Subscribe and stay up to date, recommended articles, how much does a laundry make, what is the ideal place for a laundry, di lo que piensas, subscribe here.

• Laundry franchise
• Gym franchise
• Hairdressing franchise
• Massage franchise
• Jeff concept
• What is a franchise and how does it work?
• Business opportunity
• What we offer
• Training and support
• Profitable franchises

¡DOWNLOAD THE APP!

Learning center series

How to start a laundry business

• Published on March 12, 2024
• by Turgut Arisoy
• Last updated: 2 months ago

Start a laundry business may not initially seem as glamorous as launching a tech startup or as enchanting as opening a vintage bookstore. However, when you delve deeper, you uncover a realm of practicality, dependability, and significant profit potential. This realization can indeed be quite intriguing.

Welcome to the universally essential world of laundry services, a 40 billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone. Think about it: clothing, sheets, towels – they all share the inexorable cycle of use, dirt, and cleansing. It’s proof that the unassuming laundry business, like a bespoke suit or a trusty washing machine, is a stalwart entity that holds its ground even while the world’s trends whirl like a tumble dryer.

Let’s say goodbye to the mundanity associated with cleaning clothes, and hello to the successful entrepreneur you’re destined to be. This is laundry, redefined. This is your guide to mastering the seemingly ordinary and transforming it into the extraordinary. Let’s wash away the misconceptions and spin into the core — the exhilarating ride of the laundry business. Now, are you ready to get washed and spun into a new entrepreneurial journey?

Who Uses Laundromats? 👩🏠 Low-income renters are the primary users of coin laundries, with more than 60% of laundromat patrons being women , and 87% of customers living within a mile of the facility.

Start a Laundry Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: drafting your laundry business plan.

Understanding a business model as a foundational blueprint, rather than a mere formality, is essential when building your laundry service business. These laundry service business ideas enable you to frame and visualize your new operation, scrutinizing your intentions before diving into the industry.

Moreover, this document becomes a living guide that shapes assessments and decisions beyond the launch phase. It evolves as market conditions change, proving invaluable in navigations and critical decision-making processes throughout your laundry service business journey.

Starting Costs for Laundromats 💵 Start-up costs for a laundromat can range from $100,000 to $300,000 , primarily due to the need to purchase equipment.

Step 2: Understanding the Cost of Starting a Laundry Business

Beyond drafting a comprehensive business structure, accurate cost estimations are crucial in the early phases of your business development. These figures govern both your startup and running costs, allowing you to preempt any potential financial pitfalls. Thinking of purchasing a laundromat and eager to understand the financial implications? This article breaks down all the expenses involved in acquiring and operating a laundromat.

Considerable costs include but are not limited to, leasing/rent, utilities, business insurance payments, and equipment maintenance. Understanding these fully prepares you to manage the somewhat volatile nature of financial management in the laundry delivery business industry.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Location for Your Laundry Business

In the laundry industry, strategic location selection is not a detail to be breezed over. Your location substantially impacts your business’s visibility, accessibility, and overall success. The best locations incorporate high traffic, easy accessibility, and proximity to target demographics.

What’s critical to remember is while a perfect location might be desirable, finding a ‘good enough’ place within your budget that meets most of your criteria can also set you on the path to success. The history of successful core laundry business shows that strategic and smart location selection can create flourishing businesses, despite not being in the ‘perfect’ location.

Remember, every little detail counts when setting up your core laundry business. Giving due consideration and diligent planning to your business plan, startup costs, and location selection will set you on the right path in this business venture.

Laundromat Business Landscape 🏪 There are between 18,000 and 35,000 laundromat businesses in the US.

Essential Equipment for a Successful Laundry Business

Stepping into any profitable endeavor demands the right tools. With the groundwork for your laundry business covered, let’s talk about the equipment that will drive your operations.

Commercial Washing Machines and Dryers

Commercial-grade washers and dryers are the heart of any laundry services market. Their design for high-volume usage delivers faster, larger loads, enhancing your business’s efficiency and output.

High-speed commercial washing machines not only clean clothes quickly but also extract more water—leading to shorter drying times and lesser energy usage. Going for commercial grade also translates to a longer lifespan due to their robust construction.

Aside from efficiency, think about the type of clientele you’re targeting, their needs, and the services you plan to provide. For instance, if your client base comprises hotels or hospitals, consider investing in commercial laundry leasing equipment that can handle bulky items like bedding and towels.

Other Essential Equipment

Once equipped with commercial laundry equipment, such as detergent vending machines and dryers, there are several other pieces of equipment necessary for smooth operations.

A pressing machine can significantly enhance the aesthetic of the clothes, offering your clients a crisp, professional finish. Similarly, a laundry cart for easy movement of clothes and an automated detergent vending machine for customer convenience shouldn’t be overlooked in a self-service setup.

Another indispensable item to consider is a laundry rack or drying cabinet. These aid in drying delicate items that might be damaged in a conventional dryer. Proper clothes racks also allow unfolded items to be hung immediately after drying, reducing wrinkles and subsequent ironing time.

A cleaning solution dispenser, though often overlooked, can be a valuable addition to your laundry setup. It simplifies the automatic dosing of detergent, bleach, or other cleaning solutions, ensuring precise measurements every time, leading to consistent cleaning quality and minimizing wastage.

In any business, safety stands paramount. Fire extinguishers and other safety equipment should be a part of your initial setup. It’s not just about legal compliance, but the well-being of your employees and customers. At Metrobi, we facilitate laundry delivery in over 20 U.S. cities, offering same-day delivery options in cities like Boston , enhancing the convenience for your laundromat business.

TIP – Remember to tailor the equipment list to your business plan. Businesses with delivery services, for example, might require additional items like a delivery van or specific packaging materials.

Choosing the right dry cleaning equipment helps streamline your operations, increase productivity, and offer an overall superior service to your customer—setting your laundry business on the path of success. Investing in high-quality, commercial-grade dry cleaning equipment might seem hefty initially, but it will pay dividends in the long run in terms of efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Remember that the laundry business operates heavily on trust and a stellar reputation for clean, well-finished laundry that’s ready on time, every time. Equipping your business correctly is the first step in earning that trust.

Earning Potential of Laundromats 💰 The average annual revenue for a laundromat sole proprietor is around $27,743 , while the average annual revenue for a laundromat is estimated to be roughly $142,000.

Hiring the Right People

The first face your customers see – or the first voice they hear on the phone – is usually a member of your staff. Hiring the right people is therefore one of the most critical aspects of running your laundry business.

Recruit individuals to lean on reliability, good interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. A background in customer service can be a definitive plus. Create detailed job descriptions and be clear on the skills and qualifications required for each role. Use trusted recruitment tools or platforms and make sure to run a thorough background check on potential full-time employees.

TIP – Does your business operate in a state with specific hiring guidelines? Be sure to know your local labor laws.

The Hiring Process

Your hiring process should be well laid out, consisting of job postings, applications, interviews, and finally, selection. During interviews, assess not just the job-related talent of candidates but also their ability to align with your company culture and excellent customer service.

Retaining Employees

The secret to maintaining a great team lies not just in hiring the right people but in retaining them. This involves competitive pay, employee benefits, a positive work environment, and opportunities for growth in your dry cleaning business.

Training Your Staff

Once you have your team, it’s time to prepare them to meet your operational standards and customer expectations. Training is essential for consistency in business operations and for creating the ultimate customer experience in your laundry facility.

Well-trained staff are more likely to feel competent and comfortable in their roles, which improves job satisfaction, reduces employee turnover, and enhances customer satisfaction.

Comprehensive Training

Training should be comprehensive and continuous, covering company policies, operation of laundry equipment, customer satisfaction, basic problem-solving, and safety measures. You could consider implementing a mentorship system, where new employees are paired with experienced ones.

Regular Skill Upgrades

Regular skill upgrades and cross-training opportunities can be beneficial. They not only empower your employees but also ensure that they can perform multiple tasks, increasing efficiency during peak hours or staff absences.

With a great team in place, you’re well on your way to establishing a successful laundry business. Anchor the business with people who align with your vision and ensure they are well-equipped to deliver on your promises to potential customers.

Laundry Workforce Growth 📈 In 2022, there were almost 176,000 laundry and dry-cleaning workers in the United States, marking a significant increase from 2021 with approximately 20,000 extra employees.

Marketing Your Laundry Business for Success

Traditional marketing efforts are not obsolete. They form a significant part of a comprehensive marketing plan, amplifying your visibility and customer reach.

Flyers, newspaper adverts, radio spots, billboards, and direct mail are a few time-tested marketing efforts and strategies that continue the impact market reach.

• Flyers, though old-fashioned, are an effective way to announce grand openings, discounts, and special deals. They can be distributed with local newspapers, and community centers or delivered directly to residences in your laundry service business.
• Billboards near busy roadways or placed strategically around your market area can command attention and induce interest.
• Radio spots, featuring promotions or customer preferences, can reach vast audiences, including a segment of potential customers that other advertising mediums might miss.

Digital Marketing Strategies

Modern laundry business owners cannot sideline digital marketing. It reshapes your customer feedback, helps you meet market demands, and strengthens your brand exposure.

Websites, social media platforms, online directory listings, email marketing, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising make the best of the price-effective and result-driven digital marketing strategy.

• Websites are your online business card. A compelling and user-friendly website, complete with your service offerings, operating hours, contact information, and customer testimonials, can add credibility and build customer trust.
• Social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, give your business a human touch, allowing you to interact with customers on a personal level and share visual content related to your services.
• Online directories increase your online visibility and improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential traffic to find you.
• Email Marketing keeps your future customers updated about upcoming sales, offers, or any company news.
• Lastly, PPC advertising propels your business type to the top of search engine results, driving direct product exposure and an immediate reaction from viewers.

The combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies ensures that your laundry business is visible to both customers who prefer traditional methods and customers who spend more time online. Understanding and implementing these strategies is vital for the success of your business address.

Laundromat Success & Profitability 💼 The laundromat industry has a 95% success rate , and laundromat businesses typically generate a 20-35% return on investment (ROI).

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Running a Laundry Business

Abrupt transitions can lead to expensive mistakes – the same goes for entering the laundry business without a solid grasp of its legalities. Now onto the specifics of adhering to all the rules, laws, and regulations that come with owning and operating a laundry business. Metrobi is dedicated to facilitating delivery operations for laundromats, offering courier services across over 20 US cities, including delivery solutions in Washington DC .

Business Registration and Licenses

Getting your business on the books is non-negotiable. Registering your laundry business with the local government allows you to operate legally and also makes you eligible for certain benefits and protections. At Metrobi, we specialize in facilitating logistics for laundry services , ensuring efficient and reliable delivery operations for laundromats.

TIP – The specifics of business registration can vary by country, state, and city. Some resources to look into for accurate information are local Chamber of Commerce websites or even local business consultants who specialize in legalities.

Once registered, nabbing the right licenses and permits is the next order of business. These documents give you the green light to open your doors without legal hiccups. For those pondering the dream of launching a laundromat, check out our latest blog post detailing the crucial permits and licenses needed to get started.

TIP – Specific licenses needed for a laundry business differ by location and the type of services offered. For example, if you’re tacking on a coffee shop or a dry-cleaning service to your laundry business, additional permits may be required.

Insurance for Your Laundry Business

Covering your bases with insurance is a smart move. A laundry business, just like any other, is susceptible to various risks including but not limited to property damage, customer injuries, and equipment breakdowns. Insurance provides a safety net for these unexpected hiccups.

The types of insurance required can vary, but some key ones to consider include:

– Public liability insurance: This covers costs if a customer or member of the public is injured or their possessions damaged because of your business. – Business property insurance: This can help protect your business premises and equipment in the event of a fire, vandalism, theft, or other covered disaster. – Workers compensation insurance : If you plan to have employees, most states will require you to carry workers’ comp. It provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured during work.

TIP – Insurance requirements can vary greatly depending on where your business is located and the particular risks it might face. Consult with a local expert or check out resources from trusted insurance agencies.

It’s crucial to think of these legal aspects not as an annoying hurdle in your path, but as a protection for the longevity and success of your business. Armed with this information, you’re one step closer to securing the stability and growth of your business.

The Future of the Laundry Business

Trends in the laundry business.

Laundry businesses have witnessed significant changes over the past decade. The driving forces behind these shifts include socio-economic factors, technological advancements, and changing consumer behavior.

Businesses now heavily rely on technology to get ahead in the market. Automated laundromats and digital payment methods have become the standard in the industry. Additionally, the dawn of app-based services providing door-to-door picks and delivery has further metamorphosed the customer’s laundry experience. This is increasingly prevalent in densely populated urban areas where people value convenience and time management.

Furthermore, the push towards greener business practices has influenced how laundry companies operate. Energy-efficient laundry machines, water reclaim systems, and eco-friendly detergents are now the talk of the town as businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Businesses that successfully implement these changes will benefit from cost savings and are likely to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Preparing Your Business for the Future

To stay competitive, it’s vital to future-proof your laundry business by harnessing the latest technology and adapting to shifting consumer preferences.

Taking advantage of digital platforms can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. Implementation of software solutions can automate tasks such as payment processing, order tracking, and customer communication. Investing in energy-efficient machines and eco-friendly wash chemicals would not only reduce operating costs but also position your brand as caring for the environment and people’s health.

Approaching the future, forging meaningful partnerships that mutually benefit both parties can be key. Collaboration with complementary businesses can create new opportunities for customer acquisition and revenue growth.

Lastly, envisioning and planning for the future is not about predicting it, but about making strategic decisions that arm your laundry business with the flexibility to adapt quickly when disruptions occur. In this way, your business can anticipate changes, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities when they arise, ensuring that your laundry business continues to thrive.

Next step: Set your laundry business in motion and keep evolving. Continuous learning, adapting, and innovating are your tickets to a successful laundry business. Constantly keep an eye on trends and establish a plan that not only applies to today but also considers future developments. In such a way, your laundry business won’t just survive but thrive.

Heading into the Spin Cycle

Venturing into the laundry business demands a thorough understanding of your target market, a detailed analysis of costs and profit margins, and the know-how to maintain quality control. With the right mindset and resources, starting a laundry business can be quite rewarding. Explore the pivotal aspects of starting a franchise in the laundry industry in 2024: investment necessities, advantages, and tactics for successful expansion.

Ready to supply fresh, clean clothes in your local community? Start the ball rolling by securing a suitable location, investing in reliable equipment, and crafting a unique, customer-oriented service.

As your laundry business gains some steam, what strategies do you plan to implement to stand out from the competition? Never stop innovating; your next brainwave might just redefine the way cleanliness is delivered.

Remember the laundry business isn’t just about washing clothes; it’s about providing a convenient, time-saving service to busy individuals, families, and businesses. It’s your turn to plunge into this lucrative industry and clean up!

As Metrobi, we provide laundry delivery service in the US. From Boston to Los Angeles, you can use our local courier service for your special business.

How much does it cost to buy a laundromat?

What is a laundromat franchise and how does it work?

Laundromat permits explained

‟Great resource for my small business”

P’s Patties

‟With Metrobi, we’re now doing home deliveries in the Greater Boston area”

GrandTen Distilling

‟We don’t have to worry about the vehicles anymore”

Urban Agriculture Cooperative

‟Powerful Route Planning”

Rebel Bread

• How to Start a Laundry Business
• laundromat permits

• laundromat franchise

• buy a laundromat

• Start a Laundry Business

• Route Optimization
• route optimization

• transport hazardous materials

• Logistics Metrics
• Supply Chain Metrics and KPIs

• Truck Dispatcher
• freight dispatcher

• Ghost/Cloud Kitchen
• ghost kitchen

• Third Party Logistics
• 3pl logistics

• travelling salesman problem

• Types of Shipping Methods
• International shipping

• Click and collect shipping

• omnichannel logistics

• dynamic route optimization

• Last Mile Delivery Glossary
• green transportation

Success Stories

Wicked Bagel

Anna’s Taqueria

Smart Lunches

DELIVER WITH METROBI

Grow with confidence

• 55 Court St floor 2, Boston, MA 02108
• [email protected]
• Team Metrobi
• Privacy policy
• Terms of service
• Write for us

Refer us to a company, you earn $250 and they earn $250. Learn more

• Shopify Delivery Planner App
• Delivery Management Software
• Atlanta courier service
• Boston courier service
• Chicago courier service
• Denver courier service
• Miami courier service
• New York City courier service
• Los Angeles courier service
• Philadelphia courier service
• San Francisco courier service
• Washington DC courier service
• See all locations
• Bulk Order Delivery Service
• Express Urgent Delivery Service
• Fixed Route Delivery Service
• On Demand Delivery Service
• Overnight Delivery Service
• Same Day Delivery Service
• Scheduled Delivery Service
• Wholesale Delivery Service
• See all delivery services
• Metrobi vs. Onfleet
• Metrobi vs. Roadie
• Metrobi vs. Roadie Support
• Artisan Food
• Food Producers

Want to access our large pool of drivers?

We started Metrobi to take operations off your plate. We provide drivers (rated 4.97/5), dedicated operation managers (70% cheaper), and routing software with a receiver notification system.

Laundromat Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Laundromat Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your laundromat business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their laundromats.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Laundromat business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat is a startup laundromat located in Manhattan, New York. The company is founded by Jean Smith, an experienced business manager with a master’s degree in Business Administration. With over ten years of experience as the General Manager for a boutique retail chain, Jean has garnered a positive reputation as a dedicated leader. She is confident that her ability to effectively manage people, finances, and operations will allow her to start her own profitable laundromat. Jean plans on managing the day-to-day operations of the laundromat herself and hiring highly qualified staff for essential positions of laundry attendants,  security guards, an accountant, and a sales and marketing professional.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will provide general card-operated washing machines and dryers for customers to use on their own as well as a wash and fold service station for customers who want to drop their clothes off to be cleaned by Jean’s staff and picked up later. Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be a comfortable and convenient stop for busy people in the Manhattan area.

Product Offering

The following are the products and services that Jean’s Clean Laundromat will provide:

• Self-service card-operated washing machines and dryers
• Laundry supplies (detergent, dryer sheets, laundry bags, etc.)
• Dry cleaning service
• Wash and fold service
• Laundry pickup and delivery service

Customer Focus

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will target all individuals in the Manhattan area that need laundry service. Specifically, it will target men and women living in the area, busy parents, and people who do not have the time or facilities to do their laundry at home. The laundromat will also target tourists or business professionals in the city who need a quick laundry service. No matter the customer, Jean’s Clean Laundromat will deliver the best service, security, and convenience.

Management Team

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be owned and operated by Jean Smith. She has recruited fellow New York University graduate, Elizabeth Clark, who has a bachelor’s degree in finance to come on board as her accountant and bookkeeper.

Jean Smith is a graduate of New York University with a master’s degree in Business Administration. She has been working as the General Manager for a boutique retail chain for over a decade. Jean’s organizational and leadership skills have allowed her to establish and grow a large network of business professionals that are supportive of her new venture, Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

Elizabeth Clark has worked as an accountant and bookkeeper at a local bakery for over five years and has established herself as a detail-oriented and methodical financial expert. Jean relies strongly on Elizabeth’s diligence, attention to detail, and focus when it comes to keeping the laundromat’s finances in order.

Success Factors

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, efficient laundry attendants that strive to go above and beyond for each customer.
• All laundry products and services are delivered with the customers’ comfort and convenience in mind.
• Jean’s Clean Laundromat offers its customers quick pickup and delivery seven days per week.

Financial Highlights

Jean’s Clean Laundromat is seeking $300,000 in debt financing to launch its laundromat business. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the laundromat storefront and purchasing the card-operated machines, and the card system. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Washers and dryers: $80,000
• Card system: $40,000
• Water heating system: $5,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $15,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

Company Overview

Who is jean’s clean laundromat.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat is a new laundromat located in Manhattan, New York. The company is founded by Jean Smith, an experienced business manager with a master’s degree in Business Administration. With over ten years of experience as the General Manager for a boutique retail chain, Jean has garnered a positive reputation as a dedicated leader. She is confident that her ability to manage people, finances effectively, and operations will allow her to start her own profitable laundromat. Jean plans on overseeing the daily operations of the laundromat herself and hiring highly qualified staff for essential positions of laundry attendants,  security guards, an accountant, and a sales and marketing professional.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat History

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be owned and operated by Jean Smith. Jean Smith is a graduate of New York University with a master’s degree in Business Administration. She has been working as the General Manager for a boutique retail chain for over a decade. Jean’s organizational and leadership skills have allowed her to establish and grow a large network of business professionals that are supportive of her new venture, Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

Since incorporation, Jean’s Clean Laundromat has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Jean’s Clean Laundromat, LLC to transact business in the state of New York.
• Has a contract in place for a one year lease on the laundromat storefront which is approximately 2,000 square feet.
• Hired a marketing professional to begin strategizing a pre-launch marketing campaign.
• Began recruiting a staff of an accountant, marketing and sales manager, security guards, and laundry attendants to work at Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat Services

The following will be the services Jean’s Clean Laundromat will provide:

Industry Analysis

The laundromat industry is a $5.4BN market in the United States with over 30,000 laundromats across the country. Laundromats are a good investment for entrepreneurs with many of them seeing an astonishing 95% success rate for the first five years in business. For many people, laundromats are essential aspects of their regular routine.

Although running a laundromat can be a profitable venture, it takes some work to maintain profitability. It’s important for industry operators to manage their laundromats proactively, pay attention to what competitors are doing, and focus on continuous improvement in both service and technology. Industry operators who fail to take these actions may not be able to achieve their desired outcomes.

A trend in the laundromat industry is  the replacement of coin-operated machines with card-operated models. Card-operated machines can bring in greater profits for the laundromat owner because these machines can be set to change prices according to the time of day or be used for single use vending product purchases. Additionally, laundromats are using newer, more eco-efficient machines and technologies that bring in more profits in addition to being better for the environment. Finally, laundromat operators are finding ways to stand out from competitors with unique services in addition to the standard self-serve washers and dryers. Some of these value add services may include wash and fold, pickup and delivery, free wifi, vending machine products, etc.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will target men and women in the Manhattan area that need laundry service. Specifically, the laundromat will target busy parents and people who do not have the time or facilities to do their laundry at home. The laundromat will also target tourists or business professionals in the city who need a quick laundry service.

The precise demographics for Manhattan, New York are:

Customer Segmentation

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Busy parents
• Business Professionals
• People who do not have laundry facilities in their homes

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

BMI Laundry Service, Inc.

BMI Laundry Service, Inc. provides wash and fold, dry cleaning, and pickup and delivery services with two locations, in Chelsea and Manhattan. BMI’s promise is to deliver fast service for people on the go. BMI Laundry Service, Inc. has coin-operated machines, vending machines, and free wifi. The self-service laundromat is available seven days a week from 6:00AM-6:00PM, while the laundry service is available by appointment only. Customers can schedule their laundry service using the company’s appointment app.

Wash It, Dry It, LLC

Wash It, Dry It, LLC is a Manhattan-based laundry business that provides self-service card-operated washers and dryers as well as wash and fold services for its customers. Wash It, Dry It, LLC sells its own branded laundry products including detergent, laundry bags, soaps, fabric softeners, and dry cleaning products. The laundromat is open 24/7. Wash and Fold service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00AM-8:00PM.

MC Laundromat

MC Laundromat is a trusted New York laundry business that provides superior service to customers in Manhattan and the surrounding areas. They are able to provide a one-stop shop for anyone in need of laundry services. MC Laundromat is able to provide dry cleaning, spot treatments, wash and fold, and delivery services. MC Laundromat has oversized machines for large laundry loads.

Competitive Advantage

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Jean’s Clean Laundromat offers its customers same day pickup and delivery service seven days per week. Laundry attendants are available 24 hours per day to accommodate more customers’ schedules.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will offer the unique value proposition to its customers:

• Friendly, efficient laundry attendants available 24/7 that strive to go above and beyond for each customer.
• Jean’s Clean Laundromat offers its customers same day pickup and delivery service seven days per week.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Jean’s Clean Laundromat is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Jean Smith has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to her customers. Her network of contacts has committed to spreading the word about her new laundromat to their friends and families.

Print Advertising

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in newspapers, magazines, and direct mail circulars.

Jean’s Clean Laundromat’s in-house marketing manager will design and maintain the company’s website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services that Jean’s Clean Laundromat is able to provide. Additionally, the website will include a blog that will provide customers with helpful laundry tips.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

The marketing manager will also manage Jean’s Clean Laundromat’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “New York laundry service” or “laundromat near me”, Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be listed at the top of the search results.

Social Media

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will maintain an active presence on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, with the marketing manager updating these accounts regularly.

The pricing of Jean’s Clean Laundromat will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

Operation Functions:

• Jean Smith will be the Owner and Manager of the company. She will oversee all staff and manage daily operations. Jean has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Elizabeth Clark – Accountant/Bookkeeper will provide all laundromat accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Steve Miller – Head of Security will oversee a small team of rotating security guards to ensure the safety of the customers and employees on the premises at all times.
• Anna Rodriguez – Marketing Manager will provide all marketing and advertising campaigns for Jean’s Clean Laundromat.
• Robert Wills – Lead Laundry Attendant will supervise the team of laundry attendants and manage the staff schedule.

Milestones:

Jean’s Clean Laundromat will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

7/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease laundromat storefront.

7/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for attendants and security guards.

8/1/2022 – Purchase card-operated washing machines and dryers, vending machines, and supplies.

8/15/2022 – Begin word of mouth and online marketing campaigns.

8/22/2022 – Begin moving into Jean’s Clean Laundromat.

9/1/2022 – Jean’s Clean Laundromat opens for business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Jean’s Clean Laundromat are the laundromat fees charged to customers for use of the self-service machines and the fees for the additional laundry services the company will offer. The average price to wash a load of laundry in laundromats across the country ranges from $2.00-$4.00. Jean’s Clean Laundromat will charge $3.00 per load, which is comparable to other laundromats in the area.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff the laundromat. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of transactions per machine/month: 150
• Average revenue generated per month: $16,000
• Laundromat lease per month: $9,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, laundromat business plan faqs, what is a laundromat business plan.

A laundromat business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your laundromat business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your laundromat business plan using our Laundromat Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Laundromat Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of laundromat businesses, some examples include: Self-service, Drop-off, and Card/coin-operated laundromat.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Laundromat Business Plan?

Laundromat businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.  Having a laundry business plan will show investors you are well- prepared and qualified to start your business.

What are the Steps To Start a Laundromat Business?

Starting a laundromat business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Laundromat Business Plan – The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed laundry business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture.  A business plan for a laundromat should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure – It’s important to select an appropriate legal entity for your laundromat business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your laundromat business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Laundromat Business – Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your laundromat business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options – It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your laundromat business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location – Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees – There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Laundromat Equipment & Supplies – In order to start your laundromat business, you’ll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business – Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your laundromat business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful laundromat business:

• How to Start a Laundromat Business

Where can I get a Laundromat Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free example laundromat business plan PDF here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

Need a business plan? Call now:

Talk to our experts:

• Business Plan for Investors
• Bank/SBA Business Plan
• Operational/Strategic Planning
• L1 Visa Business Plan
• E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
• E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
• EB1 Business Plan
• EB2 Visa Business Plan
• EB5 Business Plan
• Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
• UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan
• UK Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
• Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
• Start-Up Visa Business Plan
• Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
• British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
• Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
• OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
• LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
• ICT Work Permit Business Plan
• LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
• USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
• Franchise Business Planning 
• Landlord Business Plan 
• Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan 
• USDA Business Plan
• Cannabis business plan 
• eCommerce business plan
• Online Boutique Business Plan
• Mobile Application Business Plan
• Daycare business plan
• Restaurant business plan
• Food Delivery Business Plan
• Real Estate Business Plan
• Business Continuity Plan
• Buy Side Due Diligence Services
• ICO whitepaper
• ICO consulting services
• Confidential Information Memorandum
• Private Placement Memorandum
• Feasibility study
• Fractional CFO
• How it works
• Business Plan Examples

Laundromat Business Plan With Expert Tips and Template

Published Apr.21, 2018

Updated May.16, 2024

By: Cynthia Turner

Average rating 4.7 / 5. Vote count: 20

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Table of Content

Are you planning to start your laundromat in 2024? That’s a great decision as the laundromat industry has been experiencing consistent growth of 3-5% annually, and this upward trend is expected to continue for the next ten years. But, before taking the plunge, it is advisable to have a strong laundromat business plan.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a successful business plan for a laundromat. We will cover key elements of starting a laundromat business plan:

• Laundromat Industry Challenges

Executive Summary

Company overview, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan for laundromat, operations plan, management team.

After reading this article, you will have the knowledge and confidence to start your own business with this laundromat business plan template. Let’s begin!

What Are the Challenges of the Laundromat Industry

The laundromat industry is growing significantly. In 2022, the global market for coin-operated laundries was valued at $17.55 billion. It will continue to grow at a 9.3% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030, reaching a substantial $35.84 billion by 2030. (Source: Grand View Research )

However, several significant challenges can hinder growth and profitability:

1. Increasing Competition – As outlined in our washing machine business plan, the laundromat industry faces increased competition from online laundry services. According to IBISWorld, the market size of the laundromat industry has grown 0.5% annually over the past five years. (2018 -2023)

2. Rising Operating Costs – Energy, water, and maintenance costs are rising, impacting the profitability of laundromats and making it important to have a solid pressure washing business plan . The Coin Laundry Association reports that utility costs for laundromats have increased by 14% over the last five years.

3. Technological Advancements – Keeping up with technological advancements such as mobile payment systems and smart machines is challenging for traditional laundromats. A survey by American Coin-Op revealed that 45% of laundromat owners consider technology upgrades a challenge.

4. Changing Consumer Preferences – Shifts in consumer behavior towards convenience and eco-friendliness pose challenges for traditional laundromats. Statista reports that 67% of consumers prefer eco-friendly laundry services.

5. Regulatory Compliance – Compliance with regulations adds complexity and costs to laundromat operations. The EPA estimates that laundromats use up to 15,000 gallons of water each month, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to water consumption rules.

If you plan to open a laundromat business, we have created a customizable business plan example/template that includes key sections with helpful tips and samples:

Great service

Great service. Good turnaround time and quality work. Thanks!

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire laundry business plan for a laundry service. It should capture the reader’s attention and provide a high-level understanding of your: 

• Business concept
• Target market
• Competitive advantages
• Financial projections

Write the executive summary last after completing other sections of the business plan.

Tips for Writing the Executive Summary in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Keep the laundromat startup business plan brief (1-2 pages) and engaging
• Highlight the key points from each section of your plan
• Emphasize your unique selling proposition and competitive advantages
• Include financial highlights, such as projected revenue and profitability
• Use clear and compelling language

Sample Executive Summary of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin is a newly established laundromat business located in the heart of a densely populated urban area. Our mission is to provide convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly laundry services to residents and businesses in the neighborhood.

Our target market consists of:

• Apartment and condo residents
• University students living in dorms
• Small businesses requiring commercial laundry services

Fresh Spin offers the following competitive advantages :

• Convenient location with ample parking
• Extended operating hours
• State-of-the-art, energy-efficient equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Our financial projections indicate strong potential for growth and profitability:

• Year 1 revenue: $375,000
• Year 3 revenue: $625,000
• Projected break-even point: 18 months

With our strategic location, customer-centric approach, efficient operations, and potential to expand into a commercial window cleaning business plan , Fresh Spin is poised to become the premier laundry service provider in the area.

Company overview gives a thorough rundown of what your laundromat business is all about – the kind of legal entity it is, where it’ll be located, and any special perks or services you’ll be offering to customers. It also explains the laundromat business model you’re going with, the specific customer base you’re targeting, and what competitive edges your laundromat will have over others in the area.

Tips for Writing the Company Overview in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Clearly state the legal structure and ownership details while writing a business plan for a laundromat
• Define your business name, location, and why you chose it
• Craft a compelling mission statement that reflects your core values and purpose
• Outline your short-term and long-term goals clearly
• Highlight what makes your laundromat unique and different

Sample Laundromat Business Plan Company Overview

Fresh Spin is a limited liability company (LLC) owned and operated by Jane Charles and her husband, Nick Well. The business is located at 123 Main Street, in a bustling downtown area.

Mission Statement

What we’re aiming for is to make doing laundry an easy, green, and wallet-friendly experience for folks and businesses around here. We want to provide excellent customer service by combining modern facilities with helpful staff.

Short-term Goals

• Achieve a 50% market share among apartment residents within the first year
• Establish partnerships with local businesses for commercial laundry services
• Implement energy-efficient practices and reduce our environmental footprint

Long-term Goals

• Expand the business by opening additional locations in surrounding neighborhoods
• Introduce 24/7 pick-up and delivery services for added convenience
• Become the leading provider of laundry services in the city

Unique Selling Proposition

Fresh Spin offers a combination of convenience, eco-friendliness, and exceptional customer service unmatched in the area:

• 24/7 access with ample parking
• High-efficiency, energy-saving equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility for safety
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff available during operating hours
• Commitment to sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact

The customer analysis section is about understanding your target customers inside and out. Take into account their demographic and psychographic profiles, as well as their laundry requirements. It’s also important to distinguish between your primary and secondary customer groups and communicate how your laundromat will meet their needs.

This information is crucial for tailoring your services, pricing, and marketing strategies to attract and retain customers while exploring a potential business plan for a junk removal service to diversify offerings.

The enterprise has thoroughly researched the market, identified opportunities, and formulated a marketing strategy to achieve success. More and more people are turning to professional laundry business plan providers for key services, creating lucrative business opportunities.

Tips for Writing the Customer Analysis in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Define your target customer segments based on various factors in your small laundromat business plan
• Identify the specific needs and pain points of each customer segment
• Analyze customer behaviors, preferences, and buying patterns
• Gather data through market research, surveys, and customer feedback

Sample Customer Analysis of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin has identified three primary target customer segments:

Fresh Spin aims to address these issues by offering a modern, secure, and well-maintained facility with extended operating hours and attentive staff.

In the competitive analysis section, we identify and assess both direct and indirect competitors. We assess their strengths, weaknesses, and identify how we can differentiate from our competitors. Developing business plans for cleaning services provides insight into potential synergies in related markets. 

Tips for Writing the Competitive Analysis in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Identify direct and indirect competitors in your targeted area in your laundromat company business plan
• Analyze competitors’ locations, services, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer loyalty
• Assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential threats and opportunities
• Determine your competitive advantages and unique selling proposition

Sample Competitive Analysis of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin has identified three main direct competitors within a 2-mile radius, as well as various indirect competitors in the local market.

A) Direct Competitors

1. Suds City Laundromat

• Well-established business operating for over 20 years.
• Loyal customer base, primarily consisting of long-term residents.
• Slightly lower pricing compared to Fresh Spin.

Weaknesses:

• Limited operating hours, closed on Sundays.
• Outdated facility with aging equipment.
• No digital payment options or mobile app integration.
• Lacks eco-friendly practices and sustainable initiatives.

2. Wash Depot

• Spacious facility with over 80 washers and dryers.
• Ample parking spaces, accommodating customers with large laundry loads.
• Inconvenient location, situated in a light industrial area.
• Poor customer service reputation, with frequent complaints.
• Pricing is comparable to Fresh Spin, but no loyalty programs.

3. Sassy Laundromat and Dry Cleaners

• Diversified services, offering both laundromat and dry cleaning services under one roof.
• Loyalty program with rewards for frequent customers.
• Small facility with only 30 washers and dryers.
• Limited capacity for handling large volumes of laundry.
• Pricing is 15-20% higher than Fresh Spin for laundromat services.

B) Indirect Competitors:

Fresh Spin also faces competition from various indirect sources, including:

• Local dry cleaners and alterations services
• Wash-and-fold services
• Residential apartment buildings and condominiums with in-unit laundry facilities
• Online laundry services and mobile apps

Fresh Spin aims to differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a modern, eco-friendly, and customer-centric laundromat experience. 

Our key competitive advantages include:

• Convenient location in a high-traffic area with ample parking
• Extended operating hours (24/7) for maximum convenience
• Modern, energy-efficient equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility for customer safety
• Competitive pricing compared to local competitors

By addressing the weaknesses of its competitors and leveraging its unique strengths, Fresh Spin aims to establish itself as the premier laundromat in the area, catering to the diverse needs of its target customer segments while promoting sustainability and exceptional customer service.

Operational and Strategic Planning

The marketing plan outlines your strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Consider various marketing channels, and describe your branding, pricing, and customer loyalty programs.

Tips for Developing the Marketing Plan of a Laundromat Business Plan

• Define your brand identity, positioning, and messaging in your universal laundromat business plan
• Develop pricing strategies that align with your target market and competitive landscape
• Identify effective promotional channels and tactics
• Outline customer service and loyalty programs
• Set measurable marketing goals and budget allocations

Sample Marketing Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

Branding and positioning.

Fresh Spin aims to establish itself as the premier provider of convenient, eco-friendly, and customer-focused laundry services in the area. Our brand positioning emphasizes:

• Convenience: Extended operating hours, accessible location, and user-friendly facilities
• Sustainability: Energy-efficient equipment and practices to reduce environmental impact
• Superior Customer Experience: Attentive staff, clean and secure facilities, and value-added services

Our brand messaging will highlight these key pillars through a consistent visual identity (logo, color scheme, and branding elements) and clear communication across all marketing channels.

Pricing Strategies

Fresh Spin will employ a competitive pricing strategy, offering rates slightly below the market average to attract price-conscious customers. 

Our pricing structure includes:

• Wash and Dry Cycles: $ 2.50 for a standard load (comparable to competitors at $3.00)
• Large Load Pricing: $4.00 for a large load (20% discount compared to competitors)
• Commercial Laundry Services: Customized pricing based on volume and frequency

We will periodically review and adjust pricing based on market conditions, operating costs, and customer feedback.

Promotional Activities

To build brand awareness and attract new customers, Fresh Spin will implement the following promotional activities with an annual marketing budget of $25,000 .

Grand Opening Event: $5,000 (20% of budget)

• Offer free wash and dry cycles, giveaways, and promotional discounts
• Targeted social media advertising and local print/radio ads

Local Advertising: $6,000 (24% of budget)

• Targeted ads in community newspapers ($3,000)
• Flyers and direct mail campaigns ($3,000)

Social Media Presence: $4,000 (16% of budget)

• Active engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor
• Paid social media advertising and influencer partnerships

Loyalty Program: $2,500 (10% of budget)

• Rewards program for frequent customers (e.g., free wash after 10 visits)
• Program management, promotional materials, and customer communications

Partnerships: $5,000 (20% of budget)

• Collaborate with local apartment complexes, universities, and businesses
• Offer discounts, bundled services, or revenue-sharing arrangements

Other Marketing Expenses: $2,500 (10% of budget)

• Printed materials (brochures, flyers, banners)
• Website development and maintenance
• Promotional merchandise (t-shirts, tote bags)

The operations plan details the day-to-day operations of your laundromat. This includes staffing requirements, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and customer service protocols. Explain your plans for ensuring a clean and efficient laundromat environment.

Tips for Developing an Operational Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

• Describe the physical location, facility layout, and equipment requirements
• Outline staffing needs, roles, and responsibilities
• Develop policies and procedures for cash management, security, and maintenance
• Address environmental and regulatory considerations, such as waste management and energy efficiency
• Identify suppliers and establish inventory management processes

Sample Operational Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

Facility and equipment.

Fresh Spin is located at 123 Main Street, occupying a 3,000-square-foot space in a high-traffic commercial area. The facility layout includes:

• Main Laundry Area: 40 washing machines (15 large capacity) and 30 dryers (10 large capacity)
• Folding and Sorting Area: Large tables and hanging racks
• Vending Area: Snack and beverage vending machines
• Restrooms and Changing Rooms
• Staff Office and Storage Room

All equipment is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, with features like water recycling systems and energy-saving modes.

Staffing and Operations

Fresh Spin will operate 24/7, with the following staffing structure:

• 2 Full-Time Attendants (Day Shift)
• 2 Part-Time Attendants (Evening/Night Shift)
• 1 Facility Manager (Responsible for overall operations, staffing, and maintenance)

Detailed standard operating procedures will be developed for cash management, security protocols, equipment maintenance, and cleaning schedules.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Fresh Spin, operating in the United States, is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, adhering to the following regulations:

• Compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and Energy Star certification.
• Adherence to the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Adherence to local zoning ordinances and health department regulations.
• Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

Fresh Spin will implement comprehensive policies, procedures, and training to ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, maintaining a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant operation.

The management team section introduces the key individuals responsible for leading and operating the laundromat business. Also highlight the team’s relevant experience and qualifications. When hiring additional staff, describe your recruitment and training processes.

Tips for Presenting Your Management Team in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Provide brief information on the owners and key team personnel
• Outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member
• If hiring additional staff, describe the positions and qualifications required

Sample Management Team for a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin is owned and operated by Jane Charles and Nick Will, with a combined 15 years of experience in the retail and customer service industries.

• Jane Charles, Co-Owner and General Manager: Jane has 8 years of experience in retail management, overseeing operations, staffing, and customer service. Jane is responsible for overall laundromat operations, staff management, and implementing marketing strategies.
• Nick Will, Co-Owner and Financial Manager: Nick has 7 years of experience in financial management and accounting. Nick is responsible for financial planning, cash management, and identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies

Additional Staff

Fresh Spin will employ the following staff members:

All staff members will undergo comprehensive training on equipment operation, customer service protocols, cash handling, and safety procedures.

With a strong management team and dedicated staff, Fresh Spin is well-positioned to deliver exceptional service and achieve long-term success in the local laundry services market.

Need Help With Your Laundromat Business Plan? OGSCapital Can Assist

Confused about how to write a business plan for a laundromat? At OGSCapital, we offer specialized business plan services. Our experienced consultants, proficient in creating professional plans to help entrepreneurs and business owners succeed.

Our business plan include:

• In-depth Market Analysis
• Competitive Landscape Evaluation
• Financial Projections
• Marketing Strategy Development
• Operational Planning

Our SBA business plan writers work closely with you to align the business plan with your vision and objectives. We deliver tailored business plans to meet specific needs of startups and existing businesses. Our well-crafted business plan aids in securing funding, attracting investors, and setting a clear path to success. 

Contact Us to get started on your laundromat business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How profitable is owning a laundromat.

According to Coin Laundry Association , there are about 29,500 coin laundries in the US generating nearly $5 billion in gross revenue annually which averages out to $169,491 per laundromat business. As per a coin-operated laundromat business plan, the average business ROI is between 20-35%.

How much does it cost to start a small laundromat? 

The average cost to start a laundromat is estimated to be around $82,010 as per our coin-op laundromat business plan. This cost is an average that takes into account the range provided for each equipment item (as per ZenBusiness) needed to start a new laundromat business as per the table below:

Download Laundromat Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

Ice Vending Machine Business Plan

OGScapital at the National Citizenship and Immigration Conference

How to Start a Plumbing Business in 2024: A Detailed Guide

Vegetable Farming Business Plan

Trading Business Plan

Any questions? Get in Touch!

We have been mentioned in the press:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search the site:

Complete Startup Guide on Commercial Laundry Business Model

Jan 9, 2024 | Laundry Business

Kickstart Your Dream in the Commercial Laundry World!

Ready to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into a bustling commercial laundry business ? This journey is more than just washing and folding; it’s about creating a successful venture in a dynamic and essential industry.

Perfect for ambitious starters and career-shifters alike, this guide is your gateway to an exciting business landscape.

Diving into the commercial laundry business might seem overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you think. With a decade of industry know-how, I’m here to break it down for you:

• Step-by-Step Guidance: From selecting equipment to opening your doors, we cover it all.
• Insider Tips: Learn the do’s and don’ts from a seasoned industry expert.
• Fun and Approachable: Who says business planning can’t be enjoyable? We keep it light and engaging!

Here’s what you’ll discover in this guide:

• Choosing the right tools and technology for your commercial laundry service .
• Navigating through industry challenges with ease.
• Effective strategies to attract and retain customers .
• Unraveling the secrets to financial success in the laundry world.

So, are you ready to spin your way to success? Let’s get started and turn those laundry dreams into an impressive reality!

Download Free Google Ads PPC Strategies Tailored for Laundry Industry

Whether you are starting to research Google Ads (Pay-per-Click) or are ready to set up your first campaign, use these workable and proven strategies to get started. S cale up your lead generation efforts and achieve unparalleled results. Reach Idea Customers, Convert Clicks into Customers  – Let's Optimize Google Ads Campaign Today!

Company Email

A Glimpse into the Commercial Laundry Industry

Embarking on a journey in the commercial laundry business opens up a world of opportunities. This industry, essential and ever-growing, offers a promising venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

From bustling hotels to busy hospitals, commercial laundry services are the backbone of various sectors, ensuring a constant demand.

In this guide, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic industry.

Whether you’re completely new to the business world or looking to expand your entrepreneurial horizons, we’re here to help.

Let’s unfold the fabric of the commercial laundry industry, revealing the potential it holds for your business success.

1. Laying the Groundwork

Market research and feasibility study.

Before diving into the laundry business, it’s crucial to soak in the market landscape.

Here’s how you can start:

• Understanding the Demand: Investigate the local demand for laundry services. Look into various sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and even large residential complexes.
• Analyzing Competitors: Identify existing players in the market. What services do they offer? How do they price their services? This information will be invaluable in carving your niche.

Business Planning

With a clear understanding of the market, it’s time to lay down a solid plan:

• Crafting a Commercial Laundry Business Plan: Outline your business goals, services offered, and operational plan. Consider how you will differentiate your services from competitors.
• Financial Planning and Budgeting: Determine your startup costs, operational expenses, and forecasted revenue. This will be crucial for securing funding and managing cash flow.
• Legal Requirements and Registrations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and licensing requirements. Ensure your business complies with all legal and environmental standards.

2. Setting Up the Infrastructure

Location selection.

Finding the perfect spot for your commercial laundry service is more than just picking a location. It’s about making a strategic decision that sets the foundation for your success. Here’s what to consider:

• Factors to Consider: Accessibility for clients and suppliers is key. Look for locations with good transportation links. Also, consider proximity to your target market, like hotels or hospitals.
• Infrastructure Requirements: Your location needs to support heavy-duty laundry equipment and have adequate water supply and drainage. Don’t forget to check for zoning laws and environmental regulations!

Acquiring Equipment and Supplies

The heart of your laundry business lies in the efficiency and quality of your equipment.

Here’s how to equip yourself for success:

• Essential Equipment for a Commercial Laundry service: Invest in commercial-grade washers, dryers, and ironing stations. Also, consider water recycling systems to reduce costs and environmental impact.
• Selecting Suppliers and Managing Costs: Choose suppliers known for reliability and quality. Negotiate for the best prices, but don’t compromise on the efficiency and longevity of the equipment.

3. Investment and Funding

Understanding your financial foundation.

Starting a commercial laundry business requires a clear grasp of the financial investment involved and the avenues available for funding. Here’s how you can navigate this crucial phase:

• Estimating Initial Investment: Calculate the total cost needed to launch your business. This includes equipment, location setup, legal fees, marketing, and working capital for initial operations.
• Exploring Funding Options: Look into various funding sources such as bank loans, government grants, or investors. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so choose the one that aligns best with your laundry business plan and financial capacity.

4. Target Market and Customer Identification

Identifying your target customer profiles.

Knowing who needs your laundry services is the key to crafting a successful business strategy.

Here’s how to identify and understand your target market:

• Market Segmentation Strategies: Segment the market based on factors like location, type of client (e.g., commercial, industrial, residential), and service requirements. This helps in tailoring your services and marketing efforts more effectively. Attract new Customers Like a Magnet: Marketing Strategies To Grow Your Laundry and Dry Cleaning Business
• Building Customer Personas: Create detailed profiles of your ideal customers. Consider factors such as their business type, size, laundry needs, and decision-making processes. Understanding your customers’ personas will guide your service offerings and customer interaction strategies. Guide on how to Improve Customer Satisfaction and Sales

5. Operational Strategies

Setting up operations.

Efficient operations are the heartbeat of a successful commercial laundry service .

Here’s how to set up a smooth and effective operational workflow:

• Operational Workflow: Develop a workflow that maximizes efficiency and minimizes downtime. This includes sorting laundry, washing, drying, folding, and delivery. Consider implementing automated systems for tracking and managing orders.
• Quality Control and Management: Implement strict quality control processes to ensure high standards. Regularly inspect equipment, train staff on best practices, and use quality detergents and cleaning materials. Customer satisfaction hinges on the consistency and quality of your services. You should have Exceptional Customer Service in Laundry and Dry Clean Services

Addressing Operational Challenges

Tackling the hurdles in laundry operations.

Running a commercial laundry business comes with its set of challenges.

Here’s how you can navigate these waters:

• Common Challenges and Solutions: From managing high operational costs to ensuring consistent quality, the challenges are varied. Implementing energy-efficient practices and regular maintenance schedules can mitigate these issues.
• Best Practices in Laundry Operations: Adopting automation where possible, training staff effectively, and maintaining stringent quality control can elevate your business’s operational efficiency.

6. Marketing and Growth

Developing a marketing strategy.

Marketing is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for business growth.

Here’s how to whip up an effective strategy:

• Digital and Traditional Marketing Techniques: Leverage social media, SEO, and online advertising while also tapping into traditional methods like flyers and local partnerships. A mix of both digital and traditional approaches can broaden your reach.
• Branding and Customer Engagement: Build a strong brand identity and engage with your customers through excellent service, feedback mechanisms, and community events.

Laundry Business Marketing Plan

Marketing Strategies Guaranteed To Grow Laundry Business Sales

Proven Marketing Strategy and Ideas for Laundry Business

Networking and Partnerships

Expanding your business network is essential for long-term growth:

• Building B2B Relationships: Establish connections with businesses that can benefit from your services, such as hotels, hospitals, and salons. Offering customized solutions can forge strong B2B partnerships.
• Community Involvement and Networking: Participate in local events and join business groups to increase your visibility in the community. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Marketing Strategies that helps to Grow Laundry Business

7. Financial Management

Understanding profit margins.

A solid financial foundation is key to the success of your commercial laundry services . Let’s delve into understanding and maximizing your profit margins:

• Revenue Streams in the Laundry Business: Diversify your income sources. Beyond just washing and drying, consider offering specialized cleaning services, pick-up and delivery options, or even maintenance services for other businesses.
• Effective Pricing Strategies: Set competitive yet profitable pricing. Factor in your operational costs, market rates, and value-added services to determine pricing that appeals to your target market while ensuring profitability. Guide on Washing Machine Repairing

Financial Tracking and Growth

Keeping a close eye on your finances paves the way for sustainable growth. Here’s how:

• Cost Management: Regularly review and optimize your operational expenses. Look for ways to reduce costs through energy-efficient practices, bulk purchasing, or renegotiating with suppliers.
• Strategies for Financial Growth: Invest in marketing and technology to attract more customers and improve operational efficiency. Consider expanding your service area or adding new services to boost revenue.

Embracing Success in the Commercial Laundry Industry

In the dynamic world of the commercial laundry business , adaptability and a keen eye on industry trends are essential.

As we’ve explored in this guide, from laying the groundwork with thorough market research to managing finances and marketing your services, each step is crucial in crafting a successful enterprise.

This journey, though filled with challenges, is an opportunity for growth and innovation. As a new entrepreneur, your ability to adapt and evolve with the industry will set you apart.

Remember, the keys to success are thorough preparation, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Your entrepreneurial dream in the laundry industry isn’t just a possibility—it’s within reach. Go ahead, make your mark and spin your way to success!

Repair or Replace Laundry Machine

Frequently Asking Questions

What are the key steps to start a commercial laundry business.

Starting a commercial laundry business involves researching the market, finding a suitable location, investing in the right equipment, and developing a solid business plan.

How much investment is needed for a commercial laundry setup?

Investment varies based on size and location, but includes costs for equipment, premises, staff, and marketing. It’s essential to plan finances carefully.

What equipment is essential for a commercial laundry?

Key equipment includes commercial washers and dryers, pressing machines, and sorting facilities. Quality and capacity should match your business scale.

How can I ensure quality control in my laundry business?

Implement strict standard operating procedures, train staff effectively, and conduct regular quality checks to ensure high service standards.

What strategies work best for attracting customers to a new laundry business?

Effective strategies include offering competitive pricing, quality services, marketing promotions, and leveraging social media and online platforms for visibility.

How important is location for a commercial laundry business?

Location is critical. Ideal locations are easily accessible, have good visibility, and are close to your target market, like residential or commercial areas.

What are the common challenges in running a commercial laundry business?

Challenges include managing operational costs, ensuring consistent quality, handling customer service issues, and staying competitive in the market.

How can I make my laundry business environmentally friendly?

Use eco-friendly detergents, invest in energy-efficient machines, and implement water recycling methods to reduce environmental impact.

What are some effective ways to manage staff in a laundry business?

Foster a positive work environment, provide training, and offer incentives for high performance. Clear communication and leadership are key.

How do I handle customer complaints effectively in my laundry business?

Listen to the customer, respond promptly and empathetically, and offer solutions or compensation where appropriate. Use feedback for continuous improvement.

Promote Your Laundry Business Online with Proven Online Marketing Strategies!

Unlock the Secrets of Google Ranking Optimization Strategies , Fast-Track Your Laundry Business Success with Mastermind Mr. RKrishna

Related Articles

Step-by-step guide on how to reach right customers with google ppc search ad campaign – laundry, dry clean business.

Digital Marketing

in the highly competitive world of laundry and dry-cleaning businesses, standing out and reaching right customers can often feel like an uphill...

Google Ads PPC Advertising Strategies That Entice Your Customer to Take Action

Are you struggling to make your laundry service stand out online? With Google Ads PPC campaigns, you can reach your target audience and drive action...

The Blueprint for Laundry Business Success: Creating Your Ideal Customer Profile

Turning Your ICP into Profit: Actionable Steps for Laundry Business Success In the world of laundry and dry cleaning services, success hinges on...

Top Rated List of LG Commercial Fully Automatic Front Load Washer Dryers

Laundry Equipment

Are you dreaming of a successful laundry business venture that catapults you into the ranks of top entrepreneurs worldwide? Look no further than LG's...

USA Coin-operated Commercial Laundry Market Size & Trends Analysis Report 2023-30

Laundry Business

The "U.S. Coin-operated Commercial Laundry Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Equipment (Top-load, Front-load), By Product (Washer,...

Effective Google Ads PPC Campaign Management Strategies for Laundry Business Growth

Struggling to give your laundry business the boost it deserves? Let's talk about Google Ads PPC Campaigns! It's not just about clicks and ads; it's...

Quick Links

Start a Business

Job Openings

Write for us

Privacy Policy

Terms Conditions

Grow Your Biz

Content Marketing

Google Ads (PPC)

Build Branding

Collaborate with Us

+91 97040 36936

[email protected]

Home > Blog > Laundry > Starting a Laundry Business

• Launderettes

Starting a Laundry Business

• May 6, 2020

We know that starting a laundry business can be daunting, and that you may need some help along the way. With four decades’ experience, we can offer that help, beginning with a ‘Starting a Launderette’ Business Guide that has been specially designed to cover the steps you need to take when setting up a self service coin-operated washing machines , ‘drop-off and pickup’ service wash, specialist dry-cleaning or even a collection and delivery business.

How to start a laundry business

Here are our quick tips for starting up your very own laundry venture…

• Write up a solid business plan
• Choose the right location
• Get planning permission (and any permits required)
• Check out the competition
• Decide on your services
• Source reliable  commercial washing machines  and  tumble dryers
• Explore different financing options – such as subscription contracts
• Pick a comprehensive service plan
• Start marketing and open your doors!

Anyone can set up a laundry business

Thousands of UK launderettes, dry cleaners and coin laundry business owners trust us to provide them with the heavy-duty equipment they need to serve their customers and make a profit. Many of them, often inspired by the U.S Laundromat model, had no prior experience…

Before I opened up, I’d never turned on a washing machine in my life – I ran a bakery and a fish & chip shop, and I wasn't domesticated at all. It just goes to show that anyone is capable of starting a laundry business. Peter Marks - a JLA customer @ The Lost Sock Launderette

If you’re interested in starting your own laundry business, we’ve made it a bit easier by putting together a FREE laundry and dry-cleaning starter guide.

Start a laundry - download your FREE guide

Our dedicated team have created a handy guide to help you on your way when putting together your laundry shop business plan – take a look at what it covers, then simply fill in the form below to download it today and take the next steps towards a profitable laundry business of your own.

• Tips on target market research and marketing
• Advice on the commercial laundry machines you might need
• Expected startup costs
• How much your laundry services could bring in once you open
• How to write a business plan

Get the startup laundry equipment you need for no capital outlay

• Market-leading equipment with no capital outlay
• Fully-inclusive breakdown cover with no wear-and-tear clause
• An 8 working-hour engineer response…or we pay you £100
• Seven-day call-out cover, including bank holidays
• No repair bills – ever
• …all for a simple monthly payment.

FREE Download : Starting A Launderette

If you’re thinking of setting up a laundry business, read our overview of all the things you need to consider..

Get our expert advice on:

• Services to offer
• Planning Permission

Found this useful? Share with

01422822282

Talk to our experts today

Starting A Laundry Business Plan (PDF)

Setting up a laundry services business is a very profitable venture. Most people work long hours and do not have time to do certain chores such as laundry thus, setting up this kind of business is lucrative. As the middle class grows together with their disposable income, the demand for dry cleaning services and laundry services will continue increasing in the coming years. As many countries continue to develop with the urban population increasing, the demand for convenient services such as dry cleaners and laundromats will continue to rise. Nowadays, both spouses work and there are a few stay at homes parents and many people pay someone to do their home chores such as laundry or make use of laundromats. This article will outline how to set up a laundry services business as well as the laundry services business plan – PDF, Word and Excel.

If you want to set up a successful laundry business there are some important factors you need to consider. First you need to decide on the type of laundry services you need to offer, your target market and your location. The type of laundromat you set up will be based on the amount of capital you are willing to invest in the business.  It is also crucial to research the market as well as the industry before you set up your business and have a good business plan for laundry services.

Location & Premises

The location and premises of your laundry business is essential because the success or failure of your business depends on it. Therefore, when choosing a location for your laundry services business consider where your target market is, the amount of road and foot traffic, as well as how accessible your facilities will be. Consider setting up your laundry services at a popular shopping centre, a mall, or somewhere close to your target market. It is also important to consider how the surrounding area will affect your business. You do not want to set up your business in a saturated place where there are a lot of similar services. Also consider the size of your premises and make sure that they are large enough for your machines, dryers and can accommodate your customers without them crowding. Parking space is also essential when considering your premises. Your customers should not have hard time when it comes to parking space if they are to come to your laundromat. Your laundromat business plan should include the costs of purchasing or leasing the premises.

Permits/Licenses, Insurance & Business Bank Account

Permits or licenses.

Normally, a laundry business must have an operating or shop license. This is usually given by your respective local municipal authorities. In some cases this might not be necessary, especially if you are operating say, from your home. Business or company registration is necessary, especially if you want to be taken seriously. Proper registration will also make it easier to get bigger clients and to source funding if need be.

Insurance & Business Bank Account

Under normal circumstances you will be dealing with machinery. This implies that anything can go wrong any time. To prepare yourself for such scenarios you must insure your laundry business. After all, you will be dealing with people’s clothes. Insurance helps you to not bleed financially if unfortunate incidents occur. Open a business bank account to take note of, trace, and generally manage your laundry business finances. You would not want to be personally liable when things go south.

Machinery & Equipment For Laundry Services Business

For any business to run successfully it needs the right machinery & equipment. It is important to invest in quality washing machines, and dryers for example. If you are the kind of laundry service company that will travel to pick up and drop off laundry you will need to purchase a vehicle as well. Ensure that your business plan has a list of all the machines, equipment, detergents needed by your laundromat business. The kind of services you choose to provide will determine the kind of equipment and detergents you will need. The costs of purchasing the machines & equipment should be included in your laundry business plan.

Products And Services

You should have a clear picture of the kind of products and services you plan on offering. These products and services will be depend on your target market. Some of the popular services offered by other laundry service companies include washing,  drying, and dry cleaning of regular clothes , beddings, blankets, carpets and curtains to name a few. There are other laundromats that have complimentary services such as shoe repairs in addition to their laundry services plus there are others that also offer garment mending. It may be profitable to offer other complimentary services in addition to the regular laundry services. However, make sure that your services are profitable and are required by your target market. You can pick up and deliver laundry, provide a self-service laundromat, or offer dry cleaning services. Whatever services you decide to provide, your laundry services business plan should clearly outline them.

Competitive Analysis

Do market research to figure out where the market gaps are. This is because it would be ideal to find a location that is underserved or not served at all. If your intended target market has other laundry businesses close by then study them. The quest is to find out how you can differentiate your laundry business. Differentiators start off with choice of location, types of services, prices, and add-ons, amongst others. Learn from the competitor laundry businesses and capitalize on their shortcomings.

Staff & Management

Your staff members have a direct effect on how successful your laundromat business will be. As such, it is important to hire people that are experienced in this kind of business and who also love doing their jobs. You will need to hire cleaners, laundry attendants, and finance & operations staff who will assist you in running your business. The number of people you hire will depend on the size of your operations as well as the services you intend on offering. Make sure that your workers know how to safely use detergents, cleaning chemicals, laundry machinery and handle delicate materials. Laundry equipment and cleaning chemicals can be dangerous thus it is important to hire experienced staff.

It is important to set up procedures and processes to make your operations efficient and simple. Ensure that your laundry attendants know how different fabrics are treated, washed, and dried. Handling people’s clothes and other belongings needs special care if you want to run a successful laundry services business. Also adhering to industry safety regulations is crucial if you want your  business to be successful. Your laundromat business plan should have a clear description on who you will hire, your operational procedures as well as the salaries and  operational costs of your business.

Some of the day to day activities of a laundry services business include;

• Washing and drying of clothes using washing machines, dryers and handwashing
• Serving customers, taking and delivering orders,
• Advertising and marketing
• Cleaning the facilities

The market for laundry services is very large. With an increasing population and more people entering the workforce very few people have time to do their laundry. Students, working parents and other professionals have very busy lifestyles with limited time on their hands. As such, the demand for laundry services is very high. The demand for laundry services in institutions such as prisons, schools, universities, and hospitals is high. Many of these organisations would rather outsource their laundry needs than buy expensive washing machines and dryers. Not everyone can afford a washing machine so setting up a laundromat close to apartments or flats to serve individuals can also be profitable.

Given the increase in the number of working professionals, the need for laundry services is likely going to go up in the coming years thus, setting up a laundry services business is profitable. Before you venture in any kind of business developing a business plan is essential. That way you can determine whether your business idea is feasible or not. With a a good laundry business plan, you can outline the risks associated with your business, ways to minimise them, your operational and financial plan.

Keys To Profitability

Strive to score regular and bulk clients.

The laundry business is a game of numbers. The more clothing items you push, the more the revenue. The best way to easily achieve that is by getting regular and bulk clients. These are clients who normally need laundry done almost daily and in large quantities. Examples of such clients are health facilities, academic facilities, or hospitality facilities. Common examples of such are hospitals, schools, and hotels. Retainer arrangements with them would be great.

Provide Unbeatable Convenience

There are many ways you can do this. A good example is to offer cheap (or even free) pick-up and deliveries. The driving element in people wanting to get their laundry done is convenience. Often time clients have to walk in and drop their laundry. Then they come back later to get their clothes. Most people honestly do not enjoy or have time for that. You can step in to offer convenience by offering to do pick-ups and deliveries later on. You can charge a small almost negligible fee or you can offer these as free services. This is a good example of how you can score more clients. Ensuring the shortest possible turnaround is another way to provide convenience. This also means you must even strive to have a service where clients walk-in and wait for their clothes.

Quality Services Are The Master Key

People expect their clothes to be properly cleaned or washed. A sure way of retaining your customers is by making sure you produce quality every time. Your laundry business must be synonymous with guaranteed quality. Customers might not even be bothered if you are pricey. So long you insist on and ensure consistent quality, customer experiences will be top notch. Not only does that build customer loyalty but it generates word of mouth marketing. A quality-oriented laundry business promotes customer loyalty and drives customer acquisitions.

The laundry business wields vast business prospects in many areas around the world. There are still many places where laundry businesses are non-existent or sparsely available. Those are good indicators of why you should start the laundry business.

Pre-Written Laundry Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel): Comprehensive Version, Short Funding/Bank Loan Version and Automated Financial Statements

For an in-depth analysis of the laundry services business, we encourage you to purchase our well-researched and comprehensive laundry services business plan. We introduced the business plans after discovering that many were venturing into the laundry business without enough knowledge and understanding of how to run the business, lack of understanding of the financial side of the business, lack of understanding of : the industry, the risks involved , costs and profitability of the business; which often leads to disastrous losses.

The StartupBiz Global laundry business plan will make it easier for you to launch and run your laundry services business successfully, fully knowing what you are going into, and what’s needed to succeed in the business. This is a complete business plan for a laundry business. It will be easier to plan and budget as you will be aware of all the costs involved in setting up and running the laundry business.

Uses of the Laundry Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The laundry business plan can be used for many purposes including:

• Raising capital from investors/friends/relatives
• Applying for a bank loan
• Start-up guide to launch your laundry business
• As a laundry business proposal
• Assessing profitability of the laundry business
• Finding a business partner
• Assessing the initial start-up costs so that you know how much to save
• Manual for current business owners to help in business and strategy formulation

Contents of the Laundry Services Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

The business plan for laundry includes, but not limited to:

• Marketing Strategy
• Financial Statements (monthly cash flow projections, income statements, cash flow statements, balance sheets, break even analysis, payback period analysis, start-up costs, financial graphs, revenue and expenses, Bank Loan Amortization)
• Industry Analysis
• Market Analysis
• Risk Analysis
• SWOT & PEST Analysis
• Operational Requirements
• Operational Strategy
• Why some people in the laundry business fail, so that you can avoid their mistakes
• Ways to raise capital to start your laundry business

The laundry services business plan package consists of 4 files

• Laundry Business Plan – PDF file (Comprehensive Version – 81 Pages)
• Laundry Business Plan – Editable Word File (Comprehensive Version – 81 Pages)
• Laundry Business Plan Funding/Bank Loan Version- Editable Word File (Short version for applying for a loan/funding – 41 pages)
• Laundry Business Plan Automated Financial Statements – (Editable Excel File)

The business plan can be used in any country and can be easily edited. The financial statements are automated. This implies that you can change eg the costs, salaries etc, and all the other financial statements will automatically adjust to reflect the change. 

Click below to download the Contents Page of the Laundry Services Business Plan (PDF)

Testimonial 7

I found Startupbiz Global online when I was in desperate need of a business plan. I was overwhelmed by the quality of the business plan, it’s comprehensive and well researched! I did not have to wait to get the business plan, I got it instantly after payment. I highly recommend Startupbiz Global, and would happily use them again in the future.

Testimonial 8

Just wanted to say I am very happy with the business plan and I will gladly recommend your products, thank you very much and have a great day.

Testimonial 2

Many thanks for your incredibly efficient service and thorough business plan. I am very impressed with the business plan. Before I bought the business plan, I tried to do my own business plan – it was such a nightmare and it turned out badly, also not to mention the stress it caused me. I wish I knew about your website earlier!

Testimonial 3

I was extremely lucky to come across StartupBiz Global. Their business plan exceeded my expectations, and most importantly I was able to secure a loan from my bank. Thank you guys, now my dreams are coming true!

Testimonial 1

StartupBiz Global provided a very professional and comprehensive business plan which I used for my business. The business plan was easy to edit, and I was able to get the funding which I wanted. I highly recommend their business plans.

Testimonial 5

I was able to understand the business side of farming because of your business plan. You did extensive research; the business plan was well prepared and fully detailed.  It made everything clear, and I have somewhere to start now. I am confident that I am going to succeed in my business because of the guidance from your business plan.

Testimonial 6

I purchased a business plan from you, and I’m glad to inform you that I was able to get my loan, and I’m starting my poultry farming business on the 1 st of July. This was made possible because of your business plan. Thank you very much, you made my dream come true.

Testimonial 4

The business plan which I purchased from your website saved me TIME and MONEY! The layout of the business plan was excellent. The financial statements were detailed and easy for me to edit. I will come back to purchase another business plan soon.

Get the Laundry Business Plan (PDF, Word And Excel)

Click Buy Now  below to purchase using Paypal, Credit Card, or Debit Card. After you have purchased, you will immediately see the download link for the business plan package on the screen. You will also immediately get an email with the business plan download link. The Pre-written business plan package (PDF, Word, and Excel) costs $30 only!

If you want to purchase multiple business plans at once then click here: Business Plans Store.

The business plan package is a zipped compressed file containing the PDF, Word and Excel documents. To open the package after downloading it, just right click, and select Extract All. If you have any problems in downloading and opening the files, email us on [email protected] and we will assist you.

We wish you the best in your laundry services business! Check out our collection of business plans  , and more business ideas .

Related Posts

Starting Beef Cattle Farming Business Plan (PDF)

How To Start An Uber Drivers Business

Starting Construction Company Business Plan (PDF)

Starting Honey Beekeeping Business Plan (PDF)

Join our mailing list to receive the latest posts and updates from our website.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

• Best Products

How to Start a Laundry Business in India – Complete Guide

• November 28, 2023
• by Next What Business Research Team

Laundry is a daily necessity for everyone. Hence, it makes the laundry business a lucrative venture. If you are planning to start a laundry business in India, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step.

What is a Laundry Business?

A laundry business, also known as a laundry service or dry-cleaning business, is an enterprise that provides cleaning and care services for clothing, textiles, and various fabrics. The primary goal of a laundry business is to clean and maintain the quality of these items, making them look and feel fresh and presentable. Some of the popular laundry services offered are listed below:

• Washing: This includes cleaning garments using washing machines and detergents to remove dirt, stains, and odours.
• Drying: After washing, clothes are typically dried using tumble dryers or other drying equipment.
• Ironing/Pressing: Ironing or pressing clothes is a common service offered to ensure they are wrinkle-free and neatly pressed.
• Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning is a specialized process that uses chemical solvents instead of water for cleaning delicate or sensitive fabrics.
• Stain Removal: Skilled staff can identify and treat specific stains to increase the chances of complete removal.
• Folding and Packaging: Cleaned items are folded, hung, or packaged neatly for easy pickup or delivery.
• Alterations and Repairs: Some laundry businesses offer minor clothing alterations and repairs.

Types of Laundry Businesses

There are four types of laundry businesses. They are as follows:

• Self-Service Laundromats: These are facilities equipped with coin-operated washers and dryers that customers can use themselves.
• Full-Service Laundries: These businesses offer a complete range of laundry services, from washing and drying to ironing and folding. They often have drop-off and pickup services.
• Dry Cleaners: Specialize in dry cleaning services, catering to delicate and high-end clothing items.
• Mobile and Pickup/Delivery Services: Some laundry businesses operate mobile units or offer pickup and delivery services, making it convenient for customers who don’t have time to visit a physical location.

Is the Laundry Business Profitable?

The Indian laundry and dry cleaning market is estimated to be worth over $76 billion and is growing at a steady rate. This growth is attributed to urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes.

The profitability of a laundry business depends on various factors. It includes location, services offered, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency. Here are some data points to consider:

• Growth in Urban Areas: The urban population in India is rapidly increasing. It has led to a higher demand for laundry services, particularly in metropolitan cities and urban centres.
• Busy Lifestyles: Modern lifestyles are becoming busier, with less time available for household chores like laundry. Hence, many people are now willing to pay for convenient laundry services.
• Increasing Disposable Income: Rising disposable incomes have led to an increased willingness to spend on services like laundry. It is seen especially among the working population.
• Changing Consumer Preferences: More and more consumers looking for professional laundry services that offer quality cleaning, convenience, and timely delivery.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Tourist destinations and cities with a strong hospitality industry (hotels, resorts, guesthouses) have a continuous demand for laundry services.
• Corporate Tie-Ups: Partnering with corporate clients or institutions for bulk laundry contracts can provide a stable source of revenue.
• Technology Adoption: Many laundry businesses are adopting technology for online booking, payment, and delivery tracking, making it more convenient for customers.
• Profit Margins: Profit margins in the laundry business can range from 15% to 40% or more, depending on the scale of operations and pricing strategy.
• Competitive Landscape: The level of competition varies by location. In densely populated urban areas, competition can be high, requiring effective marketing and service differentiation.
• Franchise Opportunities: Joining a reputable laundry franchise can provide a head start with established branding and support.

Read:   Top Laundry Franchise in India

10 Steps to Start a Laundry Business

Step 1: research and market analysis.

It is important to conduct thorough market research and analysis before you jump into the laundry business.  You must consider factors such as location, target audience, competition, and pricing. Furthermore, identify a niche or unique selling proposition (USP) that sets your laundry business apart.

Step 2: Create a Business Plan

A well-structured business plan is essential for the success of your laundry business. It should include details about your business concept, target market, budget, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. Do not forget that a solid business plan will also be useful when seeking financing.

Step 3: Legal Requirements and Registration

Register your laundry business as a legal entity. In India, you can choose from various business structures like sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), or private limited company. Also, obtain any necessary licenses and permits from local authorities.

Step 4: Location Selection

The location of your laundry business plays a crucial role in its success. It is strongly advised to choose a spot that is easily accessible to your target market. Generally, areas near residential complexes, hostels, or commercial spaces are most suitable for laundry businesses. Also, ensure there is ample parking space and good visibility.

Step 5: Equipment and Supplies

It is advised to invest in high-quality laundry equipment. It includes washing machines, dryers, and ironing stations. You must buy energy-efficient machines to reduce operational costs. Furthermore, you will also need supplies like laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning supplies.

Step 6: Staffing and Training

The next step is to hire trained and reliable staff for your laundry business. You need to provide training on proper handling of laundry, stain removal techniques, and customer service. Do remember, friendly and skilled staff can enhance the customer experience.

Step 7: Pricing and Services

It is critical to determine an attractive pricing strategy for the success of the laundry business. You can charge customers based on the weight of their laundry or offer flat rates. Additionally, decide on additional services such as dry cleaning, ironing, or pickup and delivery.

Step 8: Marketing and Promotion

Having a marketing plan is a must. It would help if you promoted your laundry business through various channels. Create a professional website and leverage social media platforms for online visibility. Offer special discounts or loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Network with local businesses for potential partnerships.

Step 9: Customer Service

It is needless to say, prompt and dedicated customer service is key to retaining loyal customers. You must ensure timely delivery and pickup services, handle customer complaints promptly, and maintain the quality of cleaned laundry.

Step 10: Financial Management

Lastly, establish a robust financial management system. You are advised to keep track of income, expenses, and profits. in addition, consider investing in proper accounting software or hiring an accountant to maintain accurate financial records.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does it cost to start a laundry business in india.

The initial investment can vary widely based on factors like location, size, and equipment. A small-scale laundry business may require around ₹5-10 Lacs, while larger setups can cost several lacs to crores.

Can a laundry business be started from home?

Yes, one can easily start a laundry business from home. However, you will need a dedicated space in your home to run a laundry service business. It can be a garage or basement, to set up your laundry equipment. This space should be well-ventilated and equipped with the necessary plumbing and electrical connections.

What are the ongoing operational costs?

Some of the main operational costs include rent, electricity, water, staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and cleaning supplies. These costs will vary depending on the scale of your business.

How long does it take to break even and start making a profit?

Breaking even and making a profit depends on various factors, including your location, pricing strategy, and marketing efforts. Some businesses break even within the first year, while others may take longer.

Do I need any special licenses or permits to start a laundry business?

You may need permits and licenses from local authorities, especially if you plan to operate heavy machinery or handle chemicals. It’s essential to check with your local municipal corporation for specific requirements.

What are the key challenges in the laundry business?

Challenges may include stiff competition, maintaining equipment, managing staff, and ensuring consistent quality. Staying updated with industry trends and customer preferences is also crucial.

Starting a laundry business in India can be a rewarding venture if you plan meticulously, offer excellent services, and adapt to market changes. You can build a successful and profitable laundry business with the right strategy and commitment.

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET: President   Biden Takes Action to Protect American Workers and Businesses from China’s Unfair Trade   Practices

President Biden’s economic plan is supporting investments and creating good jobs in key sectors that are vital for America’s economic future and national security. China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers. China is also flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports. In response to China’s unfair trade practices and to counteract the resulting harms, today, President Biden is directing his Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on $18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses.   The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has already catalyzed more than $860 billion in business investments through smart, public incentives in industries of the future like electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, and semiconductors. With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, these investments are creating new American jobs in manufacturing and clean energy and helping communities that have been left behind make a comeback.   As President Biden says, American workers and businesses can outcompete anyone—as long as they have fair competition. But for too long, China’s government has used unfair, non-market practices. China’s forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft have contributed to its control of 70, 80, and even 90 percent of global production for the critical inputs necessary for our technologies, infrastructure, energy, and health care—creating unacceptable risks to America’s supply chains and economic security. Furthermore, these same non-market policies and practices contribute to China’s growing overcapacity and export surges that threaten to significantly harm American workers, businesses, and communities.   Today’s actions to counter China’s unfair trade practices are carefully targeted at strategic sectors—the same sectors where the United States is making historic investments under President Biden to create and sustain good-paying jobs—unlike recent proposals by Congressional Republicans that would threaten jobs and raise costs across the board. The previous administration’s trade deal with China  failed  to increase American exports or boost American manufacturing as it had promised. Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs have been created and new factory construction has doubled after both fell under the previous administration, and the trade deficit with China is the lowest in a decade—lower than any year under the last administration.   We will continue to work with our partners around the world to strengthen cooperation to address shared concerns about China’s unfair practices—rather than undermining our alliances or applying indiscriminate 10 percent tariffs that raise prices on all imports from all countries, regardless whether they are engaged in unfair trade. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the benefits for our workers and businesses from strong alliances and a rules-based international trade system based on fair competition.   Following an in-depth review by the United States Trade Representative, President Biden is taking action to protect American workers and American companies from China’s unfair trade practices. To encourage China to eliminate its unfair trade practices regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, the President is directing increases in tariffs across strategic sectors such as steel and aluminum, semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, critical minerals, solar cells, ship-to-shore cranes, and medical products.   Steel and Aluminum   The tariff rate on certain steel and aluminum products under Section 301 will increase from 0–7.5% to 25% in 2024.   Steel is a vital sector for the American economy, and American companies are leading the future of clean steel. Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $6 billion for 33 clean manufacturing projects including for steel and aluminum, including the first new primary aluminum smelter in four decades, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments will make the United States one of the first nations in the world to convert clean hydrogen into clean steel, bolstering the U.S. steel industry’s competitiveness as the world’s cleanest major steel producer.   American workers continue to face unfair competition from China’s non-market overcapacity in steel and aluminum, which are among the world’s most carbon intensive. China’s policies and subsidies for their domestic steel and aluminum industries mean high-quality, low-emissions U.S. products are undercut by artificially low-priced Chinese alternatives produced with higher emissions. Today’s actions will shield the U.S. steel and aluminum industries from China’s unfair trade practices.   Semiconductors   The tariff rate on semiconductors will increase from 25% to 50% by 2025.   China’s policies in the legacy semiconductor sector have led to growing market share and rapid capacity expansion that risks driving out investment by market-driven firms. Over the next three to five years, China is expected to account for almost half of all new capacity coming online to manufacture certain legacy semiconductor wafers. During the pandemic, disruptions to the supply chain, including legacy chips, led to price spikes in a wide variety of products, including automobiles, consumer appliances, and medical devices, underscoring the risks of overreliance on a few markets.   Through the CHIPS and Science Act, President Biden is making a nearly $53 billion investment in American semiconductor manufacturing capacity, research, innovation, and workforce. This will help counteract decades of disinvestment and offshoring that has reduced the United States’ capacity to manufacture semiconductors domestically. The CHIPS and Science Act includes $39 billion in direct incentives to build, modernize, and expand semiconductor manufacturing fabrication facilities as well as a 25% investment tax credit for semiconductor companies. Raising the tariff rate on semiconductors is an important initial step to promote the sustainability of these investments.   Electric Vehicles (EVs)   The tariff rate on electric vehicles under Section 301 will increase from 25% to 100% in 2024.   With extensive subsidies and non-market practices leading to substantial risks of overcapacity, China’s exports of EVs grew by 70% from 2022 to 2023—jeopardizing productive investments elsewhere. A 100% tariff rate on EVs will protect American manufacturers from China’s unfair trade practices.   This action advances President Biden’s vision of ensuring the future of the auto industry will be made in America by American workers. As part of the President’s Investing in America agenda, the Administration is incentivizing the development of a robust EV market through business tax credits for manufacturing of batteries and production of critical minerals, consumer tax credits for EV adoption, smart standards, federal investments in EV charging infrastructure, and grants to supply EV and battery manufacturing. The increase in the tariff rate on electric vehicles will protect these investments and jobs from unfairly priced Chinese imports.   Batteries, Battery Components and Parts, and Critical Minerals   The tariff rate on lithium-ion EV batteries will increase from 7.5%% to 25% in 2024, while the tariff rate on lithium-ion non-EV batteries will increase from 7.5% to 25% in 2026. The tariff rate on battery parts will increase from 7.5% to 25% in 2024.   The tariff rate on natural graphite and permanent magnets will increase from zero to 25% in 2026. The tariff rate for certain other critical minerals will increase from zero to 25% in 2024.   Despite rapid and recent progress in U.S. onshoring, China currently controls over 80 percent of certain segments of the EV battery supply chain, particularly upstream nodes such as critical minerals mining, processing, and refining. Concentration of critical minerals mining and refining capacity in China leaves our supply chains vulnerable and our national security and clean energy goals at risk. In order to improve U.S. and global resiliency in these supply chains, President Biden has invested across the U.S. battery supply chain to build a sufficient domestic industrial base. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Defense Production Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested nearly $20 billion in grants and loans to expand domestic production capacity of advanced batteries and battery materials. The Inflation Reduction Act also contains manufacturing tax credits to incentivize investment in battery and battery material production in the United States. The President has also established the American Battery Materials Initiative, which will mobilize an all-of-government approach to secure a dependable, robust supply chain for batteries and their inputs.   Solar Cells   The tariff rate on solar cells (whether or not assembled into modules) will increase from 25% to 50% in 2024.   The tariff increase will protect against China’s policy-driven overcapacity that depresses prices and inhibits the development of solar capacity outside of China. China has used unfair practices to dominate upwards of 80 to 90% of certain parts of the global solar supply chain, and is trying to maintain that status quo. Chinese policies and nonmarket practices are flooding global markets with artificially cheap solar modules and panels, undermining investment in solar manufacturing outside of China.   The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in the U.S. solar supply chain, building on early U.S. government-enabled research and development that helped create solar cell technologies. The Inflation Reduction Act provides supply-side tax incentives for solar components, including polysilicon, wafers, cells, modules, and backsheet material, as well as tax credits and grant and loan programs supporting deployment of utility-scale and residential solar energy projects. As a result of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, solar manufacturers have already announced nearly $17 billion in planned investment under his Administration—an 8-fold increase in U.S. manufacturing capacity, enough to supply panels for millions of homes each year by 2030.   Ship-to-Shore Cranes   The tariff rate on ship-to-shore cranes will increase from 0% to 25% in 2024.   The Administration continues to deliver for the American people by rebuilding the United States’ industrial capacity to produce port cranes with trusted partners. A 25% tariff rate on ship-to-shore cranes will help protect U.S. manufacturers from China’s unfair trade practices that have led to excessive concentration in the market. Port cranes are essential pieces of infrastructure that enable the continuous movement and flow of critical goods to, from, and within the United States, and the Administration is taking action to mitigate risks that could disrupt American supply chains. This action also builds off of ongoing work to invest in U.S. port infrastructure through the President’s Investing in America Agenda. This port security initiative includes bringing port crane manufacturing capabilities back to the United States to support U.S. supply chain security and encourages ports across the country and around the world to use trusted vendors when sourcing cranes or other heavy equipment.   Medical Products   The tariff rates on syringes and needles will increase from 0% to 50% in 2024. For certain personal protective equipment (PPE), including certain respirators and face masks, the tariff rates will increase from 0–7.5% to 25% in 2024. Tariffs on rubber medical and surgical gloves will increase from 7.5% to 25% in 2026.   These tariff rate increases will help support and sustain a strong domestic industrial base for medical supplies that were essential to the COVID-19 pandemic response, and continue to be used daily in every hospital across the country to deliver essential care. The federal government and the private sector have made substantial investments to build domestic manufacturing for these and other medical products to ensure American health care workers and patients have access to critical medical products when they need them. American businesses are now struggling to compete with underpriced Chinese-made supplies dumped on the market, sometimes of such poor quality that they may raise safety concerns for health care workers and patients.   Today’s announcement reflects President Biden’s commitment to always have the back of American workers. When faced with anticompetitive, unfair practices from abroad, the President will deploy any and all tools necessary to protect American workers and industry.  

Stay Connected

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.

Watch CBS News

Donald Trump holds major campaign rally in the South Bronx. Opponents engage in large protest.

By Dick Brennan , Lori Bordonaro , Jesse Zanger

Updated on: May 24, 2024 / 11:08 AM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK -- Former President Donald Trump held a major campaign rally Thursday in the South Bronx, his first in New York City since 2016.

Trump took the stage in Crotona Park in front of several thousand people at around 6:30 p.m. In the hours leading up to his appearance, just about every kind of souvenir was for sale, and security was extremely tight.

National polls show Trump making gains amongst Black and Latino voters, and he made his pitch to those communities Thursday. His talking points included the economy, crime and immigration.

"We're going to bring safety back to our streets. We're going to bring success back to our schools. We're going to bring prosperity back to every neighborhood in every borough of the greatest city in our land. We're going to reduce taxes. We're going to bring businesses and big taxpayers back to New York," Trump said.

"The biggest negative impact is against our Black population and against our Hispanic population who are losing their jobs, losing their housing, losing everything they can lose," Trump added.

Some supporters from the South Bronx said Trump is making a strong appeal.

"My main issues are border, cost of living. I've been working 28 years and I can't afford to buy a house," said Andrea Pabarue, of the South Bronx.

"We need to do much better in the Bronx and the U.S. and North America," Yokasta Quinones added.

Protesters and some elected officials sound off

While the former president had many supporters on hand, not everyone gave him a warm welcome. A large crowd gathered outside the park for an anti-Trump rally. The poster for that event read, "Trump isn't welcome in the Bronx."

One local resident said Trump did "absolutely nothing" for the Bronx as president, but said if he does win the White House again, she would like to see him, "help build the Bronx up, get people some jobs, get some housing. We got so many homeless people. It's ridiculous."

"He's not for us. He's not for health care workers. He doesn't support us, and we want Biden, because he supports us," health care worker Sheike Ward said.

In a statement, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said Trump's "anti-immigrant, anti-choice, and anti-working-class messaging doesn't resonate with Bronxites."

"Today, we unite to send a clear message to Donald Trump that he is not welcome in the Bronx, and we will deliver that message loud enough for him to hear it from Manhattan Criminal Court," her statement continued.

Trump's visit landed him in the congressional district of Rep. Ritchie Torres, who said the former president should take his pitch elsewhere.

"We are gonna send a message and we are gonna deliver a message that is long overdue: Donald Trump we are ending your political career. You are fired," Torres said.

"I think during Donald Trump's presidency, we saw a lot of failures that impacted people in the South Bronx really terribly, COVID deaths among them. Donald Trump, at every turn, has instituted tax cuts that hurt our community, cut programs vital to the success of our community," Assembly member Amanda Septimo added.  

In a statement, President Joe Biden said Trump is a person, "who stepped into political life by taking the racist birther movement mainstream, who consistently demonizes and dehumanizes Black and Latino communities, has one true interest: regaining power so he can enact revenge on his enemies."

Trump gained voters in NYC in 2020

Trump's performance in New York City in the 2020 election was significantly better than in 2016. He received tens of thousands more votes citywide, with some of his greatest gains coming from the South Bronx,  the Wall Street Journal reported . While Biden still won the city by a wide margin -- 68 points -- Trump showed significant gains in three State Assembly districts in the South Bronx -- more than anywhere else in the city, the Journal reported.

The last Republican to win New York state was Ronald Reagan in 1984, with 54% of the vote. 

Attendees talk about the issues important to them

Among the thousands who attended the rally were people who have specific issues they would like to see addressed by the next president.

"Immigration, inflation, the economy. This is New York City so, obviously, we have a huge crime rate that needs to be brought down," Brian Armstrong said.

Angie Amen spoke about immigration.

"I came here legally. I get really, really, really upset when I see that people that cross the border freely. They can't give them housing, give them free money, give them iPhone 15. I don't have iPhone 15. I can afford it," Amen said.

Trump's previous campaign stops in NYC 

Thursday's event was not the former president's first campaign stop in New York City. Last month, he visited a bodega in Upper Manhattan and then a construction site in Midtown . 

At his first appearance, Trump met with the Bodegas Association at a store on West 139th Street, where then-clerk Jose Alba was charged in a deadly 2022 stabbing that was later ruled self defense .

A week later, he shook hands and posed for photos with construction workers outside the JP Morgan Chase Building at East 48th Street and Park Avenue.

Trump has been in the city for his ongoing "hush money" trial , which is expected to wrap up closing arguments Tuesday. 

• Donald Trump
• South Bronx

Dick Brennan joined CBS2 in 2012 as an anchor and reporter. In addition, he anchors on our digital channel CBS News New York, which is also seen on the News at Nine on our sister station WLNY-TV.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

Memorial Day parades march through NYC and surrounding area

NYC honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day

Suspect who set NYC subway rider on fire threw flaming objects before, police say

Hundreds of flights delayed at NYC airports on Memorial Day

Looks like Masayoshi Son's plan to go all in on AI is starting to pay off for SoftBank

• SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's bet on AI seems to be paying off.
• The Japanese conglomerate posted a $1.5 billion profit in its latest quarter.
• The gains come off the back of its big bet on the chip firm Arm Holdings.

Masayoshi Son once branded those dismissive of artificial intelligence as a bunch of "goldfish." Stuck in a bowl, they'd watch as the world around them finds new freedoms thanks to the technology.

It's a bold view; but it's one that's starting to look like reality for the Japanese billionaire.

SoftBank , the Tokyo conglomerate Son founded during Japan's boom years in the early 1980s, signaled that its all-in bet on AI was starting to pay off after posting its latest earnings on Monday.

Despite an annual net loss of about $1.46 billion, the company posted a profit of about $1.48 billion for the first three months of 2024, capitalizing on profit momentum generated in the previous quarter.

A key driver of SoftBank's gains over successive quarters has come from its stake in Arm Holdings.

The UK chip firm, which SoftBank acquired in 2016 for $32 billion, has seen its stock price soar since its September IPO as investors buy in to its fresh focus on AI.

Related stories

Arm, whose chip design is used by companies such as Apple , is looking to deploy its tech with AI companies, particularly those that service the highly intensive computing needs of generative-AI operators.

SoftBank has benefited from this because it has a 90% stake in Arm, which has doubled in value to over $110 billion since the listing.

"Arm is central to our AI shift," Yoshimitsu Goto, SoftBank's executive corporate officer of finance, said on Monday. Soft Bank's net-asset value jumped 45% from its last quarter to $178.3 billion — driven by Arm's soaring share price.

For Son, the profits could offer reassurance that he's on the right track with AI after years of hit-and-miss investments in other technologies through startup betting.

Arguably the biggest investment flop for Son came from his backing of WeWork , the real-estate startup that filed for bankruptcy in November after once being valued at $47 billion.

SoftBank has also had mixed success with a duo of venture-capital funds run out of London called Vision Funds , which have sprayed cash at startups globally since 2017. Some of the funds' bets, such as those on pizza-robot and dog-walking startups, have since imploded.

Son's critics have questioned whether the billionaire could ever replicate the success he enjoyed from a $20 million investment in Alibaba in 1999 that's made him $72 billion .

But as the appetite for Arm's AI activities shows, SoftBank has room to grow in the face of this latest boom. Son seems aware of this, with the company selling down several Vision Fund investments in recent months to plow fresh cash into AI opportunities.

There are still risks, however, as AI euphoria since ChatGPT's introduction in November 2022 has sent the stocks of companies like Nvidia to dizzying heights, leaving investors to wonder if a downturn might be around the corner.

With about $40 billion in cash on hand at the end of March, Son should be ready to step up his search for AI's next big thing. If he's able to make the right bets, AI could pay off handsomely for him in the long term.

Watch: How Twitter panic took down Silicon Valley Bank

• Main content