Can a laundromat make you a millionaire?

Author: Ottis Bradtke I  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

We talked to the Laundromat Millionaire, Dave Menz, who owns four laundromats and makes nearly $2 million annually. He even helps other business owners navigate the industry to get more customers, become a full-service laundromat, and outshine absentee owners.

Can laundromats make you rich?

Answer: Monthly profits can vary widely based on the location, size, and operational efficiency of the laundromat. On average, smaller laundromats might earn between $1,500 to $5,000 in profit per month, while larger, well-established ones in prime locations might see profits of $10,000 to $30,000 or more per month.

How much money can you make owning a laundromat?

By now, you know that the average laundromat makes $300K annually with 20% to 30% profit margins. We also explained how much owners make, the expenses that go into running a laundromat, and how to start a laundromat.

What is the success rate of owning a laundromat?

Understanding laundromat value

U.S. Laundromats post impressive numbers with a 95% average success rate and 20 - 35% profit margins. But whether or not your laundromat can meet (or exceed) these industry standards depends on some important factors.

Is a laundromat a high risk business?

A coin-operated laundromat can be a profitable business, but there's also a high risk of it attracting thieves. You'll also need to keep cash on hand to provide customers with change for the washers and dryers.

Businesses that Always Fail? 7 Businesses with Shockingly High Failure Rates [Backed by Data]

What are the cons of owning a laundromat?

The potential pitfalls of laundromat ownership
  • Upfront investment costs. ...
  • Maintenance and Repairs. ...
  • Competition and market saturation. ...
  • Dependence on location. ...
  • Water and energy costs. ...
  • Changing technology and consumer preferences. ...
  • Vandalism and theft. ...
  • Seasonal fluctuations.

What is the minimum investment in laundry business?

Laundry pickup and delivery model has seen rapid growth, especially post-pandemic, and now represents about 40% of the organized laundry market. Initial investments range from ₹10-20 lakhs ($12,000-$24,000 USD), with potential monthly revenues of ₹1.5-3 lakhs ($1,800-$3,600 USD).

Can you start a laundromat with 100K?

Entrepreneurs normally spend between $100K and $1 million to start a new laundromat or buy a laundry business for sale. Dave suggests that you should normally spend between two and five times revenue, but that you should base your business valuation on what it's worth to you.

What is the cheapest business to start?

24 of the best business ideas to start with little money
  • Sell books online.
  • Home staging.
  • Freelance writing.
  • Tutoring.
  • Pool cleaning.
  • Self-publishing.
  • Event planning.
  • Pet sitting.

What permits do I need to open a laundromat?

Here's what you need for a laundry business.
  • Health permit. This can be obtained from your county's health department.
  • Water Pollution Control Permit. Not every state requires this, but some may. ...
  • Sales Tax Permit. If you plan to sell additional services or products in your laundromat, you will need a sales tax permit.

Is owning a laundromat a smart investment?

Laundromats have long been seen as steady and reliable businesses. But if you're considering entering the laundry industry, you're likely asking, “Are laundromats a smart investment?” The answer, for many, is a resounding yes. Typically, see an ROI return on investment) of between 25-30% a year.

Where do laundromats make the most money?

Laundry Services: Offering customers additional laundry services is a common method for laundromats to gain additional revenue. Wash and fold, delivery, ironing, and dry cleaning are a few examples of laundry services that can help attract new customers and increase engagement among existing customers.

How hard is it to run a laundromat?

Running a Laundromat is simple, but creating or maintaining a successful laundromat takes hard work. An owner does not need to be in the laundromat every day, but they must understand their customers, equipment and competition. For coin stores, this will generally take place twice weekly.

Are laundromats profitable in 2024?

If you keep the laundromat clean, the machines in good order, and offer good customer service, chances are you'll see between 20-35% ROI (return on investment).

Is there good money in laundromats?

Are laundromats a good investment? Laundromats make great cash-flowing investments. With an average, unleveraged return of 20-30%, the average laundromat investment is far superior to the average real estate investment, which will produce between 7-10%.

How to start a laundromat with no money?

Even without a lot of capital, you can open a laundromat by renting equipment, providing services to local businesses, or using a crowdfunding platform like Kickstarter to raise funds. Coupled with a solid business plan, commitment, and smart management, a laundromat can be a worthwhile investment.

What is the best business to start with $10,000?

Types of business to start with $10,000
  • Dropshipping store (niche products like eco-friendly items) ...
  • Social media management agency. ...
  • Virtual assistant business. ...
  • Online creator (digital marketing courses, coding lessons, or niche blogs) ...
  • Farmers' market stall selling handmade goods. ...
  • Pop-up bakery.

What small business is the most successful?

Here are some of the most lucrative business ideas:
  1. Website and mobile app design. Skills needed: Technical programming knowledge, attention to detail, creativity. ...
  2. Personal training. ...
  3. Cleaning services. ...
  4. Virtual assistant services. ...
  5. Social media marketing. ...
  6. Freelance writing. ...
  7. Vacation rental management. ...
  8. Computer repair.

What is the success rate of a laundromat?

1. High Success Rates. A recent Gallup poll found that 66% of potential entrepreneurs are held back by the fear of business failure. However, one study found that laundromats have an extremely high rate of success – approximately 95% of laundromats succeed over a five-year period.

How much cash do you need to start a laundromat?

On a typical scale, launching a laundromat will set you back anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000. Your financial footprint hinges on whether you're breathing new life into an existing establishment or embarking on a ground-up venture, coupled with the prevailing real estate climate in your locale.

Is owning a laundromat a full time job?

You're able to set your own hours and it's highly unlikely you'll have to be at your store 40 hours per week, especially once you get the hang of running your business. Some investors even work another full-time job or use additional time to pursue a hobby more seriously.

How much do laundromat owners make?

Revenue per Laundromat: The average laundromat generates about $150,000 in revenue per year. Profit Margin: The average profit margin for laundromats is around 20-35%. Cash Flow: Coin laundries generate cash flow between $15,000 and $300,000 per year.

Is it a good idea to start laundry business?

These services are always in demand, and most individual businesses are around for decades in one location. This makes laundry the perfect industry for entrepreneurs and fledgling business owners. It is often a smart investment, and it can be a fun, rewarding experience.

Can you run a laundry business from home?

Starting a wash and fold laundry business from home can be a viable small business opportunity, especially in communities where there is a demand for such services. Here are some tips to consider when starting this type of business: Research and Planning: Conduct market research to understand the demand in your area.

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