How do I open a small laundromat?

Author: Dr. Franco Conn DDS  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

How to start a laundromat business
  1. Decide on a business model. ...
  2. Write your business plan. ...
  3. Understand the startup costs to open a laundromat. ...
  4. Assess the ongoing expenses to run a laundromat. ...
  5. Calculate how much your laundromat will make in profits. ...
  6. Determine how you will charge laundromat customers. ...
  7. Pick your business structure.

How profitable is a small 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.

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.

How much does it cost to start a small 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.

How much money do you need to set up a laundromat?

On average it costs $200,000 to $500,000 to launch a mid-size laundromat – and that's one without all the bells and whistles, such as pay-by-card machines, wash/dry/fold/press services, vending machines and TV facilities to keep your customers entertained.

5 Lessons Learned From 1 Year of Owning a Laundromat

Do you need an LLC to own a laundromat?

While not legally required, there's a compelling case for starting your laundromat as a limited liability company (LLC).

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.

How do I start a laundromat from scratch?

How to start a laundromat business
  1. Decide on a business model. ...
  2. Write your business plan. ...
  3. Understand the startup costs to open a laundromat. ...
  4. Assess the ongoing expenses to run a laundromat. ...
  5. Calculate how much your laundromat will make in profits. ...
  6. Determine how you will charge laundromat customers. ...
  7. Pick your business structure.

Is a laundromat a good first business?

The high rate of success, excellent ROI, flexibility, scalability, and easy-to-manage cash flow make laundromats a smart choice for new and experienced small business investors. To learn more, explore our blog post “Is the Coin Laundry Business Right For You?” or contact an expert at Laundrylux today.

What is the success rate of 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.

Are laundromats easy to own?

Passivity and Minimal Cash Investment – Laundromats require a much lower cash investment than almost any other business, and they can be operated relatively passively – in just a few hours per week.

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 run a laundromat 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.

Can a laundromat make you a millionaire?

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.

How much do laundromat machines cost?

With offerings like Speed Queen Insights, laundromat owners gain access to advanced monitoring and data, creating an even more convenient experience. Cost Range: Commercial washers typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, and dryers from $1,500 to $3,500.

How much does a laundromat owner make?

Now, I own the Bubbles and Bleach laundromat in Visalia, California, and it brings in about $24,000 in revenue every month on average. Here's how I found and set up my own laundromat.

What is the easiest small business to start?

Delivery or errand runner

In the same vein as a pet services provider, a delivery or errand-running business doesn't require a lot of upfront cash. You'll just need to print some flyers, get business cards and promote your service on social media and other online channels.

Where is the best place to put a laundromat?

A great laundromat location is on a main roadway, highly visible, and has plenty of parking with easy access. Also take note of the surrounding businesses and what type of clientele they draw in. Grocery, convenience, auto parts, and check cashing stores make excellent neighbors for laundromats.

Can I get an SBA loan to buy a laundromat?

SBA 504 loans offer a number of benefits for laundromats and dry cleaners. These loans can be used to purchase the real estate to construct a new facility, build the facility itself, renovate, improve, or retrofit an existing facility, and pay for equipment.

Do you need an LLC for a laundromat?

For most laundromat owners (and most entrepreneurs in general), an LLC is the best choice. That's because you'll have fewer regulatory requirements than S Corps or C Corps, but you'll be able to keep your personal assets separate from your business assets — something you couldn't do with a sole proprietorship.

What license do you need to own a laundromat?

Yes, a business license is required to open a laundromat. Depending on where your laundromat will operate, more than one license may be necessary. Some municipalities require a local business license as well as one at the county or state level.

Can you make a living owning a laundromat?

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.

What are the risks of a laundromat?

“Fires pose a serious problem to laundromats. “ According to Jim Everitt, a code consultant and owner of Everitt and Associates, the biggest fire-related risk is lint. Your stores must have lint under control, which means installing the proper equipment and keeping everything in good working order.

How much does it cost to open a laundromat?

Opening a laundromat typically requires an initial investment of $200,000 to $500,000, plus ongoing expenses.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a laundromat?

Building a New Laundromat

You'll save money over the first few years of operating your new business because the new laundry equipment comes with warranties and is in good working order. PRO: It's all yours.

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