How many employees do you need to run a laundromat?

Author: Valentin Heaney  |  Last update: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Since laundromats are self-service the number of staff needed is extremely low. The savings on labor is extremely unique to this business and is a big money saver, which is why many people are interesting in buying a laundromat. Most laundromats function perfectly with just one staff member at a time.

How many employees do you need for a laundromat?

Type of laundromat business you own: The type of services you offer determines your staffing needs. A self-service laundromat requires fewer attendants than one that offers wash-and-fold services, which typically needs at least two employees to cover the entire process effectively.

How many people does it take to run a laundromat?

Operating Hours: Laundromats are typically open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., while some offer a 24-hour model. Number of Employees: Most laundromats operate with a small team, with the number of employees ranging from 0-8, depending on the business model and service offerings.

What are the requirements to own 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.

Do you need staff for a laundromat?

You don't need to hire employees to have a laundromat, but doing so will ensure that your facilities are always clean and your customers are always taken care of.

3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Laundromat

What is the downside of owning a laundromat?

Irregular hours: As much as your schedule can be flexible to suit your needs, you also have to be flexible for your business. When emergencies and issues come up, your business and customers won't care if you're on vacation, sick, etc. You'll likely be tackling problems at all hours.

Do laundromat owners make money?

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.

What is the startup cost for a laundromat?

How much does it cost to start a laundromat? Initial costs range from $200,000 to $500,000, encompassing purchase or leasing, renovations, equipment, and legal expenses. The exact figure varies based on location, size, and equipment quality.

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.

Should a laundromat be an LLC?

What is the best business structure for a laundromat? The LLC is often the best business structure for a laundromat. An LLC combines the personal asset protection of a corporation with the operational flexibility of a sole proprietorship or general partnership.

What is the failure rate of laundromats?

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 does 1 laundromat make a year?

By now, you know that the average laundromat makes $300K annually with 20% to 30% profit margins.

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 much does it cost to run a load at a laundromat?

Washing Costs: The cost of using washing machines in laundromats typically ranges from $1.50 to $5.00 per load.

How to start your own laundry service?

How to start a laundry business in 10 steps
  1. Decide what kind of laundry business you want to start. ...
  2. Choose a business name. ...
  3. Choose a business entity. ...
  4. Write a business plan. ...
  5. Register your business and get an EIN. ...
  6. Get the proper permits and licenses. ...
  7. Find a location. ...
  8. Get the proper equipment.

How many washing machines should a laundromat have?

Question- How many washing machines and dryers should I have in my laundromat? Answer- The number of machines depends on the size of your space and anticipated customer demand. A common starting point is around 2-3 washers and dryers per 100 square feet.

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.

Do you need a license 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.

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.

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.

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.

How much is insurance for a laundromat?

Monthly General Liability insurance costs for laundromat

Exploregeneral liability insurance costs. Most of our customers can expect to pay: Between $54 and $257 per month.

Can you become a millionaire from laundromat?

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.

What business makes the most money?

Finance, law, real estate, health care, and software development are among the most profitable industries in the US. If you're looking to make as much money as possible, consider starting a legal services business, a brokerage, a health care company, or a software-based venture like a virtual assistant business.

How much does a small laundromat make a year?

Depending on location, size, and services offered, annual gross income for laundromats can range widely from $30,000 to as much as $1 million, making them a resilient and profitable choice for new business owners.

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