What are the startup costs for a laundromat?

Author: Rae Hirthe  |  Last update: Monday, February 17, 2025

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. What are the costs and risks of owning a laundromat? Key costs include utilities, supplies, maintenance, and staffing.

How much money does it take to start a laundromat?

Starting a new laundromat costs between $200,000 and $500,000, and you can expect to pay between $100,000 and $400,000 to buy an existing one. Since most people don't have that kind of cash laying around, you'll need to come up with funding to cover the costs.

Can I open a laundromat with 50k?

The cost of equipment required to start a laundromat varies from around $20K to as much as $500K or more. Initial startup costs can be quite significant for a seemingly 'set-and-forget' kind of operation. However, the lack of required labor once a startup is complete can outweigh the cost of starting a laundromat.

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.

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.

3 Things You Need to Know Before Starting a Laundromat

Is owning a laundromat worth it?

In conclusion, while owning a laundromat may seem like a promising hands-off business, it is a venture that requires dedication, active involvement, and sound management skills. If you're willing to put in the work, it can provide a rewarding income stream and the opportunity for substantial business growth.

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).

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).

Is owning a laundromat passive income?

Reimagining this business model can help you provide more value to your customers. The laundromat business isn't fully passive income. Even once your laundromat is up and running, it's still only semi-passive or flexible at best.

How do I open a small laundromat?

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.

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.

How much do you have to put down to buy a laundromat?

Often you'll need to put down anywhere from 25%-40% of the purchase price to qualify for a loan. This means for a $500,000 loan you'll need to come up with anywhere from $125,000-$200,000 for the down payment, not including all of the other expenses you face when you purchase a laundromat.

Why are so many laundromats for sale?

After years of ownership, many sellers find themselves ready to retire from the semi-retired life of laundromat ownership. They may want to travel more, spend time with family, care for health concerns, or a combination of reasons. Owners who are ready to retire from the business are some of the more common sellers.

What is the success rate of a laundromat business?

Laundromats are a stable investment, offering a 95 percent business success rate. That's especially impressive when you compare laundromats to restaurants at 20% or retail stores at 47% after four years in business.

How much does a laundromat cost per load?

On average, the laundromat cost per load can range from $2 to $4, while drying typically costs between $1 and $2 per load. So, all things considered, how much does it cost to do laundry at a laundromat? You can expect to spend around $3 to $6 per load for a complete wash and dry cycle.

How much does a laundromat owner make a month?

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.

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).

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.

What are the cons to owning a laundromat?

The Cons of Owning a Laundromat:
  • Significant Upfront Investment: One of the primary hurdles in the laundromat business is the substantial initial investment required. ...
  • Ongoing Equipment Maintenance: ...
  • Competition Concerns: ...
  • Staffing Challenges: ...
  • Utility Costs: ...
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: ...
  • Security Concerns: ...
  • Changing Technology:

How much does it cost to start a laundromat from scratch?

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. What are the costs and risks of owning a laundromat? Key costs include utilities, supplies, maintenance, and staffing.

Is it better to lease or buy a laundromat?

Renting a commercial space for your laundromat is more cost-effective in the short term as you won't need any major upfront investment. This makes it quicker and easier to get your business up and running.

How do I start a small laundromat business?

How to open a laundromat in 10 steps
  1. Step 1: Conduct market research. ...
  2. Step 2: Choose a business model. ...
  3. Step 3: Write a business plan. ...
  4. Step 4: Secure financing. ...
  5. Step 5: Find the right location. ...
  6. Step 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses. ...
  7. Step 7: Invest in equipment. ...
  8. Step 8: Focus on the experience.

Can I start a laundry business with 100k?

With 100k and a bit of elbow grease, you can start your own laundry business and become the hero of busy families everywhere. Imagine transforming piles of dirty clothes into fresh, clean linens, all while earning a tidy profit.

How much does a laundry business project cost?

Opening a new laundry with all the proper equipment and facilities will set you back by a minimum of 10 lakhs.

What is the failure 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.

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