Starting a laundromat might seem simple. You see washers, dryers, and imagine money rolling in. Easy, right? Not really. If you want to know how to start your laundromat business, you need to plan carefully. Think about your customers. Where should your location be? What machines will handle daily loads without breaking? How will you price services, hire staff, and manage operations? 

You also need to plan finances, marketing, and equipment maintenance. It may feel overwhelming at first. But step by step, it becomes manageable. With patience, research, and a solid plan, you can open a laundromat that works well for both you and your customers. Let’s go through the steps.

12 Steps to Start Your Laundromat Business

Launching a laundromat is like putting together a puzzle. Each piece matters. Skip one, and the picture looks off.

1. Research the Market

Before you invest money, understand your audience. Who will actually come in? Students, families, renters without washers?

  • Visit nearby laundromats.
  • Observe peak hours and services offered.
  • Note pricing strategies.
  • See what customers complain about.

Doing this helps you see gaps in the market. You’ll know what to offer differently. It saves money and stress in the long run.

2. Make a Business Plan

A business plan is not just numbers. Think of it as your roadmap. Include:

  • Startup costs like machines, rent, and supplies
  • Monthly expenses such as utilities, staff, and cleaning
  • Expected revenue
  • Marketing strategies
  • Contingency plans

Even if you fund everything yourself, planning prevents surprises. It helps spot issues before they become big problems and gives you confidence when challenges appear.

3. Secure Funding

Machines and rent are expensive. You need funds lined up. Options include:

  • Personal savings
  • Small business loans
  • Investors
  • Leasing equipment

Having clear funding ensures you can cover machines, marketing, and unexpected costs. It keeps stress low and makes decisions smarter.

4. Find the Right Location

Location makes a huge difference. Look for:

  • Areas with high foot traffic
  • Apartment complexes or dorms nearby
  • Parking space for customers
  • Minimal competitors close by

Even perfect machines cannot fix a bad location. Customers need convenience. Choose wisely.

5. Choose Equipment

Machines are the heart of your business. Consider:

  • Capacity for expected daily use
  • Energy efficiency
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Warranty and support

Reliable machines reduce breakdowns and keep customers satisfied. Investing upfront prevents problems later.

6. Set Up Operations

Decide how your laundromat will run daily. Think about:

  • Payment methods: coins, cards, or apps
  • Cleaning and maintenance schedules
  • Opening and closing procedures

Smooth operations save time and improve customer experience. You’ll notice happier customers and fewer issues daily.

7. Hire Staff

Even in self-service laundromats, staff help. They can:

  • Assist customers with machines
  • Handle minor repairs
  • Keep the place clean

Friendly staff make repeat customers more likely. You’ll see loyalty build over time when people feel welcome.

8. Price Services Strategically

Pricing affects profits and customer behavior. Consider:

  • Per-load charges
  • Discounts for frequent customers
  • Loyalty programs

Test pricing and adjust as needed. Balance affordability with profit. Small changes can make a big difference.

9. Market Your Laundromat

Marketing drives traffic. You can:

  • Hand out flyers
  • Advertise on social media
  • Offer referral programs
  • Partner with nearby apartments

Word-of-mouth is powerful. Encourage happy customers to tell others. Personal recommendations matter more than any ad.

10. Track Finances

Track every expense and revenue from day one. Keep tabs on:

  • Utility bills
  • Maintenance costs
  • Seasonal trends
  • Customer volume

This helps plan for slow months and avoids financial surprises. You’ll see what works and where to cut costs.

11. Maintain Equipment

Machines need care. Clean lint traps, check water lines, and schedule service. Ignoring small problems leads to bigger ones. Well-maintained machines keep customers happy and reduce stress.

12. Plan for Growth

Once running smoothly, think about expanding. Ideas include:

  • Adding wash-and-fold services
  • Offering delivery or pickup
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient machines
  • Adjusting hours for customer needs

Listening to customers and adapting keeps your business competitive and profitable.

Conclusion

Learning how to start your laundromat business is a step-by-step process. Begin with market research and a solid business plan. Secure funding, pick a convenient location and invest in reliable machines. Set up operations, hire staff, price services carefully, market smartly, track finances, maintain equipment and plan for growth. Every step matters.

At Atlas International, we guide you through all stages. From choosing machines to organizing daily operations and marketing, we help you open and run a laundromat that succeeds. Our goal is to make your business profitable, smooth-running and stress-free from day one. With our support, your laundromat can thrive anywhere.