With almost 30,000 coin laundries in the United States, it can be hard to set yourself apart. Success in the laundry industry comes with offering what other businesses can’t and going against the grain. If you’re ready to up your game and see increased success at your laundry business, keep reading. We’re diving into some of the ways you can take your laundromat to the next level.
1) Expand services.
If you’re feeling stagnant or not seeing the success you want, expanding your services is a great way to up your game and delight your customers. While you can get creative, when it comes offering additional services, there are really two main directions you can go — additional laundry services or a hybrid-style laundromat.
Additional laundry services mean offering a full-service facility, such as complete wash-dry-fold services, dry cleaning, or laundry pick up and delivery. These expanded services are all about convenience and taking the load (pun intended) off your customers. Hybrid-laundromats offer special amenities while customers wash and dry their clothes. Laundromat-cafes and laundromat-bars, which offer food and beverage options, have become popular in some larger cities. Adding open mic nights and other special events have also helped some unique laundromats draw in customers. Hybrid-laundromats are all about turning your business into a destination, rather than a chore.
Of course, there are always pros and cons to expanding services. By doing so, you’ll be able to attract a new customer base and serve more people. New services are also generally meant to provide additional revenue opportunities. Both of these can have a huge impact on your bottom line. However, any additional services will likely require some monetary investment to start, additional planning and management, and additional employees. When considering expanding services, consider your competition, customer-base, and business goals to decide how to move forward.
2) Upgrade your commercial laundry equipment.
There are plenty of benefits to upgrading your commercial laundry equipment, and new washers and dryers from top laundry brands like Tolon and Speed Queen is a great way to take your laundromat up a notch.
- The new equipment’s sleek, modern look, will immediately improve the overall look and feel of an outdated-looking laundromat.
- People are automatically drawn to the latest and greatest technology, so new equipment is sure to catch the eyes of new and existing customers and change their initial perception of your business.
- New washers and dryers also make for a great selling point in both your online and offline marketing strategies.
Once using the machines, customers will notice and appreciate the faster cycle times, ease of use, and increased wash and dry options that today’s machines have to offer. Newer machines also mean increased efficiency and fewer maintenance issues, so you can serve more customers and save on utility costs. Competitors relying on older, outdated models won’t be able to keep up.
In addition to commercial laundry equipment, you may also want to add in some new laundry supplies. Racks, folding tables, carts, laundry baskets, and other accessories can make the process easier and faster for your patrons for a more enjoyable overall experience.
3) Redesign & update your space
They say “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but we all do it. First impressions are tough, and potential customers are judging your laundromat from the moment they lay eyes on the building. If you’re not looking to completely revamp your business model or spend a lot of money, you can just take a look at your space overall and consider some upgrades.
When it comes to redesigning or updating your space, start small. You’d be surprised how a few updates can make a world of difference. On the exterior, look to up the curb appeal of the building with:
- A fresh coat of paint
- Updated landscaping
- Improved signage
Inside, brighten up the space and give it a fresh look and feel. Try:
- Improving cleanliness. No one wants to do laundry in a dirty space and it’s a huge turn-off.
- A new paint color.
- Rearranging the current layout for easier use.
Once you’ve gone past the basics, you can consider things like new furniture, flooring, decor, or even a building expansion. Depending on your facility and customer-base, you may want to consider a theme or specific design elements. If you’re nearby a prominent university, you could utilize the school’s colors and logo within your decor (as appropriate under copyright laws) to attract college students and alumni in the area. You could also do a theme that ties into your business name, city, local sports teams, and more.
Remember to keep any laws and lease agreements in mind when updating your space. You may have limitations on how much you’re able to alter the building.
Let us help you reach the next level
From a fresh business plan to a fresh new look, there are lots of ways you can up your laundromat game and serve your customers better. As a leading laundry distributor in Florida and southern Georgia, we love helping laundromat owners exceed their business goals and expectations.. From the latest laundry equipment to maintenance and installation, let’s talk about how we take your business to the next level.