Laundromat Business Plan With Expert Tips and Template

Are you planning to start your laundromat in 2024? That’s a great decision as the laundromat industry has been experiencing consistent growth of 3-5% annually, and this upward trend is expected to continue for the next ten years. But, before taking the plunge, it is advisable to have a strong laundromat business plan.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a successful business plan for a laundromat. We will cover key elements of starting a laundromat business plan:

1. Laundromat Industry Challenges
2. Executive Summary
3. Company Overview
4. Customer Analysis
5. Competitive Analysis
6. Marketing Plan for Laundromat
7. Operations Plan
8. Management Team

After reading this article, you will have the knowledge and confidence to start your own business with this laundromat business plan template. Let’s begin!

What Are the Challenges of the Laundromat Industry

The laundromat industry is growing significantly. In 2022, the global market for coin-operated laundries was valued at $17.55 billion. It will continue to grow at a 9.3% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2030, reaching a substantial $35.84 billion by 2030. (Source: Grand View Research)

However, several significant challenges can hinder growth and profitability:

1. Increasing Competition – As outlined in our washing machine business plan, the laundromat industry faces increased competition from online laundry services. According to IBISWorld, the market size of the laundromat industry has grown 0.5% annually over the past five years. (2018 -2023)

2. Rising Operating Costs – Energy, water, and maintenance costs are rising, impacting the profitability of laundromats and making it important to have a solid pressure washing business plan. The Coin Laundry Association reports that utility costs for laundromats have increased by 14% over the last five years.

3. Technological Advancements – Keeping up with technological advancements such as mobile payment systems and smart machines is challenging for traditional laundromats. A survey by American Coin-Op revealed that 45% of laundromat owners consider technology upgrades a challenge.

4. Changing Consumer Preferences – Shifts in consumer behavior towards convenience and eco-friendliness pose challenges for traditional laundromats. Statista reports that 67% of consumers prefer eco-friendly laundry services.

5. Regulatory Compliance – Compliance with regulations adds complexity and costs to laundromat operations. The EPA estimates that laundromats use up to 15,000 gallons of water each month, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to water consumption rules.

If you plan to open a laundromat business, we have created a customizable business plan example/template that includes key sections with helpful tips and samples:

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a concise overview of your entire laundry business plan for a laundry service. It should capture the reader’s attention and provide a high-level understanding of your: 

• Business concept
• Target market
• Competitive advantages
• Financial projections

Write the executive summary last after completing other sections of the business plan.

Tips for Writing the Executive Summary in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Keep the laundromat startup business plan brief (1-2 pages) and engaging
• Highlight the key points from each section of your plan
• Emphasize your unique selling proposition and competitive advantages
• Include financial highlights, such as projected revenue and profitability
• Use clear and compelling language

Sample Executive Summary of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin is a newly established laundromat business located in the heart of a densely populated urban area. Our mission is to provide convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly laundry services to residents and businesses in the neighborhood.

Our target market consists of:

• Apartment and condo residents
• University students living in dorms
• Small businesses requiring commercial laundry services

Fresh Spin offers the following competitive advantages:

• Convenient location with ample parking
• Extended operating hours
• State-of-the-art, energy-efficient equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Our financial projections indicate strong potential for growth and profitability:

• Year 1 revenue: $375,000
• Year 3 revenue: $625,000
• Projected break-even point: 18 months

With our strategic location, customer-centric approach, efficient operations, and potential to expand into a commercial window cleaning business plan, Fresh Spin is poised to become the premier laundry service provider in the area.

Company Overview

Company overview gives a thorough rundown of what your laundromat business is all about – the kind of legal entity it is, where it’ll be located, and any special perks or services you’ll be offering to customers. It also explains the laundromat business model you’re going with, the specific customer base you’re targeting, and what competitive edges your laundromat will have over others in the area.

Tips for Writing the Company Overview in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Clearly state the legal structure and ownership details while writing a business plan for a laundromat
• Define your business name, location, and why you chose it
• Craft a compelling mission statement that reflects your core values and purpose
• Outline your short-term and long-term goals clearly
• Highlight what makes your laundromat unique and different

Sample Laundromat Business Plan Company Overview

Fresh Spin is a limited liability company (LLC) owned and operated by Jane Charles and her husband, Nick Well. The business is located at 123 Main Street, in a bustling downtown area.

Mission Statement

What we’re aiming for is to make doing laundry an easy, green, and wallet-friendly experience for folks and businesses around here. We want to provide excellent customer service by combining modern facilities with helpful staff.

Short-term Goals

• Achieve a 50% market share among apartment residents within the first year
• Establish partnerships with local businesses for commercial laundry services
• Implement energy-efficient practices and reduce our environmental footprint

Long-term Goals

• Expand the business by opening additional locations in surrounding neighborhoods
• Introduce 24/7 pick-up and delivery services for added convenience
• Become the leading provider of laundry services in the city

Unique Selling Proposition

Fresh Spin offers a combination of convenience, eco-friendliness, and exceptional customer service unmatched in the area:

• 24/7 access with ample parking
• High-efficiency, energy-saving equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility for safety
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff available during operating hours
• Commitment to sustainable practices and reducing our environmental impact

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section is about understanding your target customers inside and out. Take into account their demographic and psychographic profiles, as well as their laundry requirements. It’s also important to distinguish between your primary and secondary customer groups and communicate how your laundromat will meet their needs.

This information is crucial for tailoring your services, pricing, and marketing strategies to attract and retain customers while exploring a potential business plan for a junk removal service to diversify offerings.

Tips for Writing the Customer Analysis in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Define your target customer segments based on various factors in your small laundromat business plan
• Identify the specific needs and pain points of each customer segment
• Analyze customer behaviors, preferences, and buying patterns
• Gather data through market research, surveys, and customer feedback

Sample Customer Analysis of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin has identified three primary target customer segments:

Fresh Spin aims to address these issues by offering a modern, secure, and well-maintained facility with extended operating hours and attentive staff.

Competitive Analysis

In the competitive analysis section, we identify and assess both direct and indirect competitors. We assess their strengths, weaknesses, and identify how we can differentiate from our competitors. Developing business plans for cleaning services provides insight into potential synergies in related markets. 

Tips for Writing the Competitive Analysis in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Identify direct and indirect competitors in your targeted area in your laundromat company business plan
• Analyze competitors’ locations, services, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer loyalty
• Assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential threats and opportunities
• Determine your competitive advantages and unique selling proposition

Sample Competitive Analysis of a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin has identified three main direct competitors within a 2-mile radius, as well as various indirect competitors in the local market.

A) Direct Competitors

1. Suds City Laundromat

Strengths:

• Well-established business operating for over 20 years.
• Loyal customer base, primarily consisting of long-term residents.
• Slightly lower pricing compared to Fresh Spin.

Weaknesses:

• Limited operating hours, closed on Sundays.
• Outdated facility with aging equipment.
• No digital payment options or mobile app integration.
• Lacks eco-friendly practices and sustainable initiatives.

2. Wash Depot

Strengths:

• Spacious facility with over 80 washers and dryers.
• Ample parking spaces, accommodating customers with large laundry loads.

Weaknesses:

• Inconvenient location, situated in a light industrial area.
• Poor customer service reputation, with frequent complaints.
• Pricing is comparable to Fresh Spin, but no loyalty programs.

3. Sassy Laundromat and Dry Cleaners

Strengths:

• Diversified services, offering both laundromat and dry cleaning services under one roof.
• Loyalty program with rewards for frequent customers.

Weaknesses:

• Small facility with only 30 washers and dryers.
• Limited capacity for handling large volumes of laundry.
• Pricing is 15-20% higher than Fresh Spin for laundromat services.

B) Indirect Competitors:

Fresh Spin also faces competition from various indirect sources, including:

• Local dry cleaners and alterations services
• Wash-and-fold services
• Residential apartment buildings and condominiums with in-unit laundry facilities
• Online laundry services and mobile apps

Fresh Spin aims to differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a modern, eco-friendly, and customer-centric laundromat experience. 

Our key competitive advantages include:

• Convenient location in a high-traffic area with ample parking
• Extended operating hours (24/7) for maximum convenience
• Modern, energy-efficient equipment
• Secure and well-lit facility for customer safety
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff available during operating hours
• Competitive pricing compared to local competitors

By addressing the weaknesses of its competitors and leveraging its unique strengths, Fresh Spin aims to establish itself as the premier laundromat in the area, catering to the diverse needs of its target customer segments while promoting sustainability and exceptional customer service.

Marketing Plan for Laundromat

The marketing plan outlines your strategies for attracting and retaining customers. Consider various marketing channels, and describe your branding, pricing, and customer loyalty programs.

Tips for Developing the Marketing Plan of a Laundromat Business Plan

• Define your brand identity, positioning, and messaging in your universal laundromat business plan
• Develop pricing strategies that align with your target market and competitive landscape
• Identify effective promotional channels and tactics
• Outline customer service and loyalty programs
• Set measurable marketing goals and budget allocations

Sample Marketing Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

Branding and Positioning

Fresh Spin aims to establish itself as the premier provider of convenient, eco-friendly, and customer-focused laundry services in the area. Our brand positioning emphasizes:

• Convenience: Extended operating hours, accessible location, and user-friendly facilities
• Sustainability: Energy-efficient equipment and practices to reduce environmental impact
• Superior Customer Experience: Attentive staff, clean and secure facilities, and value-added services

Our brand messaging will highlight these key pillars through a consistent visual identity (logo, color scheme, and branding elements) and clear communication across all marketing channels.

Pricing Strategies

Fresh Spin will employ a competitive pricing strategy, offering rates slightly below the market average to attract price-conscious customers. 

Our pricing structure includes:

• Wash and Dry Cycles: $ 2.50 for a standard load (comparable to competitors at $3.00)
• Large Load Pricing: $4.00 for a large load (20% discount compared to competitors)
• Commercial Laundry Services: Customized pricing based on volume and frequency

We will periodically review and adjust pricing based on market conditions, operating costs, and customer feedback.

Promotional Activities

To build brand awareness and attract new customers, Fresh Spin will implement the following promotional activities with an annual marketing budget of $25,000.

Grand Opening Event: $5,000 (20% of budget)

• Offer free wash and dry cycles, giveaways, and promotional discounts
• Targeted social media advertising and local print/radio ads

Local Advertising: $6,000 (24% of budget)

• Targeted ads in community newspapers ($3,000)
• Flyers and direct mail campaigns ($3,000)

Social Media Presence: $4,000 (16% of budget)

• Active engagement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor
• Paid social media advertising and influencer partnerships

Loyalty Program: $2,500 (10% of budget)

• Rewards program for frequent customers (e.g., free wash after 10 visits)
• Program management, promotional materials, and customer communications

Partnerships: $5,000 (20% of budget)

• Collaborate with local apartment complexes, universities, and businesses
• Offer discounts, bundled services, or revenue-sharing arrangements

Other Marketing Expenses: $2,500 (10% of budget)

• Printed materials (brochures, flyers, banners)
• Website development and maintenance
• Promotional merchandise (t-shirts, tote bags)

Bank/SBA Business Plan

Document for raising debt funding from financial institutions to meet the expectations of the banks, SBA, and government agencies.

Operations Plan

The operations plan details the day-to-day operations of your laundromat. This includes staffing requirements, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and customer service protocols. Explain your plans for ensuring a clean and efficient laundromat environment.

Tips for Developing an Operational Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

• Describe the physical location, facility layout, and equipment requirements
• Outline staffing needs, roles, and responsibilities
• Develop policies and procedures for cash management, security, and maintenance
• Address environmental and regulatory considerations, such as waste management and energy efficiency
• Identify suppliers and establish inventory management processes

Sample Operational Plan for a Laundromat Business Plan

Facility and Equipment

Fresh Spin is located at 123 Main Street, occupying a 3,000-square-foot space in a high-traffic commercial area. The facility layout includes:

• Main Laundry Area: 40 washing machines (15 large capacity) and 30 dryers (10 large capacity)
• Folding and Sorting Area: Large tables and hanging racks
• Vending Area: Snack and beverage vending machines
• Restrooms and Changing Rooms
• Staff Office and Storage Room

All equipment is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, with features like water recycling systems and energy-saving modes.

Staffing and Operations

Fresh Spin will operate 24/7, with the following staffing structure:

• 2 Full-Time Attendants (Day Shift)
• 2 Part-Time Attendants (Evening/Night Shift)
• 1 Facility Manager (Responsible for overall operations, staffing, and maintenance)

Detailed standard operating procedures will be developed for cash management, security protocols, equipment maintenance, and cleaning schedules.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Fresh Spin, operating in the United States, is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, adhering to the following regulations:

• Compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and Energy Star certification.
• Adherence to the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Adherence to local zoning ordinances and health department regulations.
• Compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

Fresh Spin will implement comprehensive policies, procedures, and training to ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, maintaining a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant operation.

Management Team

The management team section introduces the key individuals responsible for leading and operating the laundromat business. Also highlight the team’s relevant experience and qualifications. When hiring additional staff, describe your recruitment and training processes.

Tips for Presenting Your Management Team in a Laundromat Business Plan

• Provide brief information on the owners and key team personnel
• Outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member
• If hiring additional staff, describe the positions and qualifications required

Sample Management Team for a Laundromat Business Plan

Fresh Spin is owned and operated by Jane Charles and Nick Will, with a combined 15 years of experience in the retail and customer service industries.

• Jane Charles, Co-Owner and General Manager: Jane has 8 years of experience in retail management, overseeing operations, staffing, and customer service. Jane is responsible for overall laundromat operations, staff management, and implementing marketing strategies.

• Nick Will, Co-Owner and Financial Manager: Nick has 7 years of experience in financial management and accounting. Nick is responsible for financial planning, cash management, and identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies

Additional Staff

Fresh Spin will employ the following staff members:

• 2 Full-Time Attendants (Day Shift)
• 2 Part-Time Attendants (Evening/Night Shift)

All staff members will undergo comprehensive training on equipment operation, customer service protocols, cash handling, and safety procedures.

With a strong management team and dedicated staff, Fresh Spin is well-positioned to deliver exceptional service and achieve long-term success in the local laundry services market.

Need Help With Your Laundromat Business Plan? OGSCapital Can Assist

Confused about how to write a business plan for a laundromat? At OGSCapital, we offer specialized business plan services. Our experienced consultants, proficient in creating professional plans to help entrepreneurs and business owners succeed.

Our business plan include:

• In-depth Market Analysis
• Competitive Landscape Evaluation
• Financial Projections
• Marketing Strategy Development
• Operational Planning

Our SBA business plan writers work closely with you to align the business plan with your vision and objectives. We deliver tailored business plans to meet specific needs of startups and existing businesses. Our well-crafted business plan aids in securing funding, attracting investors, and setting a clear path to success. 

Contact Us to get started on your laundromat business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How profitable is owning a laundromat?

According to Coin Laundry Association, there are about 29,500 coin laundries in the US generating nearly $5 billion in gross revenue annually which averages out to $169,491 per laundromat business. As per a coin-operated laundromat business plan, the average business ROI is between 20-35%.

How much does it cost to start a small laundromat? 

The average cost to start a laundromat is estimated to be around $82,010 as per our coin-op laundromat business plan. This cost is an average that takes into account the range provided for each equipment item (as per ZenBusiness) needed to start a new laundromat business as per the table below:

Download Laundromat Business Plan Sample in pdf