How to Avoid Costly Laundromat Mistakes

When opening up your first laundromat, mistakes are inevitably going to happen. Whether it’s financial, equipment, or customer slip-ups, in the end, a mistake is a mistake. 

With more than 100 years of experience working with laundromats in the Midwest, we thought it would be a good idea to bring some common mistakes to your attention so that you can avoid them. 

Read on to learn about common laundromat owner mistakes and potential solutions or workarounds. 

Not Conducting Proper Research & Planning

One of the biggest mistakes that people tend to make is that they purchase a laundromat before conducting in-depth research and planning. 

You want to learn all the ins and outs of what it takes to be a laundromat owner before you go all in on a business. Research what previous laundromat owners wish they would have known before they bought their business and difficulties that all owners face in the beginning. 

After you have background knowledge on owning a laundromat, you’ll want to create a thorough business plan that goes through exactly what you plan to do in order to make your laundromat successful. 

Compile research on market size and target customers for your business to ensure it’s a good laundromat location before investing.

Once you’ve conducted the proper research and planning, you’re ready to start your laundromat business! 

Installing Cheap & Inexpensive Equipment 

Another big mistake that first-time laundromat owners make is that they go cheap when they buy their laundry equipment. Buying used equipment or not researching the best brand for their needs are common scenarios here. 

We understand that there is a lot of money involved when it comes to starting your own business, but your washers and dryers are not something that you’ll want to cut your costs down on. 

Your laundry machines are going to be the most important part of your laundromat, so installing high-quality, efficient equipment is a top priority. Your machines will last longer, you’ll cut down on repair costs, and your customers will be impressed right off the start when they use your machines! 

Purchase laundry equipment from trusted brands in the industry, such as Maytag and Yamamoto. These brands are known for efficiency, durability, high-tech features, and ongoing warranties, so you’ll be sure you’re making a smart investment. 

Read Now: Tips for Choosing The Best Commercial Laundry Equipment for Your Business

Ignoring Your Competition 

Focusing only on your business and not the competitors around you can end up costing you in the long run. When you don’t keep tabs on your competitors, you don’t know where your business stands in the rankings. 

Look at their marketing tactics, equipment, and additional laundry services (like fluff and fold or dry cleaning). 

Once you look around and see how other businesses are doing, you’ll gain a better understanding of how well your laundromat is running and what improvements you can make to one-up your competitors. 

While you don’t want to copy what other laundromats are doing, you always want to be one step ahead of everyone else. 

Not Focusing On Marketing 

Marketing, especially digital marketing, can be intimidating — but it’s incredibly important for small businesses. When you decide not to focus on marketing your laundromat, you’ll cost your business plenty of money. 

We know marketing and advertising can be a hefty expense, but they also can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your business. Marketing your laundromat will get your name in front of new potential customers and will start to build your brand awareness. 

Once customers are familiar with your business, you can start building brand loyalty between them. Marketing can do wonders for your business, so be sure not to overlook it! 

Read Now:Laundromat Marketing 101 - Tips for Promoting Your Laundry Business

Falling Behind On Equipment Maintenance 

A big mistake that you can easily avoid is falling behind on your equipment maintenance. Once you purchase your laundry machines, you should constantly be maintaining your equipment on a weekly, if not daily basis. 

Laundry machines are meant to be kept clean for proper and efficient functioning. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly and preventable machine downtime and repairs. 

To keep up with maintenance and repairs, review the user manuals of your laundry equipment after it’s purchased, schedule appointments for ongoing maintenance, or attend our free laundry business educational workshops to ask questions and learn more about your machines. 

Read Now: The Importance Of Regular Laundry Machine Maintenance

Get Started on the Right Foot

We want your laundromat to be as successful as possible, so if there are any questions or concerns you have, we’d love to hear from you. 

Contact us whenever it’s most convenient for you, and we’ll give you more tips on how to avoid costly mistakes. We’re here to help and support all of your Midwest laundromat business needs!