This article will cover valuable tips and guidance on how to run your launderette successfully.
If you own a launderette and need advice on how to run it successfully, you've come to the right place.
A good starting point is to let you know that laundrettes are businesses with some of the highest success rates, and they can be very profitable and sustainable if you run them efficiently. If you're thinking of buying a laundrette and want to know what it takes to run it, let's get straight to the point. We'll cover the following ways to run and improve your launderette:
- Offer additional services
- Keep your premises safe, clean and visually appealing
- Host special events
- Improve your marketing
Offer additional services
Ironing, dry cleaning, clothes repair or alteration services, collection and delivery, and the cleaning of special items such as duvets are just some of the ways you can diversify your services.
Launderettes have always offered different services over and above the standard coin-operated washing machines to generate alternative income.
Also, because self-service laundry takes time, giving customers things to occupy themselves with can keep them coming back - and perhaps create extra revenue streams.
Coffee stations, vending machines, crafts, or WiFi and remote-working stations are some of the relatively easy ways to increase your clientele and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Keep your premises safe, clean and visually appealing
'Judging a book by its cover' is true when it comes to first impressions of a self-service laundry. Many launderettes across the UK are rundown and unaesthetic.
This means you have the opportunity to improve the exterior and interior of your launderette. While it will cost you, it will be worth it. Creating a social space within your community is crucial. Some of the ways you can do this include:
- Modernising your signage and branding
- Keep the exterior free of garbage
- Add plants and flowers
- Wash your windows
- Santise your equipment and let customers know you do this regularly
- Paint your walls and floors bright coloursHost special events
Hosting special events
There are multiple ways you can encourage new customers and retain exisiting ones. Hosting special events is one way you can do this.
Think about what your community needs, and use your premises to host events that promote unity, education, fun, and support: reading programs, interesting seminars, book clubs, prayer nights. Think about what your target audience would be interested in, and find creative ways to incoporate this into your launderette. It will boost your business's credibility and customer satisfaction.
Improve your marketing
An important way to run a successful launderette and improve it is to pay attention to your marketing efforts.
There are multiple ways you can utilise traditional and digital marketing to increase your customer base and drive higher sales:
- Invest some of your profits into social media marketing
- Think about creating a website or app (if you haven't already)
- If you can, start creating an omnichannel experience for your customers
- Creating bright and exciting flyers and posters that you can advertising in local stores
Take your launderette to the next level
Running a launderette isn't glamorous, but the successful transformation of some neglected operations proves that you can have some fun being creative with whatever space you have. Just make sure you don't overextend yourself.
A word of warning: improving and modernising your laundertte can be expensive.
Many launderettes on the market will need substantial refurbishments, some of which may be legally necessary. For example, the installation of flues, air vents, new power sockets or an extractor to remove excess water from the premises.
Your challenge is to reinvent a concept that is often considered old-fashioned and monotonous. Make sure you prove it wrong!
