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- Laundry Solutions Company
- April 12, 2017
Do you need to get a leg up on the competition? If your laundromat is battling several other businesses, step up your game. How can you attract new customers and retain your existing customer base? One way to eclipse your competitors is to sell useful and appealing items within your store, either in a vending machine or over the counter. If you aren’t sure what to sell in a laundromat, scroll down for some helpful hints.
What to Sell in a Laundromat
Detergent
Let’s start with an obvious choice. Only two items are needed to properly wash clothes: water and detergent. Whether a customer forgets detergent, runs out of detergent, or simply chooses not to bring detergent (and relies on you), you will undoubtedly please your customers by offering detergent on the premises. You could sell individually packaged detergent or purchase a machine that dollops out a specified portion. In addition, you can choose between detergent in liquid and powder form.
Dryer Sheets
Although not strictly necessary, most people prefer to use dryer sheets to soften their clothes and reduce static electricity. If you offer them for a reasonable price, your customers will surely appreciate the convenience.
Bleach & Fabric Softener
Bleach and fabric softener come in handy in specific situations. When used correctly, bleach can whiten white fabrics, remove stains, and even eliminate germs. Fabric softener coats fibers with a chemical compound that makes the fabric softer and fluffier. You can’t go wrong with these laundry staples.
Stain Remover
When attempting to remove a stubborn spot, most people turn to stain removers. These handy products can dissolve stains when properly applied. Consider offering a few different types of stain remover at your laundromat, as many people have a favorite variety. In addition, consider adding a sign to encourage people to test stain removers in a hidden area of the garment before using them to avoid aggravating the problem.
Laundry Bags
Everyone needs some sort of container to lug their laundry to and from the laundromat. Although most of your patrons will come with their own bag, basket, or cart, it never hurts to sell laundry bags in-store for those in a tough spot. For example, if someone totes their laundry to the laundromat in a trash bag that rips, they can purchase another. Or if someone has always carried a heavy basket to the laundromat, they might appreciate the opportunity to buy a lightweight laundry bag instead.
Beverages & Snacks
Finally, put yourself in your customers’ shoes. While waiting for a machine to finish washing or drying a load of laundry, what might a customer want? In addition to considering entertainment options (including WiFi, chargers, and perhaps a TV), don’t underestimate the importance of drinks and snacks. Provide a variety of options to please all sorts of palates. In the realm of drinks, we encourage you to include coffee, water, soda, and juices. For snacks, try to offer healthy options (like fruit, veggies, hummus, trail mix, and granola bars) in addition to more traditional vending-machine fare (chips, candy, crackers, and pastries).
Finally, of course, if your washers and dryers run on quarters, you should provide a change machine for convenience. Although technically an exchange, not a sale, we can’t discuss what to sell in a laundromat without mentioning a change machine.
If you’re interested in opening a laundromat, be sure to check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Since 1976, we have been providing exceptional sales support, laundry design services, commercial laundry equipment (and leasing options), and laundry equipment service and parts. To learn more about our products and services, please give us a call at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
