Opening your own business is never a bad idea. However, it can be risky.
In today’s economy especially, you have to execute extreme caution when pursuing business ventures. Did you know that nearly 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years?
To avoid becoming one of these failed businesses, you must do your research, plan ahead, and take every necessary precaution to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success. We’re here to help.
Keep reading for a quick list of what it takes to start a laundromat business in the current climate.
1. Market Research
To start any business, you must spend some time conducting market research. This research will help you learn more about the local laundromat business industry.
You should seek to answer the following questions:
- Is there a high demand for laundromat services in my area?
- How many other laundromats are there in town?
- Who are my top competitors?
- Is there a niche I can fill that will make my laundromat business unique?
- What are typical laundromat operating costs?
- What can I expect in terms of revenue?
The more you know about starting a laundromat company in your town, the more prepared you’ll be for the hurdles of owning a business.
2. A Business Plan
Using the data you collected from your market research, you can start building a business plan. Your business plan is a vital document that will be used to navigate your way to success. Just as importantly, it will be the document used by lenders to evaluate your new business’s credibility.
Banks, investors, and other lenders will want to see that you’ve done your homework and have a solid plan for marketing, growth, and success. Otherwise, why would they trust you with their money?
3. Financing
With the ink freshly dried on your business plan, it’s time to start approaching banks and other lenders to help you finance your laundromat business. Decide how much money you need to get started. This includes:
- Commercial building space
- Coin-operated laundry machines
- Business insurance
- Funds for building maintenance and renovations
- And more
Generally speaking, you should try to get an SBA loan. However, if this isn’t a possibility, consider looking at other lenders and investors. You can also bring on a partner and split the business ownership.
4. Logistics
Once you have the financing you need to start your laundromat business, you can start looking at all of the logistics. This includes finding the right building in the right part of town.
Remember, most people who use laundromats are those who live in apartments or have low incomes. As such, you want to find a business location that’s in the heart of town or near residential apartment complexes.
Then, you can start shopping for laundromat equipment to buy. Look here to look through some of your options.
5. Marketing
Lastly, you need to develop an effective marketing strategy to advertise your local laundromat business. As a business that offers local services, we recommend focusing your efforts on local marketing methods.
This includes direct mailing, flyers, radio ads, and more. You should also take advantage of digital marketing, such as:
- Creating a website
- SEO marketing
- Social media marketing
- Email marketing
- PPC marketing
- Etc.
Building up your brand recognition in the community will be key to your success.
Planning to Start a Laundromat Business?
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, you can’t go wrong starting a local laundromat company. Follow the tips listed above to start your laundromat business off on the right foot. And remember, you can never do too much research.
Browse through the rest of our website to find more content on business startups, management, finances, and marketing. Our blog was created to help entrepreneurs like you.
