Owning and operating a laundry business can prove to be quite profitable if you do a bit of research, take the time to learn the industry and are willing to be involved in the day-to-day operations in the beginning. Having coin-operated laundry equipment keeps a good portion of the business automated so you have little interaction. However, if you take it seriously and work it like a job, you will have a business that is always busy and makes a nice profit. Here are a few things you can do that will make a big difference in the number and type of patrons you have.

Having an Attendant

Because the machines are all coin-operated with the customers operating them, it can be tempting to unlock the doors and leave. If you want to end up having constant repair bills and a dirty, run-down facility, go right ahead. However, it won't be long before no one is going to your business to actually do laundry, instead it will become a place most people will avoid. If you are unable to staff the place yourself, or don't have family that will do it for you, be sure to hire someone that will be there and take care of things for you.

Keeping the Place Clean and All the Machines Running

Keeping the place clean involves more than sweeping and mopping the floors. Every machine needs to be wiped down thoroughly a couple of times a day. Make sure to open each machine and get inside too. Laundry detergent and fabric softener can gunk up corners of the dispensers and is often spilled onto the top and sides of the machines. Not only does this make the place look dirty and unkempt, but could create problems if the next user has a sensitivity to the product.

You do not have to be a mechanic or technician to solve the small problems that cause a machine to not operate properly. As long as you can handle the small issues, the larger issues will be few and far between. This not only keeps the customers supplied with machines to use, but saves you from having to pay for repair work.

Additional Services

Since you, or your employee, will be there whenever the establishment is open, take advantage of this and offer additional services to the customers. Have a drop off service where the customer brings in the clothing to be washed and then you, or your employee, handles it from there. You can charge different amounts depending on whether or not the customer supplies the cleaning products, if they want the clothing folded or ironed and if any stain removal will be required.

Owning and operating a coin-operated laundromat can be a very lucrative business. Often, you can find someone retiring and willing to sell the equipment at a discounted price. If not, you can find equipment from a supplier like Metropolitan Laundry Machinery Sales Inc. Take care of the machines and keep the place looking appealing to customers and you will be able to live comfortably on the profits.