Despite the high demand for clean clothes, no everyone loves to handle the task of laundry. It is not only strenuous but also time-consuming. So, many people will be more than happy to outsource the chore to people that can make it happen. In the past few years, the mobile laundry industry has been a booming one in the United States, raking in more than $40 billion in the past years. That means if you are thinking of starting a mobile laundry business, there is always enough money there for you.
In as much as clean clothes are in demand, there will also be a need for a laundry business. So, in this post, we have provided you with the right information you need to start a mobile laundry business. So read on to know everything you need for the business.
Table of Contents
Tips for Starting a Profitable Mobile Laundry Business
Let’s learn about “How To Start A Mobile Laundry Business” in detail:
#1: Plan Your Business
What niche are you going into?
Before starting out your mobile laundry business at all, you need to first identify a profitable niche and see a way to make a business out of it. The laundry market is somehow competitive. And the best way to win and make a good profit from the business is to zero in on a profitable niche.
Firstly, check what demand looks like in your area and see what demographics you think would be profitable for you. Do you have more hotels and motels around that demands lots of laundry service? Or do you have affluent families around that will be willing to pay for their laundry done? All these will help you choose a good niche before making any major investment.
How do you want to perform your mobile laundry business?
This is another important question you need to answer while planning your business. How do you intend to run the business? Will you be doing the washing yourself, or merely transporting to a third-party laundry outfit? Will you be allowing people to come in and do their laundry using your machines, or you will be doing the washing and folding for them while they drop the clothes and leave?
Will you be going to take the laundry from their homes on a schedule or at a call? All these have to be fractioned into your planning to make the business a successful one.
Who is your target market for a mobile laundry business?
You will need to identify who your target customers are. Your target market could range from elderly customers who can’t handle the washing themselves, restaurants, spas, hospitals, motels, busy working moms who don’t have the time to do their laundry themselves, and students who don’t have their own washing machines.
How much do you need to start a mobile laundry business?
Starting a mobile laundry business doesn’t require much initial investment. You can start with the washer and dryer in your home while you make deliveries with your car. Where the major investment lies are buying the equipment you will need for doing the laundry. Again, you will need money to create a website where people can order online and also make schedules. The software needed for this could run between $200 and $500 a year.
However, there will also be some ongoing expenses, such as buying cleaning products, maintain your washer and dryer, insurance, cost of marketing, utility bills, driving costs, and Laundromat costs.
#2: Register Your Business
Although not all businesses will be required to register with the state, it is always advisable you operate your mobile laundry business if your state requires it. Some state allows you to do the registration online while some will want to have you register in person with paper documents. So consult your lawyer to help you determine what type of documents and registrations you will need for the business.
After registering your business, next thing is to apply for an employer identification number (EIN). This will come in handy when you need to apply for a bank account, file for taxes, and hire people to help in the business. It is also often called a business tax ID number.
#3: Get the Necessary Permits and Licenses
This will again depend on your state where you will be operating your mobile laundry business from. Enquire about what licenses and permits you need and make sure you get them. You won’t want to run the business against the law, will you? So you may need to get some specific licenses in addition to a more general business license. An example of such a specific license is a water pollution control permit or health department license.
#4: Get the Required Equipment and Supplies
Now that your business is registered, you are ready to commence business. So it’s time to get some equipment. If you will not be operating from home, you will need to acquire some commercial equipment. And that will even show how serious you are about making good money from the business.
You will need industrial washers and dryers, and also some pressing machines. If you will be adding dry-cleaning services, you will need to buy plenty of PCE. You will need lots of coat hangers, various detergents, and plastic bags and labels. You can use your car or van for making deliveries or get one on a lease.
#5: Learn the Ins And Outs of the Business
This is one thing that will quickly set you apart from the competition. A Mobile laundry business is more than just washing clothes. You will have to understand how to handle different fabrics and stains. So before opening up for business, consider getting some required skills and training about the craft. Learn about different laundry techniques and how to use various detergents. This will mean a lot to the success of your business.
#6: Market Your Business to Win Clients
You will want to let people know the kind of service you offer in order to gain your first few clients. This may not be very easy but committing to it and doing the right things will ease things up. Take advantage of word-of-mouth advertising to market the business. Post flyers and give business cards to people you think will be interested in your mobile laundry services.
Take your marketing to the next level by marketing on social media and creating a healthy social media presence. Use platforms like Google My Business and Yelp to get more targeted customers around your area. You can also create a website and start writing relevant blogs on it to attract more organic customers to the business.
#7: Create Plans to Grow The Business
Growth is one excellent way to guarantee reliable profits from a mobile laundry business. You need to make sustainable plans that will help grow the business. You might decide to offer more services outside your standard services. You can as well collaborate with other businesses to expand your mobile laundry business.
Final note
Growing your business will make it easy to earn good profits from your mobile laundry business. That will only happen when you have the right plans in place. This post has provided all you need to get started well. Explore, and use the information there to the best of your mobile laundry business.