How to Start a Laundromat | Profitable Coin-Op Guide

Step-by-Step Laundromat Startup Guide for Long-Term Success

Picture this: you walk into your own laundromat on a busy Saturday morning. The machines are humming, customers are chatting while their clothes spin, and your business is generating steady income. Sound appealing?

Starting a laundromat can be an excellent business opportunity. Outcomes vary by market and execution; consider this an opinionated assessment, not a guarantee of profitability.

Starting a laundromat can be an excellent business opportunity. But like any venture, success depends on careful planning and smart decisions. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to turn that vision into reality.

Before diving into the steps, take a moment to visualize your future business. What does it look like? How big is it? Where’s it located? You don’t need every detail figured out yet, but having a clear picture helps guide your decisions.

1.) Research the Industry Thoroughly

Research forms the foundation of your laundromat venture. You wouldn’t buy a house without an inspection, right? The same principle applies here. Let’s explore three critical areas that deserve your attention.

Get an Inside Look at the Business

The best insights come from people already in the trenches. Laundromat owners know what works, what doesn’t, and what surprises await new operators. Here’s how to tap into their knowledge:

Method One: Visit Laundromats for Sale

Contact owners selling their businesses and request meetings. Tell them you’re considering starting a laundromat but want to explore purchasing an existing one first. This approach opens doors because you’re a potential buyer, not just someone seeking free advice.

Come prepared with thoughtful questions that show respect for their time:

What drew you to the laundromat business initially?
If you could start over, what would you change?
What’s the most rewarding aspect of ownership?
What challenges catch new owners off guard?

Start with personal questions about their experience. This builds rapport before diving into financial details. While you’re there, tour the facility, meet staff members, and examine the equipment closely. You might discover a business worth buying, fast-tracking your entry into the industry.

Method Two: Explore Franchise Opportunities

Franchise representatives expect detailed questions about their business model. They’re sales professionals who understand potential owners need comprehensive information. Don’t hold back – ask about everything from initial investment to ongoing support.

Method Three: Connect with Non-Competing Owners

Find established laundromats in areas where you won’t compete. Reach out to owners and explain you’re starting a laundromat elsewhere. Many business owners appreciate helping newcomers, especially when there’s no competitive threat. These relationships often evolve into valuable mentorships where you can get an inside look at different business approaches.

Method Four: Study Online Resources

Search for laundromat owner interviews and industry articles. Many successful operators share their experiences through blogs, podcasts, and interviews. Reach out to these owners – mention you read their content and would appreciate their insights. Building these relationships creates a network of advisors for your journey.

Expand Your Industry Knowledge

Knowledge is power in business. The laundromat industry has unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities you need to understand.

Subscribe to industry newsletters and publications. Follow relevant blogs and websites. Join online communities where laundromat owners discuss trends, challenges, and solutions. The more you know about industry developments, equipment innovations, and market trends, the better positioned you’ll be for success.

Choose Your Location Strategically

Location can make or break your laundromat. You need customers, but not too much competition.

Start by identifying areas with genuine demand. Look for neighborhoods with apartments, condos, and rental properties where residents lack in-unit laundry facilities. College towns often provide excellent opportunities, as do areas with young professionals and families.

Avoid oversaturated markets where competition is fierce. However, don’t dismiss areas with some existing laundromats – this often indicates healthy demand.

Consider your target customers’ daily routines. A location near grocery stores, restaurants, or shopping centers allows customers to multitask during wash cycles. Avoid areas primarily known for nightlife or entertainment that don’t align with laundry needs.

Before committing to any location, check zoning regulations at city hall. Ensure the area permits laundromat operations and inquire about any special requirements for water and sewer usage.

2.) Choose a Business Name

Your business name becomes your brand identity. It’s what customers remember, recommend to friends, and search for online. Choose wisely – you’ll live with this decision for years.

A good laundromat name should be memorable, easy to pronounce, and relevant to your business. Avoid overly clever puns that might confuse customers or names so generic they blend into the background.

Consider your local market when brainstorming. A playful name might work well in a college town but seem unprofessional in a business district. Think about how the name sounds when spoken aloud – customers will give directions to friends and family.

Use online resources for inspiration, but don’t rely solely on name generators. Everyone has access to these tools, so the suggestions won’t be unique. Instead, let them spark creativity while you develop something original.

Remember to check domain availability for your website. In today’s digital world, having a matching web address is crucial for your online presence.

3.) Legalize Your Business Structure

Proper legal setup protects your personal assets and provides credibility with customers, suppliers, and lenders. Choosing the right business structure requires understanding your options and their implications.

Decide on Your Legal Structure

Many new business owners start as sole proprietorships because they’re simple to establish. However, this structure offers no protection for personal assets. If your business faces financial difficulties, creditors can pursue your home, vehicle, and other personal property.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) provide asset protection while maintaining operational simplicity. Corporations offer maximum protection but involve more complex requirements and paperwork.

Some entrepreneurs begin as sole proprietorships and convert to LLCs or corporations as their businesses grow. This approach minimizes initial complexity while preserving future options. Consider consulting with an attorney or accountant to determine the best structure for your situation.

Get Your Tax ID

Your business structure and hiring plans determine whether you need a federal tax ID (EIN) immediately. Getting a business tax ID is straightforward and often required for business bank accounts and equipment financing.

Secure Local Permits and Licenses

Contact your city hall or local municipality for standard business licenses and permits. Laundromats may require special permits due to high water and sewer usage. Some areas have environmental regulations for commercial washing operations.

Don’t assume standard business licenses cover everything. Ask specifically about laundromat requirements to avoid delays or compliance issues later.

4.) Create Your Corporate Identity

Your corporate identity makes first impressions and builds customer trust. While comprehensive branding packages can be expensive, you can start with essentials and expand as your business grows.

Begin with professional business cards and a quality logo. These basics handle most initial needs while keeping startup costs manageable. As revenue grows, add professional letterhead, checks, signage, and website design.

Your logo will appear on everything from business cards to storefront signs, so invest in professional design. A well-designed logo conveys competence and attention to detail – qualities customers value in service businesses.

Consider how your branding elements work together. Colors, fonts, and imagery should create a cohesive look across all materials. Consistency builds recognition and professionalism.

5.) Estimate Your Startup Costs

Accurate cost estimation prevents two dangerous scenarios: overestimating and struggling to secure funding, or underestimating and running out of money before opening.

No one can provide exact startup costs without knowing your specific plans. Will you buy new or used equipment? How large is your space? What amenities will you offer? These decisions dramatically impact your budget.

Start by listing every expense category:

Equipment (washers, dryers, change machines, security systems)
Facility costs (lease deposits, renovations, utilities setup)
Professional services (legal, accounting, permits)
Insurance premiums
Initial inventory (soap, supplies)
Marketing and signage
Working capital for first few months

Research each item thoroughly. Get quotes from multiple suppliers for major purchases. Contact utility companies about connection fees and deposits. Factor in unexpected costs – they always appear during startup phases.

6.) Write Your Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan serves two purposes: keeping you focused and convincing others to invest in your venture. Whether seeking bank loans or private investors, you need a document that demonstrates thorough planning and realistic projections.

Your business plan should answer critical questions:

Who are your target customers?
How will you reach them?
What makes your laundromat different from competitors?
What challenges do you anticipate?
How will you measure success?
What’s your operating budget?

Take time with each section. Superficial answers won’t fool experienced lenders or investors. Research your market thoroughly. Understand your competition. Create realistic financial projections based on actual industry data.

You can use templates, software, or hire professionals to help write your plan. Regardless of your approach, you must provide the specific information about your market, strategy, and financial projections.

7.) Set Up Business Banking

Banking relationships become crucial for laundromat success. You’ll handle significant cash volumes and may need equipment financing as you grow.

Choose the Right Bank

Location matters for laundromats. You’ll make frequent deposits of coins and cash, so proximity is important for safety and convenience. However, the relationship with your banker matters more than the bank itself.

A knowledgeable banker who understands your business can expedite loan applications when opportunities arise. Imagine finding a great deal on equipment but needing financing quickly. An established banking relationship can make the difference between seizing the opportunity and losing it to someone else.

Look for bankers experienced with small businesses, particularly service-based operations with cash components. They understand your unique needs and can structure banking services accordingly.

Acquire a Merchant Account

Modern laundromat equipment often accepts credit and debit cards. To process these payments, you need a merchant account – essentially a business bank account for card transactions.

Your banker can help streamline the merchant account application. They understand your business model and can present your application favorably to processing companies. This support often results in better rates and faster approval.

8.) Secure Business Funding

With your planning complete, it’s time to turn plans into reality through funding. Most entrepreneurs start with their existing bank, leveraging established relationships and local knowledge.

Understand that lenders view startups as higher risk. Many new businesses fail within the first few years, making lenders cautious about startup loans. For context, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) data show roughly 48.9% of new employer establishments survive five years and about 33–34% survive ten years. (Source: SBA Office of Advocacy, 2024 FAQ) This doesn’t mean you won’t get approved, but prepare for potential rejections and have backup plans.

If your initial loan application is declined, ask for specific reasons. Address these concerns before applying elsewhere. Perhaps you need stronger personal credit, more collateral, or revised financial projections. Use feedback constructively rather than taking rejections personally.

Consider alternative funding sources if traditional loans aren’t available:

Business partners or investors
SBA loans with government backing
Personal asset liquidation
Home equity loans
Equipment financing directly through suppliers

Each option has advantages and drawbacks. Evaluate them carefully and consider professional advice for major decisions.

9.) Set Up Your Office Operations

Successful laundromat ownership requires administrative work: tracking finances, scheduling maintenance, managing employees, and planning growth. Your office setup directly impacts operational efficiency.

Whether your office is within the laundromat or at home, it must be organized and fully equipped. You need reliable internet, accounting software, filing systems, and communication tools.

Choose Appropriate Software

Look for accounting software that tracks expenses, revenues, and cash flow effectively. Some programs are designed specifically for laundromats and include features for tracking machine performance and maintenance schedules.

Maintenance management software helps ensure equipment stays in optimal condition. Preventive maintenance reduces breakdowns and extends equipment life – critical factors in laundromat profitability.

Research software options thoroughly. Read reviews, request demos, and consider integration capabilities with your other business tools.

10.) Get Proper Business Insurance

Insurance protects your investment and provides peace of mind. Laundromat insurance needs go beyond basic property coverage.

Essential coverage includes:

Property insurance for equipment and facility
General liability for customer and employee accidents
Business interruption insurance for lost revenue during closures
Equipment breakdown coverage for major repairs

Business interruption insurance deserves special attention. If a fire, flood, or equipment failure forces temporary closure, this coverage replaces lost revenue during repair periods. For businesses dependent on daily operations, this protection is invaluable.

Work with an insurance broker experienced in commercial service businesses. They understand industry-specific risks and can structure appropriate coverage at competitive rates.

11.) Build a Professional Advisory Team

As your business grows, you’ll need specialized expertise beyond your knowledge. Building a team of professional advisors provides access to skills without full-time employment costs.

Your advisory team might include:

Attorney for legal matters and contracts
Accountant for tax planning and financial analysis
Business strategist for growth planning
Marketing specialist for customer acquisition
HR consultant for employment issues

Establish relationships before you desperately need their services. Some advisors will become long-term partners, while others may not be good fits. Starting relationships early allows you to evaluate compatibility and expertise.

Pay advisors either through retainers or hourly rates. Retainers provide predictable costs and priority access, while hourly billing offers flexibility for occasional needs.

12.) Make Smart Hiring Decisions

Your staffing needs depend on your business model and operating hours. Single-location owners often handle everything themselves initially. However, if you want staff on-site at all times or plan 24-hour operations, hiring becomes necessary.

Take hiring seriously. Bad hires cost money through poor performance, training time, and potential customer service issues. Good employees become valuable assets who contribute to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Use probationary periods for new hires. This protects both parties by allowing evaluation of fit before making long-term commitments. Clear expectations and regular feedback during probation help ensure success.

Important Considerations Before You Start

Now that you understand the startup process, let’s examine some fundamental questions about laundromat ownership.

Is Business Ownership Right for You?

People start businesses for various reasons: independence, lifestyle, financial opportunity, or passion for the industry. Your motivations matter because they influence how you handle inevitable challenges.

Passion for your business becomes crucial during difficult times. When problems arise – and they will – passionate owners look for solutions while others consider exit strategies. Starting a business solely for money rarely provides enough motivation during challenging periods.

Consider whether you enjoy solving problems, managing people, and handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Business ownership requires versatility and persistence that not everyone possesses or enjoys.

Should You Start Fresh or Buy an Existing Business?

Both approaches have merits depending on your situation and goals.

Buying an existing laundromat provides immediate cash flow and bypasses the startup phase. You inherit established customers, proven location, and existing permits – particularly valuable if local regulations limit new laundromat permits due to water and sewer capacity.

However, purchasing costs more due to goodwill value – the premium for established customer base and proven operations. You also inherit previous owner’s decisions about equipment, layout, and customer expectations. Significant changes might alienate existing customers.

Starting fresh costs less initially and provides complete control over equipment, design, and operations. You build everything according to your vision without compromise. However, you face longer timeline to profitability and uncertainty about market acceptance.

Consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals when making this decision.

Are Franchise Opportunities Worth Considering?

Franchises offer proven systems, brand recognition, and ongoing support. Customers know what to expect from established franchise brands, potentially reducing marketing challenges.

However, franchises require ongoing fees and strict adherence to corporate standards. You can’t modify operations, add services, or change suppliers without approval. This lack of flexibility can be frustrating for entrepreneurs who want complete control.

Evaluate franchise opportunities carefully. Do the benefits of brand recognition and systems justify the ongoing costs and operational restrictions? Some entrepreneurs thrive within structured systems, while others prefer independence.

Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience

Your laundromat’s atmosphere and amenities significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Since customers spend 1-3 hours in your facility, making their time enjoyable encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. Actual time varies by machine cycles and load size; wash cycles commonly take around 25–35 minutes and drying about 30–45 minutes. (Typical laundromat cycle example) (Dryer cycle guidance, Maytag)

Comfort and Convenience Features

Consider amenities that improve the customer experience:

Free WiFi for staying connected
Television entertainment
Children’s play area for families
Comfortable seating areas
Folding stations with helpful tools
Information displays about machine usage and laundry best practices

These features cost money upfront but generate customer loyalty that translates into consistent revenue.

Revenue-Generating Add-ons

Some amenities can generate additional income while enhancing customer experience:

Vending machines for snacks and drinks
Arcade games for entertainment
Food service area with hot meals
Massage chairs for relaxation
Workstations for busy professionals
Laundry supplies and accessories for sale

Evaluate your customer demographics when choosing revenue-generating amenities. Business professionals might appreciate workstations, while families prefer children’s entertainment options.

Building Your Path to Success

Starting a laundromat requires careful planning, adequate funding, and commitment to customer service. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with proper preparation and execution, you can build a profitable business that serves your community’s needs.

Remember that this industry rewards owners who pay attention to details, maintain equipment properly, and create positive customer experiences. Your laundromat’s success depends on consistently providing clean, reliable, and convenient service.

The steps outlined in this guide provide a roadmap for your journey. Take time with each phase, seek advice from experienced professionals, and don’t rush critical decisions. With patience, planning, and persistence, your vision of owning a successful laundromat can become reality.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore this opportunity or ready to take the next step, use this guide as your reference for building a laundromat business that serves customers well and provides the financial returns you’re seeking. The coin-operated laundry industry continues growing, and there’s room for well-planned, customer-focused operations like the one you’re planning to create. Industry analyses project continued growth through 2030; for example, Grand View Research estimates a 9.3% global CAGR from 2023 to 2030. (Market outlook)

References

101 Tips To Know About Running a Laundromat

Running a laundromat is part real estate, part operations, and part hospitality. The following tips are a practical checklist you can revisit any time, whether you’re planning your first location or improving an existing store. Skim for quick wins today, then come back as your goals change. Use what fits your vision and your market.

What to Do Before Starting

Map your trade area with a 5–10 minute drive-time and count renters, students, and multi-family units to estimate weekly laundry demand.
Visit competing stores at different times and note machine mix, vend prices, cleanliness, and average wait times; aim to beat them on two of the four.
Validate demand with a simple headcount study over seven days to estimate turns per day you’ll need per machine to break even.
Build a conservative pro forma using utility benchmarks (water, gas, electric) per pound washed; stress-test for a 15% utility spike.
Choose a site with adequate power, gas line capacity, floor drains, and venting; upgrades can dwarf your equipment budget.
Review local zoning, occupancy, and wastewater rules early; factor permit timelines into your launch date.
Price multiple equipment brands for total cost of ownership, not just purchase price—compare energy, water use, and expected lifespan.
Negotiate a lease with options and TI (tenant improvement) allowances; align lease terms with equipment financing length.
Secure funding that matches cash flow—term loans or equipment financing typically pair better than short balloon notes.
Get quotes for general liability, property, business interruption, workers’ comp, and cyber coverage for card systems.
Plan your machine mix (top loaders, front loaders of varied capacities, stack dryers) to serve solo customers and large-family loads.
Sketch your customer flow—entry, changers, seating, folding, carts, vending—so no one crosses wet with clean.

What Successful Laundromat Owners Do

Track daily turns per day by machine size and shift hours to optimize pricing and promotions where capacity sits idle.
Post a simple, visible cleaning schedule and keep it; consistent cleanliness beats fancy décor for repeat visits.
Know your top five utility drivers and set monthly targets; treat utilities like inventory you sell at a markup.
Train every employee to resolve common hiccups on the spot—refunds, stuck doors, coin jams, and card errors.
Measure wash–dry–fold (WDF) profitability per pound and schedule staff to your order volume, not to the clock.
Set annual preventive maintenance days; proactive gasket, belt, and hose swaps prevent costly emergency calls.
Build vendor relationships with two parts distributors so you’re never held up by backorders.
Use simple dashboards (turns, revenue per square foot, utility ratio) and review them weekly.
Visit your own store as a customer monthly—do a load, time the cycle, and rate the experience.
Reinforce a “make it right” culture: small refunds and quick fixes are cheaper than a lost customer.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for opening, mid-shift cleaning, cash/card reconciliation, and closing.
Install water leak detectors and auto-shutoff valves near critical supply lines to prevent catastrophic floods.
Keep a labeled parts kit (belts, hoses, door gaskets, fuses, igniters) and a log of replacements with dates.
Calibrate vend prices to cycle time and capacity; larger machines should earn a premium per minute.
Balance dryers routinely; poor airflow extends dry times and drives utility waste.
Test wash formulas monthly; wrong detergent or over-sudsing causes service calls and re-washes.
Maintain ADA access: compliant door widths, turning space, and reachable controls for customers with disabilities.
Implement cash-handling controls: two-person counts, sealed drops, and camera coverage for change machines.
Use a maintenance calendar: lint trap cleaning (daily), drain inspection (weekly), vent checks (monthly), combustion checks (quarterly).
Label every breaker, gas shutoff, and water isolation valve; train staff on emergency procedures.
Create a “down machine” protocol with a 24-hour target for first fix and visible signage for customers.
Stock carts and folding tables relative to peak occupancy; congestion kills throughput and satisfaction.
Train attendants to batch WDF by color, fabric, and temperature; document your fold standards with photos.
Back up card system data and update firmware on a set schedule to avoid unexpected outages.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Expect seasonal swings—winter and rainy periods drive higher dryer usage; summer may shift to more cold washes.
Understand local wastewater discharge limits and grease/lint trap requirements to avoid penalties.
Verify gas appliance venting and clearance codes; improper venting risks CO exposure and fines.
Check landlord and municipal restrictions on operating hours, exterior signage, and parking.
Recognize coin and card system tampering risks; monitor with cameras and audit logs.
Learn the typical replacement cycle—washers ~10–12 years, dryers ~15+ with maintenance—so you can budget.
Keep an eye on supply chain lead times for large-capacity machines; delays can stretch several months.
Monitor wage and tip regulations for WDF staff; rules vary by state and may affect pricing.
Confirm fire code requirements for lint management and dryer ducting to minimize ignition risk.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Claim and optimize your business profiles with accurate hours, services (e.g., WDF, pickup), and high-quality photos.
Use clear exterior signage and window vinyl that advertises your biggest advantages: big machines, fast dryers, attendants.
Offer grand-opening bundles (free dry with wash, or bonus card credit) to seed trial during the first 30 days.
Run weekday off-peak promos to lift turns when machines sit idle.
Partner with apartment managers and student housing for resident coupons and on-site signup events.
Place a simple service menu at every folding table so customers discover WDF while they fold.
Test door hangers and direct mail in nearby buildings where in-unit laundry is scarce.
Use SMS or app notifications for cycle completion and targeted offers; keep messages brief and valuable.
Sponsor local teams or community events and include a “clean uniform” promo code.
Create a referral card that rewards both the existing and new customer after the second visit.
Share “how-to” posters on sorting, stains, and machine selection to reduce re-washes and earn trust.
Track marketing by offer code so you can cut what doesn’t convert and double down on what does.

Dealing With Customers to Build Relationships (Trust, Education, Retention)

Greet customers within 10 seconds of entry; it signals safety and attentiveness.
Keep multilingual signage for key steps and safety notes in the languages most common in your area.
Offer a free “machine sizing” guide so customers choose the right capacity for fewer cycles and better results.
Provide kid-friendly seating and a small play area to make family visits easier.
Keep stain-removal tip sheets and sell stain sticks at the counter for quick wins.
Encourage feedback via a QR code at each folding table; respond the same day.
Create a lost-and-found procedure with dates and photos to build goodwill.
Train attendants to handle first-time users hands-on—show, don’t just tell.
Celebrate loyal customers with a punch-card or app milestone that triggers surprise perks.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback Loops)

Publish a simple service guarantee: clean store, working machines, and fair refunds for verified malfunctions.
Set a transparent refund process—receipt, machine number, date/time—and resolve within 48 hours.
For WDF, tag every bag with customer name, weight, and instructions; double-check special requests.
Use color-coded bags or racks to prevent order mix-ups and to speed pickup.
Implement “redo or refund” for WDF quality issues; the repeat business is worth the cost.
Monitor review sites weekly and address concerns with specific fixes, not generic apologies.
Train staff on de-escalation and offer a private space to discuss issues away from the floor.
Keep a small “service recovery” kit—free dry credits, detergent samples, or vending vouchers—for quick resolutions.

Plans for Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term Viability)

Choose high-efficiency washers and dryers that reduce water, gas, and electric consumption per pound.
Install low-flow faucets and spray valves in utility sinks to cut water waste.
Maintain lint filtration and clean ducts to improve dryer efficiency and fire safety.
Offer cold-water wash guidance and detergents formulated for cold cycles to save energy.
Recycle cardboard, detergent jugs, and plastic wrap; keep labeled bins behind the counter.
Track water and energy use per dollar of revenue monthly; set targets to improve year over year.
Use LED lighting with occupancy sensors in low-traffic zones for additional savings.
Source environmentally preferable detergents for WDF and communicate that choice to customers.

Staying Informed With Industry Trends (Sources, Signals, Cadence)

Join a national trade group and your regional association to benchmark pricing and machine mix.
Attend at least one laundry trade show or distributor open house annually to compare new models and controls.
Subscribe to manufacturer service bulletins so you catch recalls, firmware updates, and part changes early.
Watch municipal water and sewer rate hearings; rate changes directly affect your margins.
Track payment tech trends—EMV updates, mobile wallets, loyalty apps—to keep transactions smooth.
Follow local housing development news; new apartments can reshape your demand map.
Keep a simple “trend log” and review quarterly—what changed, what you tested, and results.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Build a 13-week cash flow view so you can adjust staffing and inventory quickly during slowdowns.
Prepare emergency SOPs for power outages, water shutoffs, and equipment failures with customer communication templates.
Add portable POS and manual tickets for WDF so you can keep operating if your network goes down.
When a competitor opens, run a 60-day playbook: spot audits, targeted offers, and a deep clean and refresh.
Use dynamic pricing or time-of-day promos to move demand from peak to shoulder hours.
Pilot new services (pickup/delivery, lockers) in small zones before scaling.

What Not to Do (Issues and Mistakes to Avoid)

Don’t underinsure; a single water or fire incident can erase years of profit.
Don’t neglect lint and vent cleaning; it’s a leading cause of dryer fires and longer cycle times.
Don’t set and forget prices; utilities and wages change—review quarterly.
Don’t overbuy top loaders; modern front loaders typically clean better with less water.
Don’t ignore ADA accessibility—noncompliance risks complaints and lost customers.
Don’t delay preventive maintenance; breakdowns during peak hours cost far more than scheduled service.

Sources
Sources: SBA, IRS, OSHA, EPA, ENERGY STAR, CDC NIOSH, NFPA, Coin Laundry Association, ADA