Start A Laundry Business

Author: Carla Edmisten

Have you ever thought to yourself, "If I had the money, I'd paid someone to do my laundry."? This was the thought behind All Washed Up.

When my husband and I needed additional income, we weren't willing to sacrifice my being home when the kids got home from school, going on field trips and summer vacations. Daycare was simply not an option. Instead of going back into the social services field and working on someone else's schedule, we knew a home-based business would suit our needs perfectly.

We didn't have much extra money to invest in the start up. Fortunately, the laundry business requires some local advertising, supplies, a little creativity and hard work.

Advertising That Worked

To get the word out, we focused on working moms and distributed fliers at day care providers and local businesses. We did distribute fliers door to door in a few neighborhoods, but it didn't prove to be profitable. The best investment for advertising was a set of magnetic signs with an attractive logo for my vehicle. And nothing beats words of mouth to multiply your business after pleasing just your first few customers.

Cater To Your Clients

A big point to keep in mind is that this service is not a necessity. It is a luxury and has to be treated as one. Take pride in what you're doing. No matter the demographic of your clients, resist the temptation to view yourself as just the "laundry lady." Take the time to let your clients know you take this as a serious business. Meet with each new client and complete an information form. Customizing the service for each customer is key. Some things you'll want to include on the information form are:

Days and times for pick-up and delivery.
Location of pick-up and delivery. Most customers will have you come to their home, perhaps leaving the laundry on the porch or just inside the door. One of my customers leaves her bags in her car at work. She raves about the feeling of opening her trunk to find fresh, clean laundry in crisp, white bags after a hard day at work.
Ask about allergies. Some require fragrance free products.
Special details, like asking if they prefer their sweaters hung or folded, let your customers know that your personal attention will make this service worth their money.

If you're professional, punctual and are willing to cater to your clients, they'll tell their friends. As a matter of fact, their friends will be envious. Offer discounts to your clients for referrals. Before ending your initial meeting, provide your client with inexpensive laundry bags label with their names in permanent marker. Different color bags can be used to indicate items to be dry cleaned or laundered in special products. The average bag will hold 18-20 pounds of laundry. Keep plenty on hand and replace then when they begin to show signs of wear.

Presentation Is Important

The presentation of your finished product can reinforce your professionalism and create a look and feel of luxury for your clients. Wide, white shopping bags can be easily customized with computer-printed labels with your business logo. Folded laundry fits perfectly in the 14x10x15 ½ size. They can be found at ULine Shipping Supply Specialists (Item # S-9668). The bags also are great advertisements when your clients reuse them. For hanging clothes, fresh new hangers and plastic bags like your cleaners use (which can also be purchased through ULine) make for a professional presentation.

How To Charge

I found that charging by the pound is fair and simple. I use a hanging scale, typically used to weigh fish. When I make a pick-up, I raise the hatch on my SUV, hang the scale from the handle, weigh the bag and write up the ticket. You can choose some extras to provide. I charge by the hour for ironing. Many customers have "dry clean only" items, but don't have time to stop by the dry cleaners. By simply adding a percentage onto the cleaners charge, or applying a flat delivery fee, you add to your income by simply running an errand for your customer. You may be able to establish a relationship with a local cleaner who will give you a discount in exchange for bringing them all your business. However, some clients may be loyal to their cleaner, so once again, cater to their wishes.

If you are web savvy, creating a website adds even more convenience for your clients to schedule pick-up and deliveries. If the idea of creating a website is overwhelming, provide your e-mail address on your business cards and all advertising materials in addition to your phone number.

All Washed Up has been a great solution for our family and I'm proud of the successful business I've created. I'm always asked if I have time to do my own family's laundry. A few times I've found myself folding and ironing into the late night hours, but it's worth it to be the one raising my children.