How to Expand a Laundromat Into Commercial Laundry
Ready to grow beyond self-service laundry? Expanding into commercial laundry services can help laundromat owners generate additional revenue, reach new customers and expand the use of existing equipment and staff. From wash-dry-fold and pickup and delivery to commercial laundry processing and flatwork finishing, there are several ways to expand. The key is to grow your services and equipment as demand increases. For more information, download our Vended to Commercial Guide.
Grow Your Laundromat, One Step at a Time
You don’t have to build a commercial laundry business overnight. Start with the services and equipment you need today, then expand your capacity as your commercial customer base grows.
Step 1: Add Wash-Dry-Fold
Wash-Dry-Fold (WDF) is a natural first step when expanding a laundromat beyond self-service. Start by using slow business hours, available staff and idle equipment to process drop-off laundry. Establish laundry processing procedures and quality standards so every customer receives the same level of service. As you build demand, WDF can help you identify the equipment and staffing you’ll need to pursue commercial laundry accounts.
Step 2: Add Pickup and Delivery
Once WDF is established, pursue local businesses with recurring laundry needs, including salons, spas, medical offices, vacation rentals, motels, and restaurants. As volume grows, consider adding pickup and delivery, along with a laundry management software to track orders and keep customers informed.
Step 3: Add Commercial Laundry Equipment
Growing commercial volume may require more capacity and specialized wash programs. Commercial washers and dryers are designed to handle demanding laundry applications and provide the programming needed for different types of commercial work. GS Washers offer added flexibility by allowing laundromat owners to switch between commercial and self-service programs.
Step 4: Add A Flatwork Ironer
Expand your services by finishing sheets, pillowcases, table linens, drapes and other flatwork. A commercial flatwork ironer can help you serve customers such as hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants and catering companies that need professionally finished linens.
Step 5: Build A Commercial Laundry Plant
As your commercial business grows, you may need more space and dedicated equipment. A commercial laundry plant provides room for higher production volumes, additional equipment, finishing operations and pickup and delivery. A Continental distributor can help you plan your equipment and facility around your commercial laundry goals.
Commercial Washers for Laundromats: Vended and Commercial Laundry in One Machine
Expand your laundromat’s revenue potential with GS Washers, designed to handle both self-service and commercial laundry applications. GS Washers can quickly switch between vended and commercial programming, allowing laundromat owners to use the same machines for self-service customers and services such as wash-dry-fold and commercial laundry. Advanced commercial washer programming makes it possible to process a wide range of items, including food and beverage linens. For laundromats with limited space, GS Washers provide a flexible solution by performing double duty — helping you add commercial laundry services without requiring a completely separate set of washers.
Helpful Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Owner Testimonials
Do I need extra equipment to add commercial services?
Not necessarily. Girbau GS Washers can switch between commercial and self-service programming, allowing one machine to handle both. If you don’t have GS Washers, you may need to add dedicated on-premise commercial washers with the programming needed for commercial laundry services.
What are the benefits of adding commercial services?
Adding commercial laundry services can help laundromat owners generate more revenue from existing space, equipment and staff — especially during slower hours. Starting with wash-dry-fold and expanding into commercial laundry, pickup and delivery, and flatwork finishing can open new revenue streams and attract customers such as hotels, vacation rentals and catering businesses. As demand grows, you can add equipment and capacity to build a full-service commercial laundry operation.
What is the best equipment for a laundromat that offers commercial services??
For a laundromat offering commercial laundry services, start with commercial washers and dryers with flexible programming to handle higher-volume loads and a variety of items. Girbau GS Washers are a strong option because they can switch between commercial and self-service programming, allowing you to use the same machines for both. As you expand, consider adding on-premise laundry equipment for specialized commercial loads and a flatwork ironer for sheets, pillowcases, drapes and table linens.
Can I finance equipment?
Yes. Flexible financing options are available for new laundromats, equipment replacements, acquisitions, retools and business expansion.
Financing helps preserve cash flow, keep working capital available, build business credit and may provide potential tax advantages. Whether you’re opening your first laundry, upgrading equipment or growing your business, CustomSelect Financing has financing solutions designed to fit your needs.
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