A profitable business is one where the entrepreneur sees a need and fulfils it. Laundry is a chore that will never run out, and as long as people have clothes to wash, entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to profit from this in numerous ways. From the various types of laundry businesses to profit from, one is sure to fit your idea.
You might have seen our article on How to Run a Laundry Business in South Africa, but what are your options? Here are ten types of laundry businesses to profit from.
1. Start a Dry Cleaning Business
Dry cleaning means clothes are cleaned without the use of water. Specialised chemicals are used to remove stains (and smells) from clothing that are sensitive to washing with water and detergent. Some examples of ‘dry clean only’ garments are suits and dresses.
You might require some prior training on how to use the specific chemicals on particular materials before advertising your services.
2. Do Commercial Laundry
Commercial laundry is large loads of laundry that is done for hotels, inns, restaurants and BnBs.
The benefit of this service is that industrial washing machines and dryers can run around the clock. Clients are usually businesses that don’t have their own facilities or capacity to clean the large amounts of laundry that pile up. Therefore, this particular type of laundry business can easily find clients.
3. Hybrid Laundromat
Hybrid laundromats are businesses that interlace two business models. It combines a laundromat with another business such as a cafe where customers can order from while they wait for their laundry, or even another store such as a bookstore. The goal is to create an additional revenue stream.
4. Pick up and Delivery Laundry Service
A pick-up and delivery service for laundry can either be an added service or it can be the basis of your business. Entrepreneurs can run this business from their home. Customers can make a booking for laundry to be picked up and delivered from where it is most convenient for them. Business owners can also schedule pick-ups in a cost-effective manner by aligning bookings with specific routes. You will, however, need a company vehicle such as a van to transport the loads.
5. Coin-operated (Self-service) Laundromat
Coin-operated laundromats, also called self-service laundromats, are open to the public. Your clients need to be able to access the facilities and easily operate the machines themselves.
The benefit of such a laundry facility is that the clients handle their own laundry. This means that you don’t have to pay other staff. Operators use commercial washing machines that are heavy-duty and can be stacked to save space.
Most often, you will find laundromats such as these in public spaces such as shopping malls, accommodation spaces such as apartment buildings, hostels, and holiday resorts. You can also find them in some housing developments.
6. Laundromat
A laundromat specialises in helping their customers wash, dry and iron their clothes. Clients drop off their washing and pick up the clean, folded laundry once it is ready. Some laundromats also offer add-on services such as dry cleaning or repairs.
The prices for the services are calculated based on the weight of the washing and the number of items to be ironed.
7. Laundry Soap Business
Selling laundry detergents is another viable business option. You can choose to buy large quantities of soap and washing powder and resell them, or you can make your own. Many recipes for homemade washing powder are available online.
8. Washing Machine Reseller
Your laundry-related business can be the sale of washing machines. This can include new and used washing machines and tumble dryers. Used washing machines can be sourced online from Facebook marketplace, or from second-hand stores.
To become a distributor of new machines, you can reach out to manufacturers and apply to be a distributor.
9. Washing Machine Repair Services
If you have the technical skills to repair machines, fixing washing machines and dryers is a good way to earn an income. You can build a business around this service and offer additional value-added services such as picking up the machines to repair off-site and selling spare parts.
With so many types of laundry businesses to profit from, starting your own business is easy. You can create multiple streams of income by adding additional services, selling detergent or machine parts, or even creating a hybrid business. For more information about how to fund your start-up, visit our SME Funding page.
