To
setup a laundry business requires no prior experience. You do not need a degree
to become a successful laundry shop owner. Also, this kind of business is
considered safe and profitable. Nowadays, many people do not have time to wash
their clothes because of their busy schedules, so this is a kind of business that can
provide laundry service for them.
If
you are planning to become a laundry shop operator, then there are 6 things
that you must consider to become a successful laundry business operator.
First, location.
Second, capital.
Third, customers.
Fourth, supplies and
equipment.
Fifth, operating hours.
1. Location.
To
setup a laundry business is a good start for your business to grow. You need to
put your business in a large community of large customers. A location within
dormitories, schools, business establishments is ideal because of its large
volume of people.
2. Capital.
Today,
a typical laundry shop will require a starting investment of 300,000 – 500,000
for small laundry shop, and 500,000 – 1,000,000 pesos for big laundry shop. You
will spend more on the machines that you will use while other expenses will go
on other expenses.
3. Customers.
Customers
are the backbone of this business. It is very important to provide quality
service to them because through your customers, your business will grow by word
of mouth and referrals.
4. Supplies and equipment.
A
beginning laundry shop with a minimal budget must have at least two pairs of
washers and dryers. You must also remember that the cost of the machines also
depend on the brand. To cut off expenses, it is also suggested that you make
your own fresheners, detergents, and fabric softeners.
5.
Operating hours.
It
is important for laundry shops to consider the available time for customers. It
will give them time when to deliver and pick-up their laundry.
6. Manpower.
A
small laundry shop requires two or three workers. However, if you have a big
laundry shop and you are providing services to big institutions, then you need
a big manpower. Your employees must be trustworthy, diligent, have knowledge in
washing and taking care of clothes, etc. To have good workers will keep your
customers come back again to use your service.
Now
that you know what to consider in setting-up a laundry business, it is time to
know the different ways to increase your income. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, there are 5 ways
to increase your laundry business profits.
First, increase the
price or target high volumes.
“You may either charge more for the services or keep your prices low but target
higher volumes.”
You
can do this through promotions or adding valuable services like free pick-up
and delivery.
Second, “design the
shop to make it functional and to minimize costs.” A laundry shop consumes a lot of
electricity, and in our country, electrical companies charge the consumers with
high amount of money. To avoid this, you can plan your shop by making a big
room for drying area. This is very helpful especially on summer or dry season
because it cut the cost of electric usage. You can also buy drums and use it to
store water instead of using pressurized tanks for the water supply.
Third, “look for
commercial and institutional clients for faster return of investment.” You can charge big
commercial and institutional clients with more money. Also, these kinds of
establishments can provide more items for your laundry shop to wash. The more
items you wash, the more money you will have.
Fourth, “charge more
for bulky items and heavy garments.” As a laundry service provider, you must know the service
price that you will charge in each item. Charge more for big, heavy, and bulky
items like bedcovers, comforters, blankets, jeans, and jackets.
Fifth, “offer dry
cleaning.” Dry
cleaning service provides high profit in laundry business. However, it requires
lots of practice to master it because it can ruin a fabric or garment if not
done properly.
Here
are the following websites where you can get more information on how to set-up
laundry business in the Philippines:
