It's crucial to think about a few specific characteristics of your business and how desirable they are when deciding how to go about attracting new clients and encouraging existing ones to return to your facility.
To achieve the greatest outcome and a high return on your investment, several of these choices can have a significant impact on your business and should be carefully addressed even before you decide to open your laundromat.
What makes a laundromat attractive to customers?
Location and Signage: When consumers look for "laundromats near me" online, they typically choose a location that is recognisable to them and that they have passed by on foot or in a car. This is why a laundromat's visibility and signs are crucial. Any "foot traffic" from the neighbourhood will be able to immediately recognise your store and its services if it can be seen from the road or a pathway.
A key element is being aware of the local demography. Families or couples are more likely to own their own washing machine if they reside in single-family homes in affluent neighbourhoods. Historically, people without a washing machine or dryer were the ones who frequented laundromats.
Laundromat users extend beyond those without a washing machine at home to apartment dwellers, given the increasing trend of smaller homes and higher apartment living in New Zealand.
Even individuals who own a washing machine at home now prefer to use laundromats due to their capacity to handle larger loads, and the convenience of utilising their time for other activities such as shopping or taking advantage of the modern facilities provided by laundromats.
Parking: This is a crucial component as well because individuals typically carry their loads of laundry in their cars. People naturally don't want to have to carry washing loads very far because they can be heavy. Hence, free parking close by and on the same side of the street is an important consideration when clients choose which laundromat to use.
Accessibility: Customers do not like to climb stairs or struggle to fit through small doorways while lugging loads of laundry. They prefer to enter directly from the street. Moreover, wide doorways make it easier to get equipment in and out.
Payment Options: The contemporary laundromats must offer a cashless payment option. The shift to a cashless culture means that more and more customers expect to be able to use their credit card or an online payment method to transact, even while there is still value in having coin machines as an option.
To make sure you are accommodating all clients and offering them more flexibility and choice, it is best practice to offer both alternatives. Nonetheless, a cashless society has a few significant benefits.
With a cashless system, you as the owner can use the coin box without having to gather coins or worry about vandalism. Being cashless also enables you to better serve your customers should a payment issue arise and gather crucial operational data from your laundromat.
Automatic Detergent Dispenser: Customers and laundromat operators can both benefit from automated dispensing. Customers may stop worrying about carrying their own and don't have to figure out how much detergent to use. Depending on the wash cycle chosen, the machine takes the appropriate measurement.
Having the machine release the proper amount of chemicals can assist owners in extending the life of the machine because too much detergent shortens the pump's and motor's lifespan.
An excessive amount of washing powder leaves the machine with extra residue. This implies that loads do not drain adequately, resulting in moist clothing. Also, it could cause the machine to smell bad and leave stains or residue on the clothes.
Machines: Nothing is more frustrating for a user than having to wait for a machine to complete its cycle before using it. The best laundromats feature ten washers or more, with a mixture of small, medium, and big capacities. While the medium and large washers will be used for large blankets, the tiny washers are ideal for single loads.
Business Hours: The demographics and location of your laundromat will also influence whether you have 24/7 normal or long opening operation hours. Shift workers could favour early opening times, while parents who work full-time would prefer late-night closing times.
Cleanliness: When choosing a laundry to utilise, cleanliness is a crucial consideration. Odours that are unpleasant are sometimes a sign of poor hygiene and maintenance. Nobody likes to enter a laundry and immediately smell dampness, potent chemicals, trash, or any other unappealing smells. Detergent and fabric softener scents make a laundrette much more attractive.
Moreover, washers and dryers need to be maintained clean. Clear up any leftover material inside and keep the outside clean. Periodically inspect for leaks and wear and tear as well. Lint traps and filters need to be cleaned frequently. Clean floors and regularly emptied trash cans are also important.
Looking at opening a laundromat or thinking about upgrading your current space with some of the above great features, Electric Laundry Repair can help. Get in touch with our laundry specialists to discuss your requirements today on 07 847 8070 or contact us online.
