Steps to consider before starting a Laundry Business

The living standard has changed and so has the lifestyle, thereby creating a space for new needs and facilities. Earlier, we were not even close to having an idea of proper laundry service in India. But now, there has been rapid growth in the laundry business in recent years, with an increasing number of working couples, hectic work schedules than ever before.

It is anticipated that by the end of 2020, more than three million households will need laundry services on a weekly basis.

With this amount of market potential, it is viable to begin a laundry business.

Consider these steps before starting a Laundry Business:

Know about the market

Before starting a laundry business, a person should know what all happens in the laundry industry. Being informed about the market is the first step to start and run any business successfully.

In order to run a successful business, you should be informed about the market competition, consumer behavior, market trends, suitable location to get started with your operations, and so many other essential things.

In India, the laundry business is an almost unexplored area since there are not many organised competitors in the laundry and dry cleaning sector. Therefore, there are many opportunities for aspirants in this field and getting customers is not a difficult job. 

Also, by knowing about the market, you get an idea of the investment that will be required in setting up the whole business. Getting to know about the market further gives you a clear picture of the industry.

Location

After getting enough insight on the industry, the next important step is to find out a suitable land on where to start the laundry business. Like any other business, one’s location is a crucial factor in the success or failure of your laundry shop.

In India, this business has a better scope than it had a decade ago as there is an increase in the number of working women. As per reports, it is estimated that by the end of 2020, over three million households would be requiring laundry service on a weekly or even daily basis.

It is better to begin the laundry business in the most populated cities. Setting up laundry shops in an area where there are already existing brands won’t be a good idea. Some of the ideal locations where you can put up a laundry shop include densely populated communities, condominiums, and dormitories for workers.

Additionally, putting up a business near the places where a lot of bachelors are present is another way to create a niche. If you are serving such a clientele, your stand in the market would be better.

Be organised

A well-organised business plan is much needed to make a business successful. While setting up the business, your organizing skills will be put to the test. You have to make a business plan that will attract the customers towards it. It should contain an executive summary, business description, lists of services and products, financial summary, and many more.

Preparing a list of all the things you need will make your business hassle-free. In order to be well-organised about the business plan, you need to develop your business plan in advance.

All the equipment, machines, cleaning solvents, detergents, etc. should be purchased and stored beforehand. Furthermore, in order to deliver the laundered and dry cleaned clothes to the customer’s houses, you need to arrange for a vehicle to do the job beforehand.

Hiring a reliable staff

Operating a laundry business is not a one-man job. It will be requiring a dedicated staff that is efficient enough and well versed in their jobs. In order to survive, competent, reliable and trustworthy staff will be the life support system that your business will need more than anything else.

The reliable staff will be essential to operate various tasks like ironing, dry cleaning, customer service, pick-ups and drops of clothes. Hence, there should not be any scope for people who can degrade your business, and you should be efficient enough to hire good staff.

Equipment and Efficiency

Purchasing the right equipment could be a task. You should consider carefully which equipment and brand should be purchased, what is the capacity of the machinery and other factors.

As equipment plays a major role, it takes the bulk of the investment in the laundry setup for the equipment. While buying new equipment, you should look for highly efficient washers and dryers to save money and reduce stress. Old equipment may be available in cheap prices but it will cost you in maintenance and efficiency. Therefore, at the time of considering your business expenses, you should put water usage and electricity into consideration.

Also, check if the after service part is as good as the sales part because once the machinery is purchased it should run for a good 6-7 years. In order for this to happen, the service part should be sorted out.

Understanding the customer

In order to run any successful business, customer satisfaction is the ultimate mantra. It is something that can never be missed out. Customers are considered as the true stakeholders of the business as they are influenced by the quality of service and its utility.

The main aim of the business should be to offer the best customer experience and an extraordinary level of service.

Services provided by you should be more than satisfactory to the customers as it is easier to keep customers coming back than having new ones come to your store. Thus, your loyalty to customer service is of extreme importance in a business such as a laundry shop.

Marketing Strategies

Once your laundry business is operational, you would require customers who are going to avail the services your business offers. But for that to happen, you have to reach the customers and let them know about your business. Advertising your laundry and dry cleaning business is important for the increase productivity of your business.

The promotion of the business can be made both online and offline. In order to spread awareness about your laundry and dry cleaning brand and its existence, you can approach the local newspaper for placing an ad or use social media. Also, advertisements, banners, colorful fliers, etc, are effective ways of promoting your business.

In addition to this, providing attractive discounts and running schemes occasionally can keep the customers become regular to your service. Further, ensure that you are offering exceptional service to your customers so that they come to you the next time.

Stand out

Laundry business is at a very nascent stage in India, but you will still face a few competitors in the market. Hence, your focus should be on standing out among the rest.

In order to make your laundry business successful, you should offer some special and unique service to the client. Also, offering online services can go a long way in getting customers in today’s world.