Unattended Mat - Commitment Level Question

[Binky]

I've been looking at getting into this business for several years now. I have done a lot of research both off and on-line, and have attended a few seminars. However, I have not been able to speak with anyone who owns an unattended mat.

I have a full time white collar job from 8-6 Mon-Fri. I wanted to know how much time and effort it takes (ball park) to effectively run an unattended mat? I guess what I am really trying to get at is - can I have a full time job and still operate a well-run and profitable mat? If so, what will it take?

Thank you for your assistance.

[Anonymous]

I'll give you my .02, given that I am in a similar situation job-wise and just bought my first mat about 3 weeks ago.

I'd say if you are mechanically inclined and have the go-ahead from the family to spend some time on it, should be no problem.

I've settled into a routine on mine of going in M-W-F mornings for about 2 hours at a pop, and so far this looks like it will work fine.

I could probably reduce that time commitment, but of course right now I am excited about it and would be spending each night there if my wife didn't mind!

Send me a private message if you want to chat about it, I'd be glad to share my initial experiences.

- John (1200 sq. ft. unattended)

[Binky]

Thanks John - I sent you a note in your Private Message box. Look forward to hearing from you

Avi

[Anonymous]

Avi,

I sent you a reply that I think got lost. Here it was:

1. Cleaning - I have a local lady that comes in each night, at a cost of $70 per week. She cleans, generally notes any problems.

2. Door - On a timer, opens at 4 am, closes at midnight. The door lets people out but not in once it is locked, so nobody can get 'locked in'

3. Time at the mat - This morning I was there from 5:30 until 6:30, so I guess 2 hours was an over-estimate. Right now I have a zillion things I want to do (fix some light fixtures, clean some drains, etc...), so I could spend time there each day with no problem. Remember I just bought this a couple weeks ago - once I've had it a while, I imagine a couple times a week would be sufficient.

4. Collection each day - no way! I collect about twice per week, could go once per week if I had another $500 or so in quarters for the change machine (machine is not quite full). Collection takes me about 30 minutes, but I weigh the quarters per each machine type and for the dryers. I'm kinda anal tracking what comes in from where.

That's about it for now.

- John

[pete f]

If you want the profit part of the equastion then you wil need to spend a little time every day, or have dependable poeple then evey other day. As with any business, the more time spent the more money you make.
It is better to buy a mat somewhat near you for those emergency calls you will have to make. If your job is a little flexible, all the more better. There will be some emergencys you will have to handle, day or nite, so be prepared to be on call 24/7

[Anonymous]

Binky, I just bought my first mat about 4 weeks ago. It is unattended and it is about 1260 sq. ft. I am an electrician and work 7 am-3:30pm, M-F in downtown Chicago. The mat is open from 5am-10pm. The mat is about 10mins. from my house. I have been going there every night at about 8 or 8:30pm. It takes me about 1.5 to 2 hrs. every night to wipe down every machine (24 tops, 3- 27lb. fronts), and the folding tables. I then sweep the floor, and lastly, fill the change machine from the dryers(12 OLD Huebsch 30lbs.). If there is a problem with one of the machines, it takes a little longer. On the weekends, I have been staying there to 2am, to fix things in the mat and to clean things in the mat. The mat was built in the 60s, and needs a lot of work, but has enormous potential. I have been pretty tired(I get up at about 5am), but I knew what I was getting into and am very motivated to make this thing work.
Good luck to you in your new laundromat! The one you will be buying!
Tim B.