My Mat evaluation

[Jes]

Ok, I've been scoping out the 2100 SQ FT mat I've been interested in this past week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday). I've been in there various times of the day, and doing some of my own laundry! I have not really seen a LARGE group of people, but a steady stream of people. I have gone several times, morning, noon, and night. I've noticed that there are about 5-7 people in there consistantly. Most of the toploaders are being used (6 of them), half or more of the w75s (18), all of the w125s (8), all of the and all of the W185s (3) being used. Aproximately 20-22 of the dryers (30) are being used (ADC and 10 very old SpeedQueens). WDF and Dry Clean area seem to have a good amount of bags and clothes that are waiting to be picked up.

All times I've been there the mat has been very messy. The attendant left today at 5 pm, and she did NOT clean up. Soap on the frontloaders, water on the floor (I think one or two of the TL are leaking), and not being swept up. Very unkept. Most of the fans are in bad shape and there are quite a few blown lights.

But like I said this mat seems to ok, but do you guys think if it were much cleaner and brighter that more people will come?

Also, I just saw the competitor as I was leaving. They are located across the street. Looks to be about the same size, but MUCH brighter and about the same amount of people in there. Parking is not as great as the one I am interested in.

[buddy]

From what you have observed it looks promising.

Check out the competitors. Drive around and see how many other laundromats are there within one mile radius and how they are run.

It is a good sign that there is a traffic in this place and there are decent amount of wash & fold.

[Howard]

Sounds like a good opportunity (lots of variables to consider yet). Location, parking and cleanliness have substantial impacts on income.

[CharlieS]

Initial report sounds good. You have Gen 5 equipment, so it can't be but so old. (If you check inside the doors you will find the s/n and mfg date which will tell you how old exactly). Could be anywhere from about 1 to 11 years old. The dirtiness factor is OK, thats an easy fix that can definitely increase income.

Take a hard look at the competion.

Charlie

[Anonymous]

I have said before that utility numbers only get you so far, but they are a good starting point. In many mats the utility meters are outside and you can go read them. Take a reading and come back in exactly one week and take another reading. Then do the math, that should give you a good starting point.

[Kitty]

Some utility companys will give you the monthly average of anyone you inquire about. I called about the new stores water usage and though they questioned why I wanted someone elses usuage, they still gave it to me.

You say the store was dirty, just after the attendant left? Where is the owner/operator? What is the store doing across the street? Are they doing things right? Or are they a store with an opertor that has little interest? If both stores need improvements and the area has the demographics for a decent laundry, you very well take some of the competitors market share in the. If a few initial changes need to be made and the goals are to clean, clean clean, maintain the store, hire useful employees and make your presence known, you may have found yourself a good mat.....Good luck..