Wash and Fold

[Tom]

Those of you who offer Wash & Fold services, what percentage would you say of your customers use this service?? I'm considering offering this service but I don't have a good feeling for what to expect. The demographic in the area includes a fair number of singles.

[Anonymous]

Its a different demographic, few if any of your existing customers will use the service. As I like to put it, I have two different businesses at the laundromat. Self service is for those that have more time than money, while WDF is for those that have more money than time.

[Tom]

There are a lot of single professional types in the area that make pretty good money but live in older apartments that have no laundry facilities, its a beach area. I would think there would be a fair demand for the service but I'm trying to get some reasonable number I can use to make financial projections that aren't overly optimistic.

Another question: what do you charge for the WDF service?

[Andy]

I average 5.5 wash and fold customers per day and 59 self-serve coin customers per day.

[Andy]

My Prices:

Laundry By The Pound – Washed And Folded Or Hung, No Pressing 1.00 Minimum $5.00

Shirt – Washed And Pressed 1.70

Shirt – Washed And Pressed (Heavy Starch) 3.00

Pants – Washed And Pressed 4.00

Pants –Washed And Pressed (Heavy Starch) 4.75

Lab Coat/Smock – Washed And Pressed 4.00

Jacket – Washed 13.00

Sweater – Washed 8.00

Blanket/Comforter/Sleeping Bag Washed Single Or Double 12.00
Queen Or King 16.00

Table Linens/Skirts/Napkins – Washed And Pressed 2.50 Per Pound Minimum $5.00

[Tom]

Thanks Andy, what would you say is the average amount spent by a WFD customer considering all the different services you offer?

[Lindsey]

Any suggestions for jump-starting a w/d/f business in a location that hasn't had one, aside from hiring a person away from an established business? I think my location would be do really well eventually, and I don't mind spending money on promotion, but I'm wondering who I should target and how.

[Andy]

it varies widely by month but I've seen anywhere from $10 to $30