Getting into the business

[Mark Orlan]

I am a newbie to the business. I am looking for materials which can help me determine how profitable the business can be ... I am thinking of setting one up in Florida ... since I am new there and I am new to the business ... I want to be careful ... thinking Panama City ... might even try more south ... Orlando ... etc.

[Kitty]

Before you think about where you want to go, study where you think you may go. Not all areas are prime for a mat, if they are they already have one, two, seven or twenty competing for the same slice of pie. Since you are a self proclaimed newbie, go to the area you wish to purchase and see how the existing mats are doing. Building new is extremely expensive, buying someone out, can also be extremely expensive if you are sold something that it is not. The business can be great, but many many factors determine its success. Read away on this board, as well as search the CLA site. You need to get as much info as possible.

[Mark Orlan]

I have been checking out the CLA poll ... there seems to be mixed reaction to their function.

I understand your comments about location ... and making sure the demographics and competion numbers make sense. I will certainly do my homework in that area. So far I am just at the dirve around and see ... am trying to find some census data on the population in the areas of interest.

As far as starting up a new one ... that can be expensive ... and it would probably make sense to become a CLA member ... there by utllizing their market contacts and benifits etc. I have sent emails to the CLA contact for Florida ... about 1 month ago ... he has yet to reply ... so ... should I bother??

Buy an existing one may be the route I would go with ... I am just not sure ...

Do owners typically lease or own the building of their laundromats?

[Kitty]

Your last question will get mixed reviews, as also with the CLA attitude. You decide for yourself if the CLA is worth your money or not, only you will be able to tell. My suggestion is for you to visit their site and read the information listed on their website. For the newbie, they have alot of useful information, they do research, coinwash does reality. Both avenues for information will point you in the right direction.

[anonymous]

Mark, I have found several nice mats for sale in FL. just searching for industry info. There are some that range from $125K to $175K that are extremely clean and boast serious profits. That may be the way to go, I've thought about it but not sure if I can relo right now.

Try this link out:
http://lite.businessesforsale.com/1362801/page1.html

[David]

Mark,

I think the money will be well spend to join CLA. Think of the membership fee as a class you'd take at a local community college. You'll get a lot of background information and be better prepared when buying a mat.

[pete f]

Mark, I am always asking the different questions..

You are from Toronto, you want to buy a mat "somewhere" in Fl from Panama city to Orlando??

What are you really trying to do? Are you moving here full time? If so, you should move to a place you like, then look for a mat, as Pananma City is far different are than Orlando.

Looking for a winter "hobby"? Try buying a condo and putting it into a rental pool... running a mat 3000 kilometers away is not as easy as you may have heard..

Just searching out your intentions, not being smart or dissrespectful. I have seen LD biz and it is not pretty.

And as FL goes for the most part, you need a few mats to make a living, we do not have the urban sprall in the NE and part a CA, so our mats here do not so 200k or even 100k a year, for the most part.

[Fred50]

Mark,

I am a newbie as well and I highly recommend attending local (FL) and national CLA events.

I attended the conference last year in Tampa and I learned a great deal and was convinced to get into the business.

The bi-annual Clean Show is in Las Vegas this year. You should check it out.

Good luck,

Mark