When considering which type of franchise to invest in, it’s important to look for a business that is both essential and resilient. You want to invest your money in a business that will impact your community, but also have a high rate of return.
In this blog, Mark Renehan, Vice President of Franchise Development, will show you why starting a laundromat franchise could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!
What You’ll Learn:
- The Current State of the Laundromat Franchise Industry in the USA
- Benefits of Investing in a Laundromat Franchise
- Leading Laundromat Franchise Opportunities in the USA
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laundromat Franchise Opportunity
The Current State of the Laundromat Franchise Industry in the USA
Everyone wants to get into fun and exciting businesses, but one type of everyday franchise consistently stands out as resilient, successful, and essential: laundromats.
Many franchises are severely affected by economic downturns, but laundromats and dry cleaning franchises may be one of the few industries that continue to boom regardless. Think about it, no matter how much you’re making each month, you still need to find a way to wash your clothes!
Overall, laundromat franchise opportunities have an average success rate of 95% and high profit margins of 20-30%. This could be a great opportunity to fill a need in your community while also making a positive return on your investment.
Market Size and Growth Trends
In 2024, there were approximately 35,000 laundromats in the United States, generating $5 billion in annual revenue. Thanks to several trends, including an increase in the working class, a decline in homeownership, and an expansion of service options, this number is expected to continue growing.
Unlike most franchises, it will weather the storm of an economic recession. When people have less disposable income, they tend to cut spending, which is a problem for most franchises. With laundromat franchises, cutting service is not usually an option. Regardless of what the economy is doing, people will always need to wash their clothes!
Emerging Trends
Innovation within the industry is also causing booming business. The more laundromats invest in improving customer experience and operational efficiency, the more profitable they become.
One significant trend is the integration of eco-friendly practices. As society shifts toward more sustainable practices, laundromat franchises are following suit. Many are investing in energy-efficient machines and biodegradable detergents. This not only attracts environmentally conscious consumers but also reduces operational costs over time.
Laundromats are also diversifying their service offerings and adding amenities such as in-house cafes, entertainment options, and co-working spaces. These additions transform traditional laundromats into multifunctional spaces, creating a more engaging and comfortable environment for customers. Such innovations not only enhance customer satisfaction but also increase the time spent on premises, potentially leading to higher sales of additional services.
Benefits of Investing in a Laundromat Franchise
Investing in established laundromat chains offers several advantages over starting your own brand from scratch. Established franchises will already come with established brand recognition, proven operational systems, and ongoing support from franchisors and other franchisees, all of which contribute significantly to the success and growth of the business.
Established Brand Recognition
One of the biggest advantages of investing in a franchise is the established brand recognition. Your investment will come with a pre-existing customer base that trusts the brand. This reduces the time and effort needed to build a reputation from scratch. The pre-established customer loyalty and steady stream of customers could transfer into a very lucrative start!
Proven Operational Systems
Another notable advantage of purchasing a franchise is access to operational systems that have been fine-tuned over time. Oftentimes, you will receive a comprehensive business model that includes site selection assistance, optimized layouts, and efficient workflow designs.
These systems are designed to maximize profitability and efficiency, ensuring smooth operations from the outset. For investors, this means a reduced risk of trial and error, allowing for a more secure investment.
Ongoing Support from Franchisors and Fellow Franchisees
Regardless of the type of franchise you purchase, ongoing support is necessary! With a laundromat franchise, you’ll have access to the support you need to overcome challenges and navigate the complexities of operating a business.
This support usually includes:
- Training programs
- Marketing strategies
- Technical assistance
- Bulk purchasing of supplies
Leading Laundromat Franchise Opportunities in the USA
Have I convinced you to get into the laundromat business yet? Here are ten of the best laundromat franchise opportunities for new and seasoned entrepreneurs.
1. Speed Queen Laundry
Established: 1908
Number of Locations: 24 locations in the United States, 11 company-owned stores, and over 800 licensed stores in Europe
Franchise Start-Up Cost for Laundromat: Between $1 million and $2 million, depending on build-out costs
Royalties and Fees: 5.80%
Financing Available: Yes! In the past 25 years, they’ve delivered 27,000 loans at the tune of $2.8 billion.
Unique Selling Points: Speed Queen is more than a laundromat; it’s an experience. All stores feature extras, including a kids’ play area with free iPads, comfortable seating, complimentary high-speed internet, a family table with USB ports, and more.
The franchisor provides services in real estate and construction, marketing, operations and training, as well as IT and security support. They also assign you a personal franchise success manager to provide ongoing support and materials to help you make the most of your new investment.
2. WaveMAX Laundry
Established: 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida
Number of Locations: 20 locations throughout the United States
Laundromat Franchise Cost: Between $8000,000 and $975,000, depending on build-out costs
Royalties and Fees: 7%+ $395 to $715 monthly + $2.5K per year + 4% mobile with a minimum monthly payment of $300
Financing Available: Yes. They also offer a veteran discount.
Unique Selling Points: WaveMAX claims to be cleaner, faster, and safer. Using the special LUX System from Omni Solutions, their eco-friendly detergent can increase the life of the clothes by 20%. It also helps to eliminate stains, keep whites bright, increase fabric softness, eliminate odor and odor-causing bacteria, and reduce water retention to make drying faster!
WaveMAX prides itself on being different from the rest. In addition to being incredibly clean, well-maintained, and well-lit, they also use the best equipment and amenities in the industry. They offer wash, dry, and fold services, as well as free wi-fi to use while you wait.
3. The Eco Laundry Company
Established: 2014
Number of Locations: 2 company-owned units
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $235,000 and $300,000
Royalties and Fees: 9%
Financing Available: No.
Unique Selling Points: The Eco Laundry Company takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and environmental success. They use less water and electricity than traditional laundromats, and all of their detergents are hypoallergenic and plant-powered. Headquartered in New York City, they have helped plant over 20,000 trees and avoided emitting more than 363,810 pounds of CO2 by using wind energy.
When you partner with them, you’ll receive site selection, lease negotiation, and recruiting assistance. They also offer all franchisees two weeks of hands-on training at their corporate headquarters, as well as six days of on-location training prior to their grand opening.
4. Zoom Express Laundry
Established: 2018
Number of Locations: 4 company-owned units and 5 franchised units
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $682,000 and $1,325,000
Royalties and Fees: 6%
Financing Available: Yes, through the SBA
Unique Selling Points: Zoom Express Laundry is a wash-and-fold laundromat featuring high-quality machines, large-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and charging stations. All locations also include a lounge area for adults and a kids’ play area.
If customers don’t want to do their own laundry, they can either drop it off and have it completed by staff within 60 minutes or opt for a delivery service to pick it up and return it within 24 hours. Zoom also offers dry cleaning, large container vending, and a customer rewards program, where customers can earn store credit and free washes.
Zoom Express Laundry offers its franchisees three phases of support, starting with 14 hours of new franchisee orientation training. Phase 2 consists of 24 hours at the franchisee’s location and 16 hours at headquarters. Phase 3 takes place over 5 days in conjunction with the Grand Opening. Additional ongoing support is available in person and by phone.
5. LaundroLab
Established: 2018
Number of Locations: 20+ locations with 100+ licenses sold, 2 company-owned units
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $1,180,000 and $1,700,000, depending on store size
Royalties and Fees: $1,300 monthly or 7% of revenue + $800 monthly, whichever is greater
Financing Available: Yes.
Unique Selling Points: LaundroLab is a customer-centric laundromat franchise. They pride themselves on following their three core values: Accountability, Community, and Excellence. Each location offers drop-off or DIY service. For those who prefer to stay and do their own laundry, the property also offers 24/7 surveillance, in-store staff, a Family Read, Play, and Learn area, lounge, arcade games, and snack and laundry vending machines.
For their franchisees, LaundroLab offers financial, site selection, and lease negotiation assistance, as well as cooperative advertising. Their robust training program comprises both online and in-person training, conducted at their headquarters and on-site locations. Each franchisee will have a dedicated Business Coach to provide ongoing mentoring and support.
6. Maytag Commercial Laundry
Established: 2018
Number of Locations: N/A
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Approximately $75,000
Royalties and Fees: None
Financing Available: Yes, as well as a discount for military and first responders
Unique Selling Points: Maytag Commercial offers high-quality equipment to laundromat owners at a price cheaper than you’ll find anywhere else. Although they can help recommend machine mixes and a store design guide, this isn’t a traditional franchise or licensing agreement. They allow their partners to offer whatever amenities in their laundromat that they want.
7. Zips Cleaners
Established: 2002 in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Number of Locations: 65
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $739,700 and $1,175,000
Royalties and Fees: 6% + $425 monthly
Financing Available: Yes, through third-party vendors, as well as a 20% discount on the $30,000 franchise fee for veterans
Unique Selling Points: Zips Cleaners is a laundromat and dry cleaning franchise that offers low-priced dry cleaning, DoorDash pickup and delivery, Wash n Fold services, and same-day service. They also offer an EZ Drop service, where members can drop off their EZ Drop bag at Zips without needing to speak with a customer service representative.
Customers are rewarded with exclusive discounts, offers, and points for frequent visits. They also offer free American flag cleaning all year long.
For their franchisees, Zips offers comprehensive and hands-on training, a Franchisee Advisory Council, and ongoing support. A customer-friendly app, customizable social media images, and a comprehensive library of marketing support and materials make running your own business easier than ever!
8. Martinzing Cleaners
Established: 1949
Number of Locations: 420+ units
Franchise Start-Up Cost:
Conversions of Existing Mom and Pop Stores – $62,500
Plant with Retail Store – Between $398,781 and $743,622
Satellite Store – Between $93,752 and $216,212
Martinzing Delivery – Between $37,000 and $72,7000
Royalties and Fees: 9%+ $1K monthly + $2.5K per year
Financing Available: Yes, through third-party vendors
Unique Selling Points: Martinizing Cleaners immerses its franchisees in hands-on training. They offer operating procedures, marketing assistance, POS training, front counter staff training, garment care training, a resource library, bookkeeping, reporting, location setup, soft and grand opening assistance, monthly training, and more.
The Martinzing brand offers a variety of options to open your own business, including a traditional retail dry cleaning and laundry store, residential and commercial dry cleaning and laundry delivery routes, dry cleaning and laundry locker systems in commercial buildings and multi-unit dwellings, and on-demand dry cleaning and laundry services.
9. Express Laundry Center
Established: 2011
Number of Locations: 5
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $250,000 and $1,000,000
Royalties and Fees: N/A
Financing Available: Yes, through third-party vendors
Unique Selling Points: Express Laundry Center offers a range of laundry services, including Wash/Dry/Fold, Drop-Off Dry Cleaning, Dry Only, and Express Platinum Commercial Laundry Service. Their high-speed equipment, industry-leading warranties, and robust marketing and operational support make them a great laundromat franchise opportunity.
The best part about Express Laundry Center is that there is no ongoing franchise fee. While the company provides assistance with interior design, marketing campaigns, and website design, franchisees are generally free to make their own operational decisions.
10. Spin Doctor Laundromat
Established: 2012
Number of Locations: 2
Franchise Start-Up Cost: Between $231,000 and $1,300,000
Royalties and Fees: 6% of gross revenue
Financing Available: Yes, through third-party vendors
Unique Selling Points: Spin Doctor Laundromat is another laundromat franchise for sale. The franchisor prides itself on being a solid, turn-key business model that will provide success for its franchise partners. They offer comprehensive training, operational support, site selection assistance, and assistance with marketing and communications. They offer a veteran discount and have available territories in the United States and Canada.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laundromat Franchise Opportunity
Even with the support of a franchisor, opening your own business can be hard work. Before diving into the laundry industry, consider the following questions:
- Does my area have a demand for this business?
- Does the franchise I chose provide the appropriate level of support I need to be successful?
- Is this brand well-established, or will I need to put in extra effort to establish a solid marketing foundation?
- Are the other franchisees happy with their decision to invest in this company?
Initial Investment and Franchise Fees
Understanding your investment goes far beyond simply asking “how much is a laundromat franchise?” Before you pull out your checkbook, you have to evaluate the total capital required, including franchise fees, equipment costs, and working capital. It’s going to take money to make money, so be sure you’re ready to handle loans and grants of that size.
Location and Demographics
Where you put your laundromat makes all the difference! Before signing a lease, assess the suitability of the location by considering factors such as population density, competition, and your target customer base. Choose locations where the neighborhood needs a laundromat to ensure that you set yourself up for success.
Support and Training
One of the biggest reasons to open a franchise is the support you’ll get to open and operate your new business. Keep in mind, though, that each franchisor offers a different level of support and training.
Before signing a contract, determine the level of support that will be provided to you by the franchisor. Most companies offer training programs, marketing assistance, and operational guidance. Make sure you’re okay with the level of support you’ll receive.
Profitability and Return on Investment
Just like any other business, you have to look at the numbers first. Analyze potential profit margins, ROI timelines, and ongoing costs such as royalties and marketing fees to make sure that this has the potential to be a successful venture for you.
Brand Reputation and Values
Don’t partner with a brand you don’t believe in. As you explore all of your options, consider the franchisor’s reputation, brand values, and alignment with your business goals and ethics.
Clean Up with Your New Laundromat Franchise
Whether you’re a brand-new business owner or you’ve done this a time or two before, owning your own franchise laundry business is a big undertaking. Whether you’re looking for franchise marketing support or franchise development solutions, Ignite is here to help!
Ignite can help you:
- Develop local SEO campaigns to get discovered in your business’s neighborhood
- Create a paid social campaign to get attention for your services
- Develop and optimize your franchise website
- And more!
Intrigued? Get started with a demo today!
