It depends on the model. ProfitDrawer's laundromat business guide gives an example budget of about $2,900 for a wash and fold or pickup and delivery start, up to $171,000 to buy a small existing store. For a store, the purchase or down payment (up to $80,000), commercial washers and dryers (up to $40,000) and three months of working capital (up to $20,000) are the largest lines. These are example ranges; get real quotes, since your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low (wash and fold / delivery) | High (buy small existing store) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price or down payment | $0 | $80,000 |
| Commercial washers and dryers | $0 | $40,000 |
| Lease deposit and first month | $0 | $8,000 |
| Repairs, plumbing and electrical | $0 | $10,000 |
| Folding tables, carts, scales, bags | $400 | $3,000 |
| Delivery vehicle setup | $300 | $2,000 |
| Licenses, permits, registration | $100 | $2,000 |
| Insurance (first payment) | $300 | $3,000 |
| Signs, website, opening marketing | $300 | $3,000 |
| Working capital, 3 months of bills | $1,500 | $20,000 |
| Total | $2,900 | $171,000 |
Building a new store usually takes the most money and time before any income. If you are buying, ask the seller for bank statements and water, sewer, gas and electric bills, and compare water use with the sales claimed.
Check zoning, plumbing, gas and wastewater permits before you sign a lease. In the guide's monthly example, a store with $12,200 in sales and $9,800 in costs keeps $2,400 before taxes. Have an accountant review any purchase, and put your quotes into the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Laundromat Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
Tools and spreadsheets for this
Related questions
All questions on ProfitDrawer Answers →
General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.