The 6 Factors Customers Consider When Choosing a Laundromat

According to the Coin Laundry Association, there are 30,000 laundromats in the United States. So, there is a lot of competition out there for those of you who are operating a public laundry. Customer acquisition and retention are cornerstones of a successful laundromat, so what makes each customer choose your laundromat over one of your competitors? And, what makes them stay your customer?

Let’s take a look at the 6 factors customers consider when choosing a laundromat.

1. Proximity and Location – Most customers will begin by finding the closest laundromat to them. This factor appeals to convenience and saving time for the customer. Having to bring large piles of laundry longer distances, especially if the customer has to travel by public transportation, can be a nightmare for customers. It makes sense, then, that they would want to wash their goods close to home. Because customers look for the closest laundry facility to their residence, you should be focusing your marketing and business development outreach to those customers living within a mile or two from your laundromat.

2. Visibility, Safety, and Cleanliness – Dirty, poorly lit, old, rusty laundromats that aren’t taken care of are far less likely to get new business even from those potential customers living within a two mile radius. Additionally, if customers aren’t able to easily spot your store from the road due to poor signage or the store being tucked back into a strip mall, customers may continue driving to the next closest laundromat with better visibility and roadside recognition. Make your store inviting by having attractive signage, a well lit interior AND exterior, an attendant to clean floors and machines, and some sort of security measure to ensure your customers feel safe. These simple measures will go a long way in gaining new customers and keeping existing customers.

3. High Extract, Highly Efficient Equipment – Do not forget about the customer experience once they have decided to use your facility. After all, they are there to use the equipment, specifically. High extract equipment paired with highly efficient, smart dryers means your customers will have fundamentally cleaner goods and will spend less time in your store, improving through put and giving your laundromat a distinct advantage over local competition.

There are no products on the market with better engineered, more efficient commercial laundry systems than Electrolux and Wascomat equipment. Case studies show, Electrolux and Wascomat washers and dryers can lower laundromat utility costs by 10% while also elevating the customer experience. When it comes to professional laundromat equipment, no one beats Electrolux.

4. Additional Amenities – With your washers and dryers, you likely offer other profit centers like vending and arcade games and perhaps the massage chair or two. While these types of extras can be nice, some essential amenities you absolutely should offer include free WiFi, two clean restrooms, a sitting area and perhaps a kids area. Meanwhile, you should be talking to your customers about what they may expect from your laundromat when it comes to extra amenities. Get feedback and put a plan into action that offers your customers a comfortable place to spend while they wash their clothes.

5. Marketing and Brand Awareness – How your laundromat is viewed online can be a key determining factor when potential customers choose a laundromat. First, people need to be able to find your store online. If they can’t, you are sunk. Be sure to have an accurate listing on Google. Your store name, address, website address, store hours and contact info are essential elements to your online visibility. Make sure customers know who you are, what you do and when you are open.

Use payments systems like Laundry Pay to build loyalty programs, offer incentives and communicate discounted times to stay in touch with your customers. Also, be sure your website is optimized and your social media accounts are active and engaging.

6. Word of Mouth and Online Reviews – As with most other industries, customers spreading the word of your laundromat to friends, coworkers and family members can be a hugely beneficial phenomenon that increases the number of customers walking through your door. The overwhelming majority of young adults trust online reviews, which means the next wave of potential customers will be reading what other say about your laundromat before you have the chance to reach them. Take the time to make sure your online presence is an asset and not a liability.

Need help with any of the factors listed above? Arrow Machinery is the premier laundromat equipment and consultative services company in Oklahoma. Contact us today for a quick chat about how we can help you grow your business.