The Laundry service industry is a multibillion-dollar industry that is expected to experience a growth rate of 5% by 2025. Demand by those without their own washing machines in their own living spaces keeps is high and is increasing in other countries as they develop more housing, such as apartments and condos. Laundromats are often a great investment, with potential for returns of 35% on initial investments. The Laundry industry is still developing in 2024, due to technological advancements, laundry machines have become more complicated and sophisticated to provide better service to their consumers. An industry must keep up with changing trends in order to maintain revenue and provide better services for their customers. Adjusting to new trends in the laundry business benefits both the owners and recipients of their services.
- Remote Management– The use of cameras, sensors, and software built into smart machines enable owners to monitor and manage the laundromat from a remote location. Smart machines such as the Touch Plus Programmer in Fagor’s commercial washers and dryers will collect the data from customer usage and display that data in the laundry management system. It provides programming, advertising, importing & exporting of programs and software updates via USB. The owners can understand information about revenue tracking, machine usage, maintenance tracking, and security.
- Mobile Apps– Mobile apps can connect the customer with your laundry business. Customers can pay for their laundry online, track the washing status, and receive notifications when their laundry is ready. In addition, some laundromats even develop loyalty programs and loyalty cards where customers can earn points, rewards, or discounts for their usage, making it more attractive for them to visit the laundromat.
- Laundry Lockers– With a laundry locker inside the laundromat, the owners can offer full-service laundry without hiring and renovation. Customers can drop off their dirty laundry into it, have it cleaned, folded/hung, and returned to the locker for convenient pick-up. So, instead of relying on the self-service revenue, a laundry locker may provide additional sales by catering to customers who prefer the convenience of not having to wait but less costly than delivery services.
- Eco-Friendliness- Concern for the environment is shared by many individuals who try to do their part in protecting our planet. The increase of awareness has caused an increased demand environmentally safe laundry equipment with less water and energy waste. Also, a demand for products such as eco-friendly detergents, sheets and machines that use less water. These products reduce environmental footprint and pollution. Customers have become hyper- aware of this issue and some prefer to do their laundry with those who prioritize protecting the environment.
- Customer Satisfaction & Services- The experience of the customer is important in order to increase customer loyalty and ultimately sales. With the increase of technological use, this can be done with the addition of amenities to your location such as Wi-Fi, charging stations, and televisions. It can also be accomplished with updated machines, renovated spaces, increased lighting, adding vending machines, children’s play spaces, and laundry services including delivery. These investments in your laundry business create a more enjoyable experience for your customers and better customer retention, especially in a competitive area.
- Hygiene Emphasis– There’s no denying that the COVID pandemic has made our society more hyperaware of the spread of germs and cleanliness. When visiting a laundromat, consumers do not only look for quality of service from its machines but also their hygiene and presentation. Laundromats must practice proper cleaning and disinfection of machines on a regular basis. These practices keep customers safe, increase satisfaction, and increase the probability of the customers returning to your laundry location.