In the competitive world of laundromats, adding extra services is an excellent way to boost revenue and improve customer experience. While laundry services will remain the core business, providing additional amenities can set you apart from the competition. Let’s explore some lucrative add-on services that laundromats can offer to generate more income and retain customers.

1. Wash-and-Fold Services for Busy Customers

One of the most popular add-on services for laundromats is the wash-and-fold option. This service caters to customers who don’t have the time to wait for their laundry to wash and dry or simply prefer convenience. Offering wash-and-fold can increase your customer base, particularly among working professionals, students, and families.

How it Works:
Customers drop off their laundry, and the laundromat staff takes care of everything—from washing and drying to folding. You can charge by the pound or per load, offering either same-day or next-day service options.

Benefits:

• Attracts new customers who value convenience.
• Higher profit margins as you can charge premium rates for the service.
• Increased customer loyalty, as regular users of the service are likely to return.

Tips for Success:

• Market the service online through Google My Business (GMB) or local social media ads.
• Consider offering discounts or loyalty programs to retain frequent customers.
• Offer contactless payment and pickup services for added convenience.

2. Installing Vending Machines or ATMs

Another way to boost revenue is by offering vending machines or ATMs. These can provide additional convenience to customers while they wait for their laundry.

Vending Machines:

• Offer snacks, beverages, detergents, fabric softeners, and other laundry-related items.
• Can be stocked with premium products to increase sales and profit margins.

ATMs:

• An in-store ATM not only offers convenience to customers but can also generate passive income through transaction fees.

Benefits:

• Minimal maintenance once the machines are set up.
• Provides extra revenue without requiring much overhead or labor.
• Customers appreciate the convenience of purchasing snacks or laundry products on-site.

Learn more about optimizing in-store amenities with LaundroBoost’s Marketing Solutions Marketing Solutions.

3. Partnering with Local Dry Cleaners for Extra Services

Dry cleaning is another profitable add-on service that laundromats can offer by partnering with local dry cleaners. While dry cleaning requires specialized equipment, many laundromat owners avoid the upfront costs by outsourcing this service.

How it Works:
Customers drop off their garments at your laundromat, and you partner with a local dry cleaner to process the items. You handle the logistics of sending the clothes to the cleaner and returning them to your customers, marking up the price to make a profit.

Benefits:

• Expands your service offerings without the need for heavy investment in new equipment.
• Attracts customers who need specialty care for delicate or high-end clothing.
• Cross-promotion with the dry cleaner can help both businesses grow.

Tips for Success:

• Negotiate favorable terms with local dry cleaners, such as profit-sharing or fixed fees.
• Promote the dry-cleaning service through local SEO and on your social media platforms to reach more customers.

Learn more about partnership strategies for small businesses at Forbes.

4. Offering Self-Service Pet Washing Stations

An innovative way to stand out from the competition is to provide self-service pet washing stations. Pet owners are always looking for convenient places to clean their pets, especially in urban areas where outdoor washing might not be an option.

How it Works:
Install a pet wash station with easy-to-use, self-service equipment where customers can bring their dogs or cats. Charge per wash or set up a timed system, allowing customers to clean their pets while they wait for their laundry.

Benefits:

• High customer appeal, especially in pet-friendly neighborhoods.
• Provides an additional revenue stream with relatively low maintenance costs.
• Cross-promotion opportunities with local pet stores, groomers, or animal shelters.

Tips for Success:

• Use marketing strategies to target pet owners through social media, especially on platforms like Instagram where pet-related content thrives.
• Keep the area clean and well-maintained to ensure it’s a pleasant experience for both pets and owners.
• Consider adding pet grooming supplies to your vending machines for additional revenue.

5. Increasing Revenue with Loyalty Programs or Membership Plans

Implementing a loyalty program or membership plan is a great way to encourage repeat business and boost revenue. These programs reward customers for their continued patronage, offering them incentives to return regularly.

Loyalty Programs:
Offer a punch-card or point-based system where customers earn rewards for every laundry service or purchase. Once they accumulate enough points or punches, they receive a free or discounted service.

Membership Plans:
Offer customers a monthly membership that includes a set number of laundry cycles, wash-and-fold services, or other benefits. This ensures steady, predictable income while offering customers savings.

Benefits:

• Encourages repeat customers to return to your laundromat more often.
• Creates a sense of community and customer loyalty.
• Generates reliable revenue through recurring memberships.

Tips for Success:

• Utilize your website and Google My Business profile to promote your loyalty program.
• Consider running promotions to sign up customers for your membership plan during peak business hours.

Conclusion: Expanding Your Laundromat Business with Add-On Services

Offering additional services like wash-and-fold, vending machines, dry cleaning partnerships, pet washing stations, and loyalty programs can significantly boost your laundromat’s revenue. These add-ons not only provide convenience to your customers but also make your business more competitive in a growing industry. Whether you’re looking to attract more foot traffic or increase the average customer spend, these strategies are designed to help you maximize revenue and enhance customer satisfaction.