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How to Start a Home Laundry Service




laundry business,

A home laundry service is great way to make money at home because of the low start-up costs and the flexibility of setting your own hours.  
Starting a home laundry service can be profitable. Many people think that a laundry cannot be established at ones home which is not true.  Some people hate to do laundry or don't have the time because they are too busy. Home-based laundries perform delivery and pickup of clothes plus other services.



Yes, you can set up the business home-based by allocating a spacious room as your home-office.  This room should be for ironing or pressing of the clothes, hanging, labelling, packaging area and to store clean, pressed and folded laundry. You can even use your home’s telephone, fax machine and personal mobile phones to contact clients, as well as your vehicle for pick-up and delivery.


Some business owner usually washes clothes at their home or coin laundry before ironing and dropping them off. Knowing how to start a home laundry service begins with choosing the right one for you. Choose what services you will provide such as pickup services, washing, drying and ironing, folding  and drop-off.


Provide additional services to boost income by including ironing and folding services. You should also have knowledge about liquids and detergents used for washing clothes which may not harm the clothes but at the same time clean it nicely. If you are not  very familiar with doing laundry, it would be very wise to study up on different techniques. There are many websites that offers laundering advice.



                                         Things you will need.

You will need a good washer and dryer (normal domestic ones will do for now, but industrial large capacity units are ideal), an iron, ironing board, a scale, clothesline, clothespins,clothes hangers folding tables and dry cleaning equipment. You will also need various types of laundry detergents, ranging from mild to industrial. Don't forget the fabric softener, fabric sheets, starch, and bleach. Buy all the necessary supplies such as soap  and laundry bags.

If you want to make a full-time income from a home based laundry service, you will need more than one washer and dryer. You will also need a high quality iron, a professional steam press and an ironing board.


                                                           The Start-Up

If you already own the machines your initial investment can be as low as $1000.  And if you plan on offering specialist services like steam cleaning you’ll need the relevant equipment – a home based laundry service however would usually specialize in basic services.


                                                             Price Your Services.

Do the research to price your services. By checking with other home laundry service or dry cleaners will give you an idea of what the market  is like. Since you are working from your own home, spend some time calculating energy costs, soap cost and other supplies, and figure in how often you are likely to have to repair/replace your machines with the increased loads.  Include  your commuting cost if you are going to offer drop off and pick up service. 


                                                           Market your services.

Spread the word to family members, friends, and acquaintance about your new business.  Design a flyer you can hand them that includes all the details. Post the fliers at community centers, hospital, civic organizations, grocery stores and spas. Consider a referral program. Advertise online for further exposure.

Marketing is what will determine how quickly your home laundry service business succeeds. Some neighborhoods have community newsletters where you can post ads. If you need more clients, consider a referral program where you give them a free week’s laundry for each client they bring you. Only after you have exhausted all free and word of mouth methods of marketing should you pay for any advertising.


Check with your local zoning board to find out if you are legally allowed to run a business from your home.  Get  your business permit and license.


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