How To Start Laundry Business In South Africa
What is a Laundry ?
Laundry refers to the washing of clothing and other textiles, and, more broadly, their drying and ironing as well.
How To Start Laundry Business In South Africa
1.LOCATION & PREMISES
Deciding on the location of your laundry business is an important decision to make before you start. It is important that you locate your laundromat close to your target market. Consider the amount of road and foot traffic, find an easily accessible location where people can stop and make use of your services. There are several possible locations, including shopping centres, malls, and the CBD. Opening a laundry business close to places that typically have potential for traffic could be ideal depending on your target market.
It is important to be strategic about your neighbouring businesses as well because you are more than likely going to feed into each other instead of competing. If you open a laundromat in an overly saturated area the likelihood that your business will succeed will be low. Your premises should be large enough to accommodate all your machines, staff and space for customers. Your laundromat business plan should cater for the costs of buying or leasing the premises.
2.EQUIPMENT FOR LAUNDRY SERVICES BUSINESS
Depending on the laundry services you provide, you will need equipment and the right machinery for your business. The major equipment that you need include washing machines. You will also require dryers, and pressing machines to name a few machines. You may need to purchase vehicles if your services include pick up and drop off. Your laundry business plan should cater for such costs including the equipment you will need for your laundromat. The detergents and chemicals you use are just as important as the equipment you will make use of. Ensure that you invest in quality equipment as well as quality chemicals and laundry detergents.
3.PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Laundry products and services differ with each type of laundry business. Your target niche will also determine the type of products and services you need to sell. The most popular services offered by regular laundry businesses include washing, drying, and pressing of clothes, blankets, and beddings, among other things. Some even offer complimentary services such as garment and shoe repairs. It will be advantageous to have all these various complimentary services for your laundry services.
If you choose to provide a self-service laundromat adding some entertainment and amenities like Wi-Fi or a television can be beneficial for your business. Such complimentary services will go a long way in attracting customers. Another essential factor in running a laundry services business is selecting the right suppliers’ for detergents and chemicals for your operations. Consider suppliers who can provide affordable and quality chemicals consistently. Your laundry services business plan should clearly outline the various products and services you will provide.
4.STAFF & MANAGEMENT
As a customer-centric laundry services business, it’s important that you hire employees that are friendly and efficient. Your employees should be passionate about their jobs. If you want to hit the ground running it’s better to hire a team of people who have experience in this business. Your cleaners, maids and general staff should know how to clean different fabrics especially delicate ones. Also, your staff members should know how to attend to customers efficiently on a regular basis. Inexperienced staff members need to get extensive training before they can be given any important tasks or be allowed to use any laundry chemicals and equipment.
Laundry chemicals, equipment and machinery can be dangerous if not used properly thus, anyone operating a laundry services business should know how to use them and take the necessary precautions. Depending on the size of your shop, the actual number of your staff will vary however, you will need, cleaners, launderers, security as well as management. Your laundry services business plan should cater for the salaries of your employees and the day to day operational expenses of running a laundry services business.
5.MARKET
As more women enter the workforce there has been an increase in the demand for laundry and dry-cleaning services in addition to the need for helpers in other house chores. There are a lot of students, single parents, working professionals as well large institutions that make use of laundry services.
There are also large institutions such as prisons, hospitals, companies and educational facilities that prefer outsourcing their laundry needs or hire on premise laundry service providers. Also, there is still an opportunity in opening a self-service laundromat for a large number of people that cannot afford to purchase washing machines and dryers but would prefer paying for self service laundry services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How much does it cost to start a laundry business in South Africa?
R200,000 to R500,000Whether you’re creating a brand-new business or buying an established company, it isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to spend anywhere from R200,000 to R500,000 opening an average-size laundromat. The funds you’ll need to open a laundromat have everything to do with the type of laundry business you’re starting.
Does laundry business make money in South Africa?
A laundry business is a profitable business to start in South Africa. As the average income increases steadily with a lot of people working long hours, there has been an increase in the demand for laundry services.
Is laundry business profitable in South Africa?
Laundromats can be highly profitable, recession-resistant, and flexible businesses, making them highly attractive for entrepreneurs.
How much do I charge per load of laundry in South Africa?
The typical washing cost ranges from R1.50 to R4.00, and the average national cost is R2.00 or such (source).
Does baking soda whiten clothes in South Africa?
As an Alternative to Bleach
For whites and colors, baking soda does double duty. When added to the washer, it makes whites whiter and brightens colored items. It’s a good substitute for people who prefer not to use bleach. Or, for loads of white clothing, give bleach a boost by adding a half-cup of baking soda.
Why are clothes called laundry in South Africa?
The French word came from Latin lavandarius, also “to wash,” but that in turn came from another Latin word lavanda which were “the things to be washed,” so we’ve come full circle.
What is a laundry in a house in South Africa?
In-house, literally, laundry in the house is a laundry which is located in your facility. The alternative to it is an external laundry, that is, a facility that washes dries and irons your laundry for you.
Why is laundry important in South Africa?
Regular washing of clothes and bedding, helps to remove any bacteria, dirt, fleas, mites and other irritants or infection. Washing of clothes and bedding can help reduce the incidence of infectious diseases, such as diarrhoeal disease, respiratory infections, scabies and other skin infections.
Do laundry or wash clothes in South Africa?
Senior Member. Personally I usually talk about “doing the washing”, but “doing the laundry” is fine too. When I was a student, I used to take my washing, especially sheets and towels, to the nearest laundry. I wash delicate clothes by hand.
What does vinegar do for laundry in South Africa?
Vinegar works by loosening zinc salts or aluminum chloride, which means that dirt won’t stick to your clothing. In addition to this, vinegar has antibacterial properties. Washing your clothing with vinegar will leave your clothes odorless and no, they won’t smell like vinegar.
What are the 5 stages of laundry process in South Africa?
What are the 5 stages of laundry process? Laundry processes include washing (usually with water containing detergents or other chemicals), agitation, rinsing, drying, pressing (ironing), and folding.