NEWS
Time:2022-01-11 20:43 Tag:
Whether you’re opening a new laundromat or you’ve been around the industry a while, consistently attracting new customers to your facility is important for long-term success. However, there are almost 30,000 coin laundries in the United States. With all that competition, expanding your customer base is no easy feat. The important thing is to understand your patrons and differentiate yourself from competitors. If you want to attract more customers and grow your business, try…
Implement a loyalty program.
Savvy consumers always look for ways to save money and love being rewarded for their loyalty to a brand or business. That’s why punch cards and other loyalty programs are a great way to attract new customers and keep them coming back again and again. In fact, U.S. consumers hold more than 3 billion memberships in customer loyalty programs. These programs usually are not hard or expensive to implement, and they can be especially beneficial when attracting customers who are new to the area or unhappy with one of your competitors. Research shows that about 70% of customers allow rewards and loyalty programs to influence their shopping decisions. A solid and effective loyalty program may be just the ticket for your laundromat.
Get online.
77% of Americans go online on a daily basis according to the Pew Research Center. Despite that fact, 60% of very small businesses (made up of 1 to 5 people) don’t have websites. Of those, only 12% have Facebook pages! Yikes! If that’s you, there are a lot of customers searching for local laundry businesses and scrolling social media that you’re losing out on.
If you don’t already have a website, it’s time to create one. Not only will it help you reach more customers from the get-go, but you’ll also be able to continue that relationship and improve retention. If you are already online – great! Now think about how you can take that up a notch. Maybe you could increase your online advertising budget, push special events and promotions more effectively, and engage with other local businesses in an effort to reach a whole new group of audience.
Offer more than laundry services.
Thinking outside of the box and offering more than just washers and dryers can be a great way to attract new customers. By going beyond laundry, you create an experience for your clients and turn your laundromat into a go-to destination, rather than just a place they have to go when they’re out of clean clothes.
Many investors have found success with laundromat hybrids, like a laundromat-bar or laundromat-café, where they offer food and beverage options. Others have started adding wash-dry-fold services to attract busy customers who are strapped for time. If your space can accommodate it, hosting open mic, comedy, or trivia nights can also attract new customers looking for some fun and entertainment while they tackle their laundry. Of course, additional services and amenities often require additional staff, time, and funds, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for your laundry business.
Pay attention to the exterior of your building.
First impressions are tough, quick, and incredibly important. The majority of your laundromat patrons are going to live within a mile of your business, so chances are they’re going to be driving or walking by it at some point. That means you need to pay special attention to the exterior of your laundromat. The last thing you want is to scare off new customers or give them a bad impression of your business before they ever even enter your building. Take a look at your building and ask yourself the following questions…
Are the parking lot and areas surrounding my building well lit?
Are the parking lot and areas surrounding my building free of garbage and debris?
Are windows and doors clean and free of obstructions?
Is signage visible, up to date, and in line with my current branding?
Is plenty of parking available for patrons?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you might need to do some work on the exterior of your building. Of course, these are just the basics. Things like color, paint, landscaping, and the age of your building can also make a difference in how potential customers perceive your laundromat and whether or not they’ll do business with you.
Have great laundry equipment!
All the things mentioned above are very important. However, they don’t change the fact that people come to a laundromat for one main reason: to clean their laundry. You can’t have a successful laundry business or attract new customers without high-quality commercial laundry equipment that stands out from competitors.
The laundry experts at OEM Laundry Parts can help with that. Contact us today to discuss your needs or click below to browse equipment and parts from top brands like Tolon and Speed Queen.