Drop-Off wash and fold launderette
Wash, dry and fold other people's laundry by the kilo from a small shopfront or unit.
- A$25k-90k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small launderette where you do the washing for customers. They drop off bags and pick them up clean and folded, usually the same or next day.
Your first three steps
- Check what local wash-and-fold and dry cleaning services charge and how fast they turn orders around
- Price up a small unit with 3 to 4 commercial machines, a folding area and a simple order tracking system
- Approach Airbnb hosts, gyms and cafes about regular laundry contracts before you open
Who pays
Busy professionals, families, older people, and small businesses such as Airbnb hosts and gyms.
How it makes money
Price per kilo or per bag, with extra charges for express turnaround, bulky items and optional pick-up and delivery.
Skills that help
- Organising and tracking customer orders
- Fabric care and stain removal
- Customer service
- Reliable time management
Watch out for
- Check with your local council about approval for the premises and any business use limits
- Check trade waste and water requirements for commercial laundry with your water authority
- Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' goods in your care, and workers compensation once you hire
- Lost or damaged items and mix-ups, so use clear tagging and a written damage policy
- Employment costs and award rates if you hire staff, so check with the Fair Work Ombudsman
- Long standing hours, as same-day service can mean early starts
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: drop-off wash and fold launderette
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a wash and fold laundry business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the premises, the commercial machines you buy and how much fit-out is needed.
How much can a wash and fold launderette earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, pricing per kilo and how many regular customers you build. This is revenue, not profit, so allow for running costs.
What rules should I check before opening a wash and fold launderette?
Check council approval and business use limits for the premises, and trade waste and water requirements with your water authority. Also check insurance, including cover for customers' goods, and Fair Work award rates if you hire staff.
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