Self-Service laundromat

Renters in apartments without in-suite laundry, students, people on a budget, and households with bulky items like duvets.

Customers pay per wash and per dry cycle. Extra income can come from drop-off service, vending and bulk items. Your main costs are rent, water, gas and electricity, and machine upkeep.

• Basic repairs and machine upkeep
• Managing costs and suppliers
• Customer service and keeping a clean, safe space

• Check the lease terms, including length, rent increases and whether the landlord allows the use
• Check water, sewer and utility capacity, and any municipal permits for plumbing, venting and building work
• Utility bills can change a lot, so work out your margins before you commit
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for theft or vandalism
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before hiring attendants
• Machines break down, so budget for repairs and replacements
• Register for GST/HST when required, and check whether a municipal business licence applies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $120,000 to $500,000, depending on whether you fit out a new unit or buy an existing laundromat, and on the number and type of machines you install.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, machine count and any extras such as vending or drop-off service. The idea starts at about 20 hours a week, though utility costs can vary a lot.

Things to check: lease terms including length and rent increases; water, sewer and utility capacity and municipal permits for plumbing, venting and building work; insurance; WCB/WSIB rules before hiring attendants; GST/HST registration; and any municipal business licence.