Advertising / Marketing

[jpb]

I am closing on the purchase of my first Laundromat this Wednesday and would like to do some advertising in the area to promote the store and hopefully bring in additional business. I have read all of the previous posts concerning advertising/marketing and realize that there are mixed feelings about the benefits. One thing that I have learned is that different strategies work in some markets and not in others.

The previous owner did no advertising in the 10 years that he owned the business and it is doing ok. The store is fully attended, does over 5000 lbs per month wdf and a decent amount of dry clean drop off.

I was thinking of using direct mail, door hangers, ads in local paper and of course the yellow pages.

I would appreciate it if anyone who has had success with advertising / marketing could email a copy of your ads to me.

Any suggestions as to what has worked for you?

Thanks, John
usa6643@mac.com

[tknc]

John,

Congrat on your new mat! I, too, want to hear some feed back on the advertising ideas. You can always cold call the businesses around the store to see if they need people to do their laundry. For example, gyms, restaurants, car shops, etc.
Good luck!

thx,

[vernonmaytag]

We were told you could get the paper to give you some "free" advertising, if you send a press release to the news editor. If you make the announcement exciting and bold, and tag it with "For immediate publication" Something about "Pleased to announce new ownership" and "Exciting oppertunity to help serve the community".... etc.

[jpb]

I didn't think of doing a press release - I will try that with the neighborhood paper. Thanks.

[DaveP]

Just a thought - I am still trying to find a Mat that works for us so I do not speak from experience. Been looking for over a year and there is one in our town I would like to buy (sits next to two apartment buildings). This mat is run down and seem sto make money inspite of itself. Sorry I got off point. I understand your feelings for "FREE" advertising, I'm there with you. Try not to skimp fresh out of the gate, you don't want your first paid ad to be a " MAT FOR SALE" ad. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[jpb]

I have money budgeted for advertising - just looking for some good ideas from people who have done it in the past and have had success. Of course I will pursue any free advertising I can get!

[bodman]

I have had good results from the money pages magazine 675.00 mo Gotta run for at least 6 months mine was a brand new store. At another store a sidewalk board advertisment worked better than the add in the money pages. Go figure. what ever you decide repitition is the key. One shot deal just send me the money for all the good it will do,

[jpb]

[ QUOTE ]
I have had good results from the money pages magazine 675.00 mo Gotta run for at least 6 months mine was a brand new store. At another store a sidewalk board advertisment worked better than the add in the money pages. Go figure. what ever you decide repitition is the key. One shot deal just send me the money for all the good it will do,

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, where should I send it?

So you think a minimum of 6 months for any type of advertising? I think this makes sense - the more people see something the better chance they will remember it.

Any chance you can send me a copy of the ad you used?

- John

[petefritz]

I have never bought and ad in 20 years. The signage and visability from the street are your main concerns. The basic problem is your market area is about 1 mile from your mat so most print, radio are a waste.. If you feel the need to spend money on advertising, and belive me, a good location does not have to, then you have to tune the money within a 1 mile. For most all this means door to door hangers/flyers or submissions in neighboring condo gabs.

[WashnSpin]

I get a good response from door hangers. I opened my mat the last week of jan and have done 8000 door hangers every month since then. I also have a frequent user card that i stamp every time a customer wash or use our dry cleaning service. After 5 visits i give them 5 $ towards there wash or dry cleaning

[Lewis58]

I also have a mat in the Atlanta area (Stockbridge). Do you have a door hanger company you could recommend? Thanks, Nancy

[jpb]

[ QUOTE ]
I have never bought and ad in 20 years. The signage and visability from the street are your main concerns. The basic problem is your market area is about 1 mile from your mat so most print, radio are a waste.. If you feel the need to spend money on advertising, and belive me, a good location does not have to, then you have to tune the money within a 1 mile. For most all this means door to door hangers/flyers or submissions in neighboring condo gabs.

[/ QUOTE ]

Pete,

I agree with what you are saying concerning location and visibility. What I really want to advertise is our wdf service. This week (my first week owning the laundromat) I have had 4 or 5 people come in and ask if we could wash their clothes or comforters (I have a huge sign on the front window advertising wdf and I guess they didn't see it) - of course I told them yes and they were very happy - they said if they had known this they would have been bringing their stuff in a long time ago. Of course they may be exaggerating. I have two competitors on the other corners at my intersection, but they are both unattended.

[Adamski]

[ QUOTE ]
... I have two competitors on the other corners at my intersection, but they are both unattended.

[/ QUOTE ]

jpb,

Am I reading that right? Laundromats are located on 3 of the 4 corners of your intersection? Are you in LA?

Larry /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[jpb]

I am in Tampa. One of the two will be torn down eventually when they widen the road.

[jpb]

[ QUOTE ]
I get a good response from door hangers. I opened my mat the last week of jan and have done 8000 door hangers every month since then. I also have a frequent user card that i stamp every time a customer wash or use our dry cleaning service. After 5 visits i give them 5 $ towards there wash or dry cleaning

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you put the door hangers on yourself or do you pay someone?

[WashnSpin]

I pay 4 kids in the area 5 bucks per hour. I have my employee drive the kids to the apts and they jump out and tag every door handle. I purchased my own printer and i print my own door hangers it saves me time and money. This way i have the ability to advertise when i choose and put what i want on them

[SEFlaundry]

Washnspin,
It is a special printer? If so how much and where did you get it from? How about the supplies where do you get those from.

I like your idea!

[WashnSpin]

Its an Oki 5500 printer, It was 500 with a mail in rebate of 200 dollars. I received the rebate in two weeks so it only cost me 300. The door hangers i purchased from mini mac papers they have locations all over. I pay 14.50 for 250 two up door hangers that will give you 500 door hangers. The software i use is microsoft publisher and it simple to use.

[WashnSpin]

I purchased it from staples