Newbie advice/direction

[typeA]

At the risk of asking something you have probably seen a million times, where do I start??? Does anyone have a pointer to some FAQ's etc. or something you could send me that I can read through before asking questions you have answered many times before?? I would search but I might not even start searching the right stuff, I want start from ground zero.

Thank you very much!!!

[RWSmith]

I would start by calling the Coin Laundry Association (CLA) and asking for a going into business package. The GIB contains an overview of our industry and includes a trade magazine the Journal. I would also visit a couple of distributors ( look in the yellow pages under laundry equipment) to get an idea of the cost of building or buying a coin laundry. Visiting as many coin laundries as possible is a good idea. I like to introduce myself to the owner and leave them a business card.
Take your time and learn as much about the industry as possible.
Don't sign anything until an attorney reviews it.
Good-Luck

[SecretarytoBraveDave]

In addition to reading and researching every possible peice of information the CLA has and heeding the direction their expertise sends you; try www.coinwash.com (http://www.coinwash.com) a new thread is being implemented to assist the new/potential owners' research time as well. Great luck, the more info you have access to the better decsions you can make!
Kitty

[petefritz]

I would start by asessing your captial, risk tolorance, and mechanical ability. You will need plenty of cash to spend, and have as back up, not be greedy, and be somewhat mechanically inclined. Not expecting to get rich quick helps. If you pass these things then call CLA, they can give you the rosey side:) If you really want to start from "O" and build a new store than the risk factor applies more, depending on your location.

[JamesWash]

My advice is: Go find a job at your local laundromats. Work there for couple months, and you should know better how a laundromat operates and runs. It is very different just by using a laundromat from actually working in it. You will gain much better perspective after that. There is no other valuable advice better than your own work experience. Other people's advice can only complement, you still need to work on your own. I have long admired how Domino Pizza adopts their new franchisee. They require all new prospective owners to have at least work at one of their branches for a minimum of one year in order to get their franchise. This work experience will maximize your success of operating the business. Good luck to you.

[ThePoetSuede]

I am as new as the next guy. I am currently working towards opening a mat by the end of this year. This site has been EXTREMELY helpful. If you do a search or simply look under all of my posts you will find many of my concerns with some pretty good answers.

To date the ADC dryers seem to be the best and Wascomats seem to lead the way in washers. This is not my opinion as I don't have a clue BUT this is what my information has lead me to. There are other brands which seem to work just as well, so yes, you should also go into some mats. I strongly suggest downloading and printing out some of the cover stories in the CLA Journal which you can find at this site.

Your at the right place, keep reading.......