24 hour laundromats

[alesser738]

I was wondering what percentage of monthly gross income is between 12am-6am? thanks
Also are you fully attended? thanks

[RWSmith]

We estimated that 5% of our volume is done between 10 PM and 7AM. We are attended from 7 AM to 10 PM.
One trend that I have noticed in our non 24 Hour stores is that customers are coming in earlier. We used to open at 7 AM but have changed our opening time to 6 AM.
Good-Luck

[Duane]

I also am between 5-7% from midnight to 8am.

I run my cheap specials at that time for those who don't want to spend a lot of money. Better to get some of their money than none. It also helps the prime time hours for full paying customers.

[brucehwalker]

Do you have attendants? I would consider opening 24 hrs but with a card store new customers would need some help getting started. I would have a hard time leaving my million dollar store all alone. With an attendant there from 11 to 7 that would cost me another 1500 a month. Not sure it would be worth it.

Any suggestions as to how to kick off a new 24 hour format?

[Duane]

I am unattended and open 24/7. With the CCI card system I don't need an attendant to hold the customers hand. CCI has a touch screen system with video instructions showing the customer what to do.

Very simple and reliable.


Check your local market, are there any other stores 24/7? If so, do they get any customers at night?

If you need to turn customers away at night when closing and then you have customers waiting for you to open up then you should think at least extending your hours. If you find you have more business during your new open hours then extend the hours until you find a happy medium.

Not all mats are designed to be unattended.

[Mel]

I have two 24 hour mats, both unattended. One was that way when I bought it and the other wasn't. Depending on your area if it isn't attended it can be a home at night for the homeless. It also can become a home for the vandals too. One of my 24 hour mats I do not offer the bathroom at all anytime of the day because it is also my storage closet and there is a gas station next door. The other mat is unattended but the bathroom has always been available. Vandalism has been a problem. Stolen light bulbs, toilet paper and holder stolen or stuffed in the toilet as a prank, paper towels ripped of the wall and scattered about, graffiti, its frustrating. It's a tough decision no matter which way you go.

Good Luck!