Getting started

[RobNed]

I've spent a better part of 6 months looking at the financial issues of owning a laundromat. As a CPA I think I've got a good understanding of the financial end of the business. I've visited most of the web sites I could find and done lots of reading. But what about operations??? My partner has spent 15 years in the restaurant business, so he knows customer service running a successful large restaurant. But what do current operators see as the biggest problems. Are there many "emergencies"??? How often does equipment break?? How quick do the distributors repair it?? Is theft an issue?? Etc....My partner plans on managing the laundromat as well as managing some residential rental properties we own. We are looking to start small and then if we like it, moving on to larger facilties. Any comments you can give will be appreciated. Thank you.

[petefritz]

To make any money in this business you will have to do most of the repairs yourself, some are somewhat nasty. Owning a mat is like being a high paid janitor/bookkeeper/repairman, especially if a smaller mat. If you can live with a small ROI than Ok to hire it all out, there are some good service people out there. If your partner manages rentals than you have some experience already managing mats, it is only 100% more intense. Yes, emergencies happen, yes stuff breaks down, there is no set time allotment for these things to happen. Might get 5 calls in 2 days, might get 1 call in a month.

theft is always an issue.


Quote::Are there many "emergencies"??? How often does equipment break?? How quick do the distributors repair it?? Is theft an issue??::