if you could start over what whould you do different

[Adamski]

Originally Posted by couvsuds

I don't read his quote like that at all. I think he's merely speculating that had he built new, this is what he would have done. Your points are all valid, however.

Nick,

You're probably right. I was reading between the lines a little too much. It sounds like he made the correct decision when he decided to buy the existing store. Good for him.

[ldm]

I would have remodeled sooner. I replaced 12 TL's with 8 SQ Horizon's and 4 new SQ TL's. Opened an additional area and installed 3 ea 45 lb SQ Stack dryers and more folding / sitting space. When the budget opens up again, the 2 40 lb 6 30lb SQ washers will be replaced...probably with 2 ea 60lb / 3 ea40lb / 2 ea 30 lb. Les

[STOUT]

I would have bought more property for customers to park in at the parking lot.

[Bizman]

I would have put my money in the bank and waited until my desire to own a laundromat went away.

[chad]

Originally Posted by Bizman

I would have put my money in the bank and waited until my desire to own a laundromat went away.

yea right! and earn what % on your money... I am enjoy my 20-30% return.

[nycwash]

Originally Posted by chad

yea right! and earn what % on your money... I am enjoy my 20-30% return.

But is that after you account for salary for your own time?

[CanCanCase]

I had forgotten about this thread...

I was digging through old emails to/from my distributor the other day. I came across the original mass email that I sent to inquire about opening a mat. I originally sent the email to 5 or 6 area (sort of nearby) distributors to describe my vision for our store(s) and see what they came back with.

Of course, all but 1 distributor attempted to sell me something OTHER than what I was describing, and the one who gave me a fair price to install exactly what I was describing got the business. But...that's not the interesting part (at least not to me.)

What's interesting about this email is that it's over 3 years old, and, with the addition of pay showers, could very well have been the specification for store #4. Sure, we've changed how we go about a few things...construction techniques, different heating equipment for each building, different floor plans, etc. But the underlying design and concept elements that I first wanted to play with when I first started are all still there.

Mostly because of reading this board, and from plenty of experience using old laundromats as a customer, we knew:
-build a bright and open space
-no top loaders
-range of sizes from 20# up to the largest practical
-100% card operated
-build for unattended
...

I'm not saying I've got the ONLY way to do things, but it's sure working out well, and I wouldn't change a thing - even after 4 stores...number 5 will likely look and feel very much the same.

-Case

[chad]

Originally Posted by nycwash

But is that after you account for salary for your own time?

My own time? You mean the crazy hrs I put in! They only amount to about 4hrs a week!

[mmurra]

At least you are willing to admit it. Congratulations! Mark

[jh]

Originally Posted by chad

My own time? You mean the crazy hrs I put in! They only amount to about 4hrs a week!

I am spending at least 40 hours a week for laundromat business despite that I already have 3 employees. I would be happy to invest 2 millions and work 80 hours a week for 25% return.