What is the greatest strength of your Laundromat?

[ldm]

My initial thoughts would be location and parking. I agree the cleanliness etc should be a given, especially in the attended stores. Les

[STOUT]

I always tell my customers that my place is a safe place.... for both them and their laundry! I do all I can to make sure nothing happens to either of them (person and possessions) that is wicked, bad, or nasty. That eases their worries and gets a smile or a laugh out of them.

[KJ]

Originally Posted by MrMachine

That's because many of your competitors are run by "investors"

good answer, lol

[JohnH]

Originally Posted by Howard

This just shocks me that people think keeping a store clean is a strength...

Keeping a store clean is a strength because what you are really telling the customer is that you respect them. Cleanliness is an outward, visible sign of the owner's attitude towards his customers. It's important because it is the customer's first impression of your store, and by extension, you...or your attendant. If that first impression is followed with a warm greeting, well-executed customer instruction or offer of assistance, the customer will feel that he/she is welcome and being cared for. That's the emotional attachment needed to keep them coming back.

All of the items listed in this thread as strengths really do make a difference in how people perceive your store, but it all ties in to making your customer feel appreciated and respected or maybe even liked.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

John

[Howard]

Originally Posted by JohnH

Keeping a store clean is a strength .....

I don't agree. It should not be considered a strength - it should be considered a basic requirement. Maybe so many think so poorly of this industry because some owners have no respect for themselves. I can hardly think of any other business where they consider keeping their establishment clean to be a strength. I'll buy not doing it is a weakness, but basic cleaning is a minimum requirement in my mind.

[KJ]

Originally Posted by Howard

I'll buy not doing it is a weakness

Then if you excel at it, it is a Strength.
Why argue?

[Howard]

Originally Posted by KJ

Then if you excel at it, it is a Strength.
Why argue?

Because it is a bad way of looking at it. Not having a weakness is not a strength. As I said before being late for work is a weakness, showing up on time is not a strength - it is a basic expectation. The same goes for keeping a store clean. Maybe trivial to you, but it is why people think of this industry in such a bad light.

[bodman]

My first strength is the fact that I am willing to ask questions of my competitors and use their answers to make changes to my mats, next always say yes dear to my bride for 37 years.( no ego getting inthe way) second I have figured out how to be the low price leader and make it work for me . Pay my business and personal bills, give to charities, put a minimum 10% gross into long term savings, finally wake up each day with a thanks to God , I am not very religous but once I stoped try to make deals with God ( like Lord make this hangover go away and I will stop drinking). things seemed to fall in place. Lastly as my kindergarden teacher use to say TAKE TIME TO BE KIND. Bodman

[STOUT]

Originally Posted by Howard

Because it is a bad way of looking at it. Not having a weakness is not a strength. As I said before being late for work is a weakness, showing up on time is not a strength - it is a basic expectation. The same goes for keeping a store clean. Maybe trivial to you, but it is why people think of this industry in such a bad light.

Howard;

If the above is true; then is showing up for work early a strength?

[KJ]

Originally Posted by Howard

Because it is a bad way of looking at it. Not having a weakness is not a strength. As I said before being late for work is a weakness, showing up on time is not a strength - it is a basic expectation. The same goes for keeping a store clean. Maybe trivial to you, but it is why people think of this industry in such a bad light.

We all have our opinions and interpretations.
A strength to me is not thinking my opinion is the only right one.