Making the jump from a traditional wash-dry-fold service to a full commercial laundry operation is a big step for any laundromat owner. It requires planning, investment, and a clear understanding of your local market. If you run a laundromat in Asheville, NC, the opportunity to expand your services could lead to long-term growth and stability. This article will walk you through the commercial laundry transition process, highlighting important considerations at every step.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Capacity
Before taking on commercial accounts, evaluate your existing equipment and space. Wash-dry-fold operations often rely on machines sized for consumer or light commercial use. Commercial laundry accounts, such as restaurants or gyms, demand larger capacities and quicker turnaround times. Take stock of your current setup and ask: Can your washers and dryers handle heavier loads consistently, or will you need to upgrade?
Step 2: Understand the Market
The Asheville area is home to a growing hospitality sector, along with a mix of gyms, salons, and health care facilities. These businesses all rely on laundry services, and many prefer outsourcing. Research the demand for commercial laundry in your city. Who are your potential clients? What kind of volume do they produce? This step ensures you know exactly where to focus your marketing efforts once your expansion is complete.
Step 3: Upgrade Equipment for Commercial Loads
One of the most important steps in the commercial laundry transition is upgrading your equipment. Wash-dry-fold services usually use mid-sized washers and dryers. Commercial laundry requires industrial-grade machines with larger capacities, faster cycle times, and energy efficiency. By investing in equipment designed for high-volume use, you’ll position your laundromat for success. T&L Equipment can help businesses in Asheville source the right machines for a smooth transition.
Step 4: Adjust Staffing and Workflow
Moving from wash-dry-fold to commercial laundry means your staffing needs will likely change. You may need additional employees to handle pickup and delivery, as well as staff dedicated to sorting, washing, and folding commercial loads. It’s also important to rethink your workflow. Commercial accounts typically expect consistent, high-quality results within tight timelines. Setting up streamlined processes ensures you meet customer expectations.
Step 5: Develop Pickup and Delivery Services
Commercial clients expect convenience. That usually means offering pickup and delivery services. This might require investing in a company vehicle, scheduling software, and dedicated staff. Many laundromats in Asheville have found that offering delivery gives them a competitive edge and builds loyalty with local businesses.
Step 6: Create Contracts and Pricing Models
Unlike wash-dry-fold services, which are typically priced by the pound, commercial laundry accounts often operate on contracts with set pricing. You’ll need to create service agreements that clearly outline pricing, turnaround times, and expectations. Contracts not only provide consistency for your clients but also give you predictable revenue streams.
Step 7: Market Your New Services
Once you’re ready to take on commercial clients, it’s time to spread the word. Market your new services to hotels, restaurants, gyms, and health care facilities in Asheville. Emphasize the reliability, speed, and quality you can offer with your expanded capabilities. Local networking groups and business associations can be excellent places to connect with potential customers.
Step 8: Monitor Growth and Adjust
As your commercial accounts grow, keep an eye on your capacity and profitability. You may find you need to add more machines, expand your facility, or hire more staff. By monitoring growth carefully, you’ll be able to scale sustainably and keep your clients satisfied.
Conclusion: Partner with T&L Equipment for a Smooth Transition
Expanding from wash-dry-fold to full commercial laundry is a significant move, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. With the right equipment, staff, and planning, your laundromat in Asheville can become a trusted provider for local businesses. T&L Equipment specializes in helping laundromats make this transition successfully, offering guidance on equipment sizing, financing, and installation. If you’re ready to take the next step in your commercial laundry transition, contact T&L Equipment today.
