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What is the revenue per machine for a laundromat?

Starting a laundromat business requires understanding its revenue potential per machine. This article provides an in-depth look at factors that affect a laundromat's revenue, such as machine counts, pricing, utility costs, and customer traffic. By analyzing these details, you'll get a clearer picture of what to expect financially.

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In order to determine the revenue per machine for a laundromat, you need to consider a range of factors including machine count, cycle times, pricing, customer volume, and costs. Below is a summary of these factors and how they impact your revenue.

Category Typical Value (Medium-sized) Details
Number of Washers 30 A typical medium-sized laundromat has around 30 washers to meet demand.
Number of Dryers 45 Most laundromats have more dryers than washers to keep up with high demand.
Avg. Washer Price/Cycle $5.50 Pricing ranges between $4–$10 depending on the machine's capacity.
Avg. Dryer Price/Cycle $2.00 Dryers are priced between $1.50 and $2.50 per cycle.
Daily Customers 120–250 A medium-sized laundromat sees about 120–250 customers daily.
Cycles/Machine/Day 5–8 Each machine typically runs 5–8 cycles daily, depending on location and demand.
Peaktime Use Rate 80–100% During peak hours, such as weekends and evenings, 80–100% of machines are in use.
Monthly Revenue $15,000–$30,000 Gross monthly revenue typically falls within this range for medium-sized laundromats.
% Revenue Washers/Dryers Washers: 66%, Dryers: 33% Washers contribute more to revenue than dryers.

How many washing machines and dryers are in operation at the laundromat?

A laundromat typically operates with 15–45 washers and 15–45 dryers. The exact number depends on the size of the laundromat and its location.

For example, large laundromats may have 30 washers and 45 dryers to accommodate high customer demand. Smaller operations may operate with fewer machines, closer to 15–25 washers and dryers.

Understanding your customer base and the size of your space will help determine the ideal machine count for your laundromat.

What are the average cycle times for each type of machine?

Cycle times vary by machine type and service. Generally, wash cycles range from 20 to 35 minutes, while dryer cycles last between 30 and 45 minutes.

These times ensure that laundry is cleaned and dried efficiently. However, larger machines or heavier loads may require slightly longer cycles.

It's essential to adjust pricing based on cycle duration to ensure profitability.

What is the typical price per cycle for both washers and dryers?

The price for using washers typically ranges from $4 to $10, depending on the machine's capacity and the load size. Dryer prices usually range from $1.50 to $2.50 per cycle, with larger dryers costing more.

Pricing varies by location and competition, so it's essential to research local pricing trends before setting your rates.

Adjusting for machine capacity and cycle duration can help optimize revenue per cycle.

How many customers visit the laundromat on an average day and week?

The number of customers depends on the laundromat's location and size. Smaller laundromats may serve 50–120 customers daily, while medium and large laundromats can see 150–400 customers per day.

This translates to 1,000 to 2,500 weekly visits for larger laundromats.

Knowing your customer base allows you to predict demand and manage machine usage efficiently.

What is the average number of cycles each machine runs per day?

Each machine in a laundromat typically runs 3–8 cycles per day. This depends on machine type, location, and customer traffic.

In high-traffic areas, machines may run more frequently, especially during peak hours like evenings or weekends.

Having efficient scheduling and maintenance plans can maximize machine usage.

What are the busiest days and times of the week for machine usage?

The busiest days for laundromats are typically weekends, with Sunday mornings being particularly busy. Weekday evenings, from 4 pm to 8 pm, also see higher traffic.

These peak times require more efficient management to avoid overcrowding and ensure maximum revenue.

By anticipating peak hours, you can better manage staff and machine availability.

What percentage of machines are in use during peak hours versus off-peak hours?

During peak hours, such as weekends and evenings, 80–100% of machines are in use. In contrast, off-peak times, like weekday afternoons, typically see 30–50% occupancy.

This shows the impact of customer traffic patterns on machine utilization. Understanding these trends helps optimize pricing and machine maintenance schedules.

Peak hours generate more revenue, while off-peak times allow for maintenance and cleaning.

What is the monthly gross revenue generated by all machines combined?

Monthly gross revenue for a laundromat typically ranges from $5,000 for small operations to over $50,000 for larger, premium laundromats.

This revenue depends on factors such as machine count, location, and customer volume.

Adjusting for peak demand and optimizing machine availability can increase profitability.

How much of that revenue can be attributed to washers versus dryers?

Typically, washers contribute about 66% of total revenue, while dryers account for around 33%.

Washers tend to generate more revenue due to higher pricing and the essential nature of washing clothes.

Dryers provide additional income but are priced lower per cycle.

What are the maintenance and repair costs per machine on average?

On average, maintenance and repair costs per machine range from $40 to $80 per month.

These costs include regular maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.

Setting aside a portion of your revenue for maintenance ensures that your machines remain in optimal working condition.

What is the average utility cost (water, electricity, gas) allocated per machine cycle?

The average utility cost per machine cycle ranges from $0.35 to $0.60, depending on the machine type and local utility rates.

Washers generally consume more utilities than dryers, particularly in water and electricity.

Carefully managing utility consumption can significantly impact your profitability.

What is the resulting net revenue per machine after subtracting utilities, maintenance, and other operating costs?

After accounting for utilities, maintenance, and other operating expenses, net revenue per machine typically falls between $150 and $200 per month.

This reflects the profit after all fixed and variable costs are deducted.

By optimizing costs and ensuring high machine utilization, net revenue can be improved.

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Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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