Minimal Capital, Maximum Profit: Strategy to Start a Laundry Business from Zero

Many prospective business people are discouraged from opening a laundry business because they feel they need a lot of capital: a shophouse, large machines, a team of employees, and an expensive system.

In fact, the reality is not always like that.

With the right strategy, you can start small, with limited capital, but still make a profit and grow gradually.

Here are realistic steps you can take.

1. Start from Home

No need to rent a shophouse at the beginning. Utilize your porch, garage, or spare room as an operational area.

Advantages:

• Save on rental costs
• Close to family
• Can start without employees

The important thing is cleanliness, ventilation, and easy access for pick-up and drop-off.

2. Buy a Quality Second Machine

No need for an industrial laundry machine yet. A second-hand 2-tub washing machine is also sufficient for the initial stage.

Tips:

• Search in local marketplaces or buying and selling forums
• Choose trusted brands such as LG, Samsung, Sharp
• Check the condition of the motor and dryer

For the initial stage: 1 washing machine + 1 dryer is sufficient.

3. Focus on Nearby Services and Areas

Target customers within a 1–2 km radius of your home, such as:

• Neighbors
• Housewives
• Students and boarding house employees

Tips:

• Make small flyers and distribute them in the surrounding area
• Put up a banner in front of your house
• Use WhatsApp and Google Maps

Don't forget about manual pick-up and drop-off services, just use your own motorbike.

4. Use a Free or Low-Cost Cashier Application

Even though it's small scale, you still need a neat recording system. Avoid writing manually on paper — it's prone to getting lost and confusing.

Solution:

Use an application like Dicatetin which:

• Can be used via cellphone/laptop
• Records transactions and customers
• Has digital note & daily report features

Many novice laundry users use Dicatetin because it's practical and doesn't require special installation or devices.

5. Use Subscription Laundry Packages for Stable Turnover

Instead of waiting for customers to come, offer them:

📦 20kg package per month for only IDR 100,000

💬 Free pick-up and delivery and fragrance for subscription customers

You can record and organize all these packages in Dicatetin so that customers know their remaining quota and you can evaluate your income.

6. Reinvest Profits Gradually

Don't rush to take profits for personal needs. It is better to:

• Buy an additional machine from the first month's proceeds
• Upgrade the dryer to a larger capacity
• Change the detergent and fragrance to a higher quality one

Target 3–6 months to be able to increase the capacity and coverage area.

Conclusion

Starting a laundry business doesn't have to require a large capital. Many successful laundry owners today started from home, with 1 machine, and maximum service.

The key is:

• Consistency
• Good service
• Neat records
• Reinvest the results gradually

Use a supportive system from the start such as Dicatetin, so that your small business has a professional foundation from day one.