7 Common Mistakes When Starting a Laundry Business (and How to Avoid Them)

7 Common Mistakes When Starting a Laundry Business (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting a laundry business can be a great opportunity, especially in densely populated areas. However, many novice entrepreneurs rush into it without proper preparation.

Here are 7 common mistakes in the laundry business that you need to avoid so that your business can survive and grow.

1. Rent a Place Immediately Without a Location Survey

The enthusiasm for opening a laundry often makes people rush to rent a place, even though they don't know the character of potential customers around them.

Solution:

• Find a location near boarding houses, apartments, or dense housing
• Ensure easy access (can be passed by motorbikes & cars)
• Pay attention to competitors within a radius of 300–500 meters

2. Buy a Machine Without Adjusting the Scale of the Business

Not a few beginners buy large machines, even though there are still few customers. As a result, electricity costs skyrocket and capacity is wasted.

Solution:

• Start with a 2-cylinder or front-loading machine with a capacity of 8–10kg
• Make sure the electricity is sufficient and stable
• Consider a dryer if you want time efficiency

3. No Transaction Recording System

Manual records are prone to loss and are inefficient. Mistakes in recording can cause laundry to be mixed up or finances to be uncontrolled.

Use a cashier application such as Dicatetin to:

• Record transactions & customers automatically
• Set subscription packages & balances
• Print/give digital receipts
• View daily to monthly business reports

4. Not Training Employees with Clear Standards

Inconsistent service can disappoint customers, especially if the laundry is not clean, smells, or the ironing results are not neat.

Solution:

• Set SOP: color separation, ironing, packing
• Conduct short training for new employees
• Create a quality checklist before clothes are returned to customers

5. Forgetting to Calculate Operating Costs in Full

The business looks profitable, but actually loses because expenses are not recorded properly.

Tips:

• Calculate the cost of detergent, plastic, fragrance, water, electricity, and salary
• Record daily expenses in a system such as Dicatetin
• See the profit/loss graph every week

6. Not Having a Backup Plan If the Machine Breaks Down

If the only machine breaks down, operations stop, customers pile up, and reputation can be ruined.

Solution:

• Have a backup machine (even if it's second-hand)
• Perform weekly light service (clean filters, check hoses)
• Keep technician numbers that can be contacted quickly

7. Lack of Promotion & Not Active on Social Media

Without promotion, customers don't know your business exists. Especially in the digital era, everyone is looking for services via the internet.

Solution:

• Register your business on Google Maps & Google Business Profile
• Use Instagram & WhatsApp for updates & promos
• Create a promo on Dicatetin: for example “Free 1kg for the first 5 washes”

✅ Conclusion

A laundry business is not just about washing and ironing. There are many elements that must be managed carefully. By avoiding the 7 common mistakes above, you will be better prepared to run your business efficiently and with minimal risk.

Also use a laundry cashier system like Dicatetin which is ready to help record all transactions, customers, balances, and financial reports automatically and professionally.