4 Easy Ways To Make Your Laundromat Feel More Like Home For Higher Profits + Better Customer Loyalty

Your laundromat may be great, but there really is no place like home. Most people utilize laundromats like yours not by choice, but because they don't have the option to do laundry at their own residence — whether due to space, renting, the cost of laundry equipment, etc. With that in mind, why not make your laundromat feel a little more like home? You can set your laundromat apart from the competition by adding some homey touches your customers will love. Making your laundromat feel a little less like a business and more like home can go a long when it comes to drawing people in, creating a positive atmosphere, and fostering customer loyalty.

1. Ditch the totally white walls.

It's fairly well-known and accepted that color can have an impact on your emotions and influence mood and behavior. White walls have their place, but they may not be right for your laundry business. White is generally associated with things like purity and innocence, but can also project a sterile or hospital-like feel. On the flip side, neutral colors like browns and grays can feel more calming and warm, and reds, greens, and yellows can add some cheer, excitement, and passion to the space. Think of how your customers generally want to feel when they're at home, what colors help enhance those feelings, and how you can utilize that at your business. A fresh coat of paint, some wall coverings, or a colorful accent wall may be all it takes to add a more homey feel to your laundromat!

2. Add amenities.

Home is all about comfort and relaxation, right? Your home has everything you need to kick back and unwind, which is why you like to spend time there. If you don't already, consider adding in some of the amenities your customers are used to at home. Things like Wi-fi access, television, books, food, and beverage options come to mind. If these are already offered at your laundromat, how can you improve or up your game? Not only will these "homey" amenities help customers feel more relaxed in your space, but they can also be additional revenue generators and encourage patrons to stay longer (or come back more often), which in turn means more money for your business.

3. Update your furniture and layout.

While we're on the subject of amenities, we should talk about furniture and layout as well. Many laundromats take an airport or waiting room approach and have a variety of uncomfortable seats along the perimeter of the space. While customers make do, this isn't very homey or convenient for those who want to make the most of their time. Make sure your laundromat has an abundance of comfortable seating in a designated area to foster a more social and relaxed atmosphere, much like a living room or dining area does in a home. Adding in some tables also increases convenience and encourages people to spend time and multi-task while they're waiting for their clothes to finish. Since women and families are often key markets for laundromats, having an area specifically for kids to play may be a great perk for your patrons too (depending on the clientele you're trying to reach)!

Read now: Designing a Functional Layout for Your Laundromat

4. Keep your laundromat clean.

We can't stress this one enough. While people may not keep their homes spotless, the majority of us keep up on the routine tasks like taking out the garbage, vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. In fact, cleaning and laundry often go hand-in-hand as part of people's routines. If you want to create a more home-like atmosphere at your business, the same should hold true at your laundromat. It's easy to get bogged down with the day-to-day tasks, but it's important to make cleanliness a priority in your space. No one wants to spend time or do laundry in a dirty facility. It's a major turn off for current and potential customers. Even if some patrons don't make cleanliness a priority at home, there's no doubt they'll appreciate that you keep it top-of-mind at your business.

Partner with Martin-Ray

These are just a few of the ways to make your coin laundry feel a little more like home and provide better customer service. At Martin-Ray, we've worked with laundry businesses of all shapes and sizes and helped them find the equipment, layout, and business model that works for them. Contact our laundry experts today to discuss how we can help you up your laundry game and increase success.