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The laundromat industry isn’t what it used to be. Nowadays, the most successful laundromats are well-equipped with the most advanced laundry machines ever made and they’re powered by technology and insightful data. This is the special sauce that transforms an ordinary laundromat into a customer-driven revenue machine. While laundromats come from humble beginnings, now laundromat owners like you have the tools to understand customers better and optimize operations to beat competition and maximize revenue. Those that get on board with a data-first approach to understanding their laundry business stand to take their business to the next level!
The rise of data-driven laundromats
What does it mean to be a “data-driven” laundromat? It’s about gathering and analyzing key pieces of information, like customer behavior and payments, to improve your business and increase your profitable revenue. Some examples of this are understanding how often each machine is used, what hours see the highest customer traffic, and which payment methods are preferred. When your laundry operations are data-driven, you’re empowered to manage resources, reduce expenses, and create a better experience for your clientele.
There are four major use-cases for data insights in laundromats that we’ll explore in this article:
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Operational optimization
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Enhancing customer experience
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Business intelligence for growth
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Data security and business ethics
Laundromat operational optimization through data analytics
Data analytics can revolutionize the way you manage your laundromat’s resources. By tracking machine usage, you can easily spot patterns that help schedule maintenance during slow times, keeping your equipment in top shape without impacting customer usage. Analyzing energy consumption data, for example, can reveal opportunities to reduce energy usage and save money—possibly by shifting peak-load machines to more efficient times.
You can also find customer demand patterns you’d otherwise miss, opening the door to staffing adjustments, so you’re fully equipped during busy times and don’t overspend on labor when it’s slow. Unlike ever before, you have the power to create the perfect balance between operational efficiency.
Enhancing customer experience with data
As powerful data is for creating efficiency, it’s equally effective for improving customer experience. Through data insights, analyzing customer behavior will lead you to implementing more personalized services. Let’s say a group of customers frequently uses high-capacity machines for large loads. Why not target them with special promotions or offer loyalty programs that reward frequent users? Personalizing the experience with targeted marketing and loyalty programs encourages repeat visits and builds the lifetime value of your customers over time.
As a laundromat owner, you know customer satisfaction is king, and the more you know about your clientele’s preferences and habits, the easier it is to meet their needs. A data-driven approach allows you to grow satisfaction and, perhaps even more importantly, loyalty.
Leveraging laundromat business intelligence for growth
Data is invaluable when you’re ready to scale your business. It unlocks the ability for owners like you to add new revenue-generating services with the utmost confidence. Analyzing patterns enables informed decisions about potential new services—such as wash-and-fold or pickup and delivery options—and helps determine the optimal timing and locations for opening additional branches. For example, if data reveals high demand for pickup services in a particular neighborhood, this could indicate an opportunity to expand services in that area. Making growth decisions based on hard data, rather than guesswork, helps ensure these choices contribute positively to the bottom line.
Laundromat business data security and ethical considerations
With sharing of data comes great responsibility. Customers trust laundromats to handle their personal information with the utmost care, so you must prioritize data security. Data breaches are costly and can be devastating for your business and customers—not to mention, it can permanently damage your reputation. Common security threats include phishing, hacking, and data theft. Simple steps to implement strong data security include regularly updating software, encrypting customer data, and implementing access controls. Whatever data analytics tool you choose should have all of these features built-in, taking the hassle and worry off of you.
You also have to be mindful of the ethical considerations involved in data collection. Customers value their privacy, and laundromat owners should respect this by being transparent about what data is collected, how it’s used, and who has access. Building trust with customers by prioritizing data security and ethical practices will convert them into loyal, returning customers!
Implementing data-driven strategies: best practices
Now that you’re thoroughly convinced you need to transform your laundromat into a titan of data, start by identifying listing what types of data you’d find most useful. Here are some universal ones to get you started:
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Machine usage rates
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Payment methods
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Customer visit patterns
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Most used services
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Customer feedback and satisfaction scores
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Loyalty program participation
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Seasonal trends
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Operational costs
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Employee performance metrics
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Inventory turnover rates
You may be asking yourself how to even go about collecting this data in the first place. That’s where laundromat technology comes into play, such as advanced point-of-sale systems or laundry management software. Staff training also helps to ensure everyone can use data insights effectively.
Regular audits help keep your data fresh and relevant. Consistently monitoring and updating information is a must to stay agile and responsive to new trends or changes in customer behavior. In the end, data is more than a tool; it’s a way to future-proof your business.
Becoming a data-driven laundromat might seem like overkill for a business that relied on quarters for almost a century, but with the right tools and approach, it’s a path toward something greater. Can you imagine what it would mean for your business if you could confidently optimize machine usage, enhance the customer experience, and grow your profitable revenue? Follow these strategies, and you’ll be able to take your laundromat to the next level with data!
Watch panel discussion
To dive deeper into the power of data, check out the panel from the WDF Conference 2025. Hosted by Alex Jekowsky, CEO of Cents, the panel features insights from three seasoned laundromat operators: Jason Worme, Bhavin Patel, and Brian Riseland. They discuss how data can transform operations, improve customer insights, and drive smart decision-making. Whether you’re exploring data for the first time or looking to refine your strategy, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for every laundromat owner. Watch the full panel here.
