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Do you ever feel like your laundromat could use a refresh? There are many improvements you can make, backend and customer-facing, that can take a plateaued operation to the next level. In this blog post, we’ll explore meaningful changes you can make to deliver a better customer experience, upgrade your services, and create more efficiency in your laundromat. These recommendations range in complexity, but keep in mind even the simplest changes can contribute to big improvements. Every investment in your laundry business matters, helping you gain a competitive edge.
Offering wash and fold services can help increase revenue, tap into new customer markets, and get an edge over competitors. Download our white paper to learn more about the growing market and the essential steps to getting started.
5 Ways to improve customer experience
With giants like Amazon setting the standard for convenience, even small and service-based businesses have to deliver an elevated customer experience to meet modern expectations. A customer's relationship with your business extends beyond your store's walls—from your branding and marketing communications to, of course, their comfort and convenience during their visit. Here are some ways to improve each component of your customer’s experience with your business.
1. Upgrade your branding
Let’s face it—first impressions matter. If your logo and signage feel boring or don’t accurately reflect your brand story, you may consider going back to the drawing board (literally). Creating a welcoming atmosphere in your laundry business starts with a professional, friendly, and engaging branding materials. When customers can tell that you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into your logo design, it boosts their confidence in the quality of your services. If you’re looking to improve customer experience, start by giving your laundromat a fresh look.
2. Enhance in-store comfort
No one likes waiting but it’s intrinsic to your line of business. With a few tweaks, you can turn the waiting area of your laundromat into a welcoming and cozy environment that takes the edge off for your customers. Things like comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, TVs, magazines, vending machines with snacks, can all make the dryer cycle seem to go by a bit faster. An inviting waiting space makes the wait more bearable and encourages customers to choose you over your competition. Think about it—wouldn’t you prefer to do laundry in a space that rivals the comfort of your own living room?
3. Improve customer service and communication
Good customer service goes far beyond a smiling face at the counter. Keeping your customers informed about laundry status and service offerings empowers them to have a smooth experience. Integrating business management software like Cents or sending text/email updates about their laundry orders can make a world of difference. Clear communication reduces confusion and frustration, helping your customers feel more at ease and ensuring they have a positive experience from start to finish.
4. Improve the layout of your laundromat
Ever walked into a store and felt put-off by a confusing layout? Long story, short: Feng Shui matters! A well-organized, clean, and easy-to-navigate laundromat free of clutter can drastically improve the customer experience. Make it easy for people to find what they need without hassle and you’ll find yourself with a loyal, returning customers. Don’t overthink it—sometimes, all it takes is a bit of reorganization to take your business from a chaotic space to one that gives visitors a great, welcoming feeling.
5. Integrate user-friendly technology
Your customers value convenience as much as they do money! By introducing app-based payment options or SMS notifications to let customers know when their laundry is done, you’re making their lives a whole lot easier. Not only does this meet modern customer expectations, but it could also open the door to increased pricing (and additional profit in your pocket). When your services are simple to use and accessible through technology integration, you increase your value to your customer. Think about it—how great would it be to get a text when your laundry is ready for pick-up, instead of guessing or waiting around?
5 ways to improve existing services
Gone are the days of the coin-operated drudgery of laundry day. With advancements in technology, laundromat owners now have the opportunity to make laundry services better and way more convenient. If you're looking to step up your game, here are some great ways to improve your existing services.
1. Improve the quality of your machines
Every laundromat owner has had a machine break down at the worst possible time. Is there anything more frustrating? That’s why keeping your machines in top shape is so important. Regular maintenance and upgrades help you avoid unexpected headaches and position you as a reliable option to your customers. Consistency is key. So, think of maintaining your machines as an investment in customer loyalty.
2. Improve the quality of your washing and drying process
We all want our clothes to come out of the wash looking their best, but sometimes customers need a little help getting there. By educating your customers on how to use your machines properly, or by simplifying the process in your wash-and-fold services, you’ll save them time and give them the peace of mind that their favorite t-shirt doesn’t come out of the dryer with water stains or pilling. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a little extra guidance to get their laundry done right?
3. Offer premium services
The best way to stand out from competing laundromats in your neighborhood is by offering something extra. Premium services like wash-and-fold, pickup and delivery, or dry cleaning can be game-changers. These convenience-forward laundry solutions attract new customer segments and create new revenue opportunities for your business. That’s what we call a win-win! Improve your offerings, and make your laundromat the go-to spot.
4. Improve the quality of your detergents
Detergent is no small detail—in fact, it can make a big difference in the quality of your services. Not to mention, customers are becoming more particular about what they use on their clothes. Some want name-brand options, others are looking for eco-friendly or hypoallergenic choices. Giving your customers a variety of options to choose from allows you to meet the needs of all. It’s a simple upgrade that anyone can make to drive a higher level of customer satisfaction.
5. Improve the variety of services you offer
Adding something new can breathe fresh life into your business. If you have the budget for a bigger change, consider investing in equipment like a steam press or specialty washers. Taking a significant leap like this can attract a broader customer base and increase profitability that will turn a plateaued business into a growing one. Anything that gives your laundromat a competitive edge is worth considering!
5 ways to improve operations
Running a successful business requires more than customer happiness and robust services. It also demands incredibly smooth operations and surgical data analysis.
1. Implement an integrated point of sale (POS) system
Keeping track of sales, inventory, and customer data manually can feel impossible. An integrated POS system makes it more than possible—it makes it automated. By adding a system that handles everything from transactions to inventory management, you’ll make your operations dummy-proof and get valuable insights into your business. Think of it as the central brain of your laundromat, making everything run smoother.
2. Use intuitive payment devices
People simply don’t carry cash like they used to, so why should your laundromat rely on it? Equip your machines with card readers or mobile payment options to cater to the modern customer. This makes the payment process quicker and easier for your customers and reduces the manual task of coin-counting for you. The more ways you find to simplify your business, the better it is for everyone!
3. Adopt self-service technology: Laundroworks
Modern customers love simple, serf-service options that can be delivered through solutions like Laundroworks. With a smart card system, your customers can start machines with just a tap, reload their balance at kiosks, and get text notifications when their laundry's done. Through Laundroworks, your customers can check machine availability and their cycle from their phones. It’s a great solution for owners, too, because it lets you manage payments remotely in the LaundroPortal, cutting down on staffing needs and simplifying operations. Advanced tools like this make the laundry experience painstakingly easy for everyone.
4. Improve the speed of your machines
A cycle that’s too slow is unacceptable for today’s laundry customers. Regular maintenance and software upgrades can keep your machines running at top speed, delivering quicker service and happier customers. And if you’ve got a bustling laundromat, make sure you have enough machines to handle the crowd. Faster machines mean less waiting, and that’s something everyone can appreciate.
5. Leverage data for decision-making
Data isn’t just for those who fancy themselves tech-savvy—it’s a huge opportunity for laundromat owners too. By analyzing customer data and sales trends from a centralized platform like Cents, you can fine-tune your services and promotions in a way that you know meets your customer’s needs. It’s like having a crystal ball that helps you make decisions that boost profitability and keep your customers coming back.
Conclusion
If you feel like your business is a bit stale, making improvements to your customer experience, upgrading your services, and streamlining operations can do just the trick! Focusing on these areas of improvement, allows you to boost satisfaction and run a more efficient business, making everyone happy. Ready to get started? Check out Cents for tools and solutions to help you fine-tune your business strategies and take your laundromat to the next level.
How to Start Wash and Fold Services
Offering wash and fold services can help increase revenue, tap into new customer markets, and get an edge over competitors. Download our white paper to learn more about the growing market and the essential steps to getting started.
