Coin-Op Laundry Route
Quarters that roll in while you sleep
A coin-op laundry route is a collection of standalone washer/dryer machines placed inside apartment buildings, small hotels, or dorms under revenue-sharing agreements with property owners. Operators own the machines, collect the coins (or contactless payments), and pay the landlord a percentage. Routes typically generate $80–$200/machine/month with minimal owner involvement after setup.
Avg Revenue
$140K
Profit Margin
55%
Acquisition Multiple
1.5x - 2.5x
Startup Cost
$15K - $80K
Difficulty
2/5
How It Works
You place washers and dryers in multi-unit residential buildings or small hotels. Residents pay per cycle ($2–$4.50/wash, $1.50–$3/dry). You collect cash weekly or monthly, split 15–25% with the building owner, and maintain the machines. Modern operators add credit card readers and app-based payment to boost revenue 20–30%.
Revenue Range
Pros
- +True passive income — machines run 24/7 without you
- +Low skill barrier to entry; no license required in most states
- +High margin once machines are paid off (50–60% net)
- +Contactless payment upgrades dramatically increase revenue
Cons
- -Machine maintenance costs can spike unpredictably
- -Building owners can cancel agreements or switch providers
- -Cash theft is a real risk without modern payment upgrades
Best For
First-time operators who want truly passive income without real estate
Operating Costs
Main costs are machine repair/parts, route driver time (2–4 hrs/week per 20 machines), and the revenue share to building owners (15–25% of gross).
Where to Buy
Search laundromat and coin-op route listings nationwide
Industry association with broker referrals and deal resources
Buyer's Toolkit
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Tools for Buyers
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Quick Facts
- Category
- route
- Difficulty
- 2/5
- Acquisition Price
- $210K - $350K
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Coin-Op Laundry Route
$140K/yr • 55% margins • 1.5x–2.5x multiple
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