Laundromat
The original passive income machine
Laundromats provide self-service washers and dryers to the public on a pay-per-use basis. They serve a consistent need — everyone needs clean clothes — and can be operated with minimal staff. Many owners add wash-and-fold or pickup/delivery services to boost revenue.
Avg Revenue
$350K
Profit Margin
27%
Acquisition Multiple
2x - 3x
Startup Cost
$200K - $500K
Difficulty
2/5
How It Works
Customers use coin or card-operated washers and dryers. Revenue comes from machine usage fees, plus optional services like wash-and-fold, dry cleaning drop-off, and vending. Most laundromats operate 14-18 hours daily with an attendant or fully unattended.
Revenue Range
Pros
- +Recession-proof demand — laundry is a necessity
- +Semi-passive with low labor needs
- +Cash-flow positive from day one when buying existing
- +Multiple revenue streams (machines, wash-fold, vending)
Cons
- -Equipment replacement is expensive ($5K-$15K per machine)
- -Location is critical — bad location means low revenue
- -Utility costs (water, gas, electric) eat into margins
Best For
Semi-passive investors who want a proven, recession-resistant model
Operating Costs
Utilities (water, gas, electricity) are the largest ongoing expense, typically 25-35% of revenue, plus rent, insurance, and occasional attendant wages.
Where to Buy
- BizBuySell →
The top marketplace for laundromat businesses for sale
- BizQuest →
Find laundromat acquisition opportunities nationwide
- Laundry Owner →
Industry-specific forum with classifieds and deal flow
Quick Facts
- Category
- physical
- Difficulty
- 2/5
- Acquisition Price
- $700K - $1.1M