Being the Best
Growth Drivers
Other social phenomena, like the prevalence of two-income families, suggest that convenient services such as wash, dry and iron will continue to grow in popularity as working parents have less time to attend to household chores like laundry.
In addition, office dress codes are growing increasingly less formal. And as more people wear casual clothing, (which don’t require dry cleaning) to work and leave the nicer outfits for special occasions, you may find that consumers will be making more trips to the Laundromat.
Although economic growth and property development has slowed in recent months, room for growth in this industry in South Africa remains – particularly in suburbs that are experiencing population growth. “There is room for growth in this industry, especially in developing areas, explains Lehmbeck.
“I should know, besides selling equipment, I help to install and teach owners how to get the best out of their equipment. So, I am in touch with what is going on in the laundry industry.”
Competing for the ‘Mature Market’
When it comes to established areas, new laundry business incumbents enter the industry by purchasing an existing laundry business and renovating it.
Some also find that they can build a new laundry in an area with competing laundries and thrive by offering a bigger shop and more services such as an in-house tailor and better customer relations.
So, as you consider getting into the laundry business, keep the words, ‘mature market’ in mind. Don’t buy a store just because it’s for sale or build a new laundry just because you have a great idea for a new gimmick.
You’ll need to be very careful to make sure there’s enough of a customer base to make your business thrive.
You may be able to draw a little extra business from people who like using your store better because of its cleanliness and because they use your wash-and-fold or ironing service, but the core of your business will be clients who just want to get their laundry done quickly and conveniently.
If there are already enough Laundromats in the neighbourhood to serve their needs, they’re not as likely to patronise your laundry.