Company case study
Laundromats
Laundromats: Self-service facilities where customers can wash and dry their laundry using coin-operated machines. It came up on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "10 Reasons to Buy a Laundromat Business as Your Next Side Hustle (Greatest Hits)" (aired July 3, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | 10 Reasons to Buy a Laundromat Business as Your Next Side Hustle (Greatest Hits) |
| Aired | July 3, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | Laundromat businesses can generate returns of over 20-30%, depending on their net income, with typical valuations at three to five times net income. |
| Category | Physical-Services |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
10 Reasons to Buy a Laundromat Business as Your Next Side Hustle (Greatest Hits) · aired July 3, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Laundromats provide a steady cash flow with relatively low operational involvement, making them appealing as investment vehicles.
Founding story
Jordan Barry and his wife were inspired to invest in a laundromat after hearing about a family friend's success in quitting a tech job to run one.
The playbook
Successful strategies include focusing on cash flow, understanding the metrics of machine usage, and effective marketing to increase customer traffic.
Also mentioned
Laundromat operations can be tricky due to their cash nature, requiring diligence in verifying reported income and understanding utility costs.
Why this works now (our analysis)
College students living in urban areas often rely on laundromats due to limited in-unit laundry facilities. The integration of mobile payment systems like PayRange allows customers to pay for services through their smartphones, enhancing convenience. Jordan Barry could generate initial revenue by promoting his laundromat on local college Facebook groups, targeting students who need laundry services. The business faces a high initial capital requirement for purchasing and maintaining machines, which can strain cash flow in the early stages.