Business idea · Agency
Laundromat Value-Add Services
Laundromat Value-Add Services is a business that provides additional services to laundromats, such as ATM installation, vending machines, and wash-and-fold services to increase revenue streams. It was pitched 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 |
| Category | Agency |
| Real companies on the episode | Eastern Funding, Poppilen, Mint Mobile, Open Phone, Laundromat Resource, Hamper |
The problem it solves
Many laundromats can struggle with cash flow; offering additional services can diversify income and attract more customers.
How it makes money
Freemium or commission-based model, charging laundromats a fee or taking a percentage of sales from the added services.
Skills you need
Business development, knowledge of vending and service operations, and marketing skills to promote the additional offerings.
The market, and why this works now
The rise of cashless payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, makes it easier for laundromats to offer additional services like ATMs or vending machines. A practical first-revenue move could involve listing services on local community forums like Nextdoor, where laundromat owners seek ways to enhance their operations. However, initial capital investment for equipment and installation can be significant, which may limit entry for some founders.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Eastern Funding
A lender that specializes in financing laundromats.
- Poppilen
A laundry service that operates like Uber, where individuals can hire others to do their laundry.
- Mint Mobile
A mobile service provider offering affordable wireless plans.
- Open Phone
A business phone system designed to streamline customer communications.
- Laundromat Resource
A platform and community dedicated to helping individuals get involved in the laundromat business, providing resources, education, and support.
- Hamper
Another service similar to Poppilen that allows customers to have their laundry done by others.
Where this idea came from
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:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.