Is owning a laundry business in Nigeria worth it? Yes, it is. Whether you're starting your laundry service at home or in a shop, your daily income depends on a perfect mix and can range up to N50,000 per week for a start.
Your daily income boils down to finding the right balance between pricing, laundry type, and the number of customers you serve. This means that the Laundry business is very lucrative and you can scale it to an unimaginable height that you never expected.
To help you get your business to the moon, this article helps you to visualize the subject of starting a laundry business in Nigeria, gives detailed equipment needed and how you can get more customers to scale your business within the first eight months.
In addition, we’ll also reveal top secrets of successful laundry business, and how you can implement exact strategies to boost your sales.
What is the laundry business all about?
Laundry business is an establishment with coin-operated washing machines, dryers or other laundry equipment for washing clothes and linen for the sole aim of making profit.This service involves customers depositing their dirty clothes, while you find a way to make sure these clothes are cleaned, ironed and neatly packed. In most cases, the process with which you wash them doesn't really matter..
Is laundry a good business in Nigeria?
Yes, the laundry business is a lucrative business in Nigeria which can make you millions in months if you follow the right laundry business plan.It is a low key lucrative business that not everyone involved would likely expose you to the awesome amount of money they make from it on a daily basis.
As of 2024, the minimum amount charged per cloth is N500 and it can be scaled up to as much as N1000 per cloth depending on your business location.
Now let’s calculate an imaginary income. Let’s say you have 5 customers per day who bring at least 20 pieces a day. Here’s the base of it;
5 customers per day = 30 customers per week (sunday left out)
30 customer per week = 60 piece of clothes per week
Assuming you charge 500 per piece or maybe less (N300, depending on the fabrics) you can amass to 30,000 per week for N500 each or 18,000 for N300 per piece.
Note that, you can't charge all clothes for a single or definite price and you won't be limited to 5 customers per day.
Aside from making clothes clean, you can as well offer other services like making and/or selling laundry equipment like bar soaps or detergent to your customers or other businesses who need them.
This is what a scalable business is all about. Not limited to only a factor but being able to diversify into other prospects.
Types of laundry business in Nigeria
While there are diverse types (niche) of laundry services catering to specific needs, here are some of the most common laundry business models you can start in nigeria.1. Laundromats
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Laundromats are self-service facilities where customers use specific operated machines and dryers to clean clothes.
This niche requires a huge amount of capital to start because you’ll need to get industrial washing machines, dryers, and most importantly large laundry supplies.People who venture into this niche make sure their business is located in a laundry service demanding environment. For example, places with many working professionals or people with limited time for laundry chores benefit from laundromats service.
To get started, think about areas near office buildings, hospitals, or tourist spots. If homes or apartments in the area typically lack washers and dryers, a laundromat fills a crucial need in that environment.
They are beyond small business and might be very difficult to operate alone. Laundromats require a significant initial investment and owning multiple locations allows them to spread these costs and become more profitable.
2. Dry Cleaners
Dry cleaners are specialized in cleaning delicate garments that cannot be washed in a washing machine. They use a variety of cleaning solvents and techniques to remove stains and wrinkles without damaging the fabric.You can decide to major as a dry cleaner specifically targeting people with expensive or delicate clothing who are more likely to use dry cleaning services.
These people could include professionals who need to maintain a polished appearance for work and rely on dry cleaning for suits, dresses, and other work attire.
Also, People with busy schedules who wear dress clothes often use dry cleaners regularly. Think about areas near office buildings, high-end residential neighborhoods, or entertainment districts.
3. Wash and Fold Services
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This type of laundry involves taking care of the entire laundry process for customers. Customers simply drop off their dirty laundry, and the business washes, dries, and folds it for them.
This is a convenient option for busy people who don't have the time or desire to do their own laundry. The good thing about this service is that you can join it into any other type of laundry service or just major in it alone.
4. Commercial Laundry Services
These businesses target customers such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals. They provide a variety of laundry services, including washing, drying, and ironing linens, towels, uniforms, and other items.Hotels, restaurants, and hospitals are constantly in search of professionals who can handle their laundry services and you can seize this opportunity to partner and handle their laundry needs.
5. Specialty Laundry Services
There are also a number of specialty laundry services available, such as those that clean wedding dresses, leather goods, or comforters.This list provides a starting point for understanding the different types of laundry businesses. You can go on to explore more ideas and how you can improve your service right before launching.
How much does it cost to start a laundry business in nigeria
With a well-defined plan, you can get started for as little as N100,000 Naira. This can cover essential equipment like a second-hand washing machine, dryer, irons, and cleaning supplies.A larger budget of N500,000 allows for a smoother launch. This could include additional equipment, a larger initial inventory of supplies, or even hiring an employee.
Also, the size and type of clientele you target will influence equipment needed which would directly affect your initial cost as well. Are you targeting individual customers or high-volume clients like hotels? The total capital you'll need ultimately depends on two key factors which are Business location and Client base.
1. Business location
If you plan to set up shop in a busy area with high foot traffic, rent and potential build-out costs for the space will likely be higher.Conversely, locations with less foot traffic might have lower rent, but you'll need to invest more in marketing to attract customers.
2. Client base
Launching with a pre-built client base through pre-orders or apartment partnerships can slash marketing costs, but building your clientele from scratch means budgeting for initial marketing pushes to attract those first customers.What this means is, get customers before you open! Pre-orders or partnerships (like with apartments, Hotels) can save you on marketing and start-up costs.
How to start a laundry business in nigeria
With a growing population and busy Nigerian lifestyles, laundry services are in high demand. To keep you on track, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:1. Define Your laundry Business
The first step in setting a business up is actually defining it. For a laundry service, you should choose the type of laundry service you’ll render. You can decide you’ll offer a self-service laundromat facility, wash-and-fold service, or a combination of both or others.Next is to identify your target market. Are you targeting busy professionals, students, or residents lacking laundry facilities? Putting all these ideas in place would help you become more specific in farming your customers during your early launch days.
2. Plan and Research
A good business plan outlining your concept, target market, marketing strategy, financial plans, and how you'll handle laundry operations should not be taken lightly. You should analyze the competition, pricing strategies, and laundry needs in your chosen speciality and location.There are a couple of AI tools like the Canva free custom printable business planner templates which you can use to craft a good laundry business plan for yourself. But if you mind human assistance like most people do, you should get the professional planner for entrepreneurs to do the work for you.
In this phase, you should strategize for the best location that suits your business. Find a location in a high-demand for laundry facilities, near residences, offices, or busy streets. Rent or purchase a space that can accommodate your equipment, customer waiting area (if applicable), and laundry operations.
Estimate capital investment or total startup costs for equipment, rent, supplies, and marketing. You can as well explore other funding options or seek investors based on your business plan (could be friends and family).
The aspect of marketing is a vast one which requires you to spend time implementing, but you can cut the stress by hiring a professional to do the marketing aspect for you.
3. Business Legalities
Once you’ve planned, next is to choose a unique and catchy name for your laundry business. To get started on what name suits your business, you can also use a free laundry business name generator such as Namify which helps you to generate good name ideas for your laundry business.Once you're satisfied with the name, register it with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to operate legally and obtain necessary permits from your local government and tax office.
4. Equipment and Supplies
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1. Washing Machines
There are a couple of washing machines for laundry business in Nigeria that would definitely suit you depending on what business scale you want to operate. Choose machines that have various capacities to handle different laundry loads.While a washing machine can be a great asset, you can still start your laundry service with hand washing for a more budget-friendly approach. Hand washing is a perfectly viable option to get your laundry service started.
2. Dryers
Dryers are used to remove moisture from a load of clothing, and other textiles after they are being washed. Similar to washers, dryers should cater to various laundry needs and should be commercially inclined.If you are starting small, while dryers can significantly speed up the laundry process, there are alternative drying methods that work well
Here are a few options to consider:
Drying racks: drying rack is a cost-effective way to air dry clothes indoors or outdoors but might not be optional for laundry business.
Drying lines: drying lines is a great option for sunny climates, allowing clothes to dry naturally with fresh air.
Spin cycle: many washing machines have a spin cycle that removes excess water, significantly reducing drying time.
3. Laundry Supplies
You should stock up on detergent, stain removers, fabric softeners, and ironing supplies. Depending on your service, some additional considerations such as ironing boards, folding tables, carts, and packaging materials would all be needed.
Regular household detergents might not be the best fit for your commercial laundry business in Nigeria. While they may seem cost-effective at first, they often lack the heavy-duty cleaning power needed for tougher stains and larger loads of laundry.
Commercial detergents, on the other hand, are specifically formulated for these challenges. They offer concentrated cleaning power for a professional finish, come in bulk quantities to save money in the long run, and often have options to address water hardness and delicate fabrics.
Some tested detergent for laundry business in Nigeria include the 800g Ariel Original Perfume Detergent Powder, So Klin Ultra Detergent 800g, and some other quality bars such as the 230g Canoe Extra Care Soap Assorted.
You should also consider some needs such as hangers, generators, starch, clothes rack, waste bin, table cloth, packaging nylons and others.
5. Marketing and Promotion
One of the biggest secrets of the most successful laundry business in Nigeria is constant promotion and marketing. They spend even their last penny to bring in the next customers and retain them for as long as they could.You should develop a brand identity by creating a logo, signage, and marketing materials that reflect your brand image. One tool that can really be helpful is the canva design tool which was built with beginners in mind.
Implementing marketing strategies like flyers, social media promotion, local advertising, or offering opening discounts to attract customers is a good business strategy for a laundry startup.
Sure, promoting your business requires a hefty marketing budget, but the truth is, the power lies in using the right platform. Social media platforms offer a fantastic opportunity to promote your business directly and for free.
A well-crafted 30-second video can be your laundry business's secret weapon! Social media giants like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook offer incredible opportunities to reach your target audience directly and for free.
A captivating 30-second video showcasing your clean and efficient laundry services can be the difference between a customer scrolling by and walking through your door.
To scale this, you only have to understand how to tailor your message to resonate with your ideal customers, whether it's highlighting your fast turnaround times, eco-friendly practices, or convenient pick-up and delivery options.
6. Launch and Operations
Launching your laundry business isn't just about washing clothes – it's about creating a system to effectively manage the laundry business for success.This system could include generating a buzz for awareness. To do this, consider a grand opening event with special discounts, local partnerships, and even a raffle.
You can also promote the event through social media and local channels to attract new customers.
But beyond the initial excitement, building strong systems is key. This includes a clear process for receiving laundry and tracking orders, a regular maintenance schedule to keep your equipment running smoothly, and most importantly, a focus on customer satisfaction.
Laundry Business Equipment Costs in Nigeria (Estimated Prices)
Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for essential equipment to get your laundry business started in Nigeria:Washing Machines:
Price Range: N190,000 - N250,000 (14KG capacity)Note: Brand significantly affects the price.
Generators:
Price Range (2.5KVA): N118,000 - N220,000+ (depending on brand)Option: 1.5KVA - N82,000 (consider power needs)
Ironing Equipment:
Steam Iron: N6,000 - N50,000+ (brand dependent)Ironing Board: N10,000 - N25,000
Laundry Supplies:
Detergents (2Kg): N3,000+ (consider bulk options for larger businesses)Starch: N3,000 - N6,000
Stain Removers (2L): N5,000
Other Essentials:
Clothes Drying Rack: N10,000 - N15,000Waste Bin: N2,500
Packaging Nylons (200 pcs): N2,500
Wall Fan: N15,000 (Optional: Consider climate)
Standing Fan (18”): N28,000 (Optional: Consider climate)
Some additional considerations such as a clothing garment tagging gun machine which is a great tool for attaching your brand label and price labels to clothes..
Some essential items are not mentioned here but if all items listed here are summed up, the total cost would be more than our initial startup price. So, a defined plan should be carried out before purchasing any equipment.
Can I start a laundry business without money?
Don't let limited resources hold you back, you can start a laundry business without money. Laundry businesses can be started from home using the hand-washing method, a great option to get started without a large initial investment.Look for cost-effective options by considering purchasing already-used equipment or renting from even friends and family. This allows you to stand firm and build your business gradually.
Best washing machine for laundry business in Nigeria
Below is a list of affordable laundry machines that you can purchase if you have a budget of 200,000 - 500,000.
Washing machines and Prices (Updated)
- Polystar 3.5Kg Inverter Front Loader Washing Machine with Boil Wash (₦105,600)
- Hisense 7.5Kg Twin Tub Semi Automatic Washing Machine (₦168,800)
- Hisense 8KG Front Loader Inverter Automatic Washing Machine (₦381,920)
- Hisense Automatic Top Load 8 Kg Washing Machine (₦271,040)
Can I start a laundry business with a normal washing machine?
Yes, you can start a laundry business with a regular washing machine, but this is not ideal practice. The small capacity and higher load would make it difficult to handle many customers.Instead, start small by targeting a niche market and offering premium services like wash and fold. Then you can upgrade to commercial machines later which will allow you to scale your business.
Adding value to your laundry Business
To truly stand out and attract customers to my laundry business, you should upgrade your laundry services by offering unique value. Every step, from specialization to customer appreciation, adds value and keeps your laundry business thriving.Provide additional services like stain removal, ironing, or repairs for a convenient one-stop-shop experience. Embrace technology with online ordering, digital laundry tracking, and contactless payment options.
You should as well show your customers you appreciate their partnership with loyalty programs, referral bonus, and special promotions doing this would also help build your customer base in a laundry business.
What can I sell in my laundry shop?
You can increase your revenue and provide even greater value to your customers by selling convenience items like reusable laundry bags for transporting dirty clothes, disposable hamper liners, and lint rollers to remove pesky lint and pet hair.You can also sell basic sewing kits and safety pins. You can partner with tailors to offer bundled packages or referral programs. Also, during specific seasons, consider selling seasonal items like winter gloves or other clothing care products.
You can develop your own branded laundry bags, t-shirts, or other merchandise to promote your business and create a sense of community.
The key is to identify what your customers need and offer them products and services that complement your core laundry services (don't go out of context).
The secret of a successful laundry business
The secret to a successful laundry business is building trust with customers and this involves clear communication, responsiveness to inquiries, and a commitment to quality.Most successful laundry business rewards customers with loyalty programs and special promotions to foster a strong relationship and keeps their laundry business at the forefront of their customers' minds.
For you, try all possible means to differentiate your laundry business from the competitors in Nigeria by offering unique value they can't find elsewhere. Remember that happy customers are loyal customers.
Challenges of running a laundry business in Nigeria
Running a laundry business in Nigeria can be profitable but comes with many challenges. Some of these drawbacks include:- Losing customer clothes
- Staining clothes during washing or ironing
- Dealing with rainy seasons that hamper drying
- Potentially burning clothes due to ironing mistakes
- The need for constant supply of clean water and electricity.
Laundry businesses also struggle to meet delivery times, find new customers, secure enough space in a good location, and maintain laundry equipment that inevitably breaks down.
In Summary
With
this in depth guide on how to start a laundry business, you should be
able to gather your thoughts and come up with a superb service that your
customers would always be eager to pay for.Hope you had value, if so drop your thought and also some suggestions that could foster the growth of a new laundry business in Nigeria.
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