The Economics of Everyday Things 113. Laundromats
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Nov 3, 2025 Jordan Berry, a savvy laundromat owner and founder of Laundromat Resource, shares his journey from career crossroads to laundromat expert. He discusses how the industry evolved from ancient methods to today's coin-operated setups. Discover how tech, apps, and delivery services are reshaping the market. Jordan also dives into what fuels predictable revenue, touching on demographics and commercial clients. Plus, hear wild stories about lost items, common machine mishaps, and the surprisingly strong community ties formed in laundromats.
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Buying A 'Zombie Mat' Turned Profitable
- Jordan Berry bought a run-down laundromat near East LA for about $70,000 in cash and financed new equipment.
- He remodeled the store and turned it into a functioning, profitable business.
Two Business Models Coexist
- The laundromat industry split into self-serve and growing pickup/drop-off services.
- Pickup delivery captures customers who hate laundry and creates a higher-margin service line.
Target Habitual, High-Use Customers
- Target renter demographics below median income with larger household sizes for reliable repeat customers.
- Aim for habitual business by encouraging customers to come the same day and time each week.