Delhi gets its first Laundromat – A draw from the Western culture?

47

Money-making has become a tough proposition in this highly-competitive world – where keeping competitors at bay on a constant basis is always a challenging task.

Under such circumstances, it would be dreams come true if you’ve an innovative idea or service to offer, which is virtually non-existent in your nearby locality. One such unique concept, related to the western concept of community washing machines, is being reported to be making waves in Delhi.

laundromat-Delhi

Yes, this concept of self-service laundry system – popularly known as Laundromats – is already existent in advanced western countries such as the UK, the US, Canada and Australia; and prominently used by hostellers, foreigners and even working housewives.

The Delhi-based Laundromat at Satya Niketan is a walk-in laundry facility, where people pay and use a coin-operated washing machine to wash and dry (yeah! even drying clothes is a big headache during monsoons and winter season) a maximum of 6 kg clothes for an hour of spin-off. And, if you’ve hostels or college around the arena, it could be only a matter of time before you start gaining footfalls.

For the uninitiated, Laundromats are commercial public laundries – usually coin-operated and self-service – that are made available to individual customers who are usually not equipped with a washing machine or dryers in their living space.

However, some laundries do employ staff or a full service wash facility for the customers. In fact, the business of Laundromats are so common is America, that some staffed enterprises also provide facilities like dry-cleaning pick-up and drop-off. Not only that, many housing societies have Laundromats within premises itself.

Coming back to the Delhi facility, what comes as a little surprising to me is its high cost – Rs.150 for each round of wash-up. On simple calculations, I figured out that a family of 4 members could easily generate washables to the extent of 6 kg clothes or even more on daily basis.

Does that warrant Rs. 150 for a machine-washed outsourcing service that my housemaid could do, for an extended period of 10 days, at the same cost?

Oh! Yes, availing of such launderette service is just fine if your housemaid hasn’t turned up on a particular day due to illness. It could also be a blessing if you’re bachelor studying in a hostel wherein you accumulate clothes for whole week and get them sloshed over the weekend, all at once.

Usually, 4 aspects go into a successful Laundromat business:

  1. Location of the Laundromat
  2. Length of a spinning cycle
  3. Price of the service
  4. Whether Self-service or staffed service?

Finding a good location – a residential area – is the most important part in settling for a Laundromat business; preferably nearby some established paying-guest facility where people visit for a temporary stay and need to wash their Lenin once in a while.

A good Laundromat should also be fully sanitized and have presence of at least an attendant (if not staffed serviced) during the hours of operations who will be responsible for cleaning the washers and tables, clearing-off the detergent residue and checking the results of wash-up.

Most of the Laundromats are pretty crowded. An ideal setting would be the one with more washing machines at work which aim to provide a solitary experience.

47 Comments
  1. mj says

    hey guys
    plz can any one tell me that i want to set up a laundry business so what wld be the cost of setting up n all related aspects

  2. Bajaj says

    I want to buy more than 50 machines for my PG house in India. I want the
    solution of Wash & Dry in 60 min.(6~15Kg).
    Pls provide me below Information.
    1. Wash & Dry in 60 min.
    2. Electric consumption
    3.Water consumption.

    Pls provide me all in details.( [email protected] )

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  4. NARENDRA KUMAR GUPTA says

    HI… I am very happy with this new Funda of washing clothes.It is very interesting and nice THING IN iNDIA…you please tell me the rates of each washing itemor / kg weight…Am living in Rohini Area ,you kindly tell me the nearest location pse..
    your Narendra Gupta

  5. karan says

    I would like to know one thing that if we wash all type clothes in these type of washing machines , there will be several problems faced by us:
    1. For example, you could wash a gray shirt with either the lights or darks, or you could throw your bedding in with a small load of lights or darks (depending on the size and color of your sheets).
    Just never ever toss a new dark red or purple shirt in with the whites. I don’t think I need to tell you the results! In fact, you may want to wash it separately once or twice to make sure it won’t bleed.
    so how can we put all clothes in one machine directly….
    Our house maids & dhobis also know this simple concept…
    SO PLEASE GUIDE ME HOW CAN THIS MODEL WORK…..if one puts this kind of set up in college./university

  6. jaideep says

    from where i cn get the full details regarding the new set up of a commercial laundry & also to whom i cn contact for this help in chandigarh or delhi

  7. Umesh says

    I have tried both the Delhi service and back home in Hyderabad the LaundroPod service. The Laundromat offers low cost service, whenever I am in town and the Hyderabad offering is a full service option that offers convenience. Each has their own USP. For the entrepreneur, the laundromat option will require lower initial investment and possibly faster returns.

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  9. varun says

    i find it quite fascinating as i m a student living in north campus area….and i m interestd in seting up disbusines….bt m worried about how much wil a setup of 4 machines cost….

  10. Parizad Udwadia says

    Hey im interested in opening up a laundromat in mumbai, but not sure whether people would really appreciate it out here because the dhobi system works so well out here. I have a couple of expat friends who would actually die for such a concept here but dont know abt the actual locals, any advice???

  11. Ramesh Gawas says

    Very good concept nowdays for everyone.

  12. Quicnclean says

    Hi,

    I operate a full service laundromat; pickup, delivery, washing & ironing; at Katraj in Pune. Loads of 8 kgs and more will be serviced at Rs. 25/- per kg while loads of 8 kg and less would cost Rs. 30/- per kg. Ironing would cost Rs. 5/- per piece which is charged in addition to the washing cost.
    We also offer Monthly plans also.
    Our USP is delivery within 24 hours of drop. Reach us at 9552058200 or [email protected] for more details.
    Regards,
    Quic ‘N’ Clean

    1. RAJESH GHANGHASH says

      dear , i am fro Delhi. i am also thinking to come in this business. but dont know the procedure that how to start? do i need to take permission from any authority? dear plz guide me plz

  13. Abhishek says

    Hi all,

    I am new to this forum, request you all to please provide any players from North india(delhi). as i can find some details from south india.

    Thanks in advance
    Abhishek

  14. Samit says

    it’s really interesting concept,
    i was doing my initial research on the subject, i am really surprised to see there are people who already working on this line.

    this will definitely work in India, currently there are few players in this sector. proper plan and proper selection of location will definitely give you huge success.

    /Samit

    1. Sanjay Chalke says

      Hi Samit,

      As u mentioned that u were doing research on said field, can pls share ur results/experience ???

      It will help many pls…..!!!

      Regards
      Sanjay

    2. bajaj says

      Hi dear dear , i am also thinking to come in this business. but dont know the procedure that how to start? do i need to take permission from any authority? dear plz guide me plz

  15. rajyavardhan says

    hey guys
    from where can we buy the laundromat washing machines in india…??

    1. praveen kumar says

      Dear Mr.Rajyavardhan

      We introduce ourselves as a leading laundromat consultants in southindia and looking forward to expand our business in north.We do have an varied range of laundry machines to serve customer needs.

      If you have an investment capacity of 5 to 12 lakhs and a minimum area of 600 sq.ft call us on 09600021986.

      Thanks
      P.Praveen Kumar

      1. ganadhipathi says

        hi i saw Coin Laundromate in banglore at present i am staying in hyd and tryingto set up different business since many months . can u please send me the details to my mail :[email protected] or call to 09912020120 . thanks

      2. vipul says

        Dear Mr. Praveen,

        I tried reaching you out but could not connect. I am looking forward to a venture in NCR region. Kindly reach out at +91 99-999-20278.

        Thanks
        Vipul

      3. Sundaram Sinha says

        Hi Praveen

        I’m in Bangalore and would like to venture into this industry.

        What kind of ROI are we looking at ? Need a realistic figure.

        Regards
        – Sundaram

      4. dharmender sharma says

        Mr praveen, please send me the details for laundromat setup thanks

      5. Harish says

        Hi,

        I would like to know more about the setup, could you please drop me a mail with all the details to setup the outlet.

        Mail ID: [email protected]

        Thanks ans Regards,
        Harish

  16. geeta says

    hi friend i am a prof working wit american express.and i am realy happy to discover the service of washed up laundromat in lajpat nagar,amar_colony. They have a per kg washing system at 40kg and a super saver pack for 6kg@160 1hr ur clothes r washed and if u dont have time just drop it in they will diliver back in an hour.i must say in this fast life washing clothes can be so fast i cant imagine,trust me 6kg means a loooot so its very cheap to.i want all my fello friends to enjoy the convinence as i do , for reference their number is 9654224405. So fr, now on wash colthes in no time and effort

  17. Alkesh Jain says

    hi Robin, can you give me the contact no of ur laundry in chandigarh..

  18. GK says

    150 for 6Kg converts to 3$ for 13.22 Ib, comparable with US.
    Once wage and prices in India become same as US it won’t matter.

    The cheaper domestic washing machines are a smaller capacity, and the driers are usually spin dry. You need to to then let the clothes dry on a clothes line.

    The commercial grade ones are more rugged can do heavier loads, and hot-air spin dried which makes clothes really dry

  19. Danish says

    The service of washed up laundromat in lajpat nagar is rocking , with great ambiance, facilities for free.surprising good quality washing in no time

  20. robin nakai says

    guys,before you get all excited about the Laundry—let me tell you its a great thing and it is going to have agreat sucess rate.6kgs of cloth is plenty considering the light weight fabrics availaible these days–and India is a summer country—try weighing your clothes and you will be surprised.towels sheets and pillows are once a week wash only.So the laundraumats are going to be a huge success–the only reason this guy is charging 150 is probably because his rentals are killing him—and his total utilization so far must be about 35%.He will reduce his price to 50 when he is at 100% utilization–which will happen slowly but surely.Be sure of that.I know–I have a laundry in Chandigarh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Mohanish Mahajan says

      I need your contact number. i am interested in setting up alaundromat. Please reply as soon as possible on my mail ID.

  21. rahul says

    Contact no. 011-65275555

  22. Kisalaya says

    Dear Viral

    Can u provide me mobile number & address of this Laundromat .
    Thanx

    Kisalaya

    1. rahul says

      they have 2 outlets
      1. 82 Satyaniketan – Opp. venkateshwara College delhi-110020
      2. 1612 outram line, Kingsway kamp. Near North Campus

    2. pankaj says

      there is one in lazpat nagar..
      A-9,ods,near sai sakti mandir lazpat nagar-4

      1. Jyoti says

        Dear Pankaj,

        Do this laundry in lajpat nagar provides pick up also. Pls provide me their no.

        1. Danish says

          Hey joyti the laundromat in an lajpat nagar provide free pick and drop . They also provide steam ironing at a flat rate of 3.50. They also provide free conditioner. Ther number 9654224405

    3. praveen kumar says

      Dear all

      We introduce ourselves as a leading laundromat consultants in southindia and looking forward to expand our business in north.We do have an varied range of laundry machines to serve customer needs.

      If you have an investment capacity of 5 to 12 lakhs and a minimum area of 600 sq.ft call us on 09600021986.

      Thanks

  23. rahul says

    I agree with u dinesh
    The technology these laundromats are using is highly advanced. Forget about this high technology coin operated machines
    even domestic manufactured commercial washers wont come for less than 5 lacs. So even i am interested and would like another 2 paisa from Mr. Altaf Rahman on this

  24. Altaf Rahman says

    Nice article Viral,

    I would like to pen my two paisa here too :)

    I would like to highlight the difference in the concept of introduction of personal washing machines and laundromats in West and India.

    When first washing machines were invented, they were of the size to fill an entire room and very very expensive. So the inventors thought of how to introduce the new concept of mechanical washing (as against hand washing cloths till then).

    They logically arrived at teh fact that as an expensive machine, it can not be sold individually. So they thought of promoting it in a way that will not pinch the poscket of ordinary people. They installed about 20 machines in an appartment block of 100 or more tenents and installed a coin system.

    For the ordinary people it made commercial sence. No need to buy an expensive machine to have your cloths mechanically washed. By paying a token amount, they can wash their cloths. It is also a place of socializing in the basement of their own appartment building.

    Slowly due to technological advance ments, the machine evolved into one which can be easily bought by ordinary people. With the technology, Its size went down, cost of production came down so many people started buying their own personal washing machine. However the laundromat concept stayed in some pockets.

    Now coming to India, the machine was introduced after all technical advancements made buying your own machine was made viable.

    Now to me the logic of this laundromat feels illogical. Its the reverse of evolution.

    However from a business point of view, if we see the Indian scene, it makes scence. With the advent of IT industry, we all know that many graduates migrate to IT cities. In some locales majority of residents are single employees from other places. They spend 8-10 hrs in offices come home, do their chores. The most cumbersome thing to do at home no doubt is washing cloths (other than cooking). Most of them may be earning just enough and do not wish to invest in white goods. For people like them, the laundromat is most suitable. Instead of spending 20K upwards for a machine, they can spend 100-200 bucks for a load of washing.

    From environmental point of view too this concept is good.

    Consider a appartment block with 100 tenets. If there is no laundromat format, every tenet will buy his own washing machine. Now if u look carefully you run the machine for one hour at the most per day. The otehr 23 hours it is sleeping.

    Instead if you have a laundromat in basement with 20 machines, they can be better put to use. If you look at the nation as a whole, considering 25 crore families (for 100-120 crore people) we need 25 crore machines to wash indian cloths. Instead if we replace with laundromat format, India needs only 5 crore machines. The savings of 20 crore machines (each costing 20K) are 400 thousand crores. Also the investment needed to produce 25 crore machines ??

    No I am not saying we should live in conditions similar to Russia in 60s where every aspect of living is from socialist view.

    But in between not having a laundromat and a above model, there is certainly place for the system.

    I strongly support such concept. More over it creates enterprenuers.

    In each block of a middle class community if u start a business of laundromat with 20 machines, it will cost about 5 lakhs. The daily returns (which each has to work out to make the venture profitable) will create livelyhood to the owner as well as a service guy there.

    Just my two paisa :)

    1. Dinesh says

      I agree, tell me how it cost only 5 lakh rupees for 20 machines? Because What I got rates are more than 5 lakhs per set of dryer and washer. I will be interested if u have knowledge of less costly machines and intrested in buying the same.

    2. Prabhu says

      I’m all for the self-service landry model. It will be a huge successs in cities with high student clusters. The capital required for this business wouldn’t be too much. 6-9 lakhs.

      Why can’t we indeed have an apartment/society with laundry facility available. In that way, families who move in to a new city and move out in quick time need not carry their washers. Its a great idea. I wash 4 times a week and that means I spend 600 a month, going by what the Delhi Laundromat is charging. Is that too expensive? It depends on the circumstances. If they offer pick up and drop off, then I won’t mind it.

      1. Prabhu says

        Sorry 4 times a month. i meant.

  25. Achyuthan says

    That’s what they say about every other innovation and just to disprove them, it worked!!

    In a city like Delhi, any new concept will have fans. And laundromats will definitely have a huge following as far as hostellers are concerned.

    If only it came to TN a couple of years ago, i might not have washed clothes at all in my hostel…

  26. Manasie says

    I think there is one such laundromat in Mumbai as well…. run by IFB if I m not mistaken..

  27. syed says

    am happy to now that India going towards success, but am quite upset towards the traditional dhobiwalas, i want to know from u that how much this new technology affect the dhobiwalas and their livelihood

  28. Yash says

    It will fail. Our good old dhobi does just that. You can not just open a US style laundromat in India. It has to be Indianised. Rs. 150/6 KG is overkill.Besides who in India will carry six KGs of clothes a laundry?

    An ideal service would be a pick up service that not only washes the clothes but also irons them and delivers home. A good old dhobi style, couple of such services are already running – iDhobi and LaundrEx. That’s more of Indian style. Self service washing machine facility will not work.

    1. Viral says

      Yash,

      I quite agree with you. India still haven’t got fully away from its Dhobi-laundry concept yet. And, the amount so charged by the Laundromat is comparatively expensive.

      But, again, its a relative aspect – the student’s community might still find the service valuable, even as it could prove to be of not much utility to the families.

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