What's the biggest fear when investing hundreds of thousands to open a laundry shop? It's not buying the wrong washing machine, but...Wrong berth selected, wrong note!
Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe that "as long as there are many pedestrians on the street, the shop will definitely have business." But Sunshine Laundry has been through countless battles in Hong Kong, inspecting numerous shops, and we can confidently tell you:A large flow of people does not necessarily mean a large customer flow!
Today, the Sunshine Laundry franchise consultant team will break down the two most feared locations in the industry—"Yin-Yang Street" and "Corner Shop"—and teach you how to avoid these traps and choose a truly lucrative shop!
Firstly, why is there a long queue on the other side of the street while I'm stuck with a fly? — Beware of "Streets with Unseen Stories"
"Yin-Yang Street" is a major taboo in both the retail and service industries. It refers to the same street.One side is teeming with people (sunny side), while the other side is deserted (shady side)..
Why does Yin-Yang Street appear?
This is usually because the "gathering spots" on both sides of the street are different. For example:
- Sunny side: It has a bus stop, an MTR station exit, a large supermarket, and a market entrance. It's a must-pass route for locals to buy groceries and go to work.
- nightside: It is a long wall outside a school, a site, or a residential complex wall without shops.
A fatal blow to laundromats:
Laundry customers usually carry a large bag of heavy items (such as winter clothes and bedding). If the drain is on the "sunny side," it's...Absolutely notTo help you, I specially carried my heavy bag across the street to the "shady side"! Therefore, when choosing a location for a laundry shop, you must conduct an on-site inspection to ensure that the shop is on the "convenient route" for the neighborhood.
Second misconception: Lower rent, but less business? — Debunking the myth of "corner shops"
Another common mistake beginners make is renting a "corner shop" because it's cheap.
"Corner shops" are usually located at the very end of a street, or in an inconspicuous recess after a corner. When the flow of people reaches the end of the street and is about to turn, the flow of people will suddenly "drop" (decrease significantly).
Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of corner pavement:
- advantage: The rent is usually lower than the main street paving 20% – 30%, and the entry barrier is lower.
- shortcoming: Extremely low visibility! Neighbors passing by might not even see your sign.
Sunshine Laundry experts recommend:
Laundry shops rely heavily on "neighborhood business" and "impulse buying" (for example, seeing a laundry while walking by and remembering there's a blanket at home that needs washing). If you choose a corner shop, you need to have extremely strong [sense of responsibility/ability].publicity methodsorExtremely high probability signboardGo attract customers. Otherwise, the saved rent may not be enough to make up for the lost revenue.
Summary: 3 Golden Rules for Choosing a Location for Your Laundry Shop
To avoid "shady streets" and "corner shops," remember these 3 golden rules summarized by Sunshine Laundry:
- Find a foothold: Try to stay close to places that locals frequent, such as supermarkets, markets, and convenience stores.
- Check the road position: Observe the main walking path of residents returning to the housing estate after work.
- Inspections were conducted in different time slots. Don't just go to look at shops during the afternoon; you must go to count the crowds between 6-8 pm (the prime time after work) and on weekends.
💡 You've found a shop you like, but you're not sure if it's suitable for opening a laundry shop?
Choosing the right location is the first step to opening a successful laundry shop; you absolutely cannot rely on guesswork!
Sunshine Laundry Franchise TeamWe have extensive experience in site selection in Hong Kong. If you already have a preferred location, or would like to learn more about potential areas for opening a laundry shop, contact us now!
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We provide prospective franchisees withFree preliminary site selection assessmentWe help you analyze foot traffic, competitors, and return on investment potential, making it easy for you to take your first step in starting a business!
