In the laundromat business, there’s a saying I live by: "Profits are made in the margins." You don’t necessarily have to increase your prices to grow your profits—sometimes, it’s about tightening up how you spend.

As owners, we all love the rush of a strong season. Machines are spinning nonstop, wash-and-fold orders are piling up, and revenue is flowing. But let me offer a word of caution: don’t let the good times make you sloppy with your spending.

My grandfather was a cotton farmer, and he used to tell me, "The worst thing that can happen to a farmer is a great harvest." Sounds backwards, right? But here’s what he meant—after a strong harvest, many farmers assume every year will be just as good. So, they go out and buy brand-new tractors, shiny new truck, and top-shelf equipment. The next year? The weather turns, the crop is bad, and now they’re in deep debt trying to keep the operation afloat. The same principle applies in the laundromat world.

Here are some smart, simple ways to cut costs without cutting quality, so you can build long-term profits instead of living season to season:

1. Buy in Bulk—Save in Bulk

Soap, hangers, poly plastic, laundry bags—these are all recurring expenses. Buying in bulk (and negotiating bulk discounts with your vendors) can save you thousands over the course of the year. Don’t wait until you run low. Plan ahead, buy smart.

2. Negotiate With Utility Providers

Water, gas, and electricity are your biggest ongoing costs. Many utility providers will work with small business owners to offer better rates or plans. Don’t assume the rate you’re paying is set in stone. Make the call, ask the questions, and push for better deals.

3. Audit Your Expenses Quarterly

Too many owners treat their laundromat like it’s on autopilot. Every 90 days, take time to go line by line through your business expenses. Are you paying for services you no longer use? Are your vendors charging you more than they did six months ago? Trim the fat before it starts bleeding your bottom line.

4. Resist the Urge to Upgrade Everything

A great month or two might tempt you to replace perfectly functional machines or redo your entire store. Ask yourself: Is this upgrade going to bring a return, or is it just a vanity move? You can absolutely reinvest in your business—but do it with strategy, not emotion.

5. Train Your Team to Minimize Waste

From overusing detergent to tossing out reusable items, small daily habits can lead to big costs over time. Invest in training your staff to treat supplies like money—because they are.

6. Maintain Instead of Replace

Don’t wait until a machine is beyond saving. A strong preventative maintenance routine can stretch the life of your equipment significantly. It’s a lot cheaper to replace a belt or hose than it is to buy a new washer.

7. Watch Seasonal Expenses

Peak season is a great time to earn, but don’t let it be the time you start spending without discipline. Be aggressive with cost control when times are good, so when things slow down (and they always do), your business stays strong.

Final Thought: Be Smart Like a Farmer

That wisdom from my grandfather sticks with me. A good season is a blessing—but don’t let it blind you. Build your business to survive the down seasons, not just thrive in the up ones.

Running lean doesn’t mean being cheap—it means being smart. Save where you can. Spend where it matters. And always remember, profit follows discipline.

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Let’s keep building.

— Josh
Laundry Advisors