Running a laundromat isn’t just about washers and dryers. It’s about people. The customers who trust you with their clothes are also the same people grabbing coffee down the street, working out at the local gym, or taking their car to the car wash. That overlap creates a huge opportunity for laundromat owners: community partnerships.

These partnerships aren’t complicated, but they are powerful. By teaming up with other local businesses, you create win-win situations that bring in new customers, strengthen community ties, and keep your laundromat top-of-mind.

Why Strategic Partnerships Work

Think about it. Your customers are already spending money around town. If you can connect your service with another local business, you both benefit:

• Shared customers: People get introduced to your business through someone they already trust.
• Added value: Discounts or perks make your service even more attractive.
• Community awareness: You’re seen as a business that supports other local businesses. That matters more than most owners realize.

Real-Life Example: Laundry & Lattes

At one of my laundromats, we recently ran a week-long promotion with a local coffee shop. We called it “Laundry & Lattes.” Customers who brought in a Wash & Fold receipt could get 25% off any coffee shop item. In return, anyone with a coffee shop receipt could bring it to our laundromat for 25% off Wash & Fold service.

The result? Both businesses got a boost in sales, and customers loved the idea of two local spots teaming up. It felt like a community event, not just another coupon.

Facebook Link To Laundry & Lattes Ad I Created: https://fb.watch/BRvS2OP19Z/?
*If you like this, contact me and I’ll be happy to send you the Canva template I created that you can edit with your information.

Other Partnership Ideas

Coffee isn’t the only option. There are dozens of creative ways to link up with nearby businesses:

• Car Wash or Oil Change: While customers drop off their laundry, they can get a discount to keep their car fresh too.
• Gym/Tanning: Partner with a gym to offer members a laundry discount. In return, your customers get a trial pass or discounted membership.
• Maid Services: Bundle “whole-home care” by teaming up with local cleaning services. Clean clothes plus a clean home? What a powerful combo!
• Restaurants: Offer a discount for your laundry customers, and ask the restaurant to do the same for theirs. Dinner + laundry done = more free time for your customer.
• Barbershops & Salons: Fresh haircut, fresh clothes. Perfect pairing.
• Pet Groomers: Pet owners are already juggling fur, laundry, and baths. Give them a break with mutual discounts.

Making Partnerships Work

Here are a few tips for pulling this off successfully:

1. Keep it simple. Don’t overcomplicate the deal. Clear, easy-to-redeem promotions work best.
2. Cross-promote. Use signs, flyers, and social media. Each business should shout out the other.
3. Make it short-term at first. Test it with a week or month. If it works, run it again or make it long-term.
4. Choose businesses that match your audience. A laundromat customer base overlaps well with coffee drinkers, car owners, and families. Pick wisely.

The Bigger Picture

Strategic partnerships are about more than just discounts. They show your community that you’re invested in more than profits. You’re helping other small businesses grow. You’re giving customers a reason to choose you over a competitor.

In the long run, these connections can turn into referrals, brand recognition, and stronger community loyalty.

The Long And The Short Of It: Don’t run your laundromat like an island. Start reaching out to local business owners. A simple “Hey, I’ve got an idea for how we can help each other” might be the start of your best marketing move this year.