Here’s How to Do It Without Losing Customers (or Your Nerve)

Let’s get something straight right from the start:  If your costs have gone up and your prices haven’t, you’re not being customer-friendly, you’re being self-destructive.

Now, I get it.
The fear of raising prices is real.
You’re probably thinking:

• “What if people get mad and leave?”
• “There’s another laundromat down the street, they’ll just go there.”
• “I’m in a lower-income neighborhood. My customers can’t afford more.”

Let me challenge that line of thinking: Fear has never built a thriving business.

But bold decisions? Those have.

And if you want your laundromat to not just survive, but grow, you must understand this:

You don’t build a stronger business by subsidizing everyone else’s laundry.

Why You’re Afraid And Why It’s Costing You

The fear comes from a good place.

You care about your community. You want to stay competitive. You’ve heard horror stories of owners who jacked up prices and watched volume plummet.

But let’s flip the lens.
When was the last time: 

• Your rent went down?
• Utility companies offered you a discount?
• Soap, bags, labor, or repairs got cheaper?

Exactly.
If you haven’t raised prices in the last 12-18 months, you’re likely losing money on every wash or at best, shrinking your margins to a level that makes real growth impossible.

What You’re Really Risking

By not raising your prices: 

• You’re robbing yourself of profit that funds improvements.
• You’re limiting your ability to pay better wages and keep good staff.
• You’re signaling to customers that your service is a low-end commodity.

Let me be blunt: Cheap pricing leads to cheap perception.

If you’re offering clean, reliable machines, excellent customer service, and maybe even some creature comforts like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, or kids’ coloring contests, you’re worth more. 

How to Raise Prices Without Losing Loyalty

Let’s get tactical. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Start With the Data

Run a quick cost analysis:

• Utilities per wash (water, gas, electric)
• Detergent + supplies
• Labor cost per shift
• Machine maintenance cost per month

If you’re not making at least 30% gross margin per machine, it’s time.

2. Compare Local Competition

If you’re already the cheapest in your market, stop it.

Being the low-price leader is a losing strategy long term.

You want to be the most trusted laundromat, not the bargain bin.

3. Don’t Apologize, Explain the Value

Post a clear, confident sign like:

“To continue providing clean, fast, reliable service with great staff and maintained machines, we’re adjusting prices starting [Date]. We appreciate your loyalty and are committed to earning it every time you visit.”

No whining. No blaming. Just leadership.

4. Bundle When Possible

Raise base prices, but perhaps consider offer value-rich bundles:

• “Family Load Deal” (3 machines = free dry)
• “Loyalty Card Reload Bonus”
• “Free Soap Sundays” with $20 spend

These soften the price bump with perceived savings.

5. Train Your Team on the ‘Why’ 

Your front-line staff needs to say what you believe:

“We’ve upgraded a lot of our systems and want to make sure we keep delivering top-level service. The price increase helps us stay at our best.”

The Real Question: What Happens If You Don’t?

If you hold back from raising prices now, here’s what’s likely:

• Your profit margin keeps shrinking.
• Your machines wear out and you can’t afford to replace them.
• Your team leaves for better-paying jobs.
• You stay stuck running a job, not growing a business. 

You think you’re avoiding risk by not raising prices.

But in reality, you’re guaranteeing failure by standing still.
 

Final Word: Charge What You’re Worth

You’re not just selling clean clothes.

You’re selling time saved, stress avoided, and peace of mind in a busy world.

 People will pay for that - if you believe in it first.

You can raise prices with integrity and build a better business in the process. Don’t wait until you’re forced to change by a crisis. Choose to lead now.

💬 Want Help Pricing Your Services Right? Join the next Laundry Advisors Live Call—we’ll walk through a real pricing model and answer your questions.

👉 Not a member yet? Click here to join Laundry Advisors and take control of your laundromat’s future.