Published on 17/12/2025 by Any Business.Com.Au

Are Coin Laundries a Good Investment?

When people think about buying a business, coin laundries don't always jump to the top of the list. They're not flashy, they don't follow trends, and they're rarely talked about at dinner parties. But ask experienced business buyers what they look for in a long-term investment, and laundromats (or coin laundries) quietly tick a lot of boxes.

In fact, for the right buyer, a coin laundry can be one of the most stable, predictable and lifestyle-friendly businesses available.

A Business Built on Everyday Necessity

One of the biggest strengths of a coin laundry is that it provides an essential service. People will always need clean clothes. Whether the economy is booming or tightening, demand for laundry services doesn't disappear, it simply shifts.

Renters without washing machines, apartment dwellers, students, backpackers, families with large loads, tradies washing work gear, short-term accommodation providers and even homeowners with broken machines all rely on laundries. This constant, practical demand gives the business a level of resilience that many trend-driven or discretionary businesses don't have.

Low Staffing, Low Stress Operations

Unlike cafés, retail stores or hospitality venues, coin laundries typically require minimal staffing, or none at all. Most operate on a self-service model, with machines running automatically and payments handled via coins, cards or digital systems.

For owners, this means fewer headaches around rostering, wages, staff turnover and HR issues. Maintenance is required, of course, but it's usually predictable and manageable. Many owners outsource servicing or learn the basics themselves, keeping overheads low and margins steady.

For buyers looking to escape people-heavy businesses, this is a major advantage.

Consistent Cash Flow

Coin laundries are known for their steady, repeat income. Customers return weekly or fortnightly, creating predictable cash flow that's easier to forecast than many other small businesses.

Because payment is often upfront and immediate, laundries are less exposed to bad debts or delayed payments. Operating costs such as utilities, rent and maintenance are also relatively stable, making budgeting more straightforward.

This consistency is especially appealing to buyers who value reliability over rapid growth or high risk.

Simple Business Model That's Easy to Understand

Another reason coin laundries appeal to business buyers is their simplicity. There's no complex inventory, minimal supplier negotiations, and limited seasonal fluctuation compared to many other industries.

Once the machines are installed, pricing is set and customers are established, the day-to-day operation becomes very routine. This makes laundries ideal for first-time business owners, semi-retirees, or investors who want a hands-off asset that doesn't dominate their time.

Strong Suitability for Semi-Passive Ownership

Many coin laundry owners don't work full-time in the business. Some visit the premises a few times a week to clean, collect payments and check machines. Others employ a cleaner or attendant for brief visits.

This semi-passive structure makes coin laundries attractive for:

  • Buyers wanting supplementary income
  • Investors balancing another job or business
  • Couples seeking lifestyle flexibility
  • Owners planning gradual retirement

Few businesses offer income without daily hands-on involvement, coin laundries are one of them.

Limited Competition and High Barriers to Entry

While laundries are relatively simple to operate, they're not easy to replicate quickly. Suitable locations, zoning requirements, utility capacity (especially water and power), machine costs and long-term leases all create barriers to entry.

This protects established laundries from sudden competition. Once a laundry is embedded in a neighbourhood and known to locals, customers tend to stay loyal, especially if the location is convenient and machines are reliable.

Opportunities to Improve and Add Value

Many existing coin laundries are under-optimised, creating opportunities for savvy buyers. Upgrades such as modern machines, cashless payment systems, improved lighting, air conditioning, seating or extended operating hours can significantly improve customer experience and revenue.

Some owners also introduce wash-and-fold services, commercial laundry contracts or partnerships with nearby accommodation providers, adding new income streams without major changes to the core business.

For buyers who enjoy incremental improvement rather than reinvention, this is an appealing prospect.

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AnyBusiness.com.au

AnyBusiness.com.au

Curtis is a leading expert in the business-for-sale industry, serving as a senior content creator at anybusiness.com.au.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Curtis has accumulated extensive knowledge in the domain of business sales, acquisitions, and valuations. His deep understanding of market dynamics and his ability to translate complex industry jargon into accessible insights make him a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to buy or sell businesses.

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