Coin-Operated Washing Machines: The Side Hustle You Might Not Have Considered
Let’s be real — most of us don’t give a second thought to the humble coin-operated washing machine. It sits there, silently demanding quarters, doing its washing magic, and quietly earning cash that probably adds up to more than your last paycheck from your side gig. But exactly how much can one of these spin-cycle superheroes make for you?
Breaking Down the Basics of Coin-Operated Laundry Income
First, let’s set the stage. Your typical coin-operated washing machine charges somewhere between $1 and $3 per wash cycle. And if you’re pairing it with a dryer (which you should because dryers are basically cash cows too), expect similar pricing on the drying side.
Usage frequency, aka the number of “turns,” ranges around 3 to 4 cycles per day per machine on average, but that’s just a national ballpark figure — real numbers vary wildly depending on location, foot traffic, and even the time of year.
Putting Numbers to Work: Small-Scale Setup
Say you’re running a modest laundry setup in a multi-family building with 5 washers and 5 dryers, each charging $1.50 per cycle. Here’s the math magic:
- Washer Income: 5 washers × 3 cycles per day × 30.4 days/month × $1.50 = $681.60
- Dryer Income: Typically, dryers bring in about 40% of washer income, so 0.4 × $681.60 = $272.64
- Total Monthly Income: $681.60 + $272.64 = $954.24
Not bad for a few machines standing quietly in a basement, huh? You can check out how washing machine costs factor into this if you want to dig deep at how much does a clothes washing machine cost?.
Scaling Up: Laundromats Make It Rain (Coins, That Is)
Now, when you graduate from the modest multi-unit setup to a full-blown laundromat, things get interesting. Laundromats are known to generate anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000+ per month. That’s a broad range because factors like foot traffic, competition, location demographics, and service offerings (think wash-and-fold, drop-off, or commercial accounts) can boost or bust your earnings.
Keep in mind, higher income comes with higher expenses too — think commercial-grade machine maintenance, rent, utilities, insurance, and staffing. But the upside is pretty sweet, especially if you nail that balance of machines and pricing.
How Location and Setup Size Impact Your Coin Laundry Income
Not every coin-operated machine earns the same — where you place your machines and how many you operate hugely influences income:
- Multi-Family Housing: Smaller setups in apartment complexes often pull in around $150 to $250 per month per laundry room, according to industry sources (Coin-O-Matic).
- Laundromats: These commercial enterprises see substantial monthly revenues, often hitting $10,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on scale and services offered (TurnsApp).
- Urban vs Rural: Urban areas with high population density and less in-unit laundry access often mean more cycles per day, increasing revenue. Rural or low-density neighborhoods might mean slower turnover.
You can’t expect the same earnings from a lone machine in a quiet village as from a bustling laundromat in the heart of a metro area — location matters big time.
Pricing Strategies: More Than Just Pocket Change
Those few quarters add up, but setting the right price per wash and dry cycle is both art and science. Too low, and you risk not covering costs; too high, and you may scare off your clientele — no one likes to do laundry with a side of sticker shock.
Most operators price washes at $1.50, with dryers matching or slightly less. Some upscale or high-demand locations can charge up to $3 or more per cycle. Always keep an eye on competitors and customer feedback to stay sweet spot savvy.
Maintenance, Machine Costs, and Their Effect on Your Bottom Line
Sure, income sounds awesome, but expenses can sneak up on you like that missing sock in your laundry. Commercial machines cost between roughly $3,500 to $7,000 for washers and $2,500 to $6,000 for dryers, depending on brand and capacity (TryCents).
Plus, water, electricity, detergent, repairs, and regular maintenance will nibble away at your earnings. It’s a common pitfall to focus on gross income without accounting for these necessary expenses.
Why Coin Operated Washing Machines Can Still Be a Profitable Investment
Despite all the ups and downs, coin-operated laundry machines hold up as a profitable investment for many. The laundry business is famously resilient because clean clothes will always be in demand — customers are often captive, especially when in-unit washers aren’t available, and dry cleaning is too pricey for everyday garments.
Plus, with minimal staffing requirements and mostly predictable expenses, you can build a steady cash flow that complements other income streams or grows into a major business.
Smart Tips to Maximize Your Coin Laundry Earnings
- Location is king: Scout areas with lots of renters, limited laundry access, or student populations.
- Keep machines in top shape: Regular maintenance avoids costly repairs and keeps customers happy.
- Offer convenience: Consider multi-machine setups, extended hours, and clean, safe environments.
- Leverage technology: Some modern machines accept app payments, adding customer convenience and reducing coin collection hassle.
- Watch your pricing: Stay competitive but don’t undervalue your service.
Where to Buy Your Coin-Operated Machines
Ready to jump into the coin laundry game? Whether you want to outfit a small apartment complex or start a new laundromat, reliable machines are your backbone. Consider checking out these popular options:
Putting It All Together
So, how much does a coin operated washing machine make? The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all, but here’s the takeaway: small multi-unit laundry setups can bring in around $150 to $1,000+ per month depending on scale and location. Full laundromats, with many machines and higher usage, can reach monthly revenues of $5,000 to $25,000 or more.
And that’s before expenses, naturally. A profitable coin laundry business balances solid traffic, competitive pricing, and diligent maintenance — and with laundry being an essential, steady service, it’s a venture worth considering if you’re eyeing a low-labor, steady cash flow enterprise.
For those curious about washing machines themselves — from their weight to detergent use — there are great reads you might like, such as how much does a clothes washing machine weigh? or how much detergent to use in washing machine.