A growing number of businesses across all industries outsource their commercial laundry needs. In fact, by 2025 the market size of corporate/industrial laundry services and facilities in the U.S. is estimated to reach $4.3 billion, a 43% increase since 2015.
Outsourcing laundry services does provide some short-term benefits, but businesses should consider the many advantages that in-house laundry systems can provide:
- Cost savings: In one case, a small hotel that brought their laundry operations in-house was able to save over $68,000 per year. Businesses with energy-efficient on-premises laundry systems have more control over the service and are better able to manage supply and demand, reducing the need to invest in extra linens and improving response in case of an emergency.
- Quality Control: Managing the quality of results for in-house laundry systems is much easier than managing the quality of outsourced laundry; as an in-house system allows for a company to train employees, manage volume, select equipment, and improve the quality of detergents and cleaning accouterments.
- Environmental Impact: A company with outsourced laundry cannot vouch for, or control, the environmental impact of their vendors. Bringing laundry in-house allows them to manage the environmental impact of laundry systems – and advertise their efforts to be green to their customers.
Move Commercial Laundry Systems In-House In 7 Steps
1. Designate Space
Decide where on your premises a laundry facility will be located. Considerations include access to electricity and water, as well as being located near whoever will be using the facility.
A small restaurant may require only a corner of the kitchen for a stackable washer/dryer accessible to employees; an apartment complex would require a larger, centralized location for residents; and a healthcare facility might need a large space for several machines and employees working at once.
2. Design Layout
Once you know where the facility will be located, design the layout of the space. Plan equipment placement with a view to workflows, safety / OSHA requirements, and leaving space for people and equipment.
3. Select Equipment
There are many considerations in choosing commercial laundry equipment for an on-premises laundry room. Start with the estimated volume and frequency of usage, then decide whether hard- or soft-mount, front- or top-load, machines are best for your needs. Select energy-efficient machines to save big on water, gas, and electricity costs.
4. Estimate financing needs
If your cash flow does not allow for a significant out-of-pocket investment in laundry systems, you may want to contact a bank, a financial institution, or laundry industry partner to review availability and terms of financing.
Laundrylux’s Laundry Equipment Subscription Service provides world-class equipment for no upfront capital cost. The customizable program can include installation, service, parts, and repairs as part of a monthly subscription fee.
5. Installation
Depending on the size and location of the laundry facility, installation may require construction, permits, and other considerations. The more you understand the requirements and plan for accommodating them, the faster your on-premises laundry will benefit your business.
6. Train Staff
Training your staff helps to ensure the efficiency of laundry operations, as well as the quality and cleanliness of linens, which is essential to customer satisfaction. If turnover is high, you may consider using a video or print training guide that you can distribute to new employees in conjunction with in-person or guided training with a supervisor.
7. Review Performance And Track Metrics
Once the on-premises laundry is up and running, you should establish performance metrics that can be monitored over time. This should include labor metrics like staffing levels and employee productivity, equipment metrics like volume and performance, and utilities and associated costs.
Outsourcing laundry systems involves giving up a measure of control over your business operations – one that could have a significant impact on customer satisfaction, service costs, and business outcomes. Bringing laundry in-house after outsourcing can provide many benefits, including improved service and quality control, and environmental impact management.
Partner With An Industry Expert For Maximum Savings
If you are interested in moving your outsourced laundry systems in-house, consider enlisting an equipment and laundry services partner such as Laundrylux. Laundrylux has over 60 years of experience in the industry, providing equipment, services, and support to thousands of entrepreneurs in North America.
Contact Laundrylux today to equip your business with the newest commercial laundry equipment to help you maximize productivity, save on utilities, and delight customers; all with no upfront cost followed by one low monthly payment.
References:
- https://www.hydrofinity.com/blog/on-premise-laundry-vs.-outsourcing-cost-comparison