To most, starting a wash and fold laundry business seems like a pretty basic endeavor. Customers bring dirty clothes in (and who doesn’t get their clothes dirty?), then clean clothes go out. Mike and Bri are the owners of Scenic Suds, and they made the leap into the laundromat industry, both thinking it would be an easy way to generate passive income.
To their surprise, becoming a laundry business entrepreneur was more involved than they had imagined. But as entrepreneurs Mike and Bri from Iowa discovered, success in the laundry business requires technology and strategy. Their journey to build a modern, successful laundry business is a model for any aspiring entrepreneur looking to make their mark in the service industry.
Visiting the Super Suds Laundromat in Long Beach
To gain more knowledge on how a successful wash and fold operation functioned, Mike and Bri flew to Long Beach, California to tour Super Suds. Super Suds is the laundromat that eventually became the catalyst for the creation of Curbside Laundries’ proprietary technology.
Over the years, it has evolved into a thriving laundromat that best-utilizes modern technology and smart logistics. Mike and Bri’s visit was more than just an educational trip and mini vacation. It was a chance to see what a successful laundromat is like day-to-day. This experience also served as a vision for Mike and Bri’s Scenic Suds business.
Their key takeaways revolved around how laundry business software can provide accountability, transparency, and remote access. And all three factors are critical for any laundromat or laundry business looking to thrive.
Choosing a Laundry Payment Solution for your Laundromat Business
The established laundromat that Mike and Bri bought was completely coin operated, which is common in many small towns and older laundromats. But they quickly realized the first thing Scenic Suds needed was an overhaul of its outdated payment system.
They researched the market before deciding on Laundry Boss, which provided both mobile and credit card payment options while still preserving traditional coin acceptance. QR code payment technology gave customers flexibility, while the Laundry Boss kiosk allowed them to load credit with ease. Now, Scenic Suds would be able to attract new customers without alienating loyal, longtime customers.
As entrepreneurs in Iowa running a laundromat in a community of 5,000 people, this choice allowed them to meet the needs of a wide range of users with the ability to adapt future services like pickup and delivery.
Laundromat Business Remote Access
One of the best things Mike and Bri experienced after choosing Curbside Laundries POS software and Laundry Boss was the ability to manage their laundry business from anywhere.
Whether at home or traveling, they could:
- Monitor machine usage in real time
- Start machines remotely
- Track operational efficiency and cost ratios
- Maintain employee accountability through time-stamped actions
If a customer called with an issue, such as a jammed coin slot or a machine not starting, they didn’t need to drive across town. Either Mike or Bri could simply log in the software, remotely start the washer, and resolve the problem instantly.
It also freed up time to focus on what really matters: building customer relationships, marketing their services, and growing the wash-and-fold side of the business. Plus, it gave them the freedom to relax at home or enjoy time away from their business.
Laundromat Services Business Tracking & Accountability
As Scenic Suds moved into the wash and fold space, accuracy and accountability became even more important. With Curbside’s detailed reporting tools and Laundry Boss’s machine tracking, Mike and Bri could see exactly what was happening at their laundromat any time.
Each order is specifically timestamped, and each time a laundry machine or dryer is used, it’s logged with that specific order. If something looks out of the ordinary, such as an attendant using more machines than expected for an order, it shows up in the reports. This data also helps prevent mistakes.
Being able to monitor wash and fold orders, identify irregularities, and spot potential misuse ensures they maintain quality service. It also gives them confidence as they expand into pickup and delivery, where logistics and consistency are key.
The Power of Strategic Growth
The biggest takeaway for any aspiring entrepreneur considering a laundry business is to take your time. Mike and Bri spent nearly a year just preparing their laundromat for expansion. They focused on:
- Equipment repairs and upgrades
- Customer service and feedback
- Cleanliness and trust
- Data analysis before reinvestment
Jim Law from Laundry Boss offered advice that shaped their approach: “Look at the data. Make your decisions based on what’s happening in your store, not someone else’s.”
Final Thoughts: How to Start a Wash and Fold Laundry Business
The story of Scenic Suds is both a business case study and a roadmap for how to strategically build a modern wash and fold operation. The Curbside Laundries platform and its integration with Laundry Boss provides the foundation for smarter workflows, flexible payments, remote management, and clear accountability. While you’re at it, you should consider joining a laundry mastermind group!
To learn more about how Curbside Laundry can support your wash and fold journey, visit the Curbside Laundries Wash and Fold software page.
