CLEAN & BRIGHT

Speed Queen has come of age in New Zealand, and the laundromat concept continues to build on its reputation and success, with Sudz Laundromat in Manurewa proving the model works.

“It was the automation that particularly attracted me to a Speed Queen laundromat,” says Jason Foord, operator of the Manurewa Speed Queen-equipped Sudz Laundromat. “We run a frozen food business, but we are always looking to diversify our income. The low management requirement through Speed Queen’s automated systems had huge appeal.”
Speed Queen is not a franchise; it must be noted. Owners like Jason operate under their own brand, which can bring advantages to those looking for good ‘hands-free’ investments.

“We were quite lucky,” he explains, “because we started with a superb site. One of the business partners in Sudz was relocating his operation and wondered what else his building could be used for. When we looked at what makes a great laundromat location, we realised that all we had to do was make it smart, brightly lit and open the doors.”

Creating a successful business

Jason had first had the idea of opening a laundromat several years earlier. “Running a full-time business meant I didn’t have much time to put into researching it,” he says.

“When we eventually did open, what was vital was that it didn’t interfere with our already successful business. We boiled down our equipment supply option to two providers. Speed Queen won the day for two reasons. Firstly, their focus was on helping us create a successful business. It wasn’t just about machines.

“Having said that, the second reason was their equipment. The industrial, American-made, robust-as-blazes machinery was built to last and makes a very good return on investment. More than that, the machines are incredibly smart. The combination of the touch-screen wizard with the payment system makes it very intuitive for customers. We literally have no ‘how to use’ or pricing signage… We don’t need it with Speed Queen,” says Jason.

“Our ability to remotely manage the laundromat has been excellent. The combination of cameras, remote capabilities of the payment system and cloud connectivity to the Speed Queen machines means we can do almost everything remotely. What little we can’t do, we ask the cleaners to handle while they’re there.”

Having chosen Speed Queen as the supplier, Jason was impressed by the management of the process and the fit-out. “We were first timers, but

Speed Queen have done it all dozens of times and never failed. They helped us with various applications and consents, and they knew who to approach afterwards to get things speeding along. They were superb.”

The Manurewa laundromat, on the southern side of a main road, has benefited from the imagination and experience of all parties involved. “The site is ideal,” says Jason.
 

“It’s lovely and bright in the sunshine and we made sure it’s well-lit at night, which is vital for 24-hour operation. We’ve gone for a bright, eye-catching blue that stands out on the road, and there’s ample parking.”

Jason says Speed Queen helped ensure the space was fully utilised, including 3D design plans to show how the 47 machines would look after installation.

“Our position is so visually prominent that we felt we didn’t need to do much marketing. The only promotion we’ve done has been ads on social media and flags over the footpath.”

A tremendous experience

After a full year of operation, Jason says the business is performing well. “It’s doing what we hoped it would do. My fellow investors and I are very happy with how it’s going. It’s steady, reliable, and has reached a good rhythm, which is exactly what we wanted.”

“It’s been a tremendous experience working with Speed Queen. They held our hands through the process far more than I was expecting. Now that the business is well-established, success is down to us as operators, but we know Speed Queen is still there to help.

“Provided it’s kept clean, bright, polished and always attractive to customers, we’re confident it will continue to do really well with the lightest of input from us.”

A compelling investment

A medium-sized investment with Speed Queen Laundromats will be between $250,000 and $350,000, with a deposit of $100,000 typically required says Speed Queen Head of Laundromat Sales, Royce Little. “Automation and fully cashless operation make a laundromat such a compelling investment,” he explains.

“Some of our owners live a long way from their laundromats. With no cash handled on site, there is minimal temptation for break-ins. And you can be open 24 hours a day.

“The return on investment is in the region of, or better than, 20–30%. So, if this sounds like you, why not get in contact with me!”   

See this advertorial on page 57 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 04

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