How to Start a Laundry Business in Cameroon. 6 Steps Needed to Start from Scratch

 How to Start a Laundry Business in Cameroon

With the level of unemployment in Cameroon like any other African country, it is but normal for one to be carried away in thoughts on how to make it in life. Being an employee might sound good but the question is: for how long will you keep working under someone?

In the process of your quiet moment of refreshing on how to answer the most disturbing question that every human ponders (What can I do to succeed or how to make it in life), has the thought of establishing a laundry business come into mind? If yes, then this article is for you.

The write-up will explicitly explain all you need to know to be successful in this line of business. Without taking much of your time, what is a laundry business all about? A laundry business simply refers to the sorting, washing, ironing, packaging, and delivery of clothes to customers.

Not everyone will tell you this; there is profit in venturing into this line of business. The laundry business is among some of the lucrative businesses to start in Cameroon. However, what makes this business lucrative?

First, as long as there is a high demand for clean clothes, the laundry business keeps thriving. It is said that “Time is money” and this is the exact situation in today’s world. People are so busy that they cannot wash their clothes as some might have just a day or two to rest.

Rather than them bothering about washing their clothes, why not take them to a laundry service while engaging in other valuable things. It is this thought among others that makes this line of business very important. If Suzy can make it why not you?

All you need is the knowledge, a good plan, a strategy, and motivation to keep pushing even when challenges knock at the door. I advise you to sip a cup of fresh natural juice while reading. I will give you all the reasons you need to start this business which are as follows.

 

Why you should start a Laundry Business

• You can start with no money (just doing home service). Wondering how? I will explain in the subsequent paragraph how to start small with little or no capital. Be patient. 
• Secondly, there is an audience always available if you employ the right market strategy. 
• You become a boss and stay in control of your time
• You can start small and grow. Small beginnings matter. Do not underestimate the power of starting small. Every big company or organization you work in started small.
• It is very profitable. You can make a lot of money from laundry business.
• You can start from your home if you cannot afford a shop. There are certain businesses one cannot do without locating a shop in a good spot. With laundry business, you can operate from your home and deliver to your customers. All you need is the trust of your customers.
• You can run it as a part-time job in addition to your main job to raise extra income

 

How much does it cost to start a laundry service?

With an amount of about 200.000 to 1.500.000 CFA, you are ready to go. Do not be scared of the aforementioned figures, for with even less than 200.000 FRS, you can commence. The most important thing is to purchase a washing machine to ease your job.

You can get a second-hand washing machine at a bruccan shop from 100-300k based on the quantity of clothes the machine can take and its functions.

6 Steps on how to start a laundry business in Cameroon

# 1. Conduct feasibility studies

The very first step you need to take when considering running a laundry business is to conduct research on the possible ways to make this business a success. No one is an island. Draw close to people who are already in the business to give you some valuable advice.

Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Apply this at this level because if you fail to ask questions like enquiring how others operate, where they buy their products, and walking around to ask about the price tag of others to know how to go about yours, then, you are preparing to fail.

Never observe the growth of another person and just conclude it is easy and you engage with just that perception. Trust me you will fail big time. To every successful business, there are challenges behind the scene which if not told, you would think it is easy. Thus, failing at the end or backing out after the first crisis. Ask of some of those common challenges.

 

# 2. Develop a business plan

The second step to put in place when starting a laundry business in Cameroon is to come up with a business plan. A plan helps us to be more focused; it outlines the necessary actions to put into practice etc. 

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document that provides the business owner with a clear picture of what the company will do and how it will do it. It includes a description of the company, its vision, mission, and values. It also includes financial information about the company and its future projections.

At this level, you equally need to come up with your business name and slogan.

# 3. Find a good location

A good spot to locate your shop matters a lot. It should be noted that this factor contributes greatly to the success of the business. Firstly, it is advisable to locate at a spot that can be easily accessible for example beside the road or a place, which does not take more than 10 minutes to get there.

Secondly, find a location with less competition. If you can find a place where there is not much competition from big players, it will be good. However, it should not be a challenge as you can win over customers with your good service.

Furthermore, bear in mind that geographical location can influence how much you charge. For instance, if you are located in a high-income neighborhood let us say a place like Akwa, Bounamoussadi, Bonanjo, Bonapriso in Douala, then you will charge more money though your rent might be higher compared to other places.

 

 # 4. Register your business and get all-important receipt

Bear in mind that registering your business is essential to add credibility to your business and build trust and confidence among potential customers.

Unless you wish to operate from home if not, get the necessary permits and register your business to avoid unnecessary slowing down of your business by council inspectors who come around to check if your business is registered as well as you paying the required tax. A word to the wise is sufficient.  

Suggested: Licenses and permits needed to start up a business in Cameroon

# 5. Equipment needed to start a laundry business

The write-up would not be complete without making mention of the various items needed to get started with your laundry business. The absence of this point is compared to a farmer going to the farm without a machete. The equipment you buy will depend on the scale you want to operate.

In case you do not have enough money to purchase the big equipment, it is not an issue as you can begin with the little you can afford.  Below is a list of equipment needed to start a laundry business.

• Laundry detergent: Don’t just buy any type of detergent, buy the ones used by dry cleaners
• Washing machines: There are different grades; go in for the one you can afford. Some just wash and rinse while others wash, rinse, and dry.
• Washing Basins: You will need it to soak clothes and for other uses
• Pressing Iron: A quality iron that has good customization features for different materials
• Ironing table: Where you can comfortably iron clothes
• Garment Conveyor: This is what you use to hang clothes. Get a carpenter to make one.
• Starch: Some customers will request it to add beauty to their cloth
• Water: You will need a source of water. If there is no water supply, you can buy a tank and store water
• Generator: In case there is no electricity, a generator can be of great help.
• Nylon and tags: You will need nylon to package the ironed clothes. You will also need tags to tag the clothes so you do not mix things up. Remember there is no room for mistakes. Imagine giving the clothes of a particular customer to someone else. The most difficult creatures to deal with are humans.
• Shelves: You will need shelves to keep the ironed and packaged clothes in order.

Above are the basic items needed to start. Others can be added as the business progresses.

# 6. Market your business

This is the last step and it is very crucial to expose your business to potential clients. It might get tedious but you have to invest time to market your business. A successful marketing campaign will bring more customers thus helping you to make more money.

Below are strategies you can use to market your laundry business to potential customers.

1. Design a flyer carrying the name of the business and services offered and place it outside where people can easily see that there is a laundry service around.
2. You can make use of social media handles to adversities your services. You can use WhatsApp for instance to promote your business. Instead of posting unnecessary things on your status, use it to display your business to potential customers.
3. Offer promotions and discounts. Since you are just starting, it is advisable to wash on discount to attract more customers. It is also good to let them know the normal price though on promotion.
4. Print flyers and business cards to distribute in your vicinity. It can equally be promoted by word of mouth. Equally, plead with clients who must have used your service to recommend you to others.
5. Adding pick-up and delivery services also goes a long way to market your business. Some people do not like any form of stress. If you can save them the energy of coming to deposit clothes and take them after cleaning, they would be glad to use your service.
6. Go to offices and inform the workers of your services
7. Be fair in your prices.

Running a laundry business without money

I earlier urged my readers to exercise a bit of patience for me to tell you exactly how you can run a laundry business in Cameroon with little or no capital. How is that possible? Wait for it.

1. You can start with as little as 50.000 FRS contrary to the above-mentioned capital needed to start a laundry business in Cameroon. The first possibility is to inform those around you that you offer laundry services. Get the necessary detergents, a big bowl for washing, water, iron, and an ironing table. With this, you are good to go. 

With time, you can propose to a friend who is interested in joining. The truth is there is always someone willing to join if you can easily persuade him or her to see the bigger picture. Delegating will help the business to grow faster.

Suggested: 18 Businesses You Can Start with 50K in Cameroon

2. The second option in case you do not have an amount of 50.000 FRS to purchase a few items is to move from house to house to do the washing and ironing. Your customers provide everything from water to soap and the basins you need. You might think you are earning small but after saving for a period, you can use the money to set up what you desire and wash on your own terms. 

3. Finally yet important is to market to people of you picking up and delivering clothes after washing. After picking up dirty clothes from potential customers, go strike a deal with an already-established laundry service dealer. Discuss the price. This is how it goes; you pick up at your own price, wash at a lesser price, and then deliver. Simple right? This is even better than washing from house to house. 

Final Thoughts

Worry no more about how to start up a laundry business in Cameroon. The write-up has explicitly explained the crucial steps needed to start the business which include conducting research to have more insight into the business, developing a business plan, locating a good spot to rent a shop, buying the basic equipment needed, and advertising the business to a great number of audience.

 

If Peter can do it, why not Paul? With the knowledge you have now, all you need is a burning desire, which will act as a motivating factor to get you to where you want to be. Stop thinking much or planning more. A plan is rendered useless if action is not taken.

When you think of it, act on it quickly. This is the difference between successful people and unsuccessful people. Successful people act fast as soon as the idea pops up, bounce back quickly after a setback, and stay positive no matter the situation. That is because they know exactly what they want, and how to get it.

 

So if you wish to climb this ladder, act like one. Put this at the back of your mind “The elevators of success are out of service but the stairs are always open” Success is a step-by-step process. One move takes you to the next level. If you find this write-up useful, please share it for others to learn as well.

Thanks for your time.