Business idea for you guys.

[bizboy]

Many businesses are going green to save the planet.

What I would like to see is laundromats that have steam washing machines because they use less water and energy. Also, steam washing machines don't use detergent.

Local media and nationwide media would be all over this, free PR.

 

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[8 SNAKE]

What's the cost differential between a steam washer and a conventional machine? My instinct tells me that your laundromat customers will only care about one thing...cost. Green is a sexy topic in the media right now, but press coverage won't likely be enough to pull customers in your door. IMHO, the demographic that supports most "green" initiatives isn't the same demographic that takes clothes to the laundromat.

 

[Yankees338]

What's the cost differential between a steam washer and a conventional machine? My instinct tells me that your laundromat customers will only care about one thing...cost. Green is a sexy topic in the media right now, but press coverage won't likely be enough to pull customers in your door. IMHO, the demographic that supports most "green" initiatives isn't the same demographic that takes clothes to the laundromat.

I think it could be in the right location. If you find a very liberal city where people are interested in Going Green (i.e., San Francisco maybe?), I could see this working if there's enough marketing surrounded the Green philosophy.

 

[CardinalsFan]

I agree with Yankees338, San Francisco or Berkley would be my best bets

 

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[hakrjak]

They don't use detergant? Huh, I didn't know that.... No wonder the steam sets are like $3000 compared to $800 bucks for the standard sets.

Since commercial washer/dryers are already so expensive, I think a steam version would be virtually unaffordable though..... Sadly....

Good idea though!

Cheers,

- Hakrjak

 

[8 SNAKE]

I think it could be in the right location. If you find a very liberal city where people are interested in Going Green (i.e., San Francisco maybe?), I could see this working if there's enough marketing surrounded the Green philosophy.

Perhaps, but I still believe that cost will play a bigger role with most of the target demographic. Success would definitely depend on finding the right location to carve your niche.

 

[michaelscheuren]

what about maintenance of the machines? would it be more expensive to run a steam washer because of the higher heat needed to make the steam? without using detergent, would it take longer to clean the clothes? i do like the idea though.:cheers:

 

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[neverfastenough]

As Aaron mentioned, I could see this only really succeeding in the Bay Area. Your market would be the prius- driving, wholefoods shopping hippies though. Not exactly a mass market...