How to set prices for your laundry and dry-cleaning services
Pricing is one of the hardest parts of running a laundry. Charge too little and you work hard for nothing; charge too much and customers go elsewhere. And if you price from memory, two customers can pay different amounts for the same shirt. Here is a simple approach.
Start with your costs
Before you set a price, know what each order costs you. Add up a typical month of:
- detergent, starch and stain removers
- fuel or electricity for washing machines, dryers and irons
- water
- rent and staff wages
- packaging (nylon bags, hangers, tags)
Divide by roughly how many pieces you handle in a month. That gives you a rough cost per piece. Your prices must sit comfortably above it.
Price by item and service, not just by item
A shirt that is only ironed takes less work than a shirt that is washed, starched and ironed. Build your price list as a grid:
| Item | Wash & Iron | Iron only | Dry clean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Trousers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agbada | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Duvet | ✓ | ✓ |
Fill in a price for each box you offer. Heavy or delicate items (agbada, duvets, curtains, wedding gowns) should cost more because they take more time, space and care.
Charge for speed
Customers who need their clothes the same day or next day are taking priority over everyone else. An express charge, often a percentage on top of the normal price, is fair and common. Decide your rate once and apply it the same way every time.
Add pickup and delivery fees separately
If you collect or deliver clothes, keep those fees separate from the washing price. That way discounts and express charges don’t change your transport costs, and customers can see exactly what they are paying for.
Write it down and stay consistent
The most important rule: every customer should get the same price for the same work. A written price list (or an app that remembers it) avoids arguments and makes your shop look professional.
Review every few months
Detergent, fuel and electricity prices change. Check your costs every three to six months and adjust your prices if you need to.
How WashPadi helps
In WashPadi, you set a price for each item and service once. Every order then adds up automatically, including discounts, your express charge, and pickup and delivery fees, so every customer is charged the same way. You can add a new item or price right while taking an order.
Download WashPadi free and set up your price list in minutes.