Business Bio: Marysville Laundry Station

Craig Wells
Marysville Laundry Station
Marysville, Wash.Before Getting into the Laundry Business…Craig used to work in a grocery store.Store OpeningJanuary 1, 2004Business Hours6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, with the last wash beginning at 9:00 p.m.StaffThree full-time attendants and one part-time employeeTotal Square Footage4,000 square feetParking AvailabilityMarysville Laundry Station has two entrances, one in the front and one in the rear. There are five parking spaces at each entrance. There also is a large parking lot near the store for a local gym and church.Lease or OwnCraig leases the store’s location. The lease is 10 years, with a five-year option. He is currently in the second year of his second 10-year lease.The BuildingMarysville Laundry Station was an existing laundromat when Craig took over. The store has been in business since 1962.Turns per DayFour to fiveUtility CostsUtility costs represent 23 percent of the laundry’s gross sales.Marketplace DemographicsThe store is located in a strong rental area, with mid- to low-income residents and many families.CompetitionThere is one competitor in the area, and this laundry has been in business since 1982.Payment OptionsMarysville Laundry Station accepts coins and credit/debit cards.Washers and DryersThe store’s vend prices vary, depending on customer water level and temperature selections through the Speed Queen Quantum control system. Additionally, on the last Thursday of each month, all washers are half-price for Customer Appreciation Day.5 Speed Queen toploaders, $3.00-$5.50
12 Speed Queen 20-pound frontloaders, $2.50-$4.25
5 Speed Queen 40-pound frontloaders, $5.50-$7.50
2 Speed Queen 60-pound frontloaders, $7.50-$10.00
1 Speed Queen 100-pound frontloader, $10.50-$14.00
12 Speed Queen 30-pound stack dryers, $1.00 to start the machine for 12 minutes, and 25 cents for each four additional minutes
11 Speed Queen 75-pound dryers, $1.50 to start the machine for 15 minutes, and 25 cents for each three additional minutesWater Heating SystemHamilton Engineering EVO water heating systemCard SystemCard Concepts Inc. card systemBill Changers2 Rowe BC12 bill changersLaundry Carts10 R&B Wire Products laundry cartsFolding Tables10 Solomatic folding tables with granite topsFlooringVCT flooringLightingFour-foot, energy-efficient T12 lightingSoap Vending1 Vend-Rite Manufacturing soap vending machine, price varyBeverage Vending1 Royal 12-selection soda vending machine, 75 centsSnack Vending1 Automatic Products Snack Shop 7600 vending machine, prices varyTelevisions1 70-inch flatscreen televisionChildren’s Play AreaThe laundry features a 10- by 10-foot play area for toddlers. It includes a table with magnets, a chalkboard and toys.Additional Amenities• Free Wi-Fi access
• 3 computers with internet access
• Free touchscreen video games
• 1 Vend-Rite Manufacturing laundry bag machine, with two different sized bagsWash-Dry-Fold Service$1.24 per pound; 10-pound minimumCommercial AccountsCraig services multiple commercial accounts for area businesses. Marysville Laundry Station cleans towels, aprons and rags for local espresso stands, a local restaurant and a metal casting company. The laundry business also has contracts with the county park to wash linens in the rental cabins (sheets, blankets, towels, etc.) and with Northwest Rentals to wash blankets, towels and linens in the RV rentals. These costs vary per client.DistributorDynamic Sales & Service, Kirkland, Wash., (425) 823-4300