Boost Your Laundromat’s Off-Peak Hours with Smart Marketing

For many laundromats, peak hours are bustling, but during slower times, like mid-morning or early afternoon, it’s common to experience lulls in foot traffic. If you want to maximize revenue during these off-peak hours, targeted marketing can make a significant difference. Here are creative and practical strategies to drive business during slower periods according to marketing agency Spynr.

1. Offer Off-Peak Discounts

Promotions and discounts are tried-and-true methods to attract customers. Incentivize them to visit during off-peak hours by providing discounts or special offers that apply only during certain times of the day.

– Early Bird Specials: Offer a discount for customers who come in before noon on weekdays.

– Lunchtime Laundering: Promote a “Lunch Break” special where customers get 10-20% off if they come in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

– Happy Hour for Laundry: Set up a “Laundry Happy Hour” in the late afternoon with reduced prices on select services.

2. Create a Loyalty Program for Off-Peak Visitors

A loyalty program encourages repeat business by rewarding customers for coming in frequently. Target your loyalty program toward off-peak times to give people a reason to visit when it’s typically quieter.

– Off-Peak Points: Award double points for customers who use your services during off-peak hours.

– Rewards for Repeat Business: Offer a discount or free service for every fifth off-peak visit. This can be an extra load, a detergent sample, or even a free coffee if you provide in-laundry refreshments.

3. Leverage Digital Advertising and Targeted Social Media

With digital ads, you can reach customers right when they’re planning their day. Consider platforms like Facebook, Google Ads, or Instagram to promote off-peak hours with highly targeted ads.

– Geo-targeted Ads: Show ads to people within a certain radius of your laundromat, encouraging them to stop by when they’re nearby during off-peak times.

– Time-Specific Promotions: Use Facebook’s time-based ad scheduling to run ads only during off-peak hours, reminding people to take advantage of your special discounts.

– Social Media Reminders: Post reminders and promotions on your social media profiles to let your followers know about exclusive deals they can snag by coming in at quieter times.

4. Host Off-Peak Events

Events and themed days can add excitement to the laundromat experience and draw in more customers during slow times.

– Weekly Themed Days: Try ideas like “Laundry & Lattes” where customers receive a free coffee during certain hours, or “Kid-Friendly Tuesdays” with coloring books and small toys to keep children entertained.

– Pop-Up Services: Partner with a local vendor, such as a coffee cart, bakery, or food truck, to set up outside your laundromat on slower days.

– Community Events: Host community events like a “Clean Closet Day” where customers can bring old clothes to donate and get a discount on their wash.

In Conclusion

Try a few of these strategies to see what resonates best with your customers, and watch as your off-peak hours start to thrive!