Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>How to start a washing machine business
Last updated: 2 January 2025
How to start a washing machine business
When it comes to knowing how to start a washing machine business, we’re here to talk you through what you need to do. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to start a washing machine business with confidence.
Whether you’re planning to sell washing machines, repair them, or offer a laundry service, it’s important to consider the key steps for how to start a washing machine business.
Did you know there were over 178,000 searches for washing machine repairon the Checkatrade website in 2025 alone?* There is customer interest, so do you feel up to the challenge?
In this guide, you’ll find our top tips and advice on how to start your new business – from the practical steps to training courses. So, let’s get started…
What is a washing machine business?
When talking about a ‘washing machine business’, there are several types of services that you plan to offer. They include:
Selling new washing machines
Repair and maintenance services
Washing machine installations
Renting out or leasing washing machines
Launderette-style services (self-service washing and drying)
Laundry pick-up and delivery services
Washing machine recycling and disposal
The way you start your washing machine business may vary slightly, depending on the services you offer. But many of the steps will be similar.
Steps for starting a washing machine business
The best way to start a new business is to think ahead. Whether that is working with washing machines, or in any other trade.
That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help get you started:
1. Research the market
Before you do anything, you need to understand if there’s a demand for your washing machine services:
Speak to friends, neighbours and local businesses to see if there’s an appetite for your new business
Look at what washing machine businesses already exist in your area and review their pricing and the services they offer
Identify who your target audience will be, e.g. will they be students, professionals, or families?
Doing your homework on the market at the start can save you a lot of effort and stress later on.
2. Decide on the services to offer
Finding your niche will help you become the go-to business for those washing machine services in your area.
As mentioned above, some of the routes you could take with your washing machine business include:
Selling washing machines to customers
Repairing broken machines and regular maintenance
Offering a launderette service
Renting out washing machines to individuals and/or businesses
Decide which service(s) you want to focus on that will have a high enough demand locally. You may want to offer a combination of services.
Get your washing machine business started
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3. Create a washing machine business plan
The key to success is planning. So, take time to put together a thorough washing machine business plan.
By creating a clear plan, you should cover the key aspects of your business, including:
Choosing your business structure of sole trader vs limited company
Estimating your business costs (equipment, vehicle, licensing, marketing, running costs), expected revenue, and how you plan to make a profit
A strategy for growing your business once you’re established, such as offering additional services or hiring a team
Finding the right location if you’re going to have a physical location for your business, like a launderette
The more you prepare and plan your business, the more likely you’ll succeed in running a thriving business.
How to write a business plan
Why use a business plan for a small business? Every business needs to create a business plan. But what is it? A business plan is a written document that outlines: 1. Where you are now 2. Where you want your business to be in the future 3. How you're going to get there. A clear business plan will
4. Register your business
With a clear idea of what your new washing machine business is, it’s time to sort out all the legal stuff:
Register with HMRC as either a sole trader or limited company (and for a limited company you’ll also need to register with Companies House)
If you plan to employ staff, make sure you’re aware of employment laws and payroll requirements
Check local council regulations to see if they will affect the washing machine services you’re going to offer
If your estimated annual turnover is more than £85,000 then you’ll need to register for VAT too
You can also find a lot of useful information about registering your business on Gov.uk.
5. Invest in the right equipment
Whatever washing machine services you’re going to offer, you’ll need reliable equipment to be a successful business, such as:
Washing machines (if you’re opening a launderette, invest in energy-efficient machines to save you money in the long run)
Industrial dryers that can top with bulk drying
Ironing equipment and clothes presses
Folding tables
Laundry trolleys
Maintenance tools
Make a list of the tools, materials and equipment you need. Then research reliable suppliers and start building a relationship with them.
Want to save money on business essentials? Joining Checkatrade gives you access to exclusive offers and discounts with our partners.
Get your washing machine business started
Find more work with confidence via Checkatrade
6. Set up your business insurance
As a new business owner, it’s important to protect your business and equipment with the appropriate insurance policies. Consider the following:
Public Liability Insurance – Protects your business against any damage or injury claims that may arise while you’re working
Tools & Equipment Insurance – Enjoy peace of mind that your washing machines and other equipment are protected in the event of theft or damage
Vehicle Insurance – If you use a business vehicle, you need to have the right commercial vehicle insurance
To get the best insurance deals, shop around and get multiple quotes from different insurance providers.
Checkatrade members save 20% on public liability insurance with Superscript
The right insurance is just as essential as the tools of your trade. It can protect you and your livelihood from any incidents. It can also provide cover for your clients should anything happen while you're on site. You might be thinking that "insurance is expensive!" So, to help you get covered for
7. Plan pricing for your services
To plan your pricing strategy, start by looking at what your competitors are charging for similar services.
To ensure that you make a profit from your washing machine services, you’ll need to:
Factor in all the costs of running your business, including initial set-up costs, equipment, materials, any travel costs, etc
Decide how you’re going to charge, e.g. per wash, per hour, with memberships, bulk discounts, etc
Be competitive compared to your competitors’ prices for similar services
Offer discounts and/or service plans for regular bookings
Want to know more about pricing services? Take a look at our guide below:
How to price your services
Your pricing strategy will ultimately dictate how much revenue you generate and what profit you can make. We’ve put together an overview of the main types of pricing strategies to help you with the pricing strategy for your business. What is a pricing strategy? Simply put, your pricing strategy
8. Promote your new business
Once your washing machine business is set up and ready to go, it’s time to let everyone know about it.
The best way to get the word out is to combine a variety of marketing and advertising activities, including:
Digital marketing that includes a well-designed business website that’s optimised for SEO, social media activity, and paid online ads
Traditional print marketing that targets potential customers in your local area
Word of mouth encouraged by you offering first-rate washing machine services – and maybe a referral scheme
It’s worth noting that every business is different, so try different ways to promote your business and see what works. Then do more of that.
Our members get more for their money
Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
9. Embrace sustainability
Customers are increasingly eco-conscious, which means they’re often attracted to businesses that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Consider how you can run your washing machine business as sustainably and energy-efficiently as possible. For example:
Installing eco-friendly machines
Offering water saving devices
Using recycled hosing
Read our guide below that features our top tips and advice to help you make your business more sustainable:
How to make a business more sustainable
What is a sustainable business strategy? You hear a lot these days about being more sustainable. It applies to both individuals and businesses. What does sustainable mean for tradespeople running their own businesses? Two of the ways that tradespeople can address the need to be more sustainable are
10. Keep track of and grow your business
The best way to secure the future of your business is to pay attention to the here and now.
Keep track of how your business is doing and be prepared to evolve as and when needed.
Wondering how you can grow your washing machine business? Start by reading our top tips for growing a trade business.
Tips for starting a commercial washing machine business
In addition to following the steps above, here are some helpful tips to remember while starting your commercial washing machine business:
Plan, plan, and plan some more so that you’re as prepared as possible to run your own business
Always offer excellent customer service by being friendly, reliable and communicating well with your clients
Be eco-conscious with your business and use eco-friendly products and materials, where possible
Reach out for help when you need it, whether that’s hiring an accountant, speaking to a business bank manager, or asking loved ones for advice
Track all your finances with vigilant bookkeeping so that you know how much money you’re making and spending at any point in time
Evolve when needed by offering new services, focusing on specialist work, or covering a larger area
Be patient and understand that it will take time to get established and build a solid reputation
Starting a new washing machine business can be an exciting venture. And, hopefully, one that you're going to love and thrive from.
Get your washing machine business started
Find more work with confidence via Checkatrade
Washing machine repair training courses
If you’re planning to offer washing machine repairs but don’t currently have all the skills, it’s time to do some training.
In the UK, washing machine repair training courses are available for both beginners and experienced engineers.
Common types of washing machine repair courses in the UK include:
General appliance repair courses
City & Guilds Level 2/3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
Manufacturer-specific training (Whirlpool, Beko)
NVQ in Engineering Maintenance
Online and short appliance repair courses
Apprenticeships in electrical installation and maintenance
Specialised diagnostics and fault-finding courses
Speak to local colleges and training centres to find out which courses are available near you. They’ll also be able to offer advice on the best courses for you.
How to become an appliance engineer
Why become an appliance engineer? Becoming an appliance engineer is an excellent career choice. With so many people choosing to repair their old appliances, engineers are increasingly in demand. As an appliance engineer, you'll work on a wide variety domestic and commercial jobs. One of the most
Boost your business with Checkatrade
Marketing a business costs time and money, so it’s important to focus on activities that will help you build your business.
With our digital marketing strategy and strong online presence, becoming a Checkatrade member makes it easier for customers to find you.
Be seen by customers with a business profile on the UK’s leading trade directory
Get an online listing on Google
Access more job leads – there were over 178,000 searches for washing machine repair on the Checkatrade website in 2025 alone*
The Checkatrade tick that homeowners trust can help you secure more work
Save money with exclusive access to offers and discounts from our partners
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Getting to grips with a Checkatrade membership
As a Checkatrade member, you and your new washing machine business can benefit from features such as:
Display customer reviews, testimonials, and examples of your work on your profile page
Control your flow of leads by marking your availability in the Checkatrade app
Manage customer enquiries on-the-go, directly from the app – keeping everything in one handy place
With the Checkatrade tick by your name, it makes your marketing just that little bit easier.
We’ll also help you with free marketing materials and exclusive discounts on business essentials.
Our members get more for their money
Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2025