Starting a Utah Laundromat Business

Utah is a top choice for small businesses because it consistently ranks among the best states in terms of taxes, low regulatory burdens, and entrepreneurial spirit. But these qualities don't mean opening a laundromat in The Beehive State will be smooth sailing. Even if you know the basics of starting a coin- operated laundromat, understanding what makes Utah's business landscape unique can be key to successfully planning and opening your own.

To start a laundromat business in Utah, you'll need a location, financing, equipment, and a solid grasp of state-specific operating and marketing regulations. If you need help accomplishing your laundromat startup checklist, let Western State Design assist. As an experienced laundry equipment distributor, we understand how to overcome the common obstacles faced by new laundromats in Salt Lake City, Provo, or nearby cities.

Research the Market

The Salt Lake City region is home to self-service coin-operated, cashless, and app-based laundries, plus full-service laundromats. You'll want to research all of these options to gain insights into the area's offerings and needs and discover gaps in service that your laundromat might fill.

Perform a market analysis (or ask Western State Design to assist) to discover local business opportunities for your laundromat. Review area companies, including their services, amenities, hours, and reviews, to gauge your competition and shape your business model.

Laundromat Industry Trends

An industry review can also help you explore new ideas, features, technology, or services you can bring to the area. Western State Design has been working with laundromats in this region for some time, making them experts on what works, what needs tweaking, and which new technology or features can set your business apart.

Select the Right Laundromat Location

Selecting a location to lease or build a laundromat requires a blend of market research, real estate insights, and infrastructure information. You'll want to consider the following factors when choosing a location:

Area Population

Densely populated areas can offer laundromats a larger network of potential customers. Consider locations that feature a concentration of:

Renters and multi-family dwellings, such as apartments or condos
College students
Tourists and short-term rentals, especially near Utah ski towns
New multi-unit housing developments

Zoning and Utility Regulations

Before opening a laundromat in Utah, you'll need to know that the location falls within the necessary zoning areas and meets infrastructure regulations. Your chosen location must be zoned for commercial businesses in Utah. A startup laundromat must also verify that the infrastructure:

Meets necessary codes
Provides adequate utilities
Is wastewater compliant
Has adequate lot size, parking and road access

Starting a laundromat business in Utah's bustling Salt Lake City versus a ski town like Park City — or building new versus rehabbing an existing place — may require different permits and regulations, depending on the business type and jurisdiction. Before breaking ground, take time to understand what's needed or ask Western State Design for guidance. Utah enforces strict rules on permitting, safety, and utility usage for laundromats, and violating any of these can put your business at risk of fines or delay the opening.

Competition Mapping

Utah's laundromat industry is highly competitive, but that doesn't mean new businesses can't find a location with a niche or untapped market. Closely studying your competition can ensure you select an advantageous property. Look for high-visibility locations, such as strip malls with anchor tenants and end-cap spaces, or consider rehabilitating a laundromat to leverage an established location (with potentially lower buildout costs) and attract former customers.

Fund Your Business Venture

Financing a laudromat business is expensive, but thankfully, it is also an excellent investment, which means you may find stakeholders to help get you started. As you finalize your laundromat startup checklist, keep these financial obligations in mind:

Business Registration and Permitting

To run a laundromat anywhere, you'll need to pay business registration fees and obtain licenses from state, country, and local governments. In Utah, a laundromat must obtain a general business license plus a variety of permits for the building, water usage and wastewater disposal, health and safety, and fire safety, among others. The specific requirements vary, but each permit can cost several hundred gollars, which can add up fast.

Marketing Laws and Constraints

Your marketing budget will likely be highest during the startup phase as you aim to build brand awareness and a market presence. While you may be tempted to use AI tools to cut advertising costs, Utah has strict marketing laws that generative campaigns may not abide by.

The state passed AI-centric advertising laws focused on specific industries, like healthcare and finance, but any Utah business should be diligent in its use of generative software and customer data collection tools to avoid fines and reputation risks. This means you may need to invest time and money in DIY laundromat marketing to ensure it's ethical, effective, and on brand.

Financing Machines and Equipment

Commercial laundry equipment is a big upfront expense when financing a laundromat busines. That's why so many people invest in Dexter equipment — it pays owners back with its reliability, quality, and efficiency. The problem is that industry-specific financing partners aren't available everywhere. Thankfully, Dexter Financial offers solutions for startup laundries to purchase equipment. They will contact your laundry equipment distributor in Utah once all the necessary documents are complete to streamline the delivery process.

Find Assistance for Your Laundromat Startup

Utah is a promising place to start a laundromat business, and not just because of growing demand. The state offers many tax and local incentives for new and established companies. Whether you're rehabilitating an older building or investing in a new retail location, you'll find various resources to help your business thrive.

Business Incentives and Deductions

Any Utah laundromat's startup checklist should include sourcing incentives and tax deductions. Taking advantage of the financial incentives at both the state and federal levels can make a difference in your bottom line. Here are a few programs and resources to check for possible savings and benefits.

Search the economic development section of the city's website to discover tax credits and grants specific to the area, such as incentives for hiring local Utah residents.
Federal Tax Incentives – Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software.
Utah has designated specific areas as Enterprise Zones, offering business owners certain tax credits for job creation and building rehabilitation.
Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart Business Program offers incentives to businesses upgrading to energy-efficient commercial equipment, lighting, and HVAC.

Equipment, Parts, and Service Partner

Even with a location and funding, a new laundromat owner may not have the expertise to get off to a smooth start. Instead of struggling, consider partnering with a local laundry equipment distributor. Western State Design's staff includes Vended Sales Specialists, consultants, coin laundry parts suppliers, and service technicians throughout Utah. These professionals have years of experience and industry insights to help your laundromat get up and running.

We'll help you start a laundromat business in Utah from start to finish, providing:

Consultation and design
Dexter commercial washer and dryer sales
Equipment delivery and installation
Service for all major commercial laundry brands
OEM coin-laundry parts supplier
Maintenance contracts and emergency repairs

If you have additional questions on opening a laundromat, don't hesitate to reach out to Western State Design for help. When you lean on us for machine sales, service, and repairs, you can stay focused on your customers to provide a better experience than the competition. Contact us today to discuss your new venture.