How to Start a Laundry Franchise in India: Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

Rising disposable income, time-starved lifestyles, and a growing taste for convenience have laundry franchise companies in India exploding like never before.

Aspiring entrepreneurs have a great chance to create a profitable, future-ready company as urban and semi-urban populations are moving towards organised laundry and dry-cleaning services.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything—from choosing the correct brand to organising operations and effectively scaling—should you be wondering how to launch a laundry franchise in India?

Why Start a Laundry Franchise in India?

• Market Size: India’s laundry market is estimated at over ₹2.2 lakh crore, with more than 95% still unorganized.
• Urban Demand: Cities and Tier 2 towns are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for professional laundry solutions.
• Eco-Conscious Shift: People are now looking for sustainable and hygienic laundry options over traditional dhobi services.
• Recurring Revenue: Laundry is a necessity-based service, ensuring steady and repeat business.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Laundry Franchise in India

Step 1: Research the Market

• ✔️ Check local competition
• ✔️ Assess the income level and lifestyle of residents
• ✔️ Look for B2B opportunities with hostels, salons, hotels, and hospitals

Pro Tip: Tier 2 and 3 cities are underserved and hold high potential due to lower operational costs and rising demand.

Step 2: Choose the Right Laundry Franchise Brand

Not all franchise brands are equal. You need a partner who offers more than a name—technology, training, branding, and operational support are just as important.

🥇 DhobiLite – One of the Best Laundry Franchise in India

Established in 2011, DhobiLite is among India’s leading tech-driven laundry and dry-cleaning brands with a presence in 56+ cities.

Why Choose DhobiLite?

• ✔️ Proprietary app & CRM for order management
• ✔️ Eco-friendly detergents and sustainable washing systems
• ✔️ Full suite of services: dry cleaning, laundry, shoe & bag spa, carpet cleaning
• ✔️ Strong franchise support (setup, staff training, marketing, logistics)

Franchise Details:

• 💰 Investment: ₹7 lakhs – ₹2.5 Cr
• 📀 Area: 100 – 750 sq. ft.
• 💼 Payback Period: 12–18 months
• 📊 Profit Margins: Up to 70%

Visit www.dhobilite.com to explore franchise options.

Step 3: Finalize Your Business Model

Most laundry franchise brands in India offer multiple business models:

• Retail Store – Front-end customer walk-in store
• Processing Unit – Centralized backend washing facility
• Hub & Spoke Model – Central unit with pickup/drop points
• Express Outlets or Kiosks – Minimal area, focused on collection & delivery

Choose based on your budget, city size, and franchise brand’s recommendation.

Step 4: Secure the Investment & Location

Investment depends on the franchise model, city, and space you choose. A small collection outlet may cost around ₹7–10 lakhs, whereas a full-scale unit can go up to ₹25+ lakhs.

Location Tips:

• Prefer areas near residential societies, hostels, commercial complexes
• Easy accessibility and parking space are a plus
• Ground floor visibility improves walk-ins

Step 5: Sign the Franchise Agreement

Once your investment and location are finalized, sign a legal franchise agreement with your brand partner. Carefully review terms related to:

• ✔️ Royalty fees
• ✔️ Brand usage
• ✔️ Marketing obligations
• ✔️ Territory exclusivity
• ✔️ Training & operational support

Make sure to get legal advice before signing.

Step 6: Set Up the Infrastructure

Depending on the franchise model, you'll need the following:

Essentials for Setup:

• Washing machines & dryers (industrial grade)
• Steam irons or ironing boards
• Water tanks, plumbing, and drainage
• POS system or CRM software
• Pickup and delivery logistics (two-wheelers or vans)
• Staff hiring and training

DhobiLite offers full support in equipment selection, store design, tech setup, and even hiring help.

Step 7: Launch Marketing & Promotions

Your brand will typically support you with marketing collaterals, social media promotion, and sometimes even digital ad campaigns.

Promotions to Consider:

• Launch day offers (flat discounts or free first wash)
• Bulk discounts for societies and corporates
• Referral and loyalty programs
• Local SEO – target search terms like “best dry cleaners near me” or “laundry service in [your city]”

Don’t forget to list on Google Business Profile and relevant apps like UrbanClap, JustDial, and Zomato (for services, if applicable).

Step 8: Offer Excellent Service & Focus on Retention

Once the operations begin, service quality will decide your success.

Key Areas to Focus:

• Timely pickups and deliveries
• Clear billing & notifications via app/SMS
• Quality control in washing, ironing, packaging
• Customer feedback and complaint redressal

Happy customers = recurring income = profitable franchise.

Final Thoughts

Starting a laundry franchise in India is no more only a concept with cities in mind. Particularly with brands like DhobiLite driving the charge in structured, tech-enabled services, tier 2 and 3 cities are showing remarkable growth potential.

Choosing the correct brand and following this detailed guide will help you to create a laundry franchise with low risk, scalability, and great profitability.

Thus, now is the ideal moment for you to join the laundry franchise company in India regardless of your level of experience as an investor or aspirant entrepreneur.

Looking to invest in a proven laundry franchise?

✅ Visit www.dhobilite.com and explore how you can get started with DhobiLite—India’s trusted name in dry cleaning and laundry services.