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In an era where companies are raising capital like heavyweight boxers in a title fight, and valuations are soaring as high as a SpaceX rocket, owners of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find themselves in a different battle — the fight for access to capital.
Over the past few weeks, I've had conversations with several aspiring entrepreneurs eager to break into the garment care industry, but they're grappling with limited capital.
So, today, we will tackle a topic close to their hearts (and wallets) — how to launch a mobile Pick-Up and Delivery (PUD) service on a shoestring budget.
Sometimes, we convince ourselves we need more resources than we do.
Look at what this laundry entrepreneur built with just a van and a cell phone.
Still not convinced?
Let’s debunk that myth by launching a hypothetical PUD company called "Mobile Laundry."
Here's the breakdown:
- Domain with protection (themobilelaundry.com): GoDaddy = $21.99/year
- Professional Email (No Gmail or Yahoo here, folks!): SparkMail's Free Plan = $0
- Web Hosting: Carrd = $19.00/year
- Website Template: Carrd = $0
- Online Order Form: Jotform or Google Forms = $0
- Google Business Profile, Yelp Profile, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn = $0 + Sweat Equity (Your time and effort)
- Scale: Mettler Toledo BC60 (legal for trade) = $690.00
- Laundry Tickets: Cleaners Supply = $9.85
- Poly Bags (30 gal): Cleaners Supply = $96.85
- Payment Processor Card Reader: SquareUp = $59.00
- Business cards: Uprinting.com = $35.53
- Flyers: Uprinting.com = $156.90
- Insurance: Varies by carrier - $300 - $500/month
- Delivery Route Planning: Circuit Route Planner - $0 (after 10 stops $20/month)
Our grand total to get started: $1,589.12
I assume you already have a car and an active cellphone account in this model.
You're pretty much in business with just $1,589.12 (and monthly insurance cost).
It's easy to look at established businesses in the garment care industry and feel the pressure to emulate their current state. But remember, they didn't get there overnight. More than likely, they started in a similar spot you're in today.
So, what do you think? Did I miss anything crucial for someone starting on a small budget?
That's all I got for today.
Waleed
✌️🏴☠️
P.S. If this editorial gave you any value, do me a favor, and share it with one person.
Thinking about, the thinking of laundry
From the thoughts of the theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Leave me a voicemail at (929) 276-1661
