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What Factors Contribute To Coin And Card Laundry Business Valuations?

We are finding that many laundry buyers and investors are not being given true light to selected elements of value or there are inconsistencies in the interpretation of these elements of value. This common error needs to be addressed. In this BizBen Discussion we address many of those factors.


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We are finding that many laundry buyers and investors are not being given true light to selected elements of value or there are inconsistencies in the interpretation of these elements of value. This common error needs to be addressed. It is important to realize that it is not so much the history of the business that establishes its value; but rather the confidence in the ability of the business to continue to perform over time; sufficiently for the anticipated return of investment.

These can be costly errors to all parties. First is the cost to the New Investor, who may understand these things and then not find a good laundry or may overpay for the laundry, causing problems in keeping up the business profitably going forward. This is also bad for the Broker, because of failed escrows resulting in loss of income, wasted time and efforts. It is certainly bad for the equipment companies and the lenders. When the investor purchases with these misunderstandings, the consequences result in a bad investment leading to a resistance to re-invest into the laundry. This means lower income, poorly run laundries and in the end possibly a loss of a part or all of the original investment. This is very costly and is also counterproductive as to the forward advancements of the industry.

Please consider:

The true value of a laundry is not based on its history but rather its ability to continue performing into the future. The laundry is a time-lined business. The Equipment and the Lease both age, deteriorate and/or expire. The elements just have to be there to make the whole thing work. In general, the Laundry is an Investment Business. In stating that, I qualify the term "Investment Business" as a business that relies largely on your Capitol Infusion rather than on your time invested into the business. It is true that if a proper model is put into place that a laundry can be well operated with as little as/or less than 6 hours of the investors physical time weekly.

The variable issues that are important for the Broker, Buyer, Seller, Landlord and Lender to understand in evaluation of the laundry or taking a listing are:

1. The Lease. Consider this, if one is unable to return the original investment plus a reasonable return throughout the investment within the agreed lease period, the investment risk is greatly increased and the selling price should reflect it.

2. The Ancillary Business, such as, Fluff & Fold, Agency, Mini Markets, games and especially those games that are closely related to gambling, do not carry the same weight as the Wash & Dry income. These should be evaluated on their individual merits.

As a norm, For Vending and Games (any), it is reasonable to assume a level of about 4% of Wash & Dry as normal income in this category. Higher levels need to be looked at differently. Again, the anticipated long-term capabilities of the ancillary are essential.

3. Payroll and Janitorial is an area that needs to be made sense of. In some cases a janitor and security person may be paid as an independent contractor at very low rate. Assuming that person is legal and the hours and expense are properly accounted for, that should be acceptable in the valuation. However, if there are questions or pay systems that are contrary to the norm they need to be closely looked at. The question is, if a Buyer can operate the laundry as it is now operated with the same results long term with the stated costs then the valuation would reflect that. Remember, if the owner and family are working in the laundry (excepting up to 6-8 hours), it is a payroll item and needs to be accounted for.

These issues are in addition to the more traditional elements of value such as: the equipment age & condition, the areas of competition, the demographics and the condition and perceived longevity of the building, and so on.

The high multipliers used in the valuation of the laundry are justified by the cost of its infrastructure, length of lease, and the anticipated long-term use of the equipment. At a minimum, a Business Buyer should have confidence that the income number, leasehold terms and equipment would hold for at least as many months as it would take to recover the anticipated investment.

Comments are appreciated ...

Demographics is a factor which contributes to the valuation of a laundry business, because in the area of the business, there should be many apartments and or renters who do not have a washer and dryer inside or a part of their unit. Many successful laundry businesses are located in lower income areas, and they are supported by that community. The business should have ample parking, and I have found that many are successful in small shopping centers that have about 5-10 or so units, because large shopping centers do have ample parking, but are many times taken up by the anchor store or other businesses in the center.



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