Methodology
Methodology and disclosure
Model and primary-source links reviewed August 27, 2026
This page documents how the calculator turns local assumptions into startup cost, financing, working-capital, and break-even estimates. It also explains freshness, ads, affiliate links, and the limits of the model.
Formula assumptions
Cost ranges used by the model
| Assumption | Range | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Washer unit | $1,800 - $13,000 | New, used, and mixed packages use separate washer assumptions. |
| Dryer unit | $1,200 - $9,800 | Dryer pricing is modeled before site-specific venting changes. |
| Install per machine | $450 - $1,500 | Delivery, setting, hookup, and startup labor allowance. |
| Payment system | $7,000 - $35,000 | Card, mobile, reader, kiosk, or network setup allowance. |
| Water heater and support | $9,000 - $35,000 | Shared utility support included in equipment totals. |
| Buildout per sq ft | $25 - $425 | Light refresh through heavy plumbing buildout. |
| Permits and licenses | $1,500 - $12,000 | Local approval costs vary by city, sewer, signage, and inspection scope. |
| Minimum cash buffer | $20,000 - $90,000 | Used when the selected working-capital months produce too little cash reserve. |
Operating and capacity assumptions
Monthly utilities
$85 - $230
Per machine, before local utility-rate overrides.
Monthly payroll
$3,000 - $12,000
Attendant, cleaning, and routine coverage allowance.
Monthly insurance
$450 - $1,600
Operating insurance estimate, separate from opening binders.
Monthly supplies
$10 - $35
Per machine allowance for detergent, bags, refunds, and floor supplies.
Maintenance reserves are 3% for new packages, 5% for mixed packages, and 8% for used packages.
Disclosures, freshness, and limitations
Affiliate disclosure
Partner buttons may route through /go/[partner] and may earn a commission when a configured referral is available. Destination URLs and enabled flags are read from environment variables, not committed source values.
Ad disclosure
The site may show Google AdSense placements when publisher configuration is present. Ad slots are reserved after results, in long-form content, or near the footer so they do not interrupt calculator inputs.
Limitations
Outputs are planning estimates, not legal, tax, insurance, lending, valuation, or construction advice. Confirm vendor quotes, lease terms, permits, utility capacity, and financing documents before committing capital.
Update cadence
Assumptions are reviewed quarterly, after material buildout or equipment pricing changes, and when calculator warnings reveal a recurring mismatch. Last reviewed: August 27, 2026.
Primary planning references
- ENERGY STAR commercial clothes washers — efficiency criteria and product context; use manufacturer specifications for the exact machine.
- U.S. Small Business Administration startup-cost guide — categories to include in a launch budget.
- EPA WaterSense — water-efficiency context; local water and sewer tariffs must come from the serving utility.