Franchise | Tons of Bubbles Laundromat | Self Serve Laundromats in San Francisco

WELCOME TO TONS OF BUBBLES LAUNDROMAT

®

THE “NEIMAN MARCUS” OF LAUNDROMATS!

founded in 2004

Tons of Bubbles Laundromat sets the standard for the way self-serve laundromats should be! Founded in 2004, we have been serving the communities of San Francisco, Pacifica, and Walnut Creek, California with a premier approach to an essential service. We consider Tons of Bubbles Laundromat to be the “Neiman Marcus” of laundromats. The minute you step into our stores, you experience it all around you. Tons of Bubbles Laundromats offer an upscale laundromat experience by providing excellent locations, 5-star customer service, the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation, the best equipment, and an ambiance that makes our customers actually enjoy doing their laundry!

Tons of Bubbles Laundromat was born in 2004 in the electric town of the Western Addition of San Francisco, CA, where Deanna Caprini-Fusch, our founder and president, purchased her first laundromat. She immediately gutted the location and proceeded to develop the first Tons of Bubbles Laundromat. Within six months, the second Tons of Bubbles store opened at 998 Filbert Street, San Francisco. Since the opening of the first two stores, four other stores have been brought to life over the course of 19 years, offering high levels of service and an essential need to the residents of these communities.

Deanna has remained true to keeping the business model streamlined and simple, and her tried-and-true approach works! Deanna has proven over the course of 19 years that anything can be accomplished if you really want it. She firmly believes that hard work, hustle, and loving what you do are absolute keys to the longevity and success of a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise owner.

Ready to learn more? Please complete our Franchise Inquiry Form.

WHY OWN A TONS OF BUBBLES FRANCHISE?

Tons of Bubbles Laundromats operate in a growing industry. According to the American Coin-Op Annual State of the Industry Survey (2023-2024), nearly three-quarters of respondents (74.6%) say their overall self-service vended laundry business, in gross dollar volume, increased from that of 2022. By comparison, 71.4% reported increases in the 2022-23 survey. The average 2023 business increase was 13.9%, up slightly from 13.2% in 2022. Roughly 59% of respondents are optimistic that their 2024 total business will be better than 2023’s.

Additional benefits of owning a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise include:

A Proven Business Model: The Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat operating system is a proven business model, which reduces the risks associated with starting a new business from scratch.
Simple to Operate: A Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise does not require specialized skills or knowledge. We provide all the training, support and assistance you need to operate a successful self-serve laundromat.
Steady Demand & Recurring Revenue: Laundry is a necessity, so there is always a consistent demand for laundry services regardless of economic conditions. Laundry is also a recurring need, which provides a consistent revenue stream for your Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchise.
Resilience to Economic Downturns: We have found that laundry services tend to be recession resistant as individuals still need to clean their clothes even during tough economic times.
Low Labor Costs: A Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchise requires minimal, if any, staffing, which dramatically reduces labor costs compared to most other businesses.
Minimal Inventory: A Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchise does not require significant inventory management. Laundry soap and softeners, coffee cart supplies, and other ancillary items are easily and minimally stocked.
Low Customer Acquisition Costs: Once you have established your Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchise, you will benefit from repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, which reduces the need for ongoing marketing expenses.
Passive Income Potential: Once your Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchise is established and operating smoothly, it can generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort.
Exit Strategy: If you ever decide to sell your franchise, being a Tons Of Bubbles Laundromat franchisee can make it easier for you to find a buyer, as our brand recognition and proven business model can make it more attractive to potential investors. In addition, franchise businesses typically receive a higher valuation than independent businesses, as buyers often perceive franchises to be a lower-risk investment.

Ready to learn more? Please complete our Franchise Inquiry Form.

KEY STEPS TO FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP

Key steps to becoming a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise owner include:

1. Franchise Inquiry Form: The first step is to complete our Franchise Inquiry Form. Following our receipt of your Inquiry Form, we will email you and include a link to our e-Franchise Brochure that provides important details concerning Tons of Bubbles Laundromat, including a detailed breakdown of the initial franchise investment.

2. Introductory Conference Call or Web Meeting: Following your review of our e-Franchise Brochure, we will schedule an introductory conference call or web meeting to address any initial questions you have and discuss the Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise opportunity in more detail.

3. Franchise Presentation: During our introductory conference call or web meeting, we will discuss scheduling a time to share our Franchise Presentation with you. The online presentation enables us to take a deep dive into the Tons of Bubbles Laundromat business operation, including the process of identifying and selecting a location, our franchise training and support programs, financial information regarding our corporate affiliated locations, and other important aspects of the franchise business.

4. Franchise Disclosure Document Review: Following the Franchise Presentation, we will provide you a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Following your review, we will schedule a conference call or web meeting to discuss any questions you may have. If you would like to receive our FDD sooner, please contact us.

5. Pre-Qualification for Franchise Funding (if applicable): If you plan to finance your business, we will provide you contact information for two finance companies that specialize in the laundromat industry, or you may contact a local financial institution for assistance.

6. Franchise Discovery Day: The next step in our franchise process is to attend a Franchise Discovery Day. While this is not required, it is highly suggested. Discovery Day provides the opportunity for you to experience Tons of Bubbles Laundromat first-hand and tour our locations. Discovery Day also enables you to experience a “day-in-the-life” of a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise owner.

7. Franchise Application & Award of Franchise: The final step to becoming a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchisee is to complete our Franchise Application. Once we complete our review of your application and invite you to join our franchise network, we will provide you the Franchise Agreement for signing.

Ready to take the next step? Please complete our Franchise Inquiry Form.

What is the total investment required to open a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat Franchise?

The total investment required to open and begin operating a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise varies based on the Tons of Bubbles Laundromat Franchise Model you select. A New Build Franchise ranges from $815,800 to $1,959,800 and a Conversion Franchise ranges from $255,100 to $867,800.
What is the Franchise Fee?

Our Franchise Fee is $39,500. However, for the first 5 Franchises we grant, the Franchise Fee is discounted to $30,000. In addition, we offer a 10% discount to honorably discharged veterans. We also offer a Young Entrepreneur Scholarship where individuals 25 years of age or younger pay a discounted Franchise Fee of $22,000. To qualify for the Young Entrepreneur Scholarship program, the individual must be the majority owner of the franchise.
What types of locations are appropriate for a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise?

Strip centers, free-standing buildings, and out-parcel buildings are all great locations for a Tons of Bubbles franchise. Our stores typically range in size from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, although locations as small as 500 square feet are permitted depending on the market.
What is your Royalty Fee and Advertising Fee?

Our Royalty Fee is the greater of 6.5% of monthly gross sales or $867 per month. We do mandate a specific amount that Franchisees must spend on local advertising as each area can vary.
Do you offer Area Development (multi-unit) Franchises?

Yes. Area Developers pay the Initial Franchisee Fee for their first Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise and a discounted Franchisee Fee of $25,675 (35% discount) for each additional franchise location to be developed. We will mutually determine the size of the Area Development Territory and the timeframe to open the additional franchises based on the total number of franchises to be opened. The Area Development Fee is payable upon signing the Area Development Agreement. Area Developers also sign a Franchise Agreement for their first franchise location when signing the Area Development Agreement.
Does Tons of Bubbles Laundromat offer financing?

We do not offer direct financing. However, we can provide you referrals to two finance companies that specialize in the laundromat industry.
If I do not meet the minimum financial qualifications, am I permitted to partner with another individual who does?

Yes, provided your partner owns at least 50% of your Franchise Business.
How much can I earn from my Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise?

The Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule permits franchise companies to make “financial performance representations” (FPRs) in Item 19 of the FDD. We believe it is extremely important to do so as it helps prospective franchisees understand the financial aspects of our business. In Item 19 of our FDD, we provide an FPR that is based on our affiliated locations. The information will assist you in preparing financial projections for your Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise.
Do you permit absentee owners?

We permit semi-absentee owners to hire a manager to manage the franchise business. However, Franchise Owners are ultimately responsible for overseeing the franchise business. If you will hire a manager, both you and your manager are required to successfully complete our initial training program.
How long does it take to open a Tons of Bubbles Laundromat franchise?

The typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement and the opening of the Franchise Business can vary from 7 to 10 months. The factors that affect this period usually includes the time needed to secure any necessary financing, select a location for your Franchise Business, negotiate a lease, construct your Tons of Bubbles store, hire and train employees, and complete our Initial Training Program.

These costs are based in the San Francisco Bay Areas costs, fees, labor, rent, land etc. within this area of the state of California.

TOB FRANCHISE INQUIRY FORM

Please complete the Franchise Inquiry Form below. We will contact you upon our receipt to share additional information regarding the Tons of Bubbles Laundromat® franchise opportunity. You may also contact us via phone or email as listed below. We look forward to speaking with you!

Phone: 877-862-2004
Email: franchise@tonsofbubbles.com