Everything About On-Demand Laundry App Development – Process, Cost, and Key Features

Are you looking for weekend plans? What about some “Laundry and Chill”? We bet most of you will say ‘Yes’ to chilling but ‘No’ to laundry.

We understand, sorting out dirty clothes, washing, drying, and folding them into neat piles could be a hectic task, especially for working professionals.

Luckily, technology is making this chore easier. Whether it’s about using a washing machine for a quick wash or a dryer to dry clothes, the technology continues to advance with time.

One such technological innovation is an on-demand laundry app. These apps not only take the stress out of doing laundry but also save time.

But before we proceed further, let’s understand what an on-demand laundry app is all about.

What Does On-Demand Laundry App Mean?

The term “On-demand laundry app” refers to a mobile application that allows users to avail laundry services- be it washing, ironing, folding, dry cleaning, or other special cleaning tasks at their convenience. 

Just like other on-demand services such as Uber and Zomato, an on-demand laundry app works based on the real-time demands of the users. When a user makes a service request, the app matches the order with an available service provider who will then complete the task. The entire process of booking, scheduling, and payment happens seamlessly through the app.

Working Principle of an On-Demand Laundry App

 

Many of these apps operate through partnerships with local laundry and dry-cleaning establishments. The process typically begins with users downloading the app onto their mobile devices, creating an account, and setting up their preferences.

Once registered, users can conveniently schedule a pick-up for their laundry, specifying their preferred date and time. During this step, they’re prompted to provide essential details such as:

• Service Type: Like -washing, drying, ironing, dry cleaning, and more.
• Address: The location where the pick-up and delivery will take place.
• Clothing Details: Specify what types of clothing items they’re sending, such as shirts, dresses, or suits, along with any special instructions.

The app then sends a notification to the laundry service provider about the new order. Once the laundry service provider accepts the order, a delivery person or the provider themselves picks up the laundry from the specified address.

After the laundry is cleaned as per the requested service, the user is notified, and the clean clothes are delivered back to the user at their chosen time and location. The user can make the payment through the app using their preferred mode of payment.

Now that you understand what it is and how it works, let’s take a look at how big the laundry app market is.

Understanding the Market of On-Demand Laundry Apps

As per the data from Verified Market Research, the global market size of on-demand laundry service in 2021 was valued at USD 17.85 Billion. And, in future ie. in 2030- this may reach USD 27.63 Billion

Based on the common laundry services offered- the Laundry Care segment is projected to dominate the market due to the growing emphasis on good health, clean homes, and clothes. 

Furthermore, based on the application, the Commercial segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for laundry services in hotels, hospitals, and restaurants. 

These increasing numbers clearly say that the demand for online laundry services is booming, which is great news for budding entrepreneurs. They can plan to enter this market with some new and unique ideas. 

Why Should You Invest In Developing an On-Demand Laundry App?

People lead increasingly busy lives and anything that saves time is appreciated. With traditional laundry services, individuals have to drop off their laundry and then remember to pick it up later, which can be a hassle. 

The on-demand laundry apps have automated this process. Such apps offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need for customers to leave their homes or offices.

Whereas, in the context of laundry, shops get increased business from users who may not have considered using their services before due to their inconvenient locations or business hours.

Similarly, there are many other reasons why you should invest in developing an on-demand laundry app,

1. Increase in the Usage Graph

In the world of laundry services, optimizing physical space and enhancing the overall customer experience is a perpetual challenge. Crowded laundry facilities can deter customers, and often, people are seeking convenient alternatives. 

Digital laundry apps can significantly boost usage, as many individuals prefer the ease of scheduling laundry pickups and drop-offs through their smartphones. 

Moreover, for those who prefer the in-person experience, the app can streamline the process by allowing users to reserve a washing machine or dryer in advance, thus minimizing waiting times.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement:

On-demand laundry mobile apps are a powerful tool for building and maintaining strong customer relationships. They enable seamless communication with customers, fostering brand loyalty. 

Through the app, you can keep customers informed about service updates, such as special promotions, new offerings, or schedule changes. 

Also, you can engage with your customer base by performing stuff like –

• organizing contests
• conducting surveys
• promptly addressing their feedback and concerns
• providing rewards and discounts
• creating and sharing content

All these activities, ultimately create a sense of community and trust.

3. Efficient Payment Processing

In today’s digital era, offering convenient payment options is paramount for customer satisfaction. By integrating secure payment gateways into your laundry app, you simplify the payment process for users. 

This not only makes it easier for customers to settle their bills but also frees up valuable staff time that can be redirected toward other essential tasks. The more payment methods your app accepts, the more versatile and user-friendly it becomes.

4. Online Presence, Reviews, and Ratings

On-demand laundry apps provide a competitive advantage in the laundry service industry by establishing a robust online presence. They serve as a platform for customers to review and rate your services, contributing to the credibility and trustworthiness of your brand. 

Additionally, these apps facilitate the collection of valuable customer feedback, enabling your laundry service to promptly identify and address any issues or concerns. 

Proactive responses to customer feedback can lead to improved service quality and customer satisfaction, ultimately strengthening your business’s reputation.

So, with these significant advantages of on-demand laundry apps, it is not surprising that it is a booming industry. Even if you are not in the laundry business, you can still benefit from this app development strategy.

So, let’s know what are steps involved in developing an on-demand laundry app,

How To Develop an On-Demand Laundry App?

You can follow the below steps to develop your own on-demand laundry app.

Step 1. On-Demand Laundry App Ideation and Research

Start by researching and identifying the specific niche within the on-demand laundry service market that you want to target. 

Although, there are several on-demand laundry apps currently on the market, each offering different features to attract their targeted users. 

Some focus on offering same-day service, while others may provide bulk service discounts or rewards programs. A few even go the extra mile by providing professional cleaning advice and maintenance tips through their app.

Therefore, have a look at all the possibilities that are open to you to make your app idea a unique and profitable app.

Furthermore, you consider factors like laundry type (e.g., dry cleaning, regular laundry, specialty items), service offerings, and pricing strategies. 

The market research on the laundry service market is to understand your target audience, their preferences, and their pain points. 

Step 2. Consulting an On-Demand App Development Partner

Hiring an experienced mobile app development company is essential. Why? This is because, they provide valuable insights, help with market research, and guide you in building a successful laundry app. 

So, collaborate with the right laundry app development firm and define your app’s core features and functionalities and the business model you will go with.

Step 3. Technological Stack and Architecture Planning

Work with your development partner to choose the appropriate technology stack for your on-demand laundry app. Because it is obvious when you are new to this, selecting between different technologies like Flutter, React Native, Ionic, etc. is an overall headache.

However, you can’t go wrong with this; besides, while selecting, ensure the stack can support essential features like –

• User accounts
• Order management
• Payment processing
• Real-time tracking. 

Besides, discuss the app’s architecture to accommodate scalability and performance, considering factors like cloud hosting and data storage.

Step 4. On-Demand Laundry App UI/UX Design & Prototyping

When it comes to designing sections, hire UI/UX designers to create an intuitive and user-friendly design for your app. The design should make the laundry booking and management process as straightforward as possible. Prototypes and clickable designs can help visualize how the app will work and ensure easy navigation for users.

Step 5. On-Demand Laundry App Development

Begin with the development of the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) for your laundry app. The MVP should include the essential features needed to provide a basic laundry service. Once the MVP is complete, analyze user feedback and assess its potential. 

If it’s well-received, proceed with full-fledged app development, incorporating additional features and functionalities.

Step 6. On-Demand Laundry App Testing, Quality Assurance, and Launch

Thoroughly test your on-demand laundry app to ensure its quality. This includes functional testing, usability testing, security testing, and more. Address any bugs or issues before the app’s official launch. 

Once you’re confident in the app’s quality, launch it on platforms relevant to your target audience, such as Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS.

Step 7. Post-launch Support & Maintenance

Maintaining your on-demand laundry app is essential to keep it competitive and user-friendly. Technology evolves, and user expectations change, so you’ll need to provide regular updates and maintenance. 

Ensure that your app development partner offers full-cycle support, including future updates, bug fixes, and ongoing improvements.

Key Features That On-Demand Laundry App Should Have

An efficient on-demand laundry app generally comprises the following key features:

For Users:

Sign Up Screen:

It is to allow potential users to create a personal profile by entering their name, address for laundry pick-up and delivery, and payment information. This feature will ensure that the app knows who you are and how to make transactions securely.

Choose Service:

Similar to browsing a restaurant menu, users should have a range of laundry services to select from. For example, whether you want a regular laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing, or washing of specific items such as bedsheets or heavy garments. 

The user interface should be clear, and straightforward, and enable users to select their preferred services in a few easy steps.

Schedule Pick-up:

For the user’s convenience, the app should have a feature to schedule a pickup and delivery as per the user’s chosen time. It will help those who have hectic schedules and want their laundry to be picked up and delivered at a specified time.

Track Orders:

This feature provides real-time tracking of your laundry, much like tracking a package you’ve ordered online.  With this, it is easy for users to follow up on their laundry status right from pick up, washing, drying, and folding to delivery.

Pay Securely:

Just as you securely make payments when shopping online, users can pay for laundry services through various methods like credit cards, and digital wallets, or opt for cash on delivery. The app should have an integrated secure payment system allowing users to make online payments easily. 

Price Estimator:

To provide transparency in billing, a price estimator can be included where the users can check the estimated cost before placing an order.

Order History:

There should be an option where users can access their order history, making it easy to reorder their favorite services. 

Push Notifications:

A great way to keep customers engaged is through push notifications. use this feature to let the user get updates about new offers, order status, and important information about their laundry service.

In-App Chat:

To facilitate smooth communication, the app should have an in-app chat option allowing customers to communicate with service providers in case of any query or complaint.

For Laundry Service Providers:

Vendor Registration/Login:

The app should have a separate interface for service providers where they can register/login to manage their services.

Order Management:

An efficient order management feature is crucial to streamline and track all orders, including the status of pick-up, washing, ironing, folding, delivery, etc.

Availability Settings:

Service providers should have the ability to manage their availability. They can specify the timings and days they are available to take orders.

Find Locations:

Access to customer addresses for pick-up and delivery is vital. It’s like a GPS guiding a delivery driver to the destination. It ensures that the laundry service can reach customers efficiently and on time.

See Earnings:

Laundry service providers can monitor their earnings and transaction history, much like a restaurant keeps track of its daily sales and expenses. This financial insight helps providers manage their business effectively.

Chat with Customers:

This feature enables direct communication with customers, allowing for order clarification and addressing special requests. 

For Admins:

Dashboard:

A comprehensive dashboard for viewing and managing all activities including order details, customer information, payment history, feedback, and service areas. It should allow admins to filter, sort, and search information easily for better management.

User Management:

The ability to manage all user profiles. This feature should let admins view and edit customer information, manage customer issues, and block users, if necessary.

Order Management:

Complete access to order tracking to oversee the full cycle of the laundry service, from pickup to delivery.

Revenue Management:

Tracking of all earnings, payments, and transactions. Admins should also be able to generate reports to analyze their financial progress.

Price Setting:

The application should enable admins to set or adjust prices for different laundry services and add discounts or promotional offers.

Immediately, the next question that might come to your mind is -how much will it cost to develop an on-demand laundry app?

Cost To Develop an On-Demand Laundry App

As an estimate, the development cost of an on-demand laundry app might range from $15,000 to $30,000 for a basic app, and it might go beyond $60,000 for a feature-rich, more complex app.

Moreover, there are several additional factors that significantly influence the overall development cost. Therefore, offering a precise project cost estimate can be challenging. Nevertheless, one can take certain factors into account to arrive at an approximate figure. Here are some key considerations:

1. App Complexity:

If you want your on-demand laundry app to have multiple features and capabilities, you will have to spend more. Yes, app complexity is one of the key determinants of development cost. 

On-Demand Laundry App Level	Core Features	Estimated Cost
Basic	User registration, laundry request, scheduling, basic payment options	$15,000 – $30,000
Medium Complexity	Basic features + real-time order tracking, push notifications, multiple payment gateways, user reviews	$30,000 – $60,000
Advanced	Basic and medium features + machine learning for order optimization, integration with laundry service providers, route optimization, loyalty programs	$60,000 – $100,000+

 

2. Development Phases:

Creating an on-demand laundry app usually involves three primary stages – pre-development, development, and post-development. Each of these stages has its own associated costs.

However, one of the crucial elements in building an on-demand laundry app is design. If you lack the requisite expertise, hiring a professional app design company would be beneficial.

These firms employ specialists who have extensive knowledge of user interfaces and user experiences. They would provide invaluable input that can significantly enhance your app’s functionality and visual appeal.

• Strategy and Planning: $1,000 – $3,000.
• UI/UX Design: $3,000 – $10,000.
• App Development: Costs can vary widely based on complexity and hourly rates. It could range from $10,000 – $50,000 or more.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: $2,000 – $10,000.
• Deployment and Support: $1,000 – $5,000.

3. App Features and Functionalities:

The more things your app can do, like scheduling, tracking orders, and securing payments, the more it might cost.

• User Registration and Profiles: $1,000 – $5,000.
• Service Request and Scheduling: $3,000 – $10,000.
• Real-Time Order Tracking: $2,000 – $8,000.
• Push Notifications: $1,000 – $5,000.
• Payment Integration: $3,000 – $10,000.
• Reviews and Ratings: $2,000 – $8,000.
• Route Optimization (for drivers): $5,000 – $15,000.
• Machine Learning for Order Optimization: $10,000 – $20,000+.
• Loyalty Programs: $5,000 – $15,000.

4. Location of Development:

Where the development team is located plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of the on-demand laundry app. Developers from North America tend to be more expensive, while those from Asian countries offer services at lower rates. 

Moreover, whether you are hiring a freelancer, a small team, or a full-fledged development agency, can also affect the total development cost.

• Onshore (e.g., the United States): Higher development costs, ranging from $80 to $250 per hour.
• Nearshore (e.g., Eastern Europe): Moderate development costs, ranging from $40 to $120 per hour.
• Offshore (e.g., India): Lower development costs, ranging from $20 to $80 per hour.

5. Additional Costs:

• App Hosting and Maintenance: Around $100 – $500 per month.
• App Updates and Upgrades: Costs can vary but budget for regular updates.
• Licensing and Regulatory Compliance: Costs can vary based on your location and requirements.

Also read: Car Wash App Development Cost

Closing Thoughts

Technology is something that constantly evolving, bringing in innovative solutions that make our lives easier. The rise of on-demand services has undeniably brought about a revolution in our lifestyle, particularly in terms of the way we handle our chores. 

Among these, the on-demand laundry app is no doubt the most promising solution for our daily needs. It offers a quick, easy, and hassle-free solution to our laundry needs.

As such, investing in the development of an on-demand laundry app seems a prudent step for businesses in the laundry industry. But to get into this market, you need to ensure that your laundry app is built by a reliable and experienced mobile app development company.

With the right knowledge about the process, cost, and key features needed, developing a successful laundry app can bring high returns on investment. Despite the initial investment for the development, it will provide you with a steady stream of revenue and also build a loyal customer base.