A 20-year-old student from Myagdi who started a small laundry business alongside his studies has now reached a monthly turnover of more than NPR 200,000. The business, which began in Beni, has already expanded to Baglung.
But is this success just an exception? Is the future of the laundry business in Nepal truly bright? Can this sector also show other young people a path toward employment and self-reliance within the country?
This blog presents an in-depth study of market trends, changing consumer behavior, and industry projections. It also presents an analysis of the future of the laundry business in Nepal based on facts and data. As more data becomes available, we will continue to update this analysis.
Methodology
For this analysis, two types of data have been used:
- Primary Data: Data obtained from original news content published in Artha Sarokar. This includes Rajan Poudel’s daily business turnover, monthly income, location of operations, service facilities, and the entrepreneur’s profile.
- Analytical Projections: Calculations and projections made based on the primary data. All of these projections are presented on an “Assuming” basis and should not be confused with actual reported figures.
Important Note: Only the figures shown in red are taken from the original news source. All other figures are analytical projections.
Beni Clean Laundry: Business Performance Analysis
A laundry business started in Beni by a 20-year-old student is now operating in two locations. According to the original news report, the business has a daily turnover of more than NPR 10,000 and a monthly income of NPR 200,000. After deducting all expenses, it reportedly saves more than NPR 5,000 per day, indicating an approximate net profit margin of around 50 percent.
However, since the news report does not specify how income is distributed between the two locations, the branch-wise breakdown presented below is only an analytical projection.
Business Profile | Daily Revenue (NPR) | Monthly Revenue (NPR) | Daily Net Profit (NPR) | Monthly Net Profit (NPR) | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beni Clean Laundry | 10,000+ | 200,000 | 5,000+ (Total) | 150,000* | ~50% |
Analytical Breakdown: Beni Branch | 6,000 (Estimated) | 120,000 (Estimated) | 3,000 (Estimated) | 90,000 (Estimated) | ~50% |
Analytical Breakdown: Baglung Branch | 4,000 (Estimated) | 80,000 (Estimated) | 2,000 (Estimated) | 60,000 (Estimated) | ~50% |
Overall Business | 10,000+ | 200,000 | 5,000+ | 150,000* | ~50% |
Source: ArthaSarokar (2082);
* Monthly net profit calculated based on daily savings exceeding NPR 5,000
The Core Insight: According to the news report, this business generates more than NPR 10,000 in daily turnover and over NPR 200,000 in monthly revenue, maintaining an approximate net profit margin of around 50%. Operated alongside academic studies, the business shows the potential for a student to save up to NPR 150,000 per month, which can be considered attractive even in comparison to many foreign employment opportunities.
Cost Structure and Investment Analysis (Estimated)
Starting a laundry business generally requires relatively low initial capital while offering strong income potential. Since Rajan started the business from his own home, it can be assumed that the absence of rental costs has contributed to a higher profit margin.
Cost Category | Estimated Monthly Expense (NPR) | Percentage of Revenue | Cost Control Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
Electricity | 15,000–20,000 | 5–7% | Use of energy-efficient machines |
Detergent & chemicals | 20,000–25,000 | 8–10% | Bulk Purchasing |
Water | 5,000–10,000 | 2–4% | Water recycling technology |
Maintenance | 5,000–8,000 | 2–3% | Regular servicing |
Rent (Not applicable - own house) | 0 | 0% | Savings from operating at home |
Total operating cost (estimated) | 45,000–63,000 | 22–32% | - |
Source: Analytical Projections
The Key Insight: According to the news, Rajan saves NPR 5,000 daily. Based on this, his business appears to have a net profit margin of approximately 50%. Since the business is operated from his own home, with no rental expenses, this margin could potentially be even higher.
Potential for Expansion Across Nepal: Based on Rajan’s Model
Rajan’s success demonstrates three important points:
-
There is a market even in small towns: Even in semi-urban areas like Beni, a monthly turnover of NPR 200,000 is possible.
Expansion is feasible: The business can start in one location and gradually expand to another.
Student entrepreneurship is possible: It is feasible to run a business alongside academic studies.
Based on this, similar models have the potential to succeed in other towns and market areas across Nepal.
Potential Locations | Target Market | Estimated Monthly Revenue (NPR) | Estimated Investment (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|
Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Tokha | Students, employees, business people | 500,000+ | 1,000,000 |
Lekhnath, Vyas, Waling, Putalibazar, Pokhara | Tourists, students | 300,000+ | 800,000 |
Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwol, Nepalgunj, Bhairahawa, Janakpur | Middle class, business people | 300,000+ | 700,000 |
Beni (proven), Baglung (Proven), Gorkha, Dhading, Tehrathum | Government employees, students | 150,000–200,000 | 500,000 |
Source: Based on Population Distribution
Important Note: The above figures are preliminary projections based on Rajan’s success in Beni and Baglung. Actual revenue in these areas will depend on local market conditions, competition, and operational capacity.
Prerequisites for Successful Replication
To replicate Rajan’s success in other locations, the following conditions are necessary:
Condition | Why is it necessary? | Rajan's Example |
|---|---|---|
Identifying market demand | Customers with busy lifestyles are needed | Understood local demand in Beni |
Quality service | To gain customer trust | "Customers come back when service is honest." |
Home delivery | Competitive advantage | The main factor behind Rajan's success |
Modern machines | Ensures quality and efficiency | "Use of modern machines" |
Cost control | To maintain the profit margin | Started from his own home, saving on rent |
Expansion strategy | Only move to a new location after success in one | Expanded to Baglung after Beni succeeded |
Source: ArthaSarokar (2082)
Emerging Laundry Businesses in Nepal
Rajan’s success story is just one example. Across Nepal, the laundry sector is now witnessing new experiments and innovations. Various local and national laundry service providers are adding new dimensions to the market in their own ways.
Trend | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
Hotel- and tourism-focused services | Large and small hotels are outsourced. Hotels reduce costs by eliminating the need to operate an in-house laundry. | Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and other tourist cities |
Tech-enabled services | Services with online order tracking and multiple collection points. | Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, Pokhara, and other urban areas |
Self-service laundromats | Customers operate machines themselves with a per-use payment system. This is a newly introduced concept in Nepal. | Certain areas of the Kathmandu Valley |
Rapid-turnaround laundry | Service models offering delivery within 3 to 24 hours, targeted especially at tourists and busy professionals. | Pokhara, Kathmandu, and other tourist centers |
Source: Business 360; Washpro; Cleanpro; Lakeside Laundry Service
Is there a future in the laundry business? Final Answer
Yes, there is. Rajan’s story is living proof. But the future doesn’t arrive on its own - it has to be created. Good service, honesty, understanding customer needs, and hard work are the formula for success.
The laundry market in Nepal is expanding rapidly. Urbanization, busy lifestyles, rising income levels, and increasing awareness of hygiene are driving this growth. However, there is still room to improve in terms of technology and quality standards.
Work doesn’t have to be big or small; if you work hard, you can earn well even from your own home.
By adopting this mindset and Rajan’s model, thousands of young people across Nepal can replicate similar success in their own towns and cities.