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How much does it cost to open a laundry shop in the Philippines?
By the Labahan team · October 18, 2026 · 4 min read
“Magkano ba talaga?” is the first question everyone asks before opening a laundry shop. The honest answer is: it depends on your machines, your space and your city. What you can know is every line that goes into the budget, so nothing surprises you after you sign the lease.
Why there is no single price
Commercial washers and dryers are sold through dealers, and the price changes with the brand, capacity (in kilos), gas or electric dryers, stacked or side-by-side units, installation and warranty terms. Dealers also bundle packages and run promos. A number you read online last year may not match a quote today. So instead of guessing, list every item and get real quotes for each.
The full checklist
- Commercial washers (count and kilos)
- Dryers: LPG or electric
- Installation and hook-up
- Spare parts / service plan
- Rent deposit and advance
- Renovation: floor, walls, ceiling
- Counter, shelves, folding table
- Signage and lighting
- Electrical: panel, breakers, wiring
- Water line, drain, maybe a tank
- LPG line, regulator, tanks
- Dryer exhaust ducting
- Baskets, bags, hangers, scale
- First stock of detergent and fabcon
- Phone, thermal printer, stubs
- Fire extinguisher, first aid kit
- Business name or company
- Barangay clearance
- Mayor’s or business permit
- BIR registration
- Change fund for the drawer
- Working cash for slow months
Notes on the big items
- Machines are usually the biggest line. Choose by running cost, capacity and after-sales service, not only sticker price. See choosing laundry machines and washer and dryer capacity.
- Electrical work is often underestimated. Commercial machines may need a bigger supply, a dedicated panel and proper grounding. Ask the dealer for the exact requirements before you hire an electrician, and ask your power utility if your service needs an upgrade.
- Plumbing: washers need enough water pressure and a drain that can handle many cycles back-to-back. Check the water bill history of the space if you can.
- LPG line: gas dryers need a properly installed line, regulator and ventilation. Use a licensed installer and keep tanks outside the work area.
- Rent deposit: many leases ask for a deposit plus advance rent before you open. Read how much rent a laundry shop can afford before you sign.
Permits and registrations to budget for
Requirements and fees differ by city, so treat this as a list of offices to visit, then confirm with each one.
- Business name (sole proprietor) at the DTI Business Name Registration System. According to the DTI’s own FAQ, the fee depends on the territorial scope: ₱200 barangay, ₱500 city/municipality, ₱1,000 regional or ₱2,000 national, plus ₱30 documentary stamp tax, valid for five years. A corporation or partnership registers with the SEC instead.
- Barangay clearance from the barangay hall where the shop is located.
- Mayor’s permit / business permit from your city or municipal hall (often called the Business Permits and Licensing Office). Ask for their complete list; it may include other clearances or inspections. Fees are set locally.
- BIR registration at your Revenue District Office or online through the BIR. The ₱500 annual registration fee was removed in 2024 under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, but budget for your books of accounts, official receipts or invoices, and an accountant’s help.
- BMBE certificate (optional) if your total assets are within the limit. It is free and is covered in our staff salary guide.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the steps and fees with DTI, your LGU and BIR, or ask an accountant.
An example budget
Here is how a budget sheet looks when all the lines are filled in. These are example figures only, not market prices or quotes. Replace every number with the quotes you collect.
| Example line | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Washers and dryers, installed | ₱600,000 |
| Renovation, counter and shelves | ₱120,000 |
| Electrical and plumbing work | ₱80,000 |
| LPG line and tanks | ₱30,000 |
| Rent deposit and advance | ₱60,000 |
| Signage, supplies, printer, permits | ₱70,000 |
| Working cash for slow months | ₱90,000 |
| Example total | ₱1,050,000 |
Notice the last line. Many new owners spend everything on machines and renovation, then run out of cash in the first quiet months. Keep working cash separate from the build budget, and see how long it takes to get your money back.
Before you pay anything
- Get every quote in writing, with what is and isn’t included.
- Ask what the warranty excludes; read what washer warranties don’t cover.
- Ask other shop owners which dealer actually shows up for repairs.
- Add 10% to your total for things you didn’t think of. They always appear.
- Go through questions to ask before opening.
How Labahan helps
In Labahan Manager, the software line of your budget can be ₱0: the Free plan has no time limit, handles up to 300 loads a month, and includes numbered claim stubs you can print on a 58 or 80 mm thermal printer or show as a QR, the Board, machine timers and a daily cash count. It runs in your phone’s browser, so there is nothing to install, and you can try every Pro feature free for 14 days without a card.
