Startup Story #43: The Moustache Laundry – Super Clean Clothes Just A Click Away

 

Did you ever wish that your laundry was just a click away from getting done? The Moustache Laundry is here to make that come true for busy Puneites. Started in March 2015 by two chartered accountants, this startup is probably the most profitable venture in the space of laundry services. Following the simple and quick steps to sign up, your clothes get picked up, cleaned and delivered to you within 72 hours.

Sameer Jain and Gurdeep Singh

Founded by Sameer Jain and Gurdeep Singh, this venture was born out of an idea that excited them and to top that they had the business acumen for it. “We are operationally very efficient. We are also the best rated app for laundry services in India. In terms of user experience and operational experience we have been rated very highly.

It is on this basis that we claim to be one of the most profitable ventures in this space,” explains Jain.

Getting to a higher level of efficiency came with its share of challenges for these young entrepreneurs. “Initially, manpower was an issue. It was difficult to get the right kind of people for this job. Secondly, the error rate due to lack of manpower is high. We made several mistakes on the way. While deciding the rates, we started out with a higher price range but that didn’t go too well as there is a lot of competition in this space since there isn’t an entry barrier into this business. But, over the course of time, we have ensured that we are organised and that there is a proper system in place,” says Jain.

Currently, this startup is functioning only in 12 localities in Pune, “We have a few tie-ups with societies. People leave their laundry in a drop box. Our approach is very B2C right now.” There is also an option of donating clothes as this venture has tied up with a few NGOs to hand out clothes to those in need. The interesting part about this startup is in its name. It has a high recall value and we have made is compulsory for all the delivery men to have a moustache.

Speaking about the learnings in their startup journey, Jain talks about his change in perspective. “Earlier, we were very focused on operations but then we took a step back and made it about the analysis, planning and so on. After this, we started innovating and opening up new revenue streams for ourselves. My perspective towards business has changed. We have managed to create a sustainable model for a profitable business.”

The Moustache Laundry sees itself expanding to Mumbai and all of Pune in the next five years. “Our focus will be on the drop box system, on demand laundry and we will go B2B wherein we can approach hotels, restaurants and become prominent players in these two cities.

It isn’t really necessary to go Pan-India since it’s important to be true to ourselves. We need to be conservative and focus on our quality of service,” states Jain as he signs off.

Vijayta Lalwani