Dimitris Bistis, after many years of professional experience in the banking and financial sector and business activity in Greece and abroad, lately decided to invest in the coin laundry sector and has opened 4 easywash Self Service Laundry franchise stores.
Since 2019, he has gradually opened 4 easywash stores with commercial coin washers for the public, at 118, Filolaou Str. in Pagrati, at 53-55, Ragavi Str. in Gyzi, at 108, Alexandras Avenue in Neapoli, as well as recently the new store in 151, Hippocratous Str.
- What reasons led your entrepreneurial steps in the field of coin laundry franchise?
The last 10 years I lived abroad, and I have seen how these stores worked both in America and Europe, and I decided that it was worth investing in this area.
At the same time, due to the fact that my business activity with some video club stores that I was running in Athens was in decline, I was looking for an efficient business investment and the solution with laundromat franchise was the right choice.
- Why did you choose easywash Self Service Laundry?
The first discussions with easywash started in 2010-11, but since I was abroad it was difficult to start this business venture then. Finally, upon my return to Greece in 2019, I decided to open my first easywash franchise store.
The very good communication with the company and the manager of the company, Mr. Koudounas, also played an important role. They informed me in detail about the business plan, the financial data, the after sales technical support, they answered any questions I had in the commercial part, they advised me and therefore I chose easywash.
Also, easywash stores are designed to offer an easy and pleasant experience to the customer. Since there is no staff at the easywash stores, everything has been planned so that every step, in the entire experience of the customer’s visit to wash and dry their clothes, is very simple and easy.
- How has your business been so far with the easywash Self Service Laundry franchise?
In 2019, I opened my first easywash store in Pagrati and then the next 3 stores followed. In the last 3 years my shops have been increasing and I have not regretted it. This shows something! I would like to open one more store in the future, always in relation to the other stores of course, as one activity helps the other.
At the same time, I manage a franchise cafe shop and I am active in this sector as well.
- Since you are also active in the catering sector, for which reasons did you choose to invest and open more easywash Self Service Laundry stores instead of an additional café?
First of all, easywash stores do not require your presence, so you can work on something else at the same time. Also, in my opinion the easywash franchise has better returns than catering in general… both from a café and from a restaurant. At the moment, I would not proceed with an additional café store because it also has several disadvantages that you cannot bypass, high costs, employee salaries, etc.
- What support have you received from easywash and how has your cooperation been so far?
Regarding my collaboration with easywash after so many years, I can say that all things are perfect.
Also, the business model of the easywash stores completely covered me because it is made in such a way that there is a provision for all commercial and technical issues that may arise.
- What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
Apart from the commercial and financial part, I also have some knowledge in technical/construction matters, and my knowledge has helped me to have an opinion and give immediate solutions to some technical problems that may arise in the daily operation.
Overall, I didn’t have any particular difficulty that I couldn’t deal with.
- How is your relationship with customers?
As you know, we are not present in the stores during their operation. Nevertheless, I know people in the areas where I have opened the stores and I have a positive response from the customers. In general, they are happy. And if there are any complaints, everything is resolved, either by the call center or by me.
- In your opinion, what factors contribute to the successful operation of the stores?
An important factor in the success of a store is where the store is located, and I believe that I have my stores in good locations, where there is not much competition. Also, at easywash the price for washing and drying clothes is affordable compared to a dry cleaner, which is a very important factor these days.
- What worries you about the immediate future?
Given the situation, I am concerned about energy costs with the increases in gas and electricity bills. We did not expect this, there are always unforeseen factors, but this is also part of the game of “business”.
- Would you advise any of your friends to start their own easywash business?
Yes of course, I would definitely say! Also, if he was my friend, I would also give him the right advice for getting started, because experience is important.
Thank you very much!