Dubbed the ‘Uber of Laundry’, Sunshine Coast business The Laundry Lady is now making waves in the New Zealand market.
The Laundry Lady has launched into the Christchurch and Auckland markets courtesy of support from the Queensland Government’s global business agency, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
Laundry Lady, which offers a pickup and delivery wash, dry, fold and ironing service to homes and businesses, was successful in TIQ’s recent round of grant funding in the New to Export program, which aids international expansion.
Over the past six months, Laundry Lady has used the funding and mentorship to establish operations in Christchurch and Auckland, with more locations coming soon.
“In New Zealand, our model works as a franchise system,” Laundry Lady chief executive officer Susan Toft explains.
“Expansion into New Zealand was always on the radar for us, given the growing demand for affordable and mobile laundry services. The support from TIQ allowed us to fast-track those plans,” she says of the $15,000 boost, market insights and export expertise.
Laundry Lady made its international debut at a women’s lifestyle expo in Hamilton, before taking its roadshow to other key locations like Christchurch in late 2023.
“We now have six franchises up and running across Auckland and Christchurch,” Susan says.
“TIQ’s central role in those initial expos allowed Laundry Lady to have an on-the-ground presence, where we were able to share what we’re all about, how customers can benefit from our services, and opportunities to earn income from home as a franchisee,” she says.
The numbers speak for themselves.
Laundry Lady already has an established presence in Australia, with more than 220+ contractors Australia-wide and multiple awards under its belt.
The addition of New Zealand locations to its service footprint is a huge achievement for the former Gold Coast startup, which now boasts revenue of more than $6M while supporting mums, dads, and career-changers in running their own businesses.
The business also featured on the latest season of TV show Shark Tank Australia, reeling in a record-breaking $1M investment offer from Canadian businessman and US Shark, Robert Herjavec.
“To have that sort of validation and offer for investment from someone as esteemed and globally recognised as Robert goes to show the global possibilities for The Laundry Lady,” Susan says.
Susan received face-to-face business mentoring and export strategy development as part of TIQ’s New to Export Grant.
“We’re very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what the coming 12 months bring as we continue to expand in Australia and now internationally thanks to Trade and Investment Queensland and the State Government.”
