Laverap launches unattended laundrette franchises from US$55,000

Laverap has introduced a self-service laundrette franchise model in Argentina that operates without employees and can be monitored by mobile phone. Called Laverap Smart, the concept requires an investment starting at US$55,000. In October 2026, the first outlet was being prepared in the 3100 block of Juncal Street in Buenos Aires.

An unattended format for an established brand

Rubén Fernández, CEO of Laverap, announced the launch during Discovery Day, an online event organised by consultancy Canudas, according to a report published by iProfesional on 26 October. He explained that the brand aims to expand through a format that dispenses with counter service and allows franchisees to supervise operations remotely.

According to Fernández, Laverap has around 1,500 traditional outlets across Argentina. That figure refers to the brand’s existing format, not a network of Smart outlets already in operation.

This distinction matters to prospective franchise investors. The announcement concerns a new unattended format whose first outlet was still being prepared at the time of the presentation. It therefore describes a concept in the early stages of implementation, rather than a completed nationwide roll-out.

How the self-service format works

Under the Smart format, customers enter the premises using a QR code. Once inside, they use a payment kiosk to select a machine and pay for the service, then load their clothes into the washing machine. When the wash cycle ends, they must transfer the clothes to a tumble dryer.

The basic set-up comprises three washing machines and three tumble dryers in a stacked arrangement, each with a 12 kg capacity. The unattended operation relies on this self-service process: customers carry out the tasks involved without assistance from counter staff.

For franchisees, the system provides monitoring via mobile phone. They can check how many washes have been completed, which machines are running and how much revenue the outlet is generating. The concept is therefore aimed at investors who do not want to be physically present to handle each transaction.

Access to this data should not be confused with a guarantee of financial performance. The presentation outlines monitoring tools and a service model, but assessing the economics requires separate consideration of the investment and monthly commitments.

Initial investment and monthly royalty

Fernández quoted an initial investment starting at US$55,000. This includes the equipment for the basic set-up, an initial franchise fee of US$6,500 and installation costs estimated at US$15,000. The latter two items are included in the advertised starting figure, rather than charged on top.

The outlay changes if the investor chooses higher-capacity machines. The published figure should therefore be treated as a guide to the basic configuration, not a fixed price applicable to every outlet.

The payment kiosk is supplied under a loan-for-use agreement. The franchise also carries a monthly royalty of US$800, which can be paid in Argentine pesos. According to the presentation, this payment covers use of the system, updates and advertising. No additional percentage of sales is charged.

When comparing this concept with other franchises, it is worth distinguishing the opening investment from the recurring charge. The royalty is a fixed monthly amount and should be included in the operating budget when assessing different levels of business activity.

What the premises need

The model requires premises of at least 30 square metres, with mains water, drainage, ventilation and a suitable electrical installation. According to the brand’s stated requirements, the site does not need to occupy a corner position or be on a main shopping street.

These requirements provide a basis for an initial property assessment: rather than focusing solely on floor space, prospective franchisees should check whether the premises are suitable for installing and operating the planned equipment.

Practical takeaway: anyone considering this franchise should request a quotation for their chosen configuration, check the technical suitability of the premises and factor the monthly royalty into their calculations. The starting point is to distinguish the ability to manage the business remotely from its financial viability.