你還會在家洗衣服嗎？自助洗衣店一直開，但它真的乾淨嗎？｜志祺七七

Summary

The video explores the rise of self-service laundromats, particularly in Taiwan and Japan, and their evolution from the Great Depression era to modern IoT-enabled establishments. It highlights the convenience and economic benefits of laundromats, especially for those without home washing machines or space to dry clothes. The video also touches on the historical connection between laundromats and money laundering, the transformation of laundromats into复合 spaces, and the success story of Meiyijie Self-Service Laundry, emphasizing the role of laundromats in saving time and enabling people to focus on more valuable activities.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The explosive growth of self-service laundromats in Taiwan, with a more than 80% increase in stores from 2018 to 2022.
• 🔍 Japan has an impressive number of self-service laundromats, over 20,000, comparable to the number of 7-11 stores in the country.
• 🛡‍🔧 The invention of the washing machine in the early 20th century marked a significant turning point in handling laundry, making it less labor-intensive.
• 📦 The concept of self-service laundromats was born during the Great Depression, offering a cost-effective solution for laundry.
• 🔥 The first self-service laundromat opened in Texas in 1934, introducing a new business model that rapidly gained popularity.
• 💸 Al Capone's use of laundromats for money laundering in the early 20th century illustrates the unexpected roles these establishments can play.
• 🚨 Advancements in IoT and AI technology have made unmanned self-service laundromats more feasible and efficient.
• 📈 Taiwan is one of the countries with the highest density of self-service laundromats, with significant growth in the industry.
• 💰 The self-service laundromat market in Taiwan is substantial, with half of the 20 billion yuan laundry market in 2020.
• 🚧 Changing lifestyles, including more renters and smaller living spaces, contribute to the rising demand for self-service laundromats.

Q & A

What contributed to the explosive growth of self-service laundromats in Taiwan from 2018 to 2022?

The growth was likely influenced by advancements in technology like the Internet of Things and AI, making unmanned stores feasible, and changes in lifestyle, such as more renters and smaller living spaces, where installing washing machines and drying clothes was impractical.

How did the concept of self-service laundromats originate during the Great Depression?

The concept originated as an economical alternative for people who couldn't afford a washing machine. A store owner in Texas placed 4 electric washing machines in his store in 1934, allowing people to use them for a fee, marking the birth of the self-service laundromat.

How did Al Capone contribute to the term 'money laundering'?

Al Capone, a notorious gangster, used laundromats as a front to launder his illegal earnings from bootlegging during the Prohibition era. The term 'money laundering' is believed to have originated from his use of laundromats to legitimize his illicit income.

What role did the electric washing machine play in the popularity of self-service laundromats post-World War II?

After World War II, the electric washing machine became more affordable and widespread, contributing to the normalization of self-service laundromats across the United States, as they offered a convenient and economical solution for laundry.

What advancements in self-service laundromats have been made in recent years in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, self-service laundromats have incorporated IoT and smart technologies, making operations more efficient and user-friendly. This includes smart payment systems, automatic detergent dispensers, and ozone cabinets for better hygiene.

What is the significance of the washing machine's invention in the context of gender roles and household labor?

The washing machine liberated many from the time-consuming and labor-intensive task of washing clothes by hand, thereby allowing women, in particular, to invest their time and effort in other productive activities beyond traditional household chores.

How did the self-service laundromat business model adapt during the economic downturn of the Great Depression?

During the Great Depression, the self-service laundromat model offered a cost-effective solution for laundry, appealing to middle-class families who could not afford personal washing machines, thereby rapidly expanding its business model.

Why has there been a shift towards self-service laundromats in modern societies, despite the widespread ownership of washing machines?

The shift towards self-service laundromats is due to lifestyle changes, including smaller living spaces, the inconvenience of drying clothes in certain climates, and the busy schedules of dual-income families, making laundromats a convenient solution.

How did the 'Meiyijie Self-Service Laundry Alliance' enhance the laundromat experience in Taiwan?

Meiyijie introduced IoT and smart technologies to improve the laundromat experience, offering features like automatic detergent dispensing, ozone disinfection cabinets, and a diverse range of payment options, setting a high standard in the industry.

What challenges and criticisms have self-service laundromats faced, and how have they addressed these issues?

Self-service laundromats have faced challenges related to hygiene, security, and customer service. Many have responded by improving cleanliness, enhancing security measures, and integrating smart technology to improve customer service and convenience.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 The Surging Popularity of Self-service Laundromats

This segment explores the remarkable growth of self-service laundromats in Taiwan and Japan, highlighting an increase of 1,000 laundromats from 2018 to 2022 in Taiwan alone. The video traces the history of laundry, noting its evolution from a burdensome task to the convenience offered by washing machines and later, self-service laundromats. It delves into the origins of self-service laundromats during the Great Depression in the United States and discusses their connection with the infamous gangster Al Capone and the concept of 'money laundering.' The evolution of electric washing machines and their spread outside the United States post-World War II is also covered, alongside the rapid expansion of laundromats in Taiwan, becoming one of the countries with the highest density of such facilities worldwide.

05:00

🌀 The Revolutionary Impact of Self-Service Laundromats in Modern Society

This part addresses why self-service laundromats continue to thrive despite widespread ownership of washing machines. It credits advancements in Internet of Things and AI for making unmanned stores viable, reducing the barrier to opening laundromats. The video discusses changing lifestyle trends such as smaller living spaces, busy schedules of double-income families, and weather constraints, which fuel the need for self-service laundromats offering large-capacity, time and space-saving solutions. It also touches on negative perceptions regarding cleanliness and customer service in these laundromats and how businesses are evolving to address these concerns, including the introduction of combined services like cafes and bookstores. The segment features "Meiyijie Self-Service Laundry," a prominent brand in Taiwan, showcasing its advanced, IoT-enabled services and customer-friendly features.

10:02

📚 The Role of Self-service Laundromats in Empowering Modern Lives

The final segment underscores the significance of self-service laundromats in modern society. It emphasizes how these establishments, akin to the invention of the washing machine, liberate people, particularly women and double-income families, from the time-consuming chore of laundry. This freedom allows them to engage in more intellectually and personally fulfilling activities. The video encourages sharing the video for wider awareness of the history and impact of self-service laundromats, hints at future content on innovative inventions, and concludes with a farewell from the host, promising more insightful content in upcoming episodes.

Keywords

💡Self-service Laundromats

Self-service laundromats are facilities where individuals can wash and dry their clothes using commercial-grade washing and drying machines, operating on a self-service basis. These establishments have seen significant growth, especially highlighted by the rapid expansion in Taiwan and Japan, reflecting a shift in societal habits and the embrace of convenience and efficiency. The script discusses the historical development and modern importance of these laundromats, emphasizing their role in urban living where space and time are limited.

💡Washing Machine

The washing machine is a pivotal invention in the history of domestic chores, automating the labor-intensive and time-consuming task of washing clothes. Initially a luxury, it became widely accessible and drastically changed household dynamics by saving time and reducing physical strain. The script references the transition from manual washing methods to the advent of electric washing machines, marking a significant milestone in technological progress in home appliances.

💡Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that took place during the 1930s. The script mentions this era as a critical period for the development of self-service laundromats, suggesting that economic hardships led to innovative solutions for cost savings and efficiency, like the shared economy model of laundromats, which provided an affordable alternative to owning a washing machine.

💡Money Laundering

Money laundering refers to the process of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money. The script intriguingly connects the concept of 'laundering' money with the literal use of laundromats, using the example of Al Capone, who allegedly used laundromats as fronts for his illegal activities. This highlights a dual role of laundromats in both practical and nefarious activities, adding a layer of historical intrigue.

💡Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects ('things') that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. In the context of self-service laundromats, IoT technology facilitates unmanned operations, customer service systems, and enhances the user experience by enabling smart features such as automatic detergent dispensing.

💡Sharing Economy

The sharing economy is an economic model defined by the sharing of access to goods and services, typically facilitated by a community-based online platform. The script highlights how self-service laundromats exemplify this model by providing communal access to washing and drying machines, which is more cost-effective than individual ownership. This concept underscores the economic efficiency and community-centric aspects of laundromats.

💡AI Technology

AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the script, AI technology is mentioned as a driving force behind the maturity and feasibility of unmanned self-service laundromats, showcasing how technological advancements are shaping the future of everyday services and operations.

💡Consumer Demand

Consumer demand refers to the desire for particular goods or services by the public. The script discusses how changing lifestyles, such as smaller living spaces, busy schedules, and the need for convenience, have spurred demand for self-service laundromats. This reflects how businesses adapt to and are shaped by the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

💡Hygiene and Cleanliness

Hygiene and cleanliness concerns are significant factors for customers of self-service laundromats, addressing worries about the potential for cross-contamination and the general cleanliness of shared machines. The script mentions these concerns as challenges for laundromat operators, who must ensure their facilities meet customer standards for health and safety, demonstrating the importance of trust in service-based businesses.

💡Economic Trends

Economic trends refer to the general direction in which a country's economy is moving, encompassing aspects like consumer spending, employment rates, and technological advancements. The script touches upon economic trends such as the Great Depression and the subsequent development of laundromats as an affordable service, illustrating how economic conditions can lead to innovation and shifts in business models.

Highlights

The number of self-service laundromats in Taiwan has seen an explosive growth, with an increase of 1,000 from 2018 to 2022.

Japan has over 20,000 self-service laundromats, comparable to the number of 7-11 stores in the country.

The development of self-service laundromats is linked to the Great Depression Era and the concept of money laundering.

The first electric washing machine was born in the United States, with sales reaching 900,000 units around 1928.

The Great Depression in 1930 led to the birth of the self-service laundromat concept in 1934.

The first self-service laundromat appeared in Texas, USA, as a cost-effective alternative to owning a washing machine.

The notorious gangster Al Capone used laundries as a cover for money laundering his illegal income.

The term 'money laundering' is derived from Al Capone's practice of using laundries to disguise his illicit earnings.

After World War II, self-service laundromats became popular across the United States and later in the UK and other European countries.

Transcripts

Have you ever been in a laundromat?

In recent years, the number of self-service laundromats in Taiwan has grown explosively. From 2018 to 2022

alone , there will be an increase of 1,000!

In neighboring Japan, the number of self-service laundromats is also amazing,

with a total of more than 20,000, which is comparable to the total number of 7-11 in the whole country!

Why does the self-service laundromat look ordinary but

expand

differently? Today, let us talk about

"Secrets of the Development of Self-service Laundromats" together !

Hiho~ Hello everyone, I am Zhiqi!

Do you like doing laundry? How often do you usually do your laundry?

Laundry is a heavy and tiring job

. For centuries, it has been one of the most troublesome household chores that people do not want to do.

In the past , "laundry" has always been

the job of the "least status" servants. In winter

, the water is too cold,

It is too hot in summer, not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also

hands are eroded by lotion, which is very laborious

. Fortunately, the invention of the washing machine

saved everyone after the 20th century

. The "self-service laundromat" that developed later

also saved modern times. We don't have time to do laundry,

you know? The history of self-service laundromats

is actually related to the "Great Depression Era" and "money laundering"?

Why do so many people rely on "self-service laundromats"

and more and more stores are opening?

Now, let us go back to "the invention of the first washing machine"

and tell these stories!

【The birth of the world's first washing machine! 】

Before the industrial revolution in the 18th century, people

in Britain and Germany invented similar

"semi-automatic" and "hand-cranked barrel washing machines".

People can put clothes in the barrel and clean them

by rotating and beating

, although it still relies on "manual" , but it laid

the foundation for the concept of using "power rotation" to do

laundry in

the 19th century

. In the 19th century, steam power appeared.

The world's first "electric washing machine" was finally born. The

American brand Thor, that is, Raytheon's Thor

, became the first brand to sell electric washing machines. It really

liberated people's hands

. Around 1928, the "electric washing machine" in the United States was year-round. Sales

once reached 900,000 units!

However, at that time, washing machines were still considered a luxury

, and not everyone could afford

the "electricity bill", and not everyone could afford it.

In addition , the United States soon ushered in the "Great Depression"

in 1930.

The national economy and people's consumption power, Everything plummeted

, but "crisis is turning point", the concept of "self-service laundromat"

was born in this desperate situation!

[If you can’t afford a washing machine, come to the laundromat! ]

In 1934, the first "self-service laundromat"

appeared

in "Texas" in the United States. On a whim, a store owner

brought "4 electric washing machines" and put them in the store

, allowing people to bring their own clothes to wash.

Some people It is said that they are charged by "electricity fee", and some people say that they are

charged by "hour". But no matter what , this kind of "sharing economy" is more cost-effective than buying a washing machine by yourself

.

"Self-service laundry" is very popular among middle-class families.

The business model of "shop" expanded rapidly in the context of the Great Depression. After World War II

, there were self-service laundromats in almost every state in the United States

. Speaking of this, I have to mention an interesting episode,

that is, laundromats His "special potential"

once became the "criminal tool" of the gang boss!

[Not only "laundry", but also "money laundering"? 】

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a well-known gangster in the United States

called "Al Capone"

. During the "Prohibition" period, he could earn hundreds of millions of dollars

a year by illegally brewing and selling alcohol. Income But

at the same time, he also runs certain "legal businesses", such as: Laundry. It is said that Al took a fancy to the characteristics of

"small business", "easy to expand", "all cash transactions, difficult to track" Laundry

It is an excellent cover for laundering his illegal income. Every year,

he mixes hundreds of millions of dollars into the revenue of various laundries in batches

, and then

transfers these "money earned by the laundromats" to companies with various names.

Through such a layer-by-layer change of hands, the money is "laundered".

Smart people should have guessed

that "money laundering" is called money laundering / Money Laundry

is thanks to the idea of ​​​​"Al Capone".

However , when we wrote the script, we had

I found out that this anecdote happened

a little earlier than the opening of the first "self-service laundromat",

so it may be a traditional laundromat run by Al

, if there is an audience who knows the inside story,

please help Let's add it in the comment area!

In short, having said that, after

experiencing the downturn of the "Great Depression" and "

World War II", electric washing machines and self-service

laundromats have finally

become popular outside the United States.

Slowly recovering. Everyone

wants to return to "normal life". "Economy"

electric washing machines are gradually becoming popular in the UK and European countries.

Models are also constantly improving

. There are "top lift", "dehydration" and more Function At the same time

, the "coin-operated washing machine" was also invented!

This model greatly simplifies the manpower requirements of "self-service laundromats". In the past

, someone needed to visit the store and collect money, but now you can invite customers to come by themselves

. The store can also be opened 24 hours.

As for Taiwan, it was introduced

around 1980 After 40 years of development

of the first "self-service laundromat"

, Taiwan is now one of the countries with the "highest density" of self-service laundromats in the world

. What's more, according to statistics from the Ministry of Finance,

during the four years from 2018 to 2022, the number of self-service laundromats The number of laundromats has grown by leaps and bounds, with a

growth rate of more than 80%. As of 2022

, there are already more than 2,000 stores in Taiwan!

Is the "laundromat" really a good business?

Why is the growth of

self-service laundromats going against the sky when "almost" every household has a washing machine ?

[Self-service laundry can't die! 】

In recent years, the advancement of "Internet of Things" and "AI technology"

has made "unmanned stores" more feasible and more mature

. Self-service laundromats no

longer necessarily need someone to take care of them on site. System and customer service system”

can be connected to each other, and the basic operations are automatically executed,

which greatly reduces the threshold for opening a store

. Many franchisees mentioned in their experience sharing that as long as

the strategic location is selected, opening a self-service laundromat

is a very good “side business”

In 2020, Taiwan's "laundry market" will be about 20 billion yuan in size, of which

"self-service laundromats" will account for half

, while the sales of "washing machines" and the revenue of "traditional dry cleaners"

are showing a downward trend .

Changes in people’s lifestyles are also related to changes in people’s lifestyles.

For example, there are more renters and smaller housing spaces

. Many households have no space to put washing machines

or balconies to dry clothes

. Even if there are balconies, the weather in the north is humid and cold, and they

often cannot be dried. ; Many double-income

families are too busy to do laundry frequently.

At this time, in self-service laundromats, large-capacity commercial machines

can wash, wash, and dry at one time, which solves these pain points

and saves time and electricity. , save space

and minimize the trouble of washing clothes as much as possible

. These consumer demands support the expansion of self-service laundromats.

However , the impression left by self-service laundromats seems to be mixed

[self-service laundry, washing is not clean ? 】

For example, many people have shared their experiences of clothes being stolen and

the washing machine being thrown "not their own clothes"

. Some people are also worried about

the hygiene and cleanliness of the

washing machine. ⋯…

In addition, when encountering a store that is unattended, the customer service is often unable to be contacted, and

there is no

way to solve problems such as card change and machine failure in a timely manner.

Negative perception of " But

because of this,

as the market competition for self-service laundry is becoming more and more intense, many

businesses have taken the initiative to change their image and slowly transform [Self-service laundry slash! 】

In recent years, more and more self-service laundromats have appeared in foreign countries

with a new style of "compound"

For example, combining functions such as a coffee shop, beer bar, and bookstore,

the overall cleanliness, brightness, and spacious space not only improve the external appearance,

but also create an atmosphere

that makes people "dare not do bad things". On

the other hand , Taiwan’s laundries

have also offered to propose a better business model to help franchisees transform together,

such as fixed-frequency washing machines

, providing washing machines for washing pet products

, or introducing lockable machines…… Wait a minute , and

the godfather of our manufacturer in this episode - "Meiyijie Self-Service Laundry Alliance"

happens to be an

agent that "focuses on laundry experience" and "focuses on franchise quality"!

[The "Smartest" Self-Service Laundromat]

"Meiyijie Self-Service Laundry" is a self-service laundry brand

with "Taiwan's first IoT Smart Internet of Things"

. There are more than 500 self-service laundry locations in Taiwan

, and it is also the largest "laundry service" in Europe.

The general agent of the leading brand "Fagor" in " Drying Machines"

in Taiwan and advertises that it has the "strongest" after-sales service team in the industry

. In the Meiyi Cleaning Store, there are many "smart machines"

such as "washing machines" that have the function of automatically injecting detergent.

No need And pour it all by yourself; the "dryer" has a humidity sensor

to prevent the temperature from being too high and damage the clothes

. In addition, they also have a cool "O3 ozone cabinet", which

advertises that the "bactericidal effect" is more effective than ordinary disinfectants Strong

It can effectively remove the "smoke smell, barbecue smell, hot pot smell" on the clothes

and make the clothes clean!

In addition, Meiyijie's "smart stored value system payment"

supports 15 multiple payment methods, so that you no longer have to

go to the currency exchange machine to exchange money or buy drinks for 10 yuan

. "Laundry and drying" service

Just put the clothes in the cabinet

, and the next time you take it out,

it will be a clean and tidy basket.

It is very free, the franchisee can decide the operation mode according to his own ideas.

It can be an "unmanned store" or a "complex laundry"

, and the name can also be chosen by oneself!

However, in terms of operation, Meiyijie is also cautious and provides many services

, including

all the IoT smart Internet of Things systems just mentioned in the "water-saving and power-saving washing machine"

and "one-stop

store opening service" including "customized interior design, storefront Construction, loan counseling”!

After the store opens, it also provides "complete after-sales service"

including the supply of "natural enzyme lotion" exclusively developed by the owner Meiyijie

, machine repair and major maintenance services, follow-up free business training

, as well as beauty editors, marketing teams and counseling!

If you are waiting and looking, want to start a side business

or want to join the self-service laundry

, you might as well consider our Meiyijie dad!

[Our point of view]

Having said that, at the beginning of this episode, we mentioned that the invention of the "washing machine"

saved our hands

. In fact, some scholars further believe that

the "washing machine" is fundamentally modern.

The most helpful invention

Because of the washing machine, women's time

is no longer hijacked by the time-consuming and labor-intensive housework of washing clothes

, and their labor and mind can be used in other places

, such as reading, studying, exploring and more. In the process of

discussing with the team,

we felt that "self-service laundromat"

also plays a similar important role in modern society , and

it not only helps women. The double -income parents of children save a lot of time

so that everyone can focus

on more important and "added-value" things.

Welcome to share the video to let

more people know about "the development history of self-service laundromats"

. In addition, you can also click this place

to see "Which genius invented the bed?"

and "Naturalists who don't need to wash clothes"!

So, today's Zhiqi Qiqi will come to an end here and

we will see you tomorrow night!