Laundry yes…but open all day and night
Opportunity: providing service to those with non-conventional schedules and urgent needs
In Peter’s post on laundry services, I think he had a really good idea. As an expat here, I would find it a real benefit to have a good laundry service here. A lot of people here may have a washing machine in their apartment, but my understanding is that dryers here are rare…..mainly because the architecture (concrete) doesn’t easily allow for the dryer vent to be routed to the exterior….and also because dryers take up space and are a huge energy consumer. But finding space for drying laundry can be difficult. So, with this challenge in mind, a laundry idea sounds great. However…..
I would add that a good 24 hour laundry would be excellent. Places in Bucharest consistently close early, or just don’t work late. So a 24-hour service would have a supreme advantage over alot of places. Imagine the frustration of needing that suit at the last minute….and NO!!! A Stain! What do I do? I know…. I’ll take it to the 24-hour place with the on-the-spot rush service. Whew! Thanks 24-hour laundry. You saved me.
But I would also add a good 24-hour, while you wait tailor/croiterie, with an experienced tailor. In the last month, I have bought a suit and some pants…..and not only were the stores generally rude in their sales, but they have no in-house tailor. So what can I do? Buy the suit in one place, go all the way across town to a hole-in-the-wall tailor…..and they’re closed!!!! We’re sorry, the sign says 8 but we closed at 7 anyway. Aaaaa…..no need to worry…..I can just take the suit to the 24-hour laundry/tailor……..and have it pressed, cleaned, and tailored all at the same time……have it back in 24 hours or for an extra cost, while I wait. Aaaaa…..thanks 24-hour laundry/tailor. I paid a little extra, but it was worth it!
Written by John
July 19th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Just an FYI on dryers in Romania. You can find them, they work great, AND…they do not need to be vented to the exterior of the building. Just plug them into a socket in any room of the house. Sounds like a commercial, but it’s true. We have one. Bought it online at DOMO.ro and it arrived in about 4 days, delivery free. They are not cheap, at least not by my U.S. standards. about $500. But my wife likes it BETTER than the U.S. versions. She says the clothes come out softer. They work by using a condenser unit. So at the end of each load, you empty the water tray into the tub or sink and you are ready for another load. Every 50 loads or so, you have to clean the condenser unit with water. No big deal.
July 19th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Thanks Jon for your comment. I hadnt heard of these dryers before! These condenser dryers look really interesting, especially for apartment in Romania. Also, in terms of energy efficiency, I found units up to class B. There’s a good article on these dryers at http://luxury-furniture.biz/luxury_furniture/kitchen-accessories/washers-dryers/106. But they certainly look more competitive than to be called Luxury.
July 19th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
John, we bought an electrolux brand. It was only 1 of 2 brands available about 9 months ago when I bought ours. We’ve been happy with it. Looks like they are making them look real fancy now. If drying is important to you, and you have the spare cash, I’d recommend you try one. Be prepared for some comments however. The most common comment we get from Romanians is..”Pentru ce aveti doua masini de spalat?” Then it takes me about 5 minutes to explain that they are not 2 washing machines.
July 20th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
John, Great insight! It’s great to read the concerns, passions and insights of a like minded person even though we are separated by many miles (meters). Best of luck and I’m so glad you found our blog entry on green printers helpful. Come back and visit our blog from time to time and keep us posted with your venture. Best! -lainie jungle [8]