A new pick-up and delivery service takes over everyday laundry and brings it back washed after two to three days
The laundry basket is relentless. No sooner has the last load finished than it feels like the next one is already waiting. Florian Wolf and André Herb want to solve this everyday problem. With Pick & Wash, the two are bringing a digital laundry service to Griesheim and the surrounding area – including pickup and delivery.
Washing, drying, folding, and ironing laundry: these are the things that simply have to be done in everyday life, but no one really misses them. Families especially know this: no sooner is the last laundry basket empty than the next one is already waiting. This is precisely where Pick & Wash in.
The principle is incredibly simple: The desired service is booked via the app, and a pickup time is arranged. A driver collects the laundry in special bags, and it is returned clean two to three days later. Extras such as ironing, a fragrance package, or an allergy package can also be booked.
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Herb – who is Pick & Wash intended for?
Florian Wolf: Basically for everyone. For the student without a washing machine, the businessman with his daily fresh shirt, or the family where the washing machine is constantly running. We especially want to appeal to people who have little time and don't necessarily want to spend it doing laundry.
André Herb: We're thinking especially of families where both parents work and perhaps have two children. Saturday quickly becomes the classic laundry and ironing day. We want to give that time back.
Less washing, more time for life
Wolf: We want to give you back your free time. Imagine you have children and could go to the park with your family on Saturday instead of doing laundry at home.
Herb: We know that feeling. My wife works in elderly care and had seven consecutive late shifts before our last vacation. Afterwards, there were three baskets of laundry. She said, "It's a shame there a pick and wash service yet. I would have gladly spent the 30 euros, or whatever it would have cost – the main thing is that the laundry is ready on time."
This example illustrates quite accurately what the two are aiming for: Time is a scarce commodity for many people today. Pick & Wash wants to take over a tedious task so that this time remains for family, friends, or simply a little leisure – "We give you back your free time."
And how much laundry can you drop off?
Wolf: We have three package sizes: S (up to eight kilograms), M (up to 15 kilograms), and L (up to 25 kilograms). Our drivers carry scales and weigh the laundry upon pickup. This ensures that each package is clearly identified.
What about particularly delicate garments or stubborn stains?
Wolf: We are not a dry cleaner. Our focus is on normal everyday laundry – that is, the large amount of laundry that regularly accumulates at home.
It should be simple
The two deliberately designed the app to be uncomplicated.
Herb: There are three packages and optional extras. That's really all there is to it. Even my 67-year-old mother, who orders from Amazon without hesitation, understands it. Order from the couch in the evening, the laundry is picked up the next day – done.
And even those who don't want to use a smartphone shouldn't be left out.
Herb: If Grandma, at 80, can't use the app, she can also call us. Then we'll place the order. We can also arrange regular pickups, for example, every Friday.
The service is therefore not aimed exclusively at young, digitally savvy customers. Even during the test phase, there was a customer who cared for a man in a wheelchair and booked the laundry service for him.
From Griesheim to the region
Initially , Pick & Wash on the region around Darmstadt. Griesheim, Weiterstadt, and Pfungstadt are also part of the current delivery area. Those not yet included can join a waiting list – as the service is set to expand.
There have already been inquiries from the commercial sector as well. The fire department has expressed interest in a broader service; in the future, work clothes or larger laundry loads could also play a role. Initially, however, the focus is on private households.
If you Pick & Wash in one sentence – what would it be?
Wolf: You have laundry, but no time or desire to take care of it? Then order it from us.
Herb: And use the time for what is truly important.
Wolf: Exactly. "Less laundry, more time!"
(PR)
