Although Laundromat owners have more options these days when it comes to payment systems (such as card – automated machines), you can’t deny the advantages of classic coin – operated washers and dryers. These washers are expected by many customers, they’re easy to understand, they eliminate the need for a billing counter, and they allow you to manage your store with fewer staff members.
Have it in mind that a lot of consumers expect to pay with quarters when they visit a Laundromat. Even though they might be pleasantly surprised to have another option, they probably won’t be shocked or disappointed if they find coin – operated machines awaiting them.
These machines are easier to use and understand. Customers relate well with coin – operated washers and dryers. In addition, most people have used them in the past, but even if they haven’t, the system is so easy that anyone can figure it out. They simply just put in their laundry, add detergent, choose a setting, insert coins, and press start: (typically) it is as simple as that!
Coin Operated Washer also eliminates the need for a billing counter. Note that if you don’t have a coin – operated or card – operated system, you will be required to have a billing counter where customers can pay. But avoiding a counter will free up more space, which you could fill with more coin – operated washers and dryers. In addition, you customers will be treated to hassle – free payments and won’t need to stand in a long line to pay.
Also, with a coin operated washer you will need fewer staff members. You won’t need as many staff members to maintain the facility. Staff members won’t need to supervise the use of the machines, since they collect money, record time, and run efficiently on their own. Additionally, you won’t need staff to run a billing counter.
How to Successfully Change Price on Coin Operated Washers
As a laundromat owner, if you own a coin operated washer and you believe your bills and overhead are increasing, you can also increase the cost to use your washers. Note that all you need are the proper tools to take apart the coin slot and regular coin slots to replace the blank slots with to increase the price. These are the necessary steps to follow;
- First unplug the machine so that it is turned off. Also unlock the panel that gives you access to the coin drop and to the slide mechanism. Then from the inside and outside, remove the bolts that hold the coin slot in place and remove the entire sliding mechanism from the washer so that you can take it to a work bench.
- At this point unhook the return spring. This spring is what pushes the coin slot back out once the coins are deposited, and you need it to be temporarily deactivated.
- Carefully flip the mechanism upside – down so that you are looking at the bottom of it. Then remove the three retainer plate screws from the bottom and set the plate aside. You should be looking at the underside of the coin – holding mechanism, with functional inserts where there are currently coins and slugs where you cannot put coins.
- Then pull out the blank inserts (the slugs), and replace them with functional inserts that will hold coins. Immediately the functional inserts are put in, simply replace the plate, flip the mechanism over, reconnect the spring and reinstall the coin slot into the washing machine by bolting it back into place. Plug the machine back in and test the new mechanism to be sure that the coins all go through and the washing machine starts up.
Conclusion
As a Laundromat owner, one chore you are not likely to delegate to an employee is collecting money from the machines. If you have a card system, your job is much easier. All you’ll have to do is empty the card machine of the bills, count them and deposit them in the bank.
But with a coin operated washer, you’ll need to empty each machine, preferably daily. You will want to pull (take out the coins) from one type of machine at a time so you can determine how often your customers are using each type of machine.
Remember to put a bag in one of your laundry baskets and roll it from machine to machine, starting with the top – loaders. Then count these coins and record how much money you made on this type of machine, then follow the same procedure with the front – loaders and the dryers.
Nonetheless, for recording purposes, you are advised to draw up a chart with seven rows, one for each day of the week, and columns for each type and size of equipment: top – loaders, front – loaders, dryers and vending machines. Then record in your chart how much money you withdraw every day.