Laundromats have come a long way. Not only do they offer amenities such as flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi, the way a customer pays to do their laundry has become state-of-the-art. New coin operated washers and dryers in Charlotte, NC, even seem to be space-age.
Customers don’t have to haul a bag of quarters in along with their bag of clothes and detergent in order to do their laundry anymore. Commercial washers and dryers can have card readers installed on them so customers can use their debit cards to pay for laundry.
There are pros and cons for both coin operated equipment and washers and dryers that can accept cards. Let’s take a look at a few so that you can determine what is right for your laundromat.
Coin Operated Machines
Pro: Everyone who has even been to a laundromat knows how to use a coin operated machine. It’s familiar, common and easy to use. Customers who only deal in cash will find it preferable to having to use a debit card.
Con: For employees or business owners, dealing with coins can be a hassle. Switching to a card operated machine will make it easier to track and record revenue.
Pro: Coin-operated systems cost less. They come standard on commercial laundry equipment, and are probably already installed so there is no investment.
Con: There is more of a chance of theft because the coins are in the machine, ready to be taken.
Card Readers
Pro: Customers don’t have to lug around coins. They can use a debit card or a loyalty card provided by your laundromat.
Con: Some customers may be confused by how to use it and not return to the location.
Pro: As mentioned above, tracking revenue is much easier. It is it also easer to implement sales specials to regular customers, or create pricing structures based on the time of day.
Con: Installing them in existing equipment will be an investment, and you will have to factor in the fees to process credit and debit cards.
There are other options if you want to be able to offer your customers both types of machines. You could keep coin operated machines but install new washers and dryers with card readers. This would give your customers options, but also allow them to ease into the transition.
There are also hybrid versions available that give both options – coins or cards. They are becoming popular among laundromats because they give customers a choice in how they want to pay for laundry. Note that it does increase work for processing revenue because you have to collect coins as well as the card payments.
When considering the pros and cons of each type of payment, , you will have to consider all of the factors, from how it will affect the accounting process to how it will affect your customers in order to decide what is best for your laundromat. You do want to increase productivity but not at the cost of losing customers who may prefer to keep things the way they have always been.
Searching For Coin Operated Washers and Dryers in Charlotte, NC?
Are you ready to start shopping for new equipment? We have top load and front load coin operated washers, single load dryers, stack dryers, and stack washer/dryer combos. We can find something to work in your laundry room that will benefit your customers, save you money and make it profitable to have coin operated washers and dryers in Charlotte, NC. Call T & L Equipment today so we can help you make a purchase. We have been in business for 40 years, so we are the experts when it comes to commercial laundry equipment.
