Did you know that the laundromat business in the US is collectively worth a staggering $5.3 billion as of early 2022? Not many people can afford washing machines, and that’s where laundromats come in.
Individuals from across the country have made a serious killing by providing the public with commercial washers and dryers to clean their clothes. If you’re looking to get your foot into the laundry game, there’s no better time to do so than now. But before you go waddling into unknown territory, it might be a good idea to learn a thing or two about commercial washers and dryers.
To help you out, we’ll be highlighting a few things you need to consider before buying commercial laundry equipment.
1. The Payment System You Want
The first thing you need to have down pat is the payment system for your washers and dryers. Coin-based payment systems have been the staple for a while, but they’re getting a tad outdated. These days, we’re seeing more laundromats adopting card-based or contactless payment systems for their services.
This isn’t to say that you should completely snub coin-based washers and dryers. No, all we’re saying is that the payment system for your washers and dryers should match your target audience. Here’s what we mean by that.
If you’re attracting an older demographic, then coin-based systems work just fine. However, if your customer base consists more of Gen Zers, the card-based payment system will work better. Of course, you can always opt for both, but it’s likely to confuse your customers.
2. The Management Approach You Want
Once you have the payment system down pat, it’s now time to decide what management system you want for your laundromat. The type of washers and dryers you settle for will determine the management system you adopt.
For instance, coin-based machines need a lot of attention and supervision. That’s because you need to collect and count coins, while also monitoring the vault box. You also need to have ready-to-use change on hand for your customers.
Card-operated machines are a lot easier to manage because you don’t handle any hard cash. Customers will pay the exact amount, which is deposited into your business account. You also don’t have to count coins or have ready change on hand.
If you want seamless management, you should consider a card-based or contactless payment method. This will make management a lot easier and will help you keep proper track of your income.
3. The Quality of the Laundry Equipment
Commercial washers and dryers are a lifetime investment, one you could even pass to the next generation. As such, it’s important to purchase high-quality washers and dryers that’ll last a lifetime or maybe even two.
Make sure you get your washer and dryer from trusted names in the industry. We’re talking manufacturers like Speed Queen, Whirlpool, and the like. Avoid buying anything from companies that sound sketchy or illegitimate.
Companies with the best commercial washers and dryers usually have a warranty for their equipment. This shows that the companies exude confidence in whatever they’re selling. The warranties also help save you a bundle in repairs in case anything goes wrong.
Before settling on a washer or dryer, make sure you check out a few reviews of the equipment. Doing so will help you make a more informed decision when picking washers and dryers for your laundromat business.
4. The Commercial Laundry Equipment Supplier
The commercial washing machine brand won’t matter if you source it from a poor supplier. Look at it this way: suppliers are the link between the manufacturer and you, the customer. Because suppliers are middlemen, it’s hard to know what goes on in between the actual supply and demand.
For instance, some unscrupulous suppliers swap machine parts with low-quality parts and sell them later on as replacement parts. That’s why you need to find a reputable supplier with your best interest at heart. Thankfully, there are plenty of trustworthy laundry equipment suppliers across the country.
It’s on you to do your digging and find a suitable supplier for commercial laundry equipment. Once you complete your local search, you can view more options to find the very best one for your needs.
5. The Speed of Delivery and Installation
Stress is a normal part of running any business, but you shouldn’t stress about delays in delivery and installation. When picking a laundry equipment supplier, pay keen attention to their delivery and installation times.
The phrase “time is money” certainly holds true in the laundry business, and you want your business up and running ASAP. Find a company with quick delivery and installation and get your laundry business off the ground quickly. You can learn about the supplier’s speed of delivery and installation by reading online reviews.
You should take the reviews on the company’s site with a pinch of salt. That’s because some companies are notorious for writing their own reviews. Check out authority sites like Yelp and the BB for honest and unbiased reviews.
Key Features to Look for in Commercial Washers and Dryers
Aside from the above factors, there are a few key features you should look out for in commercial washers and dryers. These features will determine the effectiveness, reliability, and economic viability of the said laundry equipment. Some of these features include:
Large Drum Size
The drum size is what determines how much laundry you can load into the washing machine. The larger the drum size, the more clothes the washer can accommodate, and the faster your customers can do their laundry.
Before taking your pick, ask the supplier about the washer’s drum capacity. It’s important to find a washer with a large drum capacity. That way, you can get the laundry done faster and make more money.
That said, be careful not to overload the washer at any given time. Doing so might compromise the functionality of the washer. This means it won’t clean your clothes as effectively as you’d want it to.
Proper Loading Position
You’ve probably noticed that different washing machines have different washing positions. With some washing machines, you load your laundry on top. With others, you load your laundry from the side.
Loading position is a crucial factor to consider when picking commercial washers and dryers. You want washers with a loading position that’s convenient for all your customers. For instance, it’s hard for people in wheelchairs to load their laundry from the top of washing machines.
It’s also worth noting that top-loading washers use more energy and water than side-loading washers. However, front-loading washers cost a lot more than top-loading varieties.
Proper Washing Temperatures
You can set commercial washers to wash laundry at specific temperatures, depending on what you’re washing. Some washing machines have limitations on what temperatures you can set them to wash at. This is detrimental to the washing experience and unattractive to customers.
It’s important to find commercial washers with the right washing temperatures to satisfy your customer base. Remember, some customers want to wash their clothes and also kill the bacteria on them. In such cases, they’ll require high temperatures to eliminate the bacteria or viruses.
Energy Efficiency
Energy costs will form the bulk of your expenses when running a laundromat. That’s why it’s vital that you find energy-efficient commercial equipment for your laundry business. In doing so, you can save a bundle on energy costs and improve your profit margins.
Most washing machines these days come with energy-efficient technology that reduces the amount of energy used per washing cycle. The technology includes programs that optimize washing cycles to use less water and energy. This is not only good for your pockets, but also for the environment.
Useful programs
These days, programmable commercial washers have taken the laundry industry by storm. It’s good news for laundromat owners and customers because it makes work a lot easier.
For instance, some washers have programs that assess the load and optimize the washer’s functioning for that specific weight. Customers will get cleaner clothes in a much shorter time. Other programs can automatically switch the washer to “turbo” mode for very stubborn stains.
That said, some programs may be unnecessary for your commercial washers. As such, only find a washer with useful programs that benefit you and your customers.
Eco-Friendly Features
The world is edging ever closer and closer to a climate disaster. Washing machines are among the most power-intensive household appliances. Thankfully, there are plenty of commercial washers and dryers with eco-friendly solutions.
Eco-friendly washing equipment uses less energy to mitigate the effect it has on the environment. Having eco-friendly washers will make you attractive to the new wave of environmentally-conscious individuals. It’ll also help you decrease your energy spending.
Start Your Laundry Business Today!
Keep the above information in mind when buying commercial washers and dryers to get the most value for your money. Do your digging and find a reputable supplier for the best commercial dryers and washing machines. The earlier you get to it, the better.
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