How to Create a Laundry Facility Your Tenants Will Love

Installing and running a laundry facility is a considerable investment of your time, energy, and finances. To get the biggest return, you’ll need to make the space as accommodating and enticing as possible for tenants. Simply adding some washers and dryers on the property isn’t enough to encourage the kind of response you want to see. Let’s take a look at a few ways property owners can create a laundry facility that their tenants will love.

Install advanced equipment.
The foundation of any successful laundry room is high-quality equipment. You could execute perfectly on all other elements and still fail to keep tenants coming back if their laundry isn’t properly cleaned. Installing brand-new, functional, and advanced commercial equipment will provide tenants with the washing and drying results they expect. Since cost is the biggest obstacle facing property owners, it’s advisable to find a reputable equipment provider that can install new washers and dryers for free. Instead of paying upfront, these businesses allow you to pay off the equipment from the profits it generates.

Schedule regular servicing.
Even machines of professional quality are at risk of breaking down or suffering damage when not cared for properly. Broken equipment often struggles to clean and dry clothes properly which threatens tenant satisfaction. That’s why it’s in the best interest of facility owners to keep their machines up and running efficiently. Instead of scrambling to fix problems as they arise, you should consider scheduling routine maintenance from a reputable service provider. You’ll save money in the long run by catching problems early while keeping tenants happy. Working with a local service provider is ideal so you can cut down on the repair time significantly.

Accept multiple payment methods.
As a business owner, you want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay. In the laundry room, this means offering various methods of payment. Your tenants will appreciate the convenience, and you’ll benefit from increased income. The days of coin-only laundry rooms are quickly ending. Now, it’s possible to accept app payments, credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and even smart machine systems. When you’re choosing a laundry machine provider, you should keep an eye out for businesses that offer multiple forms of payment

Make the space accommodating.
Another critical part of creating a laundry facility your tenants love is making the space accommodating. Not all residents are going to head back to their apartments or dorm rooms after starting their laundry. Leaving the space sparse and uncomfortable might push tenants to look for a better spot off-site. Luckily, adding just a few items can really transform a laundry room. Adding some basics such as a few comfy chairs, a sturdy table, accessible outlets, and a large trash can really make a big difference. If you really want to take things to the next level, you could invest in a TV and vending machine to really encourage people to stick around.

Keep the space clean.
It’s easy to forget about the basics of running a laundry room when focusing on high-tech equipment, advanced payment options, and routine servicing. Routine cleaning is one of these blindspots that tenants need to keep in mind. Laundry equipment and the facility overall can quickly rack up dust, dirt, and other debris. This makes for a rather unpleasant experience for tenants as they can’t feel comfortable in their own apartment complex or dorm building. A quick spot clean once a day and a thorough clean every month or so should do the trick.

Looking for a reliable provider of commercial laundry equipment for your facility? You’re in the right place! The Coin Meter Company has been supplying property owners with world-class equipment for years. Our team even offers routine maintenance and same-day repairs to keep your equipment running optimally. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.

How to Encourage Students to Use Your Laundry Facility

Laundry facilities are essential for college students who tend to live in shared dormitories or small apartments without any washers or dryers. Whether you own an on-site laundry room or a stand-alone laundromat, you’re in a great position to earn a comfortable living. However, having a location near a college isn’t enough to get the business you want. Follow these strategies for encouraging more students to use your laundry facilities so you can get the most out of your business.

Make the space comfortable.
It’s common for college students to stick around until their laundry is complete, especially when the facility is off-campus. Laundromat owners who can make their space more accommodating and comfortable will have a competitive edge in the market. Make sure you have a variety of seating options such as couches, chairs, and stools. It’s also advisable to have tables and open outlets so students can do their homework when waiting for their clothes to get clean.

Suggested Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Doing Laundry in College

Invest in high-speed Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is the lifeblood of college students that keep them connected to friends, family, school, and entertainment. There’s a general expectation among the public that businesses will provide complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s something college students expect to see at a laundromat too. Investing in lightning-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity will instantly make your laundry facility stick out when compared to other options. Whether a college student needs to get some homework done or wants to catch up on the latest episode of their favorite show, they’ll gravitate towards a laundromat that can provide good Wi-Fi.

Offer deals and discounts.
It’s no secret that college students are living on highly restricted budgets. A great way to stand out from other laundry facilities is to offer special offers such as sign-up deals, student discounts, and loyalty programs. Reducing your profit margins might sound counterintuitive, but you’ll end up coming out on top as those discounts attract more repeat customers over time. Just make sure you take the time to advertise these deals via social media or email.

Show school pride.
A key element to running any successful business is catering to your target audience. Operating a laundromat is no exception. If you’re trying to encourage more college students to use your facilities, become a part of the local culture. Hang up college banners, spice up your facility with school colors, show local games on TV, and anything else that shows your school spirit. College students will automatically associate your laundromat with the school itself.

Start a student-oriented blog.
Many college students have never actually done a load of laundry on their own before moving away from home. Naturally, they’ll be looking online for answers about how to do laundry properly. You can position your business as a local expert while attracting more students to use your laundry facility by starting a student-focused blog. Providing tips and suggestions on your website’s blog will increase your exposure among local college students which will lead to more customers overall.

Build a partnership with the school.
Another fantastic way to get in front of students is to work out a deal with the local college or university. You could sponsor school events or teams to get your name noticed by more students, or you could work out a special discount program where students get unique deals when using your facility. When students see a laundry facility’s name associated with their school, they’ll instantly view it more favorably. This gives you a leg-up on the competition.

Looking for a dependable and local commercial equipment provider? You’re in the right place! Coin Meter has been helping laundry businesses get their hands on state-of-the-art equipment to take their businesses to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.

Dispelling 5 Myths About Adding a Laundry Facility to Your Property

Running a multi-unit property is a tough job. You have to maintain upkeep for entire apartment complexes or campuses and keep residents happy while maintaining a positive budget. Naturally, property owners are cautious about how and where they invest.

Laundry facilities are a popular point of contention within this line of work with some property owners swearing by them and others avoiding them at all costs. Here, we’re going to uncover some of the popular myths regarding shared laundry rooms to help property owners gain a better understanding of their value.

Myth #1: It’s too expensive to run.
As a property owner, you’re only going to make investments that make fiscal sense. And given the perceived cost of running a laundry facility, most people assume it simply isn’t worthwhile. The cost of purchasing the equipment, paying for repairs, and covering utility expenses seems too high for it to be worthwhile.

The Reality: A laundry facility is a significant investment for property owners. There’s no doubt about that. However, many people fail to see the ROI this investment can provide. Not only are properly-run laundry rooms highly profitable, but they also can increase resident retention. It’s an investment that can pay for itself multiple times over the years.

Myth #2: Tenants aren’t going to use it.
Understandably, owners are hesitant about putting money into anything that their tenants won’t use. After all, if renters don’t take advantage of what you provide, it’s essentially a waste of money. Unfortunately, it’s a common myth among property owners that residents will opt for laundromats instead of on-site laundry facilities.

The Reality: Laundry facilities are some of the most commonly used shared spaces in rental properties. The majority of people report doing laundry twice each week with nearly a third doing laundry every single day! Even tenants who currently do their laundry elsewhere will gladly settle for going down the hall instead of down the road. On-premise laundry facilities are incredibly convenient as they help tenants save time and money.

Myth #3: Laundry facilities require a ton of oversight.
Another common misconception about laundry facilities is the amount of time they require from property owners. You already have enough on your plate managing a multi-tenant property, so the idea of bringing on anything that demands more of your attention seems foolish.

The Reality: Modern laundry facilities with state-of-the-art equipment are almost entirely automated, requiring zero daily oversight from owners. You’ll only need to show up to collect cash and coins from the machines, clean up every once in a while, and manage the occasional equipment issue – which leads us to another common myth about laundromats.

Myth #4: Equipment upkeep is expensive and time-consuming.
There are two commodities property owners can never get enough of: time and money. That’s why so many believe a shared laundry facility is a net loss. Horror stories of busted and malfunctioning equipment fuel the myth that commercial laundry equipment requires constant maintenance, resulting in wasted time and investments.

The Reality: Modern, capable, and premium-quality commercial laundry equipment requires minimal upkeep. Property owners can avoid the time and money drains they fear by resisting the temptation to purchase low-quality, used machines. Plus, you can even find providers who offer same-day, affordable maintenance so you never have to worry about repairs.

Myth #5: Commercial equipment costs a fortune.
One of the strongest falsehoods surrounding shared laundry facilities is the cost of adding new commercial equipment. Property owners only have to take a gander at the price tag of a brand-new washer or dryer to get instantly turned off by the idea.

The Reality: It’s true that new commercial equipment is expensive. However, there’s another way for property managers to get the washers and dryers they need to open a shared laundry facility. There are commercial providers that will install equipment completely free while only requiring a fraction of your earnings. That’s free equipment for no extra work on your part!

Wondering where you can find a reliable commercial laundry provider? Look no further! The Coin Meter Company has been supplying local property owners throughout the northwest with state-of-the-art laundry equipment at no cost. We even offer routine servicing to keep things running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about what we offer.

What College Students Want to See in a Laundry Facility

Whether you’re running an apartment complex specifically for college students or want them to comprise a good portion of your Residents, there are some important things to keep in mind regarding laundry your facilities. Although all of your resident’s main goal is to get their laundry clean, each demographic has unique expectations.

College students are no exception to this rule. When set up correctly, your laundry facility can become the go-to place for students to get their laundry done which can translate into amenity to attract students years after year! Here, we’ll take a look at some things college students want to see in a laundry facility.

Security features
Unless your laundry facility is on-campus or in an apartment building, it’s advisable to implement some safety features. These protective measures can give college students extra peace of mind making them feel more at ease when using your facility. In addition to keeping your patrons safe, these safety measures also work to protect your laundry facility from vandalism.

Door and window locks are the most basic yet effective forms of security. If you really want to take things to the next level, you could install an around-the-clock surveillance system. Adding a list of relevant emergency contacts including yourself, other owners of the facility, campus police, and emergency responders is also a great safety measure.

WiFi Connection
In the 21st century, people have come to expect every public place to offer a WiFi connection. This is especially true of college students who are used to always being connected on campus. Whether they need to get some homework done or want to catch up on their favorite show, college students will appreciate having a reliable and strong connection.

It’s an excellent way to set yourself apart from the competition. Just make sure to advertise it! If you’re worried about having an open network, you could set up a password and post it throughout the laundromat so only patrons can access the WiFi.

Laundry Tips
College students are often given a hard time for not knowing how to do their own laundry, but there’s some truth to it. College marks the first time that many students will be doing laundry on their own. A great way to establish your laundry facility as the ideal spot for college students is to cater to this need by offering residents some helpful laundry tips.

You could post a cheat sheet of college student laundry tips throughout your facility and on your website to guide these customers through the basics of laundry. If you want to take things a step further, you could even create a grid of different loads with corresponding washer settings so college students know exactly what to do. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way!

Dynamic Payment Options
College students are used to convenience and have come to expect it everywhere, even at laundry facilities. A great way to make your facilities more accessible is by offering multiple payment options. Not only is there a national coin shortage, but college students aren’t always going to have a bunch of spare change on hand to do laundry.

Luckily, it’s not difficult to get your hands on capable commercial equipment that accepts multiple payment options. For example, Coin Meter Company offers industry-leading washers and dryers that accept coins, credit cards, debit cards, and even specialized laundry cards. These dynamic payment options also increase your potential revenue.

If you’re looking to upgrade one your laundry rooms at an apartment or dormitory, you’re in the right place! Coin Meter Company is a leading local provider of commercial laundry equipment. We’ve helped countless housing owners and managers optimize their laundry facilities to increase resident’s retention and boost satisfaction.

What to Look for When Choosing a Service Provider

Finding the right service provider is one of the most important decisions to make as the owner of a laundry facility. These partners set the tone for your business as they determine the type of equipment and the quality of servicing you receive.

The decision might seem daunting at first, but there’s actually a pretty clear answer. To help put your laundry business on the path to success, let’s take a look at some things laundry facility owners should consider when choosing a service provider.

Personalization
Every laundry facility is different. What works for you might not work for another laundry facility owner. As a result, it’s imperative to find a service provider who can accommodate your unique needs. Large providers offer one-size-fits-all solutions that don’t take your facility’s specific circumstances into account.

On the other hand, local service providers such as Coin Meter Company offer personalized services to ensure you get exactly what you need. From the type of equipment you receive to how it’s positioned and beyond, everything is catered to your demands.

Experience
Whether you’re the new laundry business on the block or a veteran in the industry, you want a service provider with a proven track record of success. Working with an experienced dealer comes with a variety of advantages. First and foremost, you can rest assured that their services are streamlined, effective, and high-quality. This limits any costly delays or hiccups.

Your business also stands to benefit greatly from the expertise these providers have gained over the years in the industry. For example, Coin Meter Company is one of the most qualified service providers in the northwest with over 40 years of experience. We know what it takes to run a successful laundry facility and can make sure you have what you need to grow.

Quality
The service provider you choose has a major impact on the overall quality of your services. These professionals will supply your laundry facility’s equipment and provide routine maintenance. The wrong service provider can end up hurting your business, while an excellent partner will help you succeed.

It’s critical to find a service provider that offers high-quality commercial equipment and comprehensive servicing so you can continue providing your clients with the efficiency, standard, and quality they deserve. A great way to determine a provider’s value is to review testimonials from current and previous clients to see what their experiences were like.

Location
National corporations might have superior funding, but these distant, faceless giants can’t compete with local providers in terms of service. When you work with a regional-focused service provider, you’re gaining a major advantage over the competition. Local partners have the flexibility to meet your laundry facility’s specific needs to ensure your business is running optimally.

With active service teams never more than a few minutes away, local service providers can offer quick response times. While national providers will have you waiting days or even weeks, local providers like Coin Meter Company can send a repair team over within the day! This way, you can drastically reduce costly downtime by keeping your machines fully functioning.

Cost-Effective
There’s nothing more draining to a small laundry business than getting nickel-and-dimed by an oversized and unnecessarily expensive service provider. Local service providers are the solution to the scourge of national providers siphoning funds from small laundromats across the country. But you don’t want something cheap either.

Luckily, you want to find a local service provider with a perfect balance between quality and affordability. Coin Meter Company has spent the past four decades perfecting its service offerings to provide local laundry facilities with unrivaled quality without putting undue financial pressures on partners. It’s a win-win!

Looking for a reputable, experienced, and quality service provider? You’re in the right place! Coin Meter Company has been supporting local laundry facilities across the northwest for over 40 years. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.