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Showing posts from September, 2025

What happens if a machine only takes cards?

 Some businesses proudly hang a “card only” sign. No coins, no notes, no exceptions. For customers, that can feel either like modern convenience or like being shut out entirely. For laundromats especially, the question looms: what actually happens if a machine only takes cards? The short answer: it streamlines payments, reduces theft, and matches how most Aussies already pay. But it can also alienate segments of the community who still rely on cash. The balance between efficiency and accessibility is what makes this debate so interesting. Why are laundromats going cashless? Australia is one of the fastest adopters of cashless payments. More than 80% of everyday transactions are now made with a card or digital wallet, according to the RBA. For a laundromat owner, switching to card-only payments means: Less time spent collecting, counting, and banking coins Reduced theft risk (no bulky coin hoppers to target) Faster transactions and fewer machine jams Cleaner faciliti...

Can you use a debit card at a laundromat?

 Most laundromats across Australia now allow card payments, including debit cards, but the details depend on the type of machines and payment systems in place. Traditionally, laundromats were coin-only, but that model has been shifting quickly toward cashless, making life easier for anyone who doesn’t carry a pocket full of change. Can you use a debit card at a laundromat? Yes, in many modern laundromats you can. Debit cards work just like credit cards on the terminals connected to washing machines and dryers. These card readers are usually contactless (tap-and-go), chip-enabled, or connected to mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. For laundromats that haven’t yet upgraded every machine, some use a centralised kiosk system. You load credit from your debit card onto a laundry card or digital app, then use that balance to operate the machines. Anyone who’s tried it knows it’s a relief not to fumble for coins while juggling detergent and laundry baskets. How do cashless l...

What is the long-term ROI of installing a kiosk system?

 Some investments take years to show their true value, and kiosk systems fall squarely into that camp. While the upfront cost can make operators hesitate, the long-term return on investment (ROI) tells a very different story—especially for industries like laundromats, where margins are tight, staff costs matter, and customer convenience drives loyalty. What is the ROI of a kiosk system in the first place? ROI for a kiosk isn’t just about direct revenue. It’s a mix of cost savings, efficiency gains, and customer retention. A kiosk system automates transactions, reduces labour dependency, and keeps businesses open longer without extra staffing costs. For laundromats, that means more customers can wash on their own terms—even at midnight. How do kiosks save on operational costs? The biggest long-term gain is staff reduction or redeployment. Instead of paying for front-desk employees across long hours, owners can run a largely unattended model. Lower payroll costs : A single kio...

How many machines do you need for a profitable laundromat?

 Running a laundromat isn’t just about filling a room with washers and dryers—it’s about balancing capacity, customer demand, and profitability. The number of machines you need depends on location, demographics, and your business model, but there are industry benchmarks that can help you plan smartly. How many machines does a profitable laundromat usually need? Most profitable laundromats operate with 40–100 machines in total , typically split between washers and dryers. A rough rule is to have one dryer for every washer (or slightly more dryers) , since drying cycles often take longer. Small laundromats (20–30 machines) work in suburban or low-density areas with steady but modest demand. Medium laundromats (40–60 machines) strike the balance, common in busy neighbourhoods or near apartments. Large laundromats (70–100+ machines) cater to high-traffic urban locations, often doubling as community hubs. A common profitability benchmark is aiming for at least 3–5 turns...

Grand Opening 101: Attracting Your First Customers on Launch Day

 Opening day can make or break a new business. For laundromat owners, the first impression sets the tone for whether customers stick around or drift to competitors. The good news? With the right mix of psychology, marketing smarts, and a dash of Aussie practicality, you can stack the odds in your favour. Here’s how to turn your grand opening into a full house. What’s the fastest way to attract customers on launch day? Most people decide within seconds whether a place feels worth their time. That’s why your first customers aren’t just “visitors” — they’re potential advocates. Creating buzz starts with three simple levers: visibility, excitement, and trust. Visibility: Signs, balloons, and local press coverage put you on the radar. Excitement: Free washes, giveaways, or even a sausage sizzle tap into reciprocity (people naturally want to give back when given something first). Trust: Make it clear you’re not a “pop-up” but a reliable part of the community. A well-present...

The Hands-Off Laundromat: Automating Daily Tasks to Save Time

 Running a laundromat isn’t just about washers and dryers humming away in the background. It’s about juggling staff rosters, machine maintenance, customer satisfaction, and cash flow—all at once. But what if most of those daily hassles could run on autopilot? That’s the promise of the hands-off laundromat: a business where technology quietly takes care of the grind while owners reclaim their time. How can automation transform daily laundromat operations? Automation in laundromats often begins with simple wins: self-service kiosks, cashless payments, and mobile notifications when a machine cycle finishes. But modern systems now go further. With connected apps, owners can: Track machine usage in real time Receive alerts for breakdowns or maintenance needs Automate pricing during peak hours Monitor staff attendance and scheduling Manage customer loyalty programs seamlessly For many small business owners, this means shifting from being “on the floor” constantly to c...

Why Add Cashless Payments to a Coin Operated Laundromat?

  Running a laundromat has always been about convenience, efficiency, and reliability. Traditionally, coin-operated machines have been the standard, but in today’s increasingly cashless society, customer expectations are evolving. More people are carrying cards or mobile wallets rather than coins. To stay competitive, many laundromat owners are turning to cashless solutions like a Coin Laundry POS System  that seamlessly integrates with their existing machines. Let’s explore why adding cashless payments to your laundromat is a smart investment. 1. Meeting Customer Expectations Modern customers expect flexibility in how they pay. While coins still work for some, many prefer using debit or credit cards, mobile payment apps, or contactless systems. By offering both cash and cashless options, you eliminate barriers and make it easier for more people to use your laundromat. 2. Attracting a Younger Demographic Younger generations are especially comfortable with cashless payments...