Why add cashless payments to a coin operated laundromat?

 Cash is no longer king—even in laundromats. Customers expect the same frictionless experience they get at cafés, supermarkets, or public transport: tap, pay, done. For coin-operated laundromat owners, adding cashless payments is not just a convenience—it’s a strategic move that boosts revenue, streamlines operations, and attracts a broader customer base.

Why are laundromats moving beyond coins?

Anyone who’s lugged around a bag of coins knows the hassle. Machines jam, customers walk away if they don’t have change, and operators lose time emptying, counting, and banking cash. In Australia, fewer people carry coins at all, thanks to digital wallets and tap-and-go payments being almost universal. That behavioural shift means laundromats relying only on coins risk alienating customers who expect quick, card-based options.

Beyond convenience, there’s also trust. Digital payments create a perception of modernity and professionalism. Customers are more likely to return to a laundromat that feels up-to-date, clean, and easy to use—what behavioural scientists call the consistency principle: once people experience an effortless option, they stick with it.

Do cashless laundromats actually make more money?

Yes. Industry data and operator reports point to several financial advantages:

  • Higher transaction value: When customers aren’t limited by the coins in their pocket, they’re more likely to choose larger machines, run multiple loads, or add extras like fabric softener.

  • Reduced lost sales: No more losing customers at the door because they couldn’t find change.

  • Operational savings: Less time on coin collection, fewer trips to the bank, and reduced risk of theft.

  • Tax and reporting ease: Digital systems track transactions automatically, cutting down on manual bookkeeping.

One Melbourne operator reported a 25% jump in average spend per customer after adding cashless readers—simply because people could tap their cards instead of rationing coins.

What does a Coin Laundry POS System offer beyond payments?

Adding a card reader is one step, but a full Coin Laundry POS System goes further:

  • Machine usage tracking

  • Remote monitoring (know which washers are running in real time)

  • Customer loyalty programs

  • Dynamic pricing (e.g., offering off-peak discounts to spread usage)

  • Integration with mobile apps for booking and payment

For owners, that means better visibility and smarter pricing. For customers, it means convenience and predictability—two behavioural triggers that keep them coming back.

Are customers ready for a cashless laundromat?

Absolutely. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, card payments now account for over 75% of transactions, with mobile wallet use rising fast . Anyone under 40 expects to pay with their phone or card everywhere. By offering both coins and cashless, laundromats cover all bases without alienating older customers who still prefer coins.

Social proof also plays a role here. As more laundromats adopt tap-and-go, customers start to assume it’s the norm. Operators without it risk looking outdated, much like a café that only takes cash.

FAQ

Do I have to remove coin slots to add cashless payments?
No. Most modern POS systems allow both coins and cashless, giving customers a choice.

Will older customers accept it?
Yes, but keep coin options available. Many seniors use cards too, but hybrid systems ensure no one is excluded.

Does it cost a lot to install?
Initial setup costs vary, but most operators find the increase in revenue and time savings offsets the investment quickly.

Final thought

A coin-only laundromat in 2025 feels as dated as a payphone on the corner. Customers want ease, speed, and choice—and cashless delivers on all three. For operators, it’s not just about payments; it’s about future-proofing the business, attracting new customers, and simplifying operations.

If you’re exploring the technology, consider how a modern Coin Laundry POS System could transform your laundromat into a smarter, more profitable operation.

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