If you’re planning to open a laundromat, learning how to choose vended laundry equipment will likely be one of the first items on your to-do list. The machines will be your bread and butter, after all. Not only will they have a profound impact on your business’s long-term profitability, but they will also impact your operating costs, customer satisfaction, and more. Every detail matters: energy efficiency, load capacity, payment system compatibility, and more. Scroll down to explore what you should be looking for as you explore commercial washers and dryers for your soon-to-be-burgeoning business.
What to Consider When Purchasing Vended Laundry Equipment
Efficiency
We’re talking about both energy efficiency and water efficiency. Ideally, you’ll be able to locate high-efficiency washers and dryers that don’t skimp on either. Not only does this reduce your utility costs, but it could also qualify you for local rebates or incentives.
Durability
If you want to optimize your revenue, your washers and dryers must be able to handle high daily usage with minimal downtime. Look for reliable commercial-grade washers and dryers with proven track records and robust warranties.
Capacity
Every customer is different. A single man with a small load of laundry won’t appreciate it if you primarily offer large-capacity washers. On the other hand, a parent with a bundle of blankets probably won’t be happy if they have to stuff each one into an individual washer. Offer a variety of sizes for customers with different needs.
Speed
Obviously, your customers would prefer vended laundry equipment with quick, efficient cycles — no one wants to spend more time than necessary doing laundry. But beyond customer convenience, there’s also a major business advantage: faster machines translate to quicker customer turnover, allowing you to serve more people throughout the day and increasing your daily revenue potential.
Ease of Use
Because all sorts of people will use these washers and dryers — from first-time laundromat users to experienced customers — it’s best if they’re intuitive and easy to use. Complicated controls or unclear displays can lead to frustration, misuse, and even damage. Look for models with straightforward interfaces and clearly labeled buttons.
Brand
If you work with a respected, experienced brand like Speed Queen, Huebsch, or Yamamoto, you’ll enjoy peace of mind. When issues arise, you’ll receive strong customer support. When maintenance is needed, you won’t struggle to schedule service. When a component fails, replacement parts will be available. Basically, when a brand has a solid reputation, you can feel reasonably confident that it won’t let you down.
Cost
When we say cost, we aren’t just talking about the initial purchase price. Long-term costs matter just as much, if not more. For example, consider how this vended laundry equipment will impact your utility bills, how much maintenance it will require, and how soon it will need to be replaced. Factoring in those numbers will help you evaluate the true cost of washers and dryers.
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If you’re starting a new laundry business and you’re looking for a reliable distributor, check out Laundry Solutions Company, a full-service provider of premium vended, on-premises, and multi-housing commercial laundry equipment. Our leasing program provides no mileage fees, no service fees, and no parts fees. You will be able to use high-quality Speed Queen equipment while enjoying a flexible lease and predictable payments. To learn more about our products and services, please give us a call at 800-383-9274 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!