Card vs Coin Operated Laundry Machines: Which is Best?

Decipher the differences between coin and card-operated equipment and decide which laundry payment system is right for you and your residents.

There are several key benefits of card and coin-operated laundry, and you may be wondering which is best for you.  Coin laundry is the most traditional and card op machines have gained major popularity over the past decade for their technological advancements.  When it comes down to it, the two important things to consider are your management style and your customers’ payment preferences.  Here we have broken down some of the notable advantages of each to help you conclude which would work better on your onsite laundry facility. 

Customer Payment Preferences and You Management Style

Your primary concern should be your customers.  What are their preferences, and which would be most suitable for them?  Coin or card op equipment works well for some populations, others not.  Identifying your core population, their age, and socio-economic status will help you in discovering the most convenient system for their needs.  Additionally, each system requires a distinct type of management involvement and you must decide just how engaged you would like to be.  Consider the following benefits of each system and decide which would work best with your demographic.

Benefits of Card vs Coin-Operated Laundry Machines

Coin-Operated Laundry Equipment:

Accessibility:  Just about everyone has access to coins.  This is especially important to consider in communities where not everyone has a credit card. 

Well Known and Trusted:  People are used to the system.  No transition necessary.  Furthermore, users may feel more secure not having to enter credit/debit cards.  Just drop in a coin and carry about your business. 

Simplicity:  They are easy to use and understand and there is no new system to get used to for older generations.  Simply enter the correct amount of coins required and choose your cycle.

No Loyalty Card Required:  Coin systems are better suitable for areas with temporary residents, seasonal guests, and tourists.  Laundry cards must be purchased and uploaded with funds, and there will always be something left on the card, leaving customers in dismay.

No Online System:  No internet or wireless access required.  Your machines will never go out of commission because of a downed system or loss of connection.

Affordable:  Coin operated laundry equipment is usually less expensive than card-operated machines and they often cost less to repair.      

Card Operated Equipment:

Technologically Advancement:  In today’s world, many customers routinely use credit or debit cards for everyday purchases as their primary method of payment.  Younger generations rarely carry cash, and a card system will draw them in.

Customer Loyalty:  Laundry cards give customers more incentive to return and use your facility in the future.  The need to use up remaining funds will keep patrons coming back and using your system.

Pricing Flexibility:  With your online laundry platform, you can easily adjust pricing in small or large increments.  You can also offer discounts, promotions, or ‘happy hour’ prices for loyal customers.  Upsell different wash and dry cycles to drive profits with a click of a button.

Remote Access:   Monitor machines, track usage, and observe customer preference from the comfort of your home or office. 

Increased Security:  With the elimination of cash or coins your potential for theft drastically decreases.

Gain Time and Full Transparency:  With card operated equipment you won’t have to collect and count coins.  You will also gain full transparency into your laundry facility with automatic and accurate accounting.

So Which Is Best For Your Facility Between Card Vs Coin Operated Laundry Machines?

Coin-op laundry machines are timeless and widely accepted by permanent and temporary residents and they may work best for lower-income families and older generations.  With coin-operated laundry equipment, there is no need to have money in the bank or access to a credit card.

Card operated equipment is a step toward a more technological business and requires less hands-on management as your facility is fully accessible online.  A cashless system is more appealing to younger generations that are more accustomed to card transactions and technology. 

Whichever direction you choose to go in, the experts at Commercial Laundries Orlando are here to help.  Here we have the most affordable coin and card-operated equipment for purchase and an even more competitive commercial laundry leasing program.  For further information on card vs coin-operated laundry machines or assistance in making the right decision for you and your facility, contact Commercial Laundries Orlando at, (407) 986-1410.