Coin vs. Card Operated Laundry: Pros & Cons
What are the advantages of each type of machine and which is the right option for you and your business?
When you must choose between coin or card-operated machines, it all comes down to preference. Yours and your tenants’. Here some attributes to consider.
Coin-Operated Laundry Equipment
If you are the type of person who likes to carry around cash and quarters, then it is a no brainer. Coin-operated machines are the choice for you. They are dependable and have been around since the beginning of commercial laundry. They may also save you a pretty penny or quarter in the end.
Longevity and Efficiency
Coin-operated machines stand the testament of time. They are simple and easy to use and are the most familiar to your tenants. They are just as efficient and reliable as card-operated machines. Tenants of all generations will have no qualms about it.
Customer Acceptance and Familiarity
Tenants may prefer coin laundry machines because they are what they are familiar with and trust. There is no need to use their credit card with their personal information or purchase a pre-paid card for use. You must also consider your demographic and older generations. Today, many people still get paid in cash and it is simply easier for them to use the money they have on hand. No need to deal with the bank or plastic. Older tenants may feel more comfortable with coin-op machines where they don’t have to learn a new system.
Easy to Use and Understand
Because they have been around the longest, they are the most comprehensible. Money in hand is something that everyone understands and there is no card system to learn. Whether it be credit, debit or prepaid cards. There are no language barriers when it comes to reading instructions on the screen and they may be less challenging for the visually impaired.
Affordable
Coin-operated machines are less expensive than card-operated machines. They have less interface technology and are inexpensive to fix if need be. Here at Commercial Laundries, you can get top quality, dependable, coin-operated washers and dryers at a price you can afford. They may be just what your tenants prefer, to unload their laundry and their pockets.
Card Operated Laundry Equipment
Plastic does come with its advantages. In today’s day and age, convenience is everything and card-operated equipment may be just what you and your tenants need.
The Future
Let’s be honest, like many people, as there are that carry cash there are just as many, if not more, that don’t. Cash is becoming more obsolete in our world and we must keep up. If you are catering to a younger generation of tenants, they may require the convenience and ease of card-operated machines.
Convenience
Tenants can use their prepaid cards without fear of running out of coins and can add to their accounts using a credit or a smartphone application. Card-op machines are not only convenient for your tenants, but for you as well. No more need to count and audit your coin machines. You have 100% audit ability and therefore, one less to-do on your list. Bonus, no more need for change machines and the constant need to maintain and manage them.
Price Control
In today’s economy the cost of running a business is constantly changing. With card-operated machines, it is easier for you to adjust the pricing of your services. You are not stuck to charging in twenty-five cent increments. You can adjust on the penny as you see fit. You can also change the pricing for different cycles and compensate that way.
Tenant Activity Tracking
Card-op machines allow you to see your tenant’s usage. You can add promotions and discounts to those who use your machines more frequently or add larger amounts of credit. The possibilities are endless.
In the end, it is determined by what you can afford, and your tenants need. If in doubt, you may want to ask around the community or do a survey before you make your final decision. Whatever it comes down to, know that we are here to help at Commercial Laundries and the right equipment makes all the difference. Contact our sales team at Commercial Laundries Orlando today at 407-986-1410