Can You Convert a Coin Operated Washer to a Card System?

Shared laundry space managers are able to convert coin operated washer to card with a do-it-yourself installation kit or by enlisting the help of a professional laundry equipment service. Many modern commercial laundry machines are built with the replacement of payment systems in mind and allow for easy part exchange or addition. Older washer and dryer models may require more significant mechanical changes to implement a fully functional card system. Regardless of the complexity, the card-operated payment system should only take up to a few hours to install.

What Are the Benefits of Converting Coin Machines to Card Systems?

Customer convenience is a significant reason that many commercial laundry facility managers choose to upgrade their coin-based machines to advanced, card-based systems. According to a Pew Research Center survey, about 41% of Americans use cash to pay for services or goods in a typical week. By not requiring users to bring cash or coins to the facility, they may feel the laundry experience is less stressful and more expedient.

Converting coin machines to smart card laundry systems for businesses greatly benefits the managers of the shared laundry facilities. The routine collection of coins from machines and the maintenance of on-site change machines become unnecessary after the payment system replacement. Card-reader technology in newer commercial washer and dryer models can also be an incentive for owners needing a reason to invest in new machines.

Can All Coin-Operated Washers and Dryers Be Converted to Card Systems?

The short-term and long-term budgets of a shared laundry space manager can be a significant factor when deciding to convert a coin-operated washer to a card-operated one. Depending on the commercial machine’s make and model, professional installation may be required and should be considered when drafting the financial plan for a payment system upgrade. 

There are a few different methods for converting to card, including:

• Adding a Card Reader: Many users can appreciate the option of using a card or coin to pay for a wash or dry cycle in a shared laundry space. A professional appliance technician should be able to assess a commercial machine’s current capabilities and determine if the card-reading technology can be attached without modifying the original payment system. 
• Buy a New Washer or Dryer: When a commercial washer or dryer requires coins for payment, there may not always be an option to add a card reader to the machine. Some older makes and models may not be adaptable, and a professional will be able to say if it makes sense to buy a new machine with a standard card-reading mechanism.
• Swapping the Coin Slot for a Card Reader: For a variety of commercial washers and dryers, simply removing the coin-based payment system and covering the area with a plate is the best option. Once the coin receiver is removed, a card reader can typically be added on top of the cover plate.

What Are the Costs of Converting Coin Machines to Card-Operated Systems?

When converting a coin machine to a card-operated system, the costs can fluctuate depending on the type of conversion. For an outright replacement of machinery, the equipment cost will be the highest, while installation costs will be minimal. Swapping the payment system alone means paying for the specific card-reader parts, as well as hiring a professional installer if the update is not DIY-friendly.

Beyond initial conversion, there are maintenance costs for a card-reading machine that has been upgraded from a coin-based system. Network and software fees should also be included in long-term cost projections. 

Lastly, card-operated payment systems typically have an associated processing fee that must be paid at the time of each transaction. By factoring these costs into the price for washing and drying cycles, many laundry facility managers see a significant return on their investment.

Is Leasing New Card-Operated Machines Better Than Converting Old Coin Equipment?

Whether leasing a new card-operated machine is financially better than converting an older machine to card depends on several factors. Shared laundry space managers should consider the size of both their long-term and short-term budgets when evaluating their potential to upgrade their equipment. 

Aspects to consider before leasing or converting include:

• Maintenance Fees: Whether leasing or converting to a card-operated commercial machine, regular maintenance will be required to keep the washer or dryer in service. When leasing, there is often an opportunity to bundle these routine care costs with the monthly payment. This may be cheaper than paying for a separate professional team to come out and take care of the equipment that may require unique care due to the conversion method chosen.
• Revenue Flow: After installing a card-operated system in a commercial laundry machine, technical support will likely not be included following the completion of the project. When leasing, property managers can feel assured that any issues with payment processing will only briefly inhibit a customer’s ability to pay for the laundry cycles they need. Rapid, 24/7 support may be included in some leasing contracts for commercial washer and dryer machines.
• Maintain Coin Option: Leasing new, card-based commercial washers and dryers means leaving behind the coin-operated system altogether. By choosing to convert an older model, property managers can oftentimes keep the coin slot that was originally used on the appliance. Providing users with two payment method options can increase the amount of business the machines complete.

Key Takeaways on How to Convert Coin Operated Washer to Card

• DIY vs. Professional Install: Whether a professional should be hired to convert a coin-based system to a card-reader system typically depends on the make and model of the machine. Newer technology may be easier to update due to similar hookups and publicly posted conversion guides.
• Ongoing Costs: While card-based laundry systems bring in revenue in shared laundry spaces, they also require routine network maintenance and processing fees. This cost can be incorporated into the cycle price, but it should still be considered.
• Support for Leasing: By choosing to lease a commercial washer or dryer with card-reading capabilities, property managers may benefit from additional, long-term support from qualified technicians.
• Convert or Upgrade: An appliance professional can help determine the factors that should be considered when debating a conversion or upgrade to a card-based system. The decision may be made based on the cost of conversion or the compatibility of equipment and parts.
• Less Daily Work: Once a washer or dryer has been converted to a card-operated system, laundry space workers will no longer need to collect coins from machines or provide change to customers or residents.

When determining the potential to convert coin operated washer to card for apartment laundry systems, shared space property managers should consider the functionality of their current equipment, the immediate and future costs of maintaining the technology, and the effect the change will have on both employees and users. 

Commercial Laundries proudly offers a wide range of resources and services for managers exploring the differences between coin-based and card-operated systems. With leasing options and repair packages available, there is a potential laundry solution for everyone. To learn more about the appliance support available, call 305-889-7966.