Equipment Replacement Offers the Perfect Opportunity to Upgrade Technology and Refresh Store Aesthetics
[This is the fifth in a five-part series of articles expanding on the “equipment equation” for laundromats. In this final installment, we examine another of the key potential benefits of replacing older equipment – the chance to significantly update your laundromat, as well as enhance customer perception of the business.]
Owners looking to replace equipment in today’s laundromat market often face decisions that go beyond simply trading out old washers and dryers for a like number of similar machines. In fact, more operators today are leveraging equipment replacement as part of an overall strategy aimed at building and strengthening their businesses, rather than just maintaining the status quo. One of the leading ways to accomplish this objective is to replace equipment with the latest, most technologically advanced machines available, thus smoothing out the laundering process and increasing the number of options for both the store owner and the end-user – and enhancing the overall laundry experience for all.
Upgrading the Technology
Installing new laundry equipment provides laundromat owners with the opportunity to add the most up-to-date and flexible controls designed to help manage profitability and provide a user-friendly experience. Many of today’s enhanced washer controls allow for customized setup, with each cycle and wash option priced individually or programmed for time-of-day pricing, thereby maximizing a store’s revenue potential.
Customers at modernly equipped laundries have the ability to select preferred wash cycles and other options based on their own individual needs. What’s more, additional cycle modifiers – such as hotter water temperatures or additional rinses – can be priced individually to allow for further control over the business’ revenue.
In addition, today’s LCD screens provide ease of use for both customers and laundromat owners. Many operators who have retooled now have the option of choosing and customizing which cycle selections to display on each machine.
Also, much of the current, intuitively designed washer software provides diagnostics, notifications and revenue reports – to help keep the laundromat running smoothly and at full capacity.
Of course, an upgrade in equipment technology typically goes hand-in-hand with an increase in the types of payment options offered to the customer. In 2022, laundry customers demand payment flexibility, and the most successful operators are providing it.
Refurbishing the Premises
The benefits of a large investment in equipment replacement can be further enhanced by making a few significantly smaller investments designed to improve the look and feel of the laundromat.
Refreshing a store’s paint, replacing the ceiling tiles and flooring, updating the décor and seating options, and brightening up the restroom – when combined with the latest equipment – has the potential to not only to strengthen a laundromat’s ability to retain current customers and draw new ones, but also to discourage any would-be competitors.
Moreover, a retool is an ideal time to add more convenient customer amenities – such as a wider array of food and beverage options, additional charging stations for your customers’ devices, upgraded television cable/satellite packages, etc. Perhaps even carve out some real estate within the facility to make room for a children’s learning and reading area and/or a meeting space to hold any number of educational workshops focused on the needs of the laundromat’s customers.
These types of changes can greatly enhance the neighborhood’s perception of the business – transforming it from just another laundromat into a true “community center” that gives back to the local residents who support it.
Retooling a laundromat to boost its earning potential and community reputation – and to ensure that it remains the top choice for customers in its market – is one of the wisest decisions an owner can make.
