Washlava – a mobile technology startup based in Tampa, Fla. – recently reported that it has launched the world’s first exclusively app-enabled laundromat in Tampa.
The Washlava-branded store is completely coin-free and cashless, with the laundry’s Huebsch equipment controlled through Washlava’s mobile application.
“By eliminating quarters and cash, we can provide customers with a safer, faster, more convenient laundry experience,” said Todd Belveal, Washlava’s owner, founder and CEO. “And, from an operational perspective, the platform is significantly cheaper than other laundry payment systems, allows us to remotely manage and monitor our equipment fleet, and engage with and market to customers directly – all features that are impossible to do with a coin- or card-operated location.”
In addition to enabling mobile payments, the technology allows customers to find Washlava locations, see machine availability, reserve machines and receive push notification when their laundry is finished.
The technology has been operating at the University of Florida since fall 2016, and Washlava reports that students prefer the company’s app 12 to 1 over quarters, and 7 to 1 over credit cards.
In coming months, the technology is scheduled to launch at a laundromat in New York, with Austin, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami locations to follow.
“Our technology enables a better, modern and more convenient experience for customers, and more efficient, profitable locations for laundry owners,” Belveal stated.
The Washlava platform is now available on LG Giant, Huebsch and Speed Queen Quantum commercial laundry equipment, with additional makes and models coming soon, according to the company.
