It is a given that commercial washing machines do not sustain for a long time. Providing the best commercial laundry equipment is necessary for keeping customers satisfied with the success of commercial laundromats.
If your commercial washing machine is irreparably broken, it is time to replace it and upgrade to new washers and dryers. But sometimes even good working equipment must be replaced. Read on to know the five signs that suggest you need to change the existing commercial laundry equipment.
High Utility Costs
Operating costs are one of the biggest expenses commercial laundromat owner faces. If running costs are higher than expected, it may be time to upgrade your washing machine. New commercial washers and dryers are notably more water and energy efficient than the previous systems.
Switching to more efficient machines will reduce the amount of electricity, water, and gas your laundromat uses. Commercial washing machines nowadays save many thousand gallons of water every month. The cost of new laundry equipment may be hard to digest, but these machines will save you money (and attract environmentally focused customers) and pay for themselves.
Equipment Seems Old
You can’t stash an outdated washer and dryer in your coin-operated laundry and it can seriously affect your business. Old laundry equipment will make the entire laundromat look outdated, no matter the good interiors or other types of equipment it has.
When customers have multiple coin-operated laundry options to choose from, they generally opt for the modern, new-looking option.
Equipment is Often Broken
Older devices often fail and need expensive repairs. Not only is this costly, but it also limits profits (the customer cannot use the “broken” machine) and discourages the customer from coming back. Laundromat owners need to replace their outdated laundry equipment even if it is properly maintained.
According to the Laundromat Association, the allowable service life for a commercial laundromat is:
- Top-load washers: 5-8 years
- Front-load washers: 10-15 years
- Dryer: 10-15 years
- Heating system: 10-15 years
- Coin changer: 10-15 years
Lacking Updated Technology
Technology is changing rapidly and the laundry industry is no exception. Technological advancements in the industry have been impressive in recent years, contributing to increased safety, increased efficiency, and increased customer loyalty.
The big change is that smart cards, credit cards, and app-based laundromat payment systems have replaced older coin-operated systems. Customers love the convenience of digital payments, but cashless (or cash lite) is safer for employees.
Equipment with the latest technology will attract customers. If your system is outdated and lacking compelling features, it may be time to update it.
Failing Customer Expectations
In today’s fast-paced world, no one wants to go wait at the laundromat all day. Long wait times and inefficient laundromat layouts and designs drive customers away. Customers prefer high-capacity washers that can handle heavier loads and finish laundry faster.
Modern industrial washers and dryers are also more efficient, processing each load of laundry faster while providing a better wash. Bonus: The faster a laundromat can meet customer demands, the more customers are satisfied, making more sales.
Growing Laundromat Business
You need new laundry equipment if you are extending your laundromat business to a new additional operational area. You must have suitable equipment for attracting and servicing the target customers at the new location. Growing demands suggest that the washing machines should finish faster, to avoid big queues and long wait times.