How many machines do I need?

[girth]

Hi --

I manage a laundry facility for a residence hall at a university, and students are suggesting that we buy more dryers. I'm not convinced, though, and am not sure how to decide is the demand is there?

Since this is a residence hall, we have a "captive audience" because few students want to take the laundry off campus and pay double to do it. So, if the machines are filled when they want to do it, they are willing to come back a few more times.

So, what I am really looking for is some good analytical way to see if the demand is there. Any suggestions?

Greg

[Avery]

Greg: One industry method is a 1 to 1 ratio between washers and dryers. If you have larger washers (30 lb and up) make it 2 dryers for each large washer. Retail customers are often more patient waiting for washers than dryers. I am sure this would also apply in a college environment.Good Luck

[PeterH]

Most dorms have "home style" machines, which are basically home washers and dryers with coin slides. These usually take about 30 minutes for the washer and 45 minutes or more for the dryer. The remember that your target audiance are young students who kinda don't know how to wash and tend to overload, not to mention that they either want to hurry and get their wash done, or put it in and leave it there for hours. Given this, students are probably not patient with the dryers taking longer and those who leave their clothes.

What brand/style of machines do you have now?

Check your machines. If you have the domestic style machines and have a 1-to-1 ratio, I'd let it slide. Make sure you have a strict maintenance program to minimize downtime. If you don't have 1-to-1, consider getting true commercial style dryers (ADC, Cissel, Huebsch/SpeedQueen, Dexter, etc).

-ph

[girth]

Yes, you are quite correct about kids not being patient about people who leave the laundry. They have no hesitation taking someone else's laundry out (when finished) and putting their laundry in, especially with the dryers.

The machines that we have are Maytag commerical washers and dryers, 26 minute (toploading) wash cycle and 69 minute dry cycle. While they are "commerical", they are very similiar to domestic machines in capacity and use.

Thanks for all of your advice! It is very much appreciated and very helpful!

Greg

[PeterH]

69 MINUTE DRY?!?! You really need to cut that way back. You're wasting electric (probably), overdrying, and possibly creating a fire hazard. 45-50 minutes should get you covered.

Maytag 30# capacity and up dryers are made by ADC. Talk to your distributor and see what they can do for you.

-ph