Customers can't read

[Howard]

What is it about laundromat customers that precludes them from reading signs, notices, messages, etc....

Was talking to one today that had no idea that we have a program that gives free washes after a certain number of paid washes. He was standing next to a cork board that has a notice about it and almost directly under a hanging sign that is 2 foot high by 4 foot long that says the same thing. Thanked me for telling him.

[Duane]

Howard,

Don't educate the customer too much. They might figure out that they can buy a washer and dryer for their home and then where would we be?

[Howard]

Hell we don't want to teach them that, but I sure would like at least teach them how to fetch and give paw ;~)

Seriously, I don't understand why many of them don't buy equipment themselves (thank god they don't) given the low price of basic machines with so many zero percent pay nothing for a year deals.

As you know I am going to trying your approach in 7-10 days. You might want to share it with others here.

[Duane]

Howard,

You are right, maybe someone here can also do this and report if it helped them.




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This is what I did to help customers read signs.... Maybe it will help you to.


I removed all clocks from the store so no one could tell what the time was unless they of course had their own watch.

I went to Sams Club and bought one of those LED signs that scroll messages across the screen. About $160

I now have several messages that scroll 24/7 with a time stamp after every 4-6 messages.

To see what time it is they must watch the sign (forcing them to read) until a time stamp comes up.

Has it worked? I have had it up for about 4 months now and the it appears to be working very well. Less dryer sheets on the floor, doors to equipment are kept closed and any unneeded cards are shoved under the office door so I can reuse them.

Some messages I have....

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Welcome to LMARIES

Caution floor is slippery when wet

Please read all posted signs

Check out www.LMARIES.com (http://www.LMARIES.com) for live store video

The time is "XXXXXX"

Please only use 1/4 cup of detergent in the Maytag HE machines

If you no longer need your laundry card, please place it under the office door.

Please clean up spills with the paper towels provided

Please close all machine doors when not in use

The time is "XXXXXX"

etc.....

THANK YOU!
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And now the good part.... Last week a girl was sitting on top of one of the large 35# washers watching. From home I was watching the video cameras and I used PC anywhere to take control of the PC at the store. I deactivated all messages and added a new message " PLEASE DO NOT SIT ON THE WASHER " In flashing bold red. Within 2 minutes she saw the sign and got off the washer. I changed the message to "Thank you" for a few minutes and then switched back to the normal messages.

Well worth the $160, and it just looks darn good!

Duane.


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If anyone does the above, report back here to see if it helped or didn't help.

Duane.

[RWSmith]

Duane, That is a great idea.
Reynolds