The best machines...

[Elizabeth]

Hello,
I'm in the midst of writing a business plan for a coin laundromat (suprise, suprise, right?) and I have a couple of questions.
One is what are the best machines?
I know everyone has a different opinion so basically I was hoping that a few people could write what they feel are the best in terms of everything (low maintenance, long usablility, cost, good warranty, etc) just so I could get a better idea of what's out there.
I want to get front loaders primarily and I've been told (by a laundry machine repair guy) that Speedqueen and Alliance are pretty good.
Another is are there good trade magazines or other forums like this one online?
Any books that would be good?
Thanks,
Elizabeth

[Duane]

Elizabeth,

You are correct when you said that everyone will have a different opinion. So this is mine...

I built a full Maytag store for these reasons....

Name brand quality. All of your customers will recognize the Maytag name as a quality product. Maytag is the only manufacturer that has a national advertising campaign that promotes your equipment (Neptune).

The Neptune washer. I installed 30 Neptunes and had utilities at 17% for year 2003. Better wash, less utilities, less dry times, up to 50% larger capacity over a top loader, programming is easy to make adjustments to your cycle to fit your needs.

Full line. Maytag has everything from your top loaders, Neptunes, Dryers, 35lb washers, 50lb washers. And more. Only need to deal with one company.

Warranty. Maytag has the best commercial warranty on the market. Full 5 year parts warranty. Imagine opening a new mat, or renovating an existing mat and not having to worry about equipment parts for the 5 years.

Distributor. Great Lakes Commercial Sales was able to put together a full package from washers and dryers to hot water heater, soap machine, laundry carts, folding tables, vending machines and the Card Concepts Card system. By purchasing from one company I was able to save money and it greatly simplified the financing process (SBA loan).

Duane.

ww.LMARIES.com

[Duane]

Oops... Forgot. Send me an e-mail via my website and I'll send you some more info.

Thanks,

Duane.

[millenniumplus]

We have a relationship with Alliance and Speed Queen that we are happy with.

[Elizabeth]

millenniumplus,
where are you located? I'd like to hear more about Alliance/Speedqueen. Could I send you an email?

[millenniumplus]

Two locations is southern Louisiana. Can provide you with contact information
(leave email address or I can post it). Alliance does financing/software support.
SQ machines/service we work with CLEC (Coin Laundry Equipment Company).

[mn5563]

I also have a nice relationship with Alliance/Speed Queen and as a former Maytag customer I am much happier now. For what I paid for my Maytag machines I feel I should have gotten a better machine. I have a number of Speed Queen machines and have had no problems of significance. I will provide you with further info if you would like to e-mail me.

[PeterH]

Wascomat washers
ADC dryers

[laundrylass]

I just read this post and wondered if you could reccommend a good insurance carrier in Louisiana, I am closing on my first mat next month and haven't been able to find affordable insurance yet (under $600mo!). thanks!

[CleanSpot]

Where you are located really makes a difference. A distributor of a particular brand can be very different region to region. I won't deal with Maytag in my area. It's too bad they have exclusive markets.
I've had pretty good luck with Wascomats, except I bought dryers 2 years ago and would NOT buy more....lint is a real problem. I've been told the problem was fixed but I don't know. Go look at each one...get down on your hands and knees to see how hard it will be to do the lint/ maintain machines. Wascomat tech line has always been helpful

[KKKamien]

My wife and i did research on buying a laundry for almost 2 years before we finally closed on our first store recently. My advice is that the type of machine you use is BY FAR second in importance to the distribtor that you use. I do not know what area you are from, but if you are near Chicago I highly recommend WASHPRO USA.
Each brand of machine may have a certain feature that makes it appealing, but when it is all said and done it is your distributor that should be there for you to answer your questions and look out for your well being...and not only in the development of your store but after you open and as questions and problems develop during the first year until you get your feet get wet. *you can read all the books in the world on swimming, but its not until you get into the water yourself that you really stert to learn* You will need a distributor who will stick by you and not run the other way once they have all your cash and have sold you every machine they possibly can. To see the laundromat industry at its best,Go to www.washprousa.com (http://www.washprousa.com) Then give them a call or email them and ask what they can do for you, you won't regret it. It was the smartest business decision we've made to date.

[Duane]

I agree, it is more the distributor than the machine. Or least it should be...


I use Great Lakes Commercial Sales (www.greatlakeslaundry.com) for all my Maytag equipment and have been very pleased with their service.

[SuperMatMan]

The "best" machine is what meets the needs of your customers, as well as your needs. I have SpeedQueen washers and dryers. I went with them for one reason. The quality of the distributor. I built a 5000sq. ft. store, and although biased, it is second to none. The service and quality provided by the distributor and General Contractor they use was far beyond my expectations. I would meet with all distributors, and attend their sales seminars. When talking with them, remember they are evaluating you as nuch as you are them. Visit the stores they have built. Who builds the nicer, better stores? Who do you feel most comfortable with. I honestly believe the machines are secondary. As far as Insurance, Zurich and The Hartford are who we use. I would also find who's insuring it now and go to them, or try a local agent. They should be able to find you the appropriate insurance.

[BartA74]

I own a small laundromat in Massachusetts. I bought the store about 4 months ago. I have 18 Washing Machines Breakdown is 10 Maytag Toploaders 4 IPSO 35lb Front Loaders 4 Older model Neptunes. I ordered 5 New Speedqueen Horizons they are being delivered and installed next week. In my short time in the business I have found the type of machine that works for the store owner is gonna differ from the machine the customer wants to use. My toploaders get a lot of use because they look like the machine people use at home. People will use one of my 35lb machines because they can see the soap go around. I would say my experience has been better with my IPSO's than Maytag. The maytags seem to break down more and good luck trying to get Mac Gray out to fix the machines when you cant fix them yourself.