Perks and unique ideas

[brian2264]

All,

I have a very small unattended Mat in a rural area. It doesn't turn profits hand over fist but I look at it as more of an assest to our community that I dont need to work to hard at to make a few small dollars. I am always trying find new ways to giving new perks to the customer or making the mat feel more comfortable and at home. Currently we have our Christmas tree up with all the decorations..etc.

Because it is unattended I miss out on the opportunity to provide specials such as "free soap" for a selected occassions. I have done some seasonal raffles (free) but very limited. Looking for ideas to give a little back and make it more enjoyable to do laundry at my location instead of traveling to the nearest city (15 miles).

Any ideas are welcome, Thanks.

Just a note, I trust my customers quite a bit, so if it requires taking a small chance with leaving things unattended, I am OK with that. I know that sounds crazy but I leave all sorts of things out for customers with no issues. they even use my supplies and clean up when they are there. Gotta love small towns. thanks again and Merry Christmas.

[bodman]

contact a local church offer to match them in funds for free laundry day at your mat suggest whichs would be best. . The church organizes and their members execute the process. So if they come up with 125.00 you give them 125.00 so needy persons in the community get clean clothes. This a win win situation. and more people know about your mat and kind heart.

[CanCanCase]

Brian-

Does your store run coin or card? My regulars love the "wash 12 times (any size), get a free wash in a double loader" promo and I'm not really giving away all that much. My effective price reduction ranges from 1.6% to 8.3%, and that's only for the customers who can actually keep track of one EasyCard and keep coming back to rack up the credits toward the freebies.

-Case

[brian2264]

Thanks for the responses. I am a coin only mat so I dont have the ability to offer any automated specials without supervision.

I am going to take the "free laundry day" into serious consideration. Thinking about it I will need to attend the mat for a day (or maybe a free 6 hours). There are some good active churchs in our area that may be interested in helping the area as well.

[mellofelow]

Plan ahead and have an 'Open House' event.

We did that last month and went very successfully. We gave away free dry from 9am to 4pm.

http://www.planetlaundry.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6436

[moresales]

contact a local church offer to match them in funds for free laundry day at your mat suggest whichs would be best. . The church organizes and their members execute the process. So if they come up with 125.00 you give them 125.00 so needy persons in the community get clean clothes. This a win win situation. and more people know about your mat and kind heart.

that's a great idea!