easy cards

[Cocca]

Hi! I work for a company out of Ohio, and our interest has turned to opening a chain of 10-15 new mats (these have not yet been constructed). We're considering using the easy card system as opposed to coins, but there are a few skeptics in our group who think this may be a difficult transition for consumers who have gotten used to the coins, particularily the elderly. Has anyone incurred any difficulties with the card system and/or transitioning into its use? I appreciate any help I can get on this! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Howard]

You will probably find many more problems in profitably running a chain than whether or not a card system will be accepted. This is especially true if you are new to the business. This industry is generally a mom and pop industry for a reason and most chains have made extensive use of bankruptcy courts- not to say it can not be done, but most fail. Do some research and you will learn why.

As far as EasyCard, it or most card system are fairly well accepted by most. Just like anything else you will have some customers that refuse to use your store because of it, while others will travel and avoid other stores to use it - for most it is a non-issue.

PS - the elderly should find it much easier (no pun intended) to use a card than to fumble with change.

[Duane]

Cocca,

As Howard stated, the mat business is more of a mom and pop family business. There is good money to be made if you are willing to do most of the work your self, but adding on a layer or two of management and then pay out for most of the cleaning and repair work will eat up all the profits.

Do your research in the industry and you will notice that several chain stores have gone out of business.

A new good sized mat will probably cost at least $400,00 and up depending on your location.

And besides, I don't need any competition. ;o)

Duane.

www.LMARIES.com (http://www.LMARIES.com)

[JamesD]

This thread makes me chuckle! Everybody and their brother, especially those that were burnt in the bull market and missed the subsequent runup in rental real estate, wants to get into the "lucrative" laundromat business.

My original plan was to build and operate 4-5 laundromats. I have the finances and the mechanical ability and time to devote fully to this business. However, I am now holding steady at one.

I figured out if I brought in a manager, a bookkeeper, a maintenance person and used an experienced technician for most repairs that there would be nothing left.

The reasons that the big chains have gone out for the most part is only partially financial. Smaller operators can better manage their businesses. I have yet to see a chain laundromat that is both consistently clean and has good customer service. In addition, it is nearly impossible to keep all of your equipment running with a chain setup. It's hard enough as an individual owner. I am referring to brand new stores by the way.

Cocca,

I wish you much luck, especially if you don't compete with Duane. This business is simple, but in reality it is very far from easy. In addition, managing employees in the laundry business is much harder than in a typical retail business.

A card system does give your more (not complete) control over your operation, but it does not in any way make it a hands-off business.

[petefritz]

don't listen to the others. There is so much money to be made it is almost like stealing. Sometimes when I come home from my mat I take all the money I made for the day and lay in it. A card system is better, because with 15-20 stores you do not have the weight of quarters in the trunk of your Lexus weighing down the shocks. If you have a Hummer H2 then don't worry, either cash or card is OK, after all, it is what suits you. Who cares if the elderly don't use cards, there are so many customers you don't even need them!
You should set up the company like Laundromax or Spin Cycle, getting big investment from rich people. that way you don't even need your own money. And the dealers will be tripping over themselves to cut you deals on equipment and financing. And the tax deductions are great. I am looking for a new job as corporate trainer or something, I am really good at sweeping floors. I would be able to start at around 87k a year, plus , send me an email, we can talk, I only have 4 mats and can run them from my cell phone.
Good luck!

[Howard]

I think they could even do better with some seasoned talent. I hear Andy Fastow, Jeff Schilling and Kenny "boy" Lay are looking for another gig /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[millenniumplus]

We have the card system and most of our customers like it. New customers
may have some initial problems with it but sooner or later they get it after
using the card system on a regular basis. Some elderly and people that are
not card system literate need help. Rarely do people just walk away when
the discover we have a card system. Most people we find quickly pick up
the card system. We would not trade our card system for a coin system.
We aren't opposed to a coin system - it's just that the card system provides
reports and working w/out coins has made our job a little bit eaiser to manage.

[Dan_Grise]

I recently installed a NEW Dexter Easy Card system in Toledo Ohio. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I could also put you in contact with the owner. You can e-mail me at dan_grise@teetersproducts.com