EasyCard

[gmat]

One drawback to the card I see is if you have system failure the info relates to the use of a master card, So how do you charge for this or debit their account. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Harv]

If the computer goes down, yes, you can use a manager's card to activate the machines. Most systems are pretty solid and offer backup systems. I'm signed up for an Easy Card system with a main computer and a backup computer, which theoretically takes over if the main goes down.

If they both fail, or your network is somehow disrupted, then it's up to the manager's card. If it looks like a short-term failure, I might consider treating a few customers to a free wash while the system comes back up (good PR, if nothing else). Another option is to jot down the customer's card number and debit their account later (hoping their account balance is adequate /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif ).

Again, this is the ramblings of a guy who has yet to open a mat. Hopefully Duane, or others, can give us a reality check. Duane runs unattended, so I'll be interested to hear how he handles it. Odds are he hasn't had a faillure yet. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

And just for an anecdote -- I already had a guy ask me if the computers are down due to a power failure, how will even the manager's card work? I wonder what he thinks makes the tumblers go 'round and 'round? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Duane]

I haven't had any down time as of yet. However I do reboot the systems every month or so, but if someone comes in during the 10 minute procedure, I'll start the machine using the maintenance key. On the Maytag equipment I can open up the unit and give a free credit.

Doesn't happen often, but if I inconvenience a customer for any reason, I'll start their machines for free.

[Howard]

I have had the easycard system go down once in four years. I rigged up an external switch so my attendant can quickly bring it back up if it happens again. I would not be too concerned about the system going down - it is rare if ever.

[gmat]

I had a rep tell me that a power failure was the big downfall to the system (HA HA) some aren't the brightest star in the galaxy.

[Howard]

Don't know why they would tell you that since the system runs on a UPS and only when that drains down will it shut down - but it does that in an orderly manner and automatically boots up when the power comes back on. Since your washers and dryers won't run without power I would not view that as a problem.

[gmat]

He simply was not thinking that the washers needed electricity as well.

[JamesD]

I have a CCI System that I am very pleased with. It comes standard with a backup and UPS's. The only time in years that the whole store has been "down" was when half the country was without power last summer. Note that those washers and dryers weren't doing too much at the time!!