New equipment

[CanCanCase]

Originally Posted by Loose Neutral

Do any of you guys have a preference of the 100g over the 200g Dexter. I know the 200g will take out more water, is that cutting off my nose on dryer revenue?

That depends on your market, your customers' needs, your competition, your business plan and a few other variables that we know nothing about.

In some markets, Express machines do great. If customers value their time, a good marketing plan can be set up to show folks how your fancy new machines save them between 10 and 40 minutes per load. Especially if none of your competitors are doing it, Express can be great to differentiate your store. Besides, if you're priced properly, the few minutes-worth of dryer revenue you'll lose will have already been collected on the wash side of the equation.

At my stores (all EasyCard-operated Express) the customers have come to know that the old Bock extractor they used to use is "built in" to each washer. It just takes a few to notice that they don't need as much dry time and the word begins to spread. I opened up a brand new store within 1/2 mile of a nearly-identical EasyCard-operated NON-express store. Exactly ONE customer in 2 years has complained that my wash prices are higher than the other place. Everyone else has realized that for a given size load, wash price + dry price is nearly the same (often less in my stores) and they're done anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes sooner with the Express equipment.

-Case

[rbh]

Really depends on your market on the Express vs non express. In my market, the customer cares first and foremost about the price on the machine. Trying to educate every customer on the benefits of express in return for a higher vend price would be futile. And the problem is, since rarely does someone do loads the exact same size each time, the dryer time savings is hard for them to really notice/appreciate. But that's my market, your might be different, or you may have the appetite to educate each customer one by one. For me, buying the regular dexters was a no brainer....cheaper up front, no need to vend for more to make up for lost dryer revenue, and customers think I'm cheaper than the Express store about a mile away!

[Loose Neutral]

Sounds like I'm in that boat. I think with just having new equipment that will be the wow factor. I like the fact of the Dexter being built in the US. How do you guys like the Speed Queen versus the Dexter?

[CanCanCase]

I come from a region where Speed Queen is the dominant brand. I've used literally hundreds of SQ-equipped laundromats from the customer's PoV. Naturally, they were my first choice when I decided to build.

I couldn't even get a price quote or visit from the area SQ distributor. "You're too far away for us to service or even install equipment, but we'll make up for it with deep, deep discounts on the equipment."

4 stores later, I MIGHT be inclined to think that way, but as a rookie looking to get things done right from the beginning, I don't think so. Obviously that distributor doesn't feel the need to grow their customer base with new-to-the-industry customers.

Since Dexter and SQ are both common first choices for unattended laundromats, I eventually settled on Dexter. There were also some local comments from (barely) out of my market owners about Dexters holding slightly higher resale value. I still think it's a moot point, as I'm not in the resale game, but it's something to consider if that's the opinion of other nearby owners (prospective future buyers.)

-Case

[Loose Neutral]

Thanks the numbers are close. Something about Dexter I like better also. The SQ guy claims their internals are better?

[chad]

I have SQ Gold, Machines work great, very to little no problems in the last 1yr or so. I think you get more bang for the buck. I cant post what I paid but I did hear the new 2013 model's the price went up. Try to see if you can still get 2012 models. Or like I said wait til closer to the end of yr to buy.

[laundryboy2]

Chad:

Why cant you post your price paid? Just curious.

[chad]

It just would not be right. I can only say if it was higher or lower.

[Loose Neutral]

Well I picked Dexter. That sales guy was good and I really like the product. Seem like good stuff and American made. I went in yesterday and did the demo on the existing space. I will go down this week and do the layout on the floor and time to get busy. I plan to open in 60 days. Do any of you guys use an app on your phone to open the doors?

[chad]

Originally Posted by Loose Neutral

Well I picked Dexter. That sales guy was good and I really like the product. Seem like good stuff and American made. I went in yesterday and did the demo on the existing space. I will go down this week and do the layout on the floor and time to get busy. I plan to open in 60 days. Do any of you guys use an app on your phone to open the doors?

I am on automatic timer, There is a way to have them open and close by dialing a phone number.. I have a guy that does all that cool stuff.