non-customers users

[spieldog]

That is a tough one. We have a similar issue with the bathroom being used by non customers. Being unnattended there is not much we can do about it. However when someone does come in to use the bathroom and not wash, I simply tell them that the bathroom is only available for customers. If you are doing your wash or even coming in to get a soda/snack out of the machine feel free to use the bathroom, otherwise don't make a habit of this. Most people respect your request. The few I have caught in the act have not returned. I suggest you do the same with the coin siphoners.

On the other hand, if you are there you can offer to start a wash for them for free. Most likely they will have to dry and you can at least get them in your store. It may be enough to get them to come to your mat. While they are washing from your free wash, you can explain to them that the difference in price you charge is far more valuable than the inconvenience of having to stop at your place first, get quarers, get back in the car and head down to the other mat. At the rate that gas is now (just hit $4/gal in wisconsin) and how much it is going to climb, you can tell them they are actually saving money by doing their laundry at your place because they don't have to spend the gas driving all around.

Good Luck. Donny

[rbh]

I'll tell you why Howard....usually because some business broker has convinced them that 'all you need is to do some marketing.....'. Its probably the most overused and abused thing when I see listings. But newbies fall for it too often.

[jh]

Not long ago my friend was looking to purchase a mega mat. The current owner refused to fax over the utility bills. He said that the price was low enough that this step could be skipped. Sooner or later, someone will fall into the trap.

[ldm]

Install the business end of a double barrel shotgun over the change machine sticking out of the wall at an appropriate downward angle with a sign underneath stating:

"Hi, I am Mr. Buck Shot, I have been employed by the owner to make sure only his customers use this change machine...don't worry, I know who you are, so...if you are not a customer...do you feel lucky, punk ?

No, don't do that. Les

[STOUT]

Originally Posted by mellofelow

Deward, this is a tough one.

Did I read this right? The other mat does not have a changer? How can that be?

Yep; Never has it has, He has been there a long time with 2 different owners. When I have talked to him about it he says he doesn't want one because of the potential of vandalism.

[STOUT]

Originally Posted by Howard

Are you attended? If so put up a large sign that says change machine issues up to "x%" tokens rather than quarters and that attendant will exchange tokens by inserting quarters into the machine for you. That way those that use the machine that are not customers will actually pay you for the quarters they get.

Don't know what the laws are in your area with regard to theft of service, but you could put up a sign that says use of machine by non-customers is theft of service and you will prosecute violators.

Howard;

We are only partially attended. The other place is not attended at all. He has stated to me that he only wants to make enough $ to pay all the utilities at his place plus his daughters hair salon that is located also at the same location next to his mat.

I have offered to buy him out and give his daughter free utilities but he says no.