Laundry rooms are a valuable amenity for building owners and property managers. However, they can also be a source of frustration. Coin-operated laundry machines are vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and a variety of maintenance issues that can have a negative effect on both revenue and tenant satisfaction.
Luckily, modern payment systems are helping alleviate these issues, making it easier for both the property manager and the tenant. Card and app-based laundry machines are helping eliminate security risks often associated with traditional coin-operated laundry rooms, resulting in a better and more convenient experience for tenants.
At Automatic Industries, we help by providing modern laundry machines with the latest payment functions, which help make it easier for tenants and result in lower security issues.
The Hidden Costs of Coin-Operated Laundry Rooms
Cash and coin are a target for thievery. Coin exchange machines that contain hundreds of dollars can be broken into, making your laundry room vulnerable to security threats.
When a coin machine is damaged during a theft, there are additional costs that building owners must face, including:
- Repairing the equipment
- Dealing with coin jams and increased downtime
- Fielding resident complaints
- Re-evaluating/updating your security measures
- Hiring additional staff to manage incidents
Even if the money is left untouched, the damage is still done after the attempt, which can cause the coin machine to be out of service for days, leading to lost revenue and frustrated tenants.
How Cashless Systems Eliminate the Threat
When you have app or card-operated laundry machines, it immediately eliminates the threat of theft. Card systems allow users to electronically load funds onto a reusable card, which effectively eliminates the need for cash or coins. App-based systems allow tenants to pay for laundry usages directly from their phone.
Having cashless payment systems in place helps with:
- Less break-in attempts
- Reduced damage to machines
- Lower costs for repairs
- Generating consistent revenue in your laundry room
- Less security concerns
Improved Accountability & Tracking
Going digital with your laundry room can assist with tracking funds and usage. Because all transactions are digitized, there’s a record that allows you to see the usage and the payments from your tenants. From there, you can anticipate maintenance based on the most often used machines. App systems can allow residents to submit service tickets for downed machines, allowing you act quickly with getting the machine repaired.
Boosting Tenant Convenience & Satisfaction
Because cash and coins are used much less today than they were a decade ago, having card or app systems makes it convenient for tenants to pay for their laundry services, as well as add more funds. Apps also make it easy for tenants by offering cycle completion notifications, so they can efficiently get their laundry done. They can also receive notifications of when machines are available for usage.
Reduce Theft and Vandalism with Automatic Industries
If you’re currently using coin-based laundry machines and are dealing with headaches due to vandalism or theft, upgrading to newer machines with modern payment systems can help make your laundry room less of a target and improve tenant satisfaction.
When you partner with Automatic Industries and our managed laundry room services, it can help alleviate these concerns because the responsibility is left to the us. If there’s any damage or theft, we take on the costs and will provide the necessary repairs to get the machines up and running.
Contact Automatic Industries to see how we can help elevate your laundry room!