Buyer’s Guide to Coin-Operated Washer and Dryer
Whether you are thinking of opening a laundromat or are just looking for a coin-operated washer and dryer for your apartment block, picking a good machine can be hard.
Fortunately, this guide is here to help. We will try to tell you all the relevant information you need to know when buying a coin-operated washer and dryer.
What is a Coin-Operated Washer and Dryer
Coin-operated washers and dryers can come in many different shapes and sized. You can find machines that look like they belong in a home, except for the coin slot on their top. You can find others that look like they belong in an apartment, barely managing to hold a couple shirts. And every single design is a decent option for a laundromat.
If you are opening a laundromat, then space is probably a concern; look into a stackable coin-operated washer and dryer rather than ones that lay side by side. This lets you get more machines in a smaller space, meaning you need a smaller place. Also look for machines with fairly large capacities, as most people will want to be able to do their laundry in as few loads as possible. Finally, if you are worried about cost, consider buying a used machine. If you are buying for an apartment block, then most of these things don’t matter too much. Just make sure you find the one that is in good repair.
Care and Maintenance
Commercial laundry equipment is often more rugged than their consumer brethren, but they will still occasionally need maintenance. This is one reason to have many machines: when a machine breaks down, there are still plenty more for your customers to use. When the machine fails, though, you will want to call a licensed professional. Even if you could get the machine working without help, a professional will have a longer lasting result.
Make sure that your customers are clearing the lint trays in the dryers, if the coin-operated washer and dryer that you bought doesn’t handle it itself. Also make sure that you have fairly large circuit breakers attached to the machines. Washers and dryers consume lots of electricity, and it is easy to flip a breaker. Also, make sure that the lines are actually rated for the breakers attached to them. The last thing you need is an electrical fire.
Typical Costs
Surprisingly, this type of washing machine isn’t significantly more expensive than its noncommercial cousins. You can get decent machines for as little as $1,100. If you want the machines to come with professional maintenance, however, you are going to have to add to that cost. More durable machines will also cost more. Realistically, you should expect to pay at least $1,500 for your machines. Any less and you might get a coin-operated washer and dryer that will only cost you in the long run.
On Laundromats
Coin-operated washer and dryers are a great way to start a business, if you have the money. Used coin-operated washer and dryer machines are readily available, so the startup cost isn’t as high as you might imagine. The trick to buying a good coin-operated washer and dryer is to just not be scared of the investment.