Laundry facilities

[keechkamp1!]

For campgrounds, what is best way to set up new laundry room for users? Charge flat rate and use key code to get in, or use coin operated washer and dryer?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

For campgrounds, what is best way to set up new laundry room for users? Charge flat rate and use key code to get in, or use coin operated washer and dryer?

For those that have alternative preferences, (I use front loaders only). Paying more for a benefit I would not use, would turn me away. The answer coin!!! Even if you had the Benny without increasing rent it could be precived that way.

Some RV parks put in a large enough laundry so outsiders can use the service! I know of a few! Don't use them, but it is a way to increase revenue!

 

[Diesel Pusher]

Coin op is probably best/easiest for most although we've seen the new phone app systems in a few places which my wife refuses to use because they require adding credit card info into the app.

 

[Russellvh]

Coins and a change machine.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

Our vote would be for coin/credit card operated. A flat rate would be way too easy to abuse. One person in a group pays for access, and then everyone in that group uses the facility. There's just too many ways to lose money with the flat-rate option.

 

[mjeds]

I would say coin op, or the new card operated options.

In my experience people don't like carrying coins and the newer systems will allow tap credit cards or the purchase of a facility specific card to operate the machines, then you can load them with only the funds you need and not haul around a bag of quarters.

I was recently at one that took apple pay, you go up to a main panel, tell it what machine numbers you are using, then tap your apple pay (also had a chip insert option, or debit/pin swipe option)

It then releases those machine numbers for single use. Dryers were free.

Talked to the owner and he said the system was only 8% more expensive than the coin operated systems (uses the same washers, just replace the coin changer with an electronic wireless module that connects to the main panel)

In his opinion even though it was slightly higher to implement, the operating costs were a lot less, no need for someone on-site to empty the coin changers, no cash in the facility for theft, and no mechanical breakdown from slugs or jammed coins.

I liked it personally, better than the proprietary pre-paid card units that only work at that facility, and I don't have to haul a bunch of coin.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

@mjeds has some good points! I don't use "pay" services so they are off my radar, but I get the apeal. Before his post on this topic, I was thinking motel key card system of some type.

But no matter what you do, you can't avoid the bad reviews you will get because of some slob, that feels you should be his servant. You will still need to spend more time with the venture, than what you presently think will be required!!!

Good luck with making a decision,because you're desire to provide for your customers, could easily turn into a nightmare.