American Coin-Op - April 2014

N N TO E E E E W R O G GR 3 H 2 E V K E AG E SA MA E P E & S I N S I D E : J UI LN YS I 2D 0E 0: 5A P R I L 2 0 1 4 SPRING BRINGS CALENDAR FULL OF DISTRIBUTOR SPECIAL EVENTS

PARKING: MAKE YOUR CASE FOR THE SPACE

FAIR OAKS LAUNDRY’S FAVORITE COLOR? GREEN!

WWW.AMERICANCOINOP.COM

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3/18/14 3:34 PM

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CONTENTS APRIL 2014 VOLUME 55 ISSUE 4 COVER STORY

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY Do you believe your laundry compared favorably to others in the industry last year? How does your pricing compare now? These and many other questions can be answered from the results of our annual State of the Industry survey.

10 INSIDE 18 SPRING BRINGS CALENDAR FULL OF

OPEN HOUSES, SERVICE SCHOOLS

The season’s arrival can only mean one thing for self-service laundry operators—a calendar full of opportunities to attend distributor special events, open houses and service schools.

COLUMNS 34 PARKING: MAKE YOUR CASE FOR THE SPACE Having convenient parking is an absolute requirement of good coin laundry locations, yet columnist Howard Scott still sees some stores that offer no designated parking. If yours is among them, there is something you can do about it. Scott offers pointers for successfully making the case for your space.

22 PRODUCT SHOWCASE: DRYERS

DEPARTMENTS

30 FAIR OAKS LAUNDRY’S

4 VIEWPOINT 6 INDUSTRY SURVEY 19 WEB UPDATE

FAVORITE COLOR? GREEN!

The eco-friendly store near Old Town Pasadena, Calif., combines high-efficiency, high-speed laundry equipment with a gamut of craved services and amenities appealing to professionals, singles and families alike.

Cover Image: © iStockphoto/EasyBuy4u

2

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

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37 AD INDEX 38 CLASSIFIEDS 40 NEWSMAKERS

30 A CLOSER LOOK An eco-inspired fullservice laundry works hard to deliver on its tagline: Clean. Green.

Express.

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3/19/14 8:42 AM

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VIEWPOINT

EDITORIAL Charles Thompson, Publisher E-mail: cthompson@ americantrademagazines.com Phone: 312-361-1680

Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director E-mail: bbeggs@ americantrademagazines.com Phone: 312-361-1683

SETTING THE STANDARD STATE OF THE INDUSTRY Accurate, up-to-date, meaningful information is needed if you’re to compare your self-service laundry business to your competitors and to the industry standard. But where can you find reliable data to make such a comparison?

American Coin-Op’s annual State of the Industry survey fills the bill perfectly. What percentage of store owners saw their total coin business increase last year? What are the most popular washer and dryer prices being charged? What is the average number of turns Bruce Beggs for a front loader? How much do store owners pay on average for utilities (as a percentage of gross)? Our analysis, which reveals the answers to these and many other coin laundry management questions, begins on page 10.

SOUNDS OF THE INDUSTRY By now, I hope you’ve noticed that we’ve begun offering American Coin-Op as a digital edition that you can read on your iPad or Android tablet.

Readers love having the option of thumbing through our latest issue using Mirabel Technologies’ Magazine Central app (free from the App Store or Google Play).

And we love having the opportunity to introduce special features for our “e-readers.” For example, we now have the ability to link audio files to key stories to enhance your reading experience.

Do you see the microphone tag at the right? If you’re reading our digital edition, click or press PLAY AUDIO the icon now to listen to audio content available exclusively through the e-reader issue.

I’ve started the ball rolling with a special introduction this month, and you can expect to see other “Sounds of the Industry” tags to unlock audio content in future issues.

Remember, this special content is available only via the digital edition. If you’re reading this in our printed magazine, aren’t you at least a tiny bit curious to hear what I have to say?

Bruce Beggs Editorial Director

4

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

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Roger Napiwocki, Production Manager Jean Teller, Contributing Editor Carlo Calma, Editorial Assistant Nathan Frerichs, Digital Media Director E-mail: nfrerichs@ americantrademagazines.com Phone: 312-361-1681

ADVERTISING Donald Feinstein, Natl. Sales Director E-mail: dfeinstein@ americantrademagazines.com Phone: 312-361-1682

OFFICE INFORMATION Main: 312-361-1700 Fax: 312-361-1685

SUBSCRIPTIONS 630-739-0900 x100 www.AmericanCoinOp.com

American Coin-Op (ISSN 0092-2811) is published monthly. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $39.00; 2 years $73.00. Foreign, 1 year $89.00; 2 years $166.00. Single copies $7.00 for U.S., $14.00 for all other countries. Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661.

Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Coin-Op, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Volume 55, number 4. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661.

Charles Thompson, President and Publisher.

American Coin-Op is distributed selectively to owners, operators and managers of chain and individually owned coin-operated laundry establishments in the United States. No material appearing in American Coin-Op may be reprinted without written permission.

The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. © Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2014. Printed in U.S.A.

www.americancoinop.com

3/19/14 8:46 AM

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INDUSTRY SURVEY

RISING UTILITIES BEHIND MANY LAUNDROMAT PRICE HIKES Some respondents raised prices as recently as February, while one last did so in August 2009

To read other Your Views survey stories, visit www.americancoinop.com 6

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

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Meeting the demands of rising utility costs is the main reason why the majority of coin laundry operators (41.2%) decide to raise prices, according to results in March’s American Coin-Op Your Views survey.

Other operators raise prices to “generate more revenue” (23.5%), while close to 15% do it to “afford new equipment.”

Roughly 12% say that raising prices is something they do “every so many years,” while 5.9% say prices go up when they decide to “spruce up the store.” A small fraction of respondents (2.9%) say that they are “the lowest-priced store in the area.”

When raising their prices, 47.1% of respondents say they “don’t publicize price hikes in any fashion,” while 29.4% say they “let customers know” about the price hike, and why they are raising prices. The remaining 24% say they only make “minimal effort to announce a price hike.”

More than half of respondents (52.9%) do not feel guilt or apprehension when raising prices.

Approximately 74% of respondents say they have already raised washer and/or dryer prices at their store in 2014, or intend to do so before the end of the year, while 11.8% say they have no such plans. Roughly 15% are unsure if they will be raising prices this year. Some respondents raised their prices as recently as February, while one operator last raised his/her prices in August 2009.

Roughly 53% of respondents say they expect to lose 1-5% of their customers when they raise prices, while 29.4% say they do not expect to lose any customers at all. Close to 15% expect to lose 6-10% of their clientele when they raise prices, while 2.9% expect to lose 11-15%. No respondents believe that they will lose 16% or more of customers when raising prices.

While American Coin-Op’s Your Views survey presents a snapshot of the audience’s viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Subscribers to American Coin-Op e-mails are invited to participate anonymously in an industry survey each month.

The entire American Coin-Op audience is encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define owner/operator opinions and industry trends.

■ www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:58 PM

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“S T M IN M B E M

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3/10/14 3/10/14 11:46 2:16 PM AM

Latest Numbers

Reflect

Year-to-Year Improvement

By Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

55% Report Their Overall Business Increased in 2013

D

o you believe that your self-service laundry business compared favorably to others in the industry last year? Was 2013 a good year or a bad year for your store(s)? How does your pricing compare to others?

American Coin-Op’s annual State of the Industry survey offers you the opportunity to compare your operation to others in the industry. It focuses on 2013/2014 business conditions, pricing, equipment, common problems, turns per day, and utilities cost.

In instances where respondents were asked about 2013 business results, they were given the opportunity to state their results were up, down or unchanged. This is a departure from surveys compiled in 2011 and earlier, when they were asked only if their business results were up or down. Keep this in mind as you are making comparisons to previous years’ polls.

The survey is an unscientific electronic poll of American Coin-Op readers who operate stores. Some percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding.

2013 TOTAL BUSINESS VS. 2012 TOTAL BUSINESS Nearly two-thirds of respondents say 10

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

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they own just one self-service laundry.

Multi-store owners accounted for the remaining 34.3% (22.4% of total respondents own two or three stores, 11.9% own four or more stores).

In 2013, 55% of respondents saw their overall coin laundry business increase from 2012.

More specifically, these operators reported an increase in business (gross dollar volume) in 2013 compared to 2012. In last

 Survey Says...

■ Average business increase, 2013:

9.6%

year’s survey, 54% reported an increase in business, and two years ago, 45% reported a bump.

The average 2013 business increase was 9.6%, down from 11.7% last year. Other past average business increases were 11.5% (2011), 10.8% (2010), 7.9% (2009), 14% (2008) and 12.2% (2007).

Here’s a closer look at the 2013 business increases (the figures relate to those reporting increases, not all respondents): • Operators with a business increase of less than 10%: 52.6% • Operators with a business increase of 10-14%: 26.3% • Operators with a business increase of 15% or more: 21% Approximately 25% of respondents saw their business decrease (in gross dollar volume) last year. In our survey of 2012 business, roughly 30% saw a drop in business.

The percentage was 35% in 2011, 58% in 2010 and 59.8% in 2009.

The average 2013 business decrease was 8.7%, a bit of an improvement from the previous year’s figure (9.5%). Prior average declines were 10.2% in 2011, 11.2% in 2010, 13.7% in 2009, 14.3% in 2008 and 13.2% in 2007. www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:54 PM

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 Survey Says...

■ Drop-off service, most popular price, current: $1 per pound

Were the losses consistent last year or did they vary? Here’s a closer look at the 2013 business decreases: • Operators with a business reduction of less than 10%: 58.8% • Operators with a business reduction of 10-14%: 29.4% • Operators with a business reduction of 15% or more: 11.8% Approximately 20% of store owners reported their 2013 business was unchanged compared to their 2012 results.

These results generally continue to reflect year-to-year improvement, on average. The number of operators reporting an increase in business was up slightly from last year, but the average business increase was the lowest it’s been since 2009.

The average business decrease (8.7%) was nearly a percentage point lower than the prior year. Additionally, the number of operators suffering a large business deduction (15% or more) shrank from 17.6% in 2012 to 11.8% in 2013.

DROP-OFF-SERVICE BUSINESS Drop-off service continues to be a popular choice for self-service laundry operators looking for ways to help their customers free up time for other pursuits, based on the latest numbers.

Approximately 24% of respondents reported that drop-off-service business (gross dollar volume) increased in 2013.

For 2012, approximately 42% reported business increases in that category.

The average drop-off-service business increase last year was 15.8%, falling below 2012’s average increase of 16.2%, but it’s worth noting that 85% of respondents whose drop-off service improved in 2013 reported double-digit gains.

12

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

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Roughly 20% of respondents saw a decrease in drop-off-service business. The average decrease in 2013 was 9.0%, which was much lower than the prior year.

Previous average declines in drop-off business were 18.1% in 2012 and again in 2011, 18.8% in 2010 and 24.2% in 2009.

Approximately 56% of respondents said their 2013 drop-off-service business was unchanged from 2012.

About three out of five respondents offer some type of dry cleaning service, and 71.4% reported this area of their business was unchanged in 2013. The average business increase was 12.0%, and the average decrease was 6.2%.

VENDING RESULTS Roughly 34% of the respondents had an increase in vending sales business in 2013, falling short of the previous year’s reported 44.6%. Approximately 19% saw their vending sales business decline in 2013, and 46.9% saw vending sales remain unchanged.

The average vending gain was 8.9%, down from last year’s figure (11.3%).

The average decrease in vending business was 9.8%, compared to 9.1% in 2012.

WASHER PRICES American Coin-Op asked respondents about their current washer prices, and if they increased prices this year or planned to do so by the end of the year.

More than 76% of respondents offer top loaders. The price range for a top-load wash is $1 to $4.

Here are the most popular top-load prices, followed by the percentage of respondents using them: 1. $2 (35.2%) 2. $1.50 (18.5%) 3. (tie) $1.75 or $2.50 (14.8% each) There was a bit of a shake-up in top-loader prices from a year ago. The $2 price remains the most popular, but $1.50 moved back into the top three after a year away. There was also a tie for third place in last year’s survey, but it was between $2.25 and $2.50.

Some operators continue to charge $3 or more for a top-load wash, but the share that does appears to be small. This is the fourth straight year that top-load prices exceeding $3

have been reported.

The most popular prices for some of the small front loaders are: • 18 pounds: $2 • 20 pounds: $2 • 25 pounds: $2.50 or $3.50 (tie) The lowest price reported in the above grouping is $1.50 (18-pound washer) and the highest is $3.75 (25-pound washer).

The price range for a 30-pound wash is $2 to $6. Here are the most popular 30-pound prices, along with the percentages of respondents using them: 1. $4 (19.4%) 2. $3.75 (13.9%) 3. (tie) $3.25 or $3.50 (11%) The most popular price for a 35-pound wash was $3.50, followed by $4 and then $4.50. The price range for a 35-pound wash is $2 to $5.

There was a tie for most popular price for a 40-pound wash: $4 and $4.75. There was a three-way tie for the next spot among $4.25, $4.50 and $5.

The most popular 50-pound wash price also saw a tie between $5 and $5.50.

Finishing third in this category was $4.50.

 Survey Says...

■ Operator outlook: 2014

49.3%

expect business to increase in 2014

43.7%

expect business to be about the same as 2013

7.0%

expect business to decrease in 2014

www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:54 PM

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2/28/14 12:09 PM

At 55 pounds, the clear winner in the most popular price category was $6.

There was a three-way tie for the most popular price for a 60-pound wash— $5.50, $6 and $6.50—and for an 80-pound wash—$7.50, $8.50 and $9.25.

Other prices reported were $11.50 and $14.75 for a 100-pound wash, and $14 and $15.99 for 125 pounds.

The operators who respond to our survey vary year to year, so prices tend to vary. But the survey consistently has shown

 Survey Says...

■ 38.0% purchased at least one piece of equipment (washer, dryer, water heater, vender or changer) in 2013

sharing that spot with two other prices.

The 25-for-10 price, which was once an industry staple, was well down the list of dryer prices reported in this year’s survey.

Once again, there was a wide variety of dryer prices reported. The most expensive (and longest) cycle was $2 for 32 minutes.

Roughly 13% of respondents have raised, or plan to raise, dryer prices this year, and 28.2% are undecided. The remaining 59.2% have not raised prices nor intend to do so.

DRYER PRICES Here are the most popular dryer prices, followed by the percentage of respondents using them: 1. 25 cents/5 minutes (18.9%) 2. 25 cents/7 minutes (14.5%) 3. 25 cents/6 minutes; 25 cents/6.25 minutes; and 25 cents/8 minutes (11.6% - tie) The top two prices remain the same from last year’s survey. Six minutes of drying time remains at No. 3, but is now 14

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

0414aco_p10-16.FINAL.indd 14

■ Average turns per day, current: Top loaders: 3.3 Front loaders: 3.9

PAYMENT TECHNOLOGY Nearly 82% of respondents operate coinonly stores, 5.6% operate card-only stores, and 12.7% have operations that offer both payment types. The latter is up a few percentage points from last year’s survey.

ATTENDED OR UNATTENDED? Nearly 44% of respondents say their stores are fully attended. Roughly 28% say their stores are partially attended, and the remaining 28.2% say their stores are unattended.

The store owners who participated in this year’s survey employ, on average, 4.8 people. While many respondents reported having just one or two employees, some store owners reported having 20 or more people on their payroll (these large numbers can likely be attributed to multi-store owners, although that’s not a certainty).

DROP-OFF SERVICE PRICING

that operators offer a wide variety of front loaders (prices for 13 different capacities were logged in this year’s survey) with a broad price range.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents have raised, or plan to raise, washer prices this year, and 29.6% are undecided. The remaining 32.4% have not raised prices nor intend to do so.

 Survey Says...

Drop-off-service pricing ranges from 50 cents to $2 per pound. Here are the most popular drop-off-service prices (per pound), followed by the percentage of respondents using them: 1. $1 (30.8%) 2. $1.50 (10.3%) 3. $1.10 (7.7%) The drop-off-service prices remain similar to 2013 prices, and there is a wide variety of prices charged for the service. There were 17 different prices charged per pound in the responses to our survey.

A little more than two-thirds of the respondents offer drop-off service, which tracks with last year’s survey.

prices by the end of the year. Roughly 32% of respondents say they are not planning to raise washer prices this year, and 29.6% are undecided if they are going to hike prices in 2014.

When asked why they had raised wash prices, or were planning to do so, many store owners pointed to higher costs, particularly in utilities. One owner believes his/her customers don’t mind higher prices, provided the operation looks to be worth them. “People don’t care how much [a laundry] costs if it is clean and well-maintained,” the store owner asserts. “Did you marry the cheapest girl you could find, or the prettiest one?”

Regarding dryer prices, 12.7% have raised dryer prices this year or intend to do so later in the year. Roughly 59% don’t plan to hike dryer prices this year, and 28.2% are undecided.

 Survey Says...

■ Most popular dryer price, current:

25¢/5 Min.

PRICE HIKES? We asked operators if they have already raised washer and/or dryer prices in 2014, or if they intend to do so before year’s end.

Thirty-eight percent say they have raised washer prices this year or intend to raise www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:54 PM

How Many Coin Laundries Has Your Insurance Agent Handled?

One or Two? Three?

I’ve personally handled insurance for hundreds of coin laundries! I’ve already dealt with most any issue your business is likely to face. If you have any questions about insuring coin laundries, I can and will give you a prompt, clear answer.

Skeptical? Call me with a question and find out for yourself.

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Fabricare Insurance Specialist

There’s more: I’m just one member of a team of experts. NIE has been insuring fabricare business since 1915!

Cobb@nie.biz

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In last year’s survey, approximately 44% said they had raised washer prices or intended to do so by the end of 2013, and 17.6% said they had raised dryer prices or intended to do so before that year’s end.

ADDING EQUIPMENT IN 2013 Thirty-eight percent of respondents purchased at least one piece of equipment (washer, dryer, water heater, vender or changer) in 2013, down from our previous survey, when that figure was approximately 48%.

Here’s a breakdown of 2013 purchases: • 5.6% of respondents purchased at least one top loader. The average purchase was 2.8 machines.

• 28.2% of respondents purchased at least one front loader (a breakdown by capacity follows below).

• 9.9% of respondents purchased at least one dryer (regular or stacked). The average purchase was 13.9 machines.

And we break it down further by frontload wash capacity: • 72.8% of buyers purchased at least one machine with a capacity up to 25 pounds. The average purchase was 12.1 machines.

• 45.5% of buyers purchased at least one machine with a capacity of 25 to 50 pounds. The average purchase was 7.3 machines.

• 27.3% of buyers purchased at least one machine with a capacity of more than 50 pounds. The average purchase was 1.7 machines.

 Survey Says...

■ Most popular 30-pound front loader prices, current: 1. $4.00 2. $3.75 3. $3.25 / $3.50 (tie)

16

AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014

0414aco_p10-16.FINAL.indd 16

(Editor’s note: Some respondents didn’t identify machine sizes, so the front-loader breakdown doesn’t include their purchases.

Also, the percentages do not total 100% because some buyers purchased equipment in multiple equipment categories.)

SHOPPING IN 2014 Respondents were asked if they have bought, or plan on buying, any new machinery this year.

Approximately 32%—down 4% from last year’s survey—intend to add something (washer, dryer, water heater, vender or changer) to their mix, or have already done so.

• 8.5% of respondents have purchased, or plan to purchase, a new top loader this year. The average purchase is (or will be) five machines.

• 15.5% of respondents have purchased or plan to purchase a new front loader this year. (A breakdown by capacity follows below.)

• 7.0% of respondents have purchased or plan to purchase a new dryer this year.

And we break things down further by front-load wash capacity: • 27.3% purchased or plan to purchase at least one machine with a capacity up to 25 pounds. The average purchase is 5.3 machines.

• 9.1% purchased or plan to purchase at least one machine with a capacity of 25 to 50 pounds. The average purchase is two machines.

• 9.1% purchased or plan to purchase at least one machine with a capacity of more than 50 pounds. The average purchase is two machines.

(Editor’s note: Many respondents didn’t identify machine sizes, so the front-loader breakdown doesn’t include their purchases.

Also, the percentages do not total 100% because some buyers purchased equipment in multiple equipment categories.)

PROBLEM AREAS What problems cause you the most grief?

Here are the top-five industry problems, according to this year’s survey: 1. High cost of utilities 2. Dealing with employees 3. Equipment maintenance/repair issues 4. Competition 5. The economy Gone from the top five is a lack of customers or a shrinking customer base,

 Survey Says...

■ Average utilities cost (% of gross), current: 22.6%

although some surveys mentioned them.

TURNS PER DAY Turns per day refers to the number of cycles (turns) that each of a store’s machines completes each day. You can calculate it using total top-loader cycles for a one-week period divided by the total number of top loaders, then dividing that number by seven.

Currently, the average turns per day for top loaders are 3.3, up from last year’s survey (3.1). For front loaders, the number is 3.9, down slightly from 2013 (4.0).

UTILITIES COST We asked operators about their utilities cost (as a percentage of gross). The responses ranged from 10% to 40%. The most common response was 22% or 25% (tie). At the time of our survey in February, operators were paying an average of 22.6% for utilities (as a percentage of gross). In last year’s poll, that number was 24.1%.

Nearly half of respondents (49.3%) say utilities is the largest of their store’s expenses. The smallest of their expenses, according to 62.9%, is insurance.

2014 BUSINESS FORECAST Nearly 50% of respondents expect their 2014 business to be better than it was in 2013. Approximately 44% expect business to be about the same this year, and 7% expect their business to not perform as well this year as it did in 2013.

Want to track the coin laundry business month to month? Check out our StatShot reports, available exclusively on www. americancoinop.com!

■ www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:55 PM

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S

pring brings calendar full of open houses, service schools

The arrival of spring can only mean one thing for self-service laundry operators—a calendar full of opportunities to attend distributor special events, open houses and service schools.

Here is a brief rundown of events from the American Coin-Op calendar through May 8 — call or visit the website listed for registration information. In many cases, space is limited.

April 5 — PWS Inc. Open House, Redwood City, Calif.; 650-871-0300, www.pwslaundry west.com.

April 8-9 — Statewide Laundry Equipment Spring Trade Show/Service School, Kissimmee, Fla.; 800-282-9023, www.statewideusa.com.

April 8-10 — Continental Girbau Western Regional Service School, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; 866-950-2449, www.continentalgirbau.com.

April 9 — EFR Spring Open House, Park Ridge, N.J.; 866-971-1010, www.efr distribution.com.

April 9 — HK Sales Extravaganza, Danbury,

Conn.; 800-229-4572, www.hklaundry.com.

April 10 — The Minnesota Chemical Co. Spring 2014 Coin Seminar and Service School, Menomenee Falls, Wis.; 800-328-5689, www.minnesotachemical.com.

April 12 — PWS Inc. Open House, Los Angeles; 888-979-7462, www.pwslaundry west.com.

April 15 — KeeWes Equipment Spring Trade Show, St. Louis; 800-383-9274, www.keewes. com.

April 16 — CT Laundry Equipment Spring Open House, Elmsford, N.Y.; 866-971-1010.

April 17 — The Minnesota Chemical Co. Spring 2014 Coin Seminar and Service School, St. Paul, Minn.; 800-328-5689, www. minnesotachemical.com.

April 17 — KeeWes Equipment Spring Trade Show, Kansas City; 800-383-9274, www. keewes.com.

April 23 — Evans Commercial Laundry Open House, Salt Lake City, Utah; 800-4336859, www.evanslaundryequipment.com.

April 24 — Texas Coin & Commercial Laundry Open House, Dallas; 866-971-1010, www.txcoinlaundry.com.

April 26 — Golden State Laundry Systems Warehouse Sale, Rancho Dominguez, Calif.; 866-971-1010, www.gsls4laundry.com.

April 29 — AC Power Co. Spring Show

2014, Trevose, Pa.; 800-362-1900, www. acpowerco.com.

April 29 — Star Distributing Open House, Knoxville, Tenn.; 800-897-7570, www.star distributing.com.

April 29 — Western State Design: Dexter Service School, Portland, Ore.; 800-633-7153, www.westernstatedesign.com.

April 30-May 1 — Western State Design: Dexter Service School, Hayward, Calif.; 800633-7153, www.westernstatedesign.com.

May 1 — Equipment Marketers 21st Annual Spring Service Seminar, Cherry Hill, N.J.; 800223-1376, www.equipmentmarketers.net.

May 1 — The Minnesota Chemical Co. Spring 2014 Coin Seminar and Service School, Minot, N.D.; 800-328-5689, www.minnesota chemical.com.

May 1 — Star Distributing Open House, Nashville, Tenn.; 800-897-7570, www.star distributing.com.

May 3 — Commercial Equipment Co. Open House, Addison, Texas; 800-899-9379, www. washerdryer1.com.

May 7-8 — Continental Girbau West Conference of Champions Profit Symposium, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; 866-950-2449, www. cg-west.com.

Check the AmericanCoinOp.com calendar periodically for updates/additions. ■

Download Magazine Central and read American Coin-Op on your iPad or Android Tablet Step 1: Go to your App

Store and type Magazine Central into search bar

Step 2: Click the

box to install the app (you won’t have to do this again)

Step 3: Open the Magazine Central App

Step 5: Click Download Step 6: Click View

Step 7: Read & enjoy!

Step 4: Type American into the search bar

The app stays on your tablet. Check back monthly to download the latest issue.

0114aco_MagCentral_halfhoriz.indd 18 AMERICAN COIN-OP APRIL 2014 1

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12/9/13 1:02 PM www.americancoinop.com

3/19/14 8:48 AM

web update

Most popular stories from AmericanCoinOp.com for the 30 days ending March 15 — (WE) denotes Web Exclusive

Top Five news Stories

Columnists/Features

Our Sister Websites

• Alliance Laundry to Acquire Primus Laundry Equipment Group

• Protecting Customer Data

From AmericanLaundryNews.com:

• Miles City’s Quick Wash and Fido-Cleaning

• Advances in Linen Distribution

• PWS Upgrades Primary Website, Launches Western Regional Site

• StatShot: Midwest Faced Frosty Sales in January and 2013 (WE)

• SBA Launches 2014 Emerging Leaders Initiative (WE) • NMHC: Apartment Market Conditions Soften Slightly (WE) 0812aco_Wells FargoLaundry 7/17/12 PM • Huebsch Adds Empire Mach. to3:46 ...

• Alliance Laundry to Acquire Primus Laundry Equipment Group

From AmericanDrycleaner.com:

• Survey: Rising Utility Costs Behind Majority of Laundromat Price Hikes

• Drycleaning Chemical Disclosure Rule Takes Effect in New York City

• How to Gain Most from Page 1 Events Distributor

• Spotting Tips: Pampering Fragile Garments

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APRIL 2014

American Coin-Op 2/14/131912:26 PM

3/18/14 1:49 PM

Give your customers w they really want: CHO

CrossLink Card Reader

CrossLink fits on virtually ev and accepts multiple paym Accept credit cards, debit c loyalty cards directly at the dryer, all while still acceptin can even monitor the amou collected! The ability to acc different payment options i convenience to the custome provides the opportunity fo increased revenue.

With the included “MyLaun reporting suite, all store tra easily accessible from the c can keep an eye on store r time from anywhere in the

Contact ESD at 1 or Visit us at ww

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s what

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ually every machine payment options. debit cards, store at the washer and accepting coin. You e amount of coins to accept all these ptions is a true ustomers, and unity for

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3/13/14 4:37 PM

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DRYERS

Electrolux

W

ith Electrolux Professional dryers, a Laundromat owner may see gas usage go down 40% with drying times more than 12% shorter, according to distributor Laundrylux.

Pair Electrolux dryers with Electrolux high-G-force washers, and a store will see increased load capacities, faster drying, less wear and tear on garments, lower energy consumption, and time savings, the company says.

Features of the Electrolux Professional dryers include low maintenance; an

improved lint screen; and a real-time clock.

More than 20 languages are available on the Compass Pro microprocessor, which is flexible and easy to use for program selection, diagnostics and custom programming. Standard on the dryers are one-phase reversing and reversing cylinders.

Electrolux dryers are available in 35-by35-pound and 50-by-50-pound stack models and 35-, 67- and 83-pound single-pocket models. www.laundrylux.com 800-381-7222

Continental Girbau

T

he ExpressDry dryers from Continental Girbau help to deliver a faster dry time using fewer Btu per load, the company says. The dryers are available in 30-, 55- and 75-pound-capacity singlepocket models and 30- and 45pound-capacity dual-pocket stacks.

The machines are engineered to eliminate downtime, streamline programmability and deliver ease of use.

ExpressDry dryers feature separate coin vaults and microprocessor controls for each tumbler pocket, and the machines offer a small footprint along with energy-efficient operation.

The smaller footprint allows a Laundromat operation to install more dryers per square foot, helping to improve profit potential,

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American Coin-Op APRIL 2014

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Continental Girbau says.

The dryers require one exhaust connection and one gas connection, use a simple 120-volt/15-amp breaker, and are simple and less costly to install, according to the company. A programmable control allows owners to adjust cycle time, temperature, cool-down, time-ofday pricing, customer bonus cycles and more.

The dryers feature dual motors, durable kick plates, cart bumpers and door bars. Oversized doors are constructed of premium steel and secured with heavyduty hinges. Cylinders feature stainless steel mirror-polished back plates to reduce linen wear and bolster durability. www.continentalgirbau.com 800-256-1073

www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:46 PM

ADVERTORIAL

An Open Letter to Store Owners W

hat is keeping you from significantly saving on utilities and boosting your revenue? The simple answer is that you have not upgraded to Huebsch® equipment.

As the economy rebounds, it is understandable you may be hesitant to make a replacement investment. I challenge you to look beyond this cost, as selecting durable and efficient commercial laundry equipment can actually save you money and make you more money at the same time.

OLYMPIC-SIZED UTILITY SAVINGS If you are one of the 64 percent of owners who, according to a recent “American CoinOp Your Views” survey, worries “utility costs will continue to rise,” I want you to take a moment and imagine saving $5 each day on utilities.

“

extractors is eBoost™ technology. The advanced inverter drive technology and improved cylinder and sump system design uses 33 percent less water per cycle than “Competitor X” models, and reduces non-wash water below the cylinder.

Additionally, Galaxy’s patented Water Guardian leak detection and slow drain detection monitor for leaks in the drain and fill valves, eliminating wasted water and resources. The advanced control system’s 30 programmable water levels let customers experience the best wash results at the lowest expense to you.

REVENUE BOOSTERS Equipping your store with an advanced control system is one of the best ways to take charge of your revenue and provide customers with more choices for their laundry. Galaxy 600 With the water saved by replacing with Huebsch, comes standard with you could fill one-and-a half Olympic-sized pools multi-level vend and still have 93,320 gallons to spare. pricing, time-of-day pricing and “Extra By merely replacing 10 “Competitor X” Wash” and Extra Rinse” green cycle 30-pound washer-extractors with similar modifiers. The control system of “Competitor Huebsch models featuring Galaxy™ 600 X” offers multi-level and time-of-day pricing controls, you could experience $1,736.96 in through an upgrade package, with no option utility savings each year. of green cycle modifiers.

”

Furthermore, during a seven-year span these Huebsch models can produce water savings of more than one million gallons. With the water saved by replacing with Huebsch, you could fill one-and-a half Olympic-sized pools and still have 93,320 gallons to spare.

It is not an exaggeration to say you will be swimming in savings.

How are these savings possible? One of the most efficient features on Huebsch washer-

One of our knowledgeable Huebsch distributors recently conducted an independent study to prove the value of these modifiers. The distributor reported the “Extra Wash” feature was used by customers more than 18 percent of the time. Additionally, he noted the higher the washer-extractor’s capacity, the more frequently the modifiers were selected. By not providing customers with additional wash options, you are missing out on sizable revenue opportunities.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION The benefits of upgrading equipment go beyond utility savings and increased revenue. According to a recent survey by the Coin Laundry Association, 50 percent of laundromat owners who experienced business growth attribute it to their new equipment.

Outfitting your store with efficient and stateof-the-art equipment shows an investment in your business to current clientele and can also help attract new customers.

FINANCING MADE SIMPLE If you think upgrading equipment is out of the question due to lack of capital, you may be wrong. By working with Huebsch Financial, you could add 10 Huebsch 30-pound washerextractors to your store for $3.35 or less per machine, per day. These payments could easily be covered by the energy savings and additional revenue that come from investing in new equipment.

Does the ability to save tens of thousands of dollars in utilities and adding revenueproducing features intrigue you? With 77 authorized Huebsch distributors in North America, it is easy to get the most efficient commercial laundry equipment and service. Visit Huebsch.com/Upgrade or call 1.800.553.5120 to locate a distributor in your market to see how much money you can make and save with new equipment.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Q. Rowen Huebsch North American Sales Manager

Huebsch.com/Upgrade Disclaimer: Above information based on published data retrieved February 2014 from competitor website. Data compares 10 - 30lb washer-extractors against comparative competitor models. The data provided is based on 4 turns/day, 365 days/year; water rate/1000 gallons = $5.00; sewer rate/1000 gallons = $5.00, 95% of incoming water goes to drain, 5% retained in load; heat cost/gallon = $0.007, gas cost = $1/therm, 75F temp rise, 85% gas heater efficiency, and 20% of incoming water is heated using an external water heater. Utility rates for water, sewer and heating vary widely. Check local rates and adjust estimated costs accordingly. Finance payments of $3.35 based on 100% MSRP equipment pricing for HC30KCF models; offers subject to formal credit approval.

4544-Replacement AdvertorialVF.indd StandardPage.indd 1 1

AmCoinOp

page 4/c

live: 7.625x10.375

trim: 8.125x10.875

bleed: 8.375x11.125

3/10/14 3/7/14 3:34 2:28 PM

American Dryer Corp. (ADC)

P

erformance and efficiency are the benchmarks for American Dryer Corp.’s AD-333 (30-pound) and AD-444 (45-pound) dual-pocket stack dryers, the company says.

Incorporating efficient trans-axial airflow and direct spark ignition, the tumblers deliver excellent dry times to help customers move faster through the laundry, ADC says. Both units are designed with an easyto-access belt drive system that includes permanently lubricated bearings to help ensure smooth, trouble-free operation with minimal maintenance.

Both units come standard with the Phase-5 single-drop, dual micro-control with easyto-read LCD display for both coin and card operation. The cabinet is welded and features a stainless steel lint drawer, a durable steel door and gasket-less door glass.

Installation is made easy with a single electrical connection and the option for single or dual exhaust connections. Both units maximize floor space to allow more capacity per square foot and are complements to today’s larger washer-extractors, ADC says. www.adclaundry.com 508-678-9000

Pellerin Milnor Corp.

P

ellerin Milnor dryers are available in either single-pocket or stack models for Laundromats of any size, the company says.

The dryers offer a small footprint, are coin- or card reader-compatible, and feature large doors for loading and

unloading. Service access to the dryers is easily made through the front or rear of the units, Milnor says.

The M333 is a 30-pound stack model with high airflow and heat input levels. www.milnorcoin.com 800-469-8780

Speed Queen

S

peed Queen® offers Laundromat owners a 45-pound stack tumble dryer with a small footprint to optimize floor space for any size operation.

Larger-capacity stack tumble dryers take up less space than a single dryer and help to provide double the vend capacity. The 45-pound stack tumble dryers allow for faster drying times with a high-performance heater box and an axial airflow pattern, the company says. For the convenience of

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American Coin-Op APRIL 2014

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customers and store owners, each individual dryer comes equipped with Speed Queen’s state-of-the-art control system, Quantum®.

On upgraded machines, the networked system offers Laundromat owners the ability to program and manage stores and equipment from any computer. Quantum also features time-of-day pricing. www.speedqueen.com 800-590-8872

www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:46 PM

12th ANNUAL

EQUIPMENT SHOW MAY 12, 2014 Four Points Sheraton 910 Sheraton Drive Mars, PA 16046 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

724.658.8808 www.alcowasher.com StandardPage.indd 1

3/4/14 9:17 AM

IPSO

I

PSO® offers the ITT30 stack tumble dryers with the Micro-Display Control (MDC) system to Laundromat owners.

The MDC system offers end-users convenient features such as dry-cycle options that include low, medium, high and delicate, the company says. The delicate cycle offers customers the option to dry clothes, such as high-performance athletic apparel, at a speed and temperature that will help to preserve the clothing’s fibers, IPSO says.

The new, larger display complements the IPSO washer-extractors, the company says, and the display features a status indicator light to alert store customers when their clothes are drying and cooling down. The stack tumble dryers use the same amount of floor space as a single dryer. www.ipso.com 800-USA-IPSO

Maytag Commercial Laundry

T

he Maytag Commercial Laundry® Energy Advantage™ Multi-Load Stack Dryers feature fast-drying axial airflow system, increased insulation and double-paned windows to keep the heat contained in the basket, enabling clothes to dry faster, the company says.

Engineered for both Laundromat owners and end-users in mind, the dryers are equipped with a single-payment system, a front access panel for easier self service, the ThermoGuard™ System to prevent laundry overheating, extra-large door openings, and a time-remaining digital display.

The dryers are also equipped with a Drum Dryer Containment System—a waterless fire suppression system. Loaded with Builtto-Last™ features, the dryers have heavy-duty enclosed motors, and a four-point roller system, the company says. www.maytagcommercial laundry.com 800-662-3587

Dexter Laundry

D

exter’s Express dryers are built to last and feature heavy-duty bearings in a cast-iron bearing housing along with welded steel spiders and shafts.

These features help eliminate the need for front support rollers and help to reduce maintenance cost, the company says.

On Dexter stack dryers, a single location for gas, electrical and venting connections simplify the installation process, while a single control, coin drop, and coin vault help reduce collection times.

Dexter Express dryers are available in a range of sizes, including 30-, 50and 80-pound single dryers as well as 30- and 50-pound stack dryers. The

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machines also feature perforated drums and balanced radial airflow. www.dexter.com 800-524-2954

www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 1:46 PM

Dollar coins make sense.

“We have successfully converted over 400 dollar/

dollar token/quarter drops with Imonex® and we’ve experienced excellent results. We’re halfway through our conversion process and our coin jams have decreased dramatically. We spend less time servicing our machines so we can focus on serving our customers. We definitely recommend Imonex® to our friends in the laundry business.

Gary D. Gray, CEO Fun Wash, Inc.

”

Imonex® is proud to serve the hard-working entrepreneurs in the Coin-Op Laundry industry. We are dedicated to helping this important community improve customer experiences, enhance ROI and increase uptime through our steadfast commitment to enhanced product development and friendly customer support.

Enhanced reliability and performance through advanced engineering.

The Imonex® Difference • Patented Superior Coin Acceptance • Multi-Coin in Single Drop • Flexibility to Convert to Dollar/Quarter • Converts Smart Card System Back to Coin • Compatibility with Most Major Coin-Op Manufacturers • Serving Both Domestic and International Markets • Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

Our vertical geometric technology greatly reduces jams, increasing potential revenue. With our flexible options for multi-coin dollar, quarter and tokens, we allow customers the convenient payment options they expect. Plus, the higher denomination availability allows owners to reduce the frequency of coin box service visits.

Imonex Services Inc. 800.446.2719 979.885.3200 International 011.979.885.3200 www.imonex.com

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Huebsch

H

uebsch® now offers Laundromat owners the HT075, a 75-pound tumble dryer with reversing technology.

This technology allows a tumble dryer to stop, pause and switch direction to reduce balling or roping of large articles, such as sheets, comforters and tablecloths, during the drying process.

This helps prevent over-drying of articles and helps to produce evenly and consistently dried linens, Huebsch says.

The 75-pound tumble dryer also comes equipped with Galaxy™ 600 controls, which complements the control system of Huebsch’s washerextractors. When the two systems are used together, a store

can be fully programmable, according to the company, through the use of a computer to give owners more control and convenience.

Galaxy helps Laundromat owners to maximize revenue with advanced programming options including time-of-day pricing, remaining time countdown and four drying cycles. Additionally, store owners can command higher vend pricing due to the dryer’s large capacity, Huebsch says. Owners may also benefit from the system’s service monitoring, which provides service-related audit data and sends potential troubleshooting tactics. www.huebsch.com/info 800-553-5120

Whirlpool

F

or any size Laundromat, Whirlpool offers an extra-largecapacity dryer—7.4 cubic feet— equipped with side-swing doors that open 180 degrees.

The dryer also comes standard with a large, factory-installed coin box to help

reduce the number of collections, the company says.

The Whirlpool Commercial Laundry® dryer is available in coinslide and non-coin models. www.whirlpoolcommerciallaundry.com 800-662-3587

Wascomat

W

ascomat Commercial Coin Dryers, distributed by Laundrylux, now include Gen 7 single-pocket dryers featuring the Compass Pro microprocessor and stack dryers with the Selecta II controller.

The stack dryers come in 30-by30-pound and 45-by-45-pound models, which feature extra-large doors, easy-touse controls, energy savings, and shorter dry times, Laundrylux says.

Wascomat’s 35-, 67- and 83-pound single-pocket dryers are equipped with

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Axial Airflow for low energy usage, and Compass Pro control, the same easy-to-use dial featured on the company’s commercial washers.

The dryers feature sturdy drum suspension with double-sealed bearings and belt drive, large and easy-to-clean lint filter, and support rollers for increased drum stability and noise reduction, Laundrylux says. www.laundrylux.com 800-645-2205

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Fair Oaks Laundry’s Favorite Color? Green!

California store offers time savings, efficiency, cleanliness

By Haley Jorgensen

A

n eco-inspired full-service laundry where people feel comfortable, safe and clean, Fair Oaks Laundry works hard to deliver on its tagline—Clean.

Green. Express.

Occupying a highly visible street corner near Old Town Pasadena, Calif., Fair Oaks Laundry draws customers from all walks of life. The eco-friendly laundry combines high-efficiency, high-speed Continental Girbau laundry equipment with a gamut of craved services and amenities appealing to professionals, singles and families alike.

“Now, rather than using a dirty coin laundry, customers can enjoy checking their morning e-mail while having a cup of coffee,” says owner Gary Thompson.

“Focusing on a great customer experience is at the core of our business model, and it’s paid off for us.”

The 4,500-square-foot laundry is cardoperated, fully attended, and offers fluff and fold, pickup and delivery, vending machines, free Wi-Fi, video games, flatscreen TVs, and a 60-minute wash and dry. It’s the culmination of Thompson’s vision: a laundry offering time savings, efficiency and cleanliness.

gas usage, while offering customers a quick wash and dry.

“I wanted to use the best equipment we could find,” he says. “I wanted a freestanding washer store, because energy costs continue to rise. Those without freestanding washers are suffering, because utilities are costing them more.”

At Fair Oaks Laundry, the ExpressWash freestanding washers are said to provide greater energy efficiency than traditional hard-mount washers. They also reach extract speeds of 354 G-force, which allows customers to wash and dry loads in less than an hour. The high-extract washers remove more water per load when com-

pared to traditional hardmount machines, which produce extract speeds of approximately 75-200 G-force, Continental says.

Loads dried at Fair Oaks dry 40-50% faster but use less natural gas and electricity, the laundry reports. Because dryers run less often, they experience less wear and tear, and use less natural gas. This allows Fair Oaks Laundry to serve more customers per day, which is especially critical during busy weekend hours.

Carbon Footprint “Clothes come out of the washer almost dry,” says Thompson. “People are shocked at how quickly their laundry is done, and

The Freestanding Choice Thompson’s efforts to create an environmentally friendly laundry keyed on its equipment—ExpressWash washers and ExpressDry dryers—which are designed to drastically cut water, electricity and natural 30

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Fair Oaks Laundry owner Gary Thompson (left) thanks consultant Van Merrill for his assistance in developing the Pasadena, Calif., store’s customer-friendly design and concept. (Photos: Continental Girbau) www.americancoinop.com

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they are happy to pay for that convenience, because time is money.

They think we have really good dryers, which we do, but I tell them it’s really our washers.”

After 18 months, Fair Oaks Laundry was already exceeding the national average turns per day, with just 14% of revenue consumed by utilities, Continental says. That’s really good in any laundry, according to Thompson, but especially one that’s so big.

Fair Oaks features 45 ExpressWash washers, six 75-poundcapacity PowerLoad washers, and a mix of Continental dual-pocket stack drying tumblers in 30- and 45-pound capacities.

Also lessening the laundry’s carbon footprint are solar tubes and T-8 lighting; high-efficiency heating equipment; a roof that better insulates for less cooling and heating inside; plus low-flow faucets and toilets.

“Even if it costs more money, it’s worth it if it lessens our carbon footprint,” Thompson says.

Remote Management Because he lives in Los Angeles, where traffic is thick, Thompson says he is especially grateful for his store’s card and surveillance systems. From a remote laptop, tablet or cell phone, he can view the store via the security system’s on-premises video cameras, and use the Card Concepts card system to run reports that detail equipment usage and revenue, or launch in-store promotions.

“The card system allows you to go into

the exchanger remotely and issue cards, check what machines are doing, or find out how much money was generated that day,” says Thompson. “The remote card and video access allow me to see what’s going on so I can respond immediately if there is a problem.”

Customers are also card-friendly. “When we first opened, people came in with coins, so we helped them out by explaining the benefits of the card system,” says Thompson. “Now they love it.”

The system allows him to reward loyal customers by adding bonus dollars to their cards, issue new cards, and track card usage. Fair Oaks customers appreciate that, along with the store’s multitude of services.

Multiple Revenue Streams While self-service customers benefit from getting in and out of the laundry in an hour, others take advantage of timesaving fluffand-fold service.

“We enjoy a high traffic count and great visibility because of our location,” says Thompson. “We work off of that to get drop-off clients.”

Drop-off business has grown monthly, according to Thompson, and at last check made up 17% of the store’s total revenue.

Big families, men between the ages of 18 and 40, busy moms, and commercial clients make up Fair Oaks’ drop-off clientele mix.

With multiple laundry service offerings under one roof, Thompson enjoys several revenue streams, including video games and vending machines, which contribute 11% of total revenue.

It’s a package Thompson hopes to replicate. “We are very happy with the store as a business,” he says. “I wish I had 10 of them. We are working on that.”

Working alongside Thompson on this project and future laundries is Van Merrill, of Merrill Laundry Consulting. “He’s guided us through the process and helped with laundry design and equipment layout,” says Thompson. “He is exceptional, and we couldn’t have done it without him.”

Working with Merrill, Thompson hopes to develop multiple Fair Oaks Laundry stores sharing the same services, equipment and trademark. n Haley Jorgensen is a public relations writer for commercial laundry equipment manufacturer Continental Girbau.

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an outsider’s view

Parking: Make Your Case for the Space

Howard Scott

American Coin-Op APRIL 2014

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bring heavy loads in and out of your Laundromat, and that requires special sidewalk treatment. In a sense, this need is the same as a loading zone similar to those used by commercial businesses.

Certainly all sidewalk businesses want convenient roadside parking, but you can make a persuasive argument for why you should be granted the parking availability over the other concerns. And since you are open 15 hours a day seven days a week, this designated parking is all the more important.

Insist that you are a community resource as well as a service business. Mention that you service 2,000 area families, all members of the community, and that the citizens deserve such a special dispensation from the government authorities.

State that, for older individuals or pregnant women, carrying heavy loads for one or two blocks can be a health hazard. Therefore, not granting designated parking shows that area politicians are not concerned with the health and safety of their constituents.

These are the basic building blocks of your argument.

But, of course, every situation is unique, so you must craft the argument in terms that are appropriate.

Find out which government authority has the power to grant exclusive parking rights (it depends on the state and locality). It might be the planning board, the department of transportation, the mayor’s office, Image licensed by Ingram Publishing

34

In my small town, there are six coffee shops. One establishment has a drive-thru window with convenient ingress and egress. During rush hour, lines often run along the roadside. I would guess that this coffee shop gets 50% of the local business. Why? Convenience. It is simply easier for the customer to stay seated in his/her car, place the order, and drive off holding his/her treat.

The reason I mention this is that it is vitally important that your customers have easy access to your store. Either a side or rear parking lot will do, with a door nearby. Another possibility is curbside parking right in front of the entrance. If none of these scenarios are available, then my suggestion is a shuttle vehicle that transports the customer to the front door and back to his/her car. This option is, of course, price-prohibitive.

In other words, don’t inconvenience your customers.

Make it as easy as possible for them to bring their laundry into your store. If you don’t—if they have to walk a half-block carrying their heavy load—they might do business with you once or twice, but then will search for another location.

Now, you know this. Having convenient parking is an absolute requirement of good locations. But I still see some stores where there is no store parking. I imagine the owner would say something like this: “We’re in an urban environment, and everyone knows parking is at a premium. Our customers can park anywhere on the street, if they can find a spot. They might have to drive around the block once or twice, but that’s not too much to ask, not in this city.”

Well, perhaps there is something you can do about it. Insist that the municipal authorities have your front parking spots designated for you. Get the authorities to set aside several spaces in front of your store. This will be accomplished by signs that declare “No Parking,” “Tow Away Load Zone” or “No Idling Allowed—Five Minute Limit.” With such dispensation, you can have your customers park there to clean their clothes. If you can obtain four or five parking spaces in this manner, it will satisfy most of your parking needs.

How do you get the authorities to do this? Initiate a campaign. Argue that yours is a business that requires easy access and egress. Point out that patrons have to

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The more flavors the better! In addition to our print edition, check out our tablet, mobile and website versions when you crave the latest industry news and updates. www.americancoinop.com

The independent voice of the self-service laundry industry

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an outsider’s view

or the police department.

You may not have had experience in dealing with public officials. As you embark on your campaign, you might have to attend several meetings and committee hearings. Basically, you must convince the powers that be that designating parking spots near your business is for the good of your community.

You must make a logical argument. And you must always be a cooperative presence. Remain humble. Never lose your head. Stay dispassionate and cool. Avoid calling anyone names.

Use specific examples. For instance, it would be a good idea to cite other spots in the community where there is designated parking. Always be factual; cite statistics that are verifiable. Perhaps you need to quote the number of cars passing by on your street each day. Get it right, and this means that you must do your research.

After you present your case, the committee will take a while to decide. A week or two or three later, you will be notified.

If you lose, don’t give up. Every year, the board or committee composition changes. Or perhaps the authority will be handed over to a new agency that might be inclined to side with your view.

Try again next year. Ultimately, with enough perseverance, you’ll

be victorious. Either that, or you’ll discover a new solution to the problem.

When you achieve your goal, and have your spaces reserved, make sure your customers have full use. You might put up sandwich boards along the sidewalk designating these spaces “For ABC Laundromat Customers Only.” Go outside periodically and confirm that only your patrons are using the reserved spaces.

Appraise the beat policeman or local patrol of the situation. For example, if the street signs read “No Idling Allowed—Five Minute Limit,” point out that your customers can’t do their business in five minutes, but need longer. Policemen are human beings. Massage the situation so that you get what you want. That might mean doing a few favors for the officer.

Having parking close is essential to running a good Laundromat.

Examine your operation from an overhead perspective (aerial viewpoint) and make sure you are doing everything possible to ensure your customers’ maximum convenience. n Howard Scott is a long-time business writer, small-business consultant, and author of four books.

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Advertiser

Page

Advertiser

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AC Power ....................................................................... 36

Mountain Electronics ...................................................... 38

Alco Washer Center ........................................................ 25

n Supply ........................................................................... 29

Borden Textiles ................................................................ 39

New York Laundry Equipment ....................................... 33

Continental Girbau ........................................................ IBC ESD Inc. ............................................................. 20, 21, BC Gold Coin Laundry Equipment ...................................... 17

NIE Insurance ................................................................. 15 Pellerin Milnor ................................................................. 13 R&B Wire Products ......................................................... 1

Great Lakes Commercial Sales ....................................... 38 HHC Electronic Service .................................................. 39 Huebsch .................................................................... FC, 23 Imonex Services ............................................................... 27

Royal Basket Trucks ........................................................ 37 Setomatic Systems ......................................................... IFC Speed Queen ............................................................8, 9, 11

Laundry Concepts .......................................................... 31

Super Computer Boards .................................................. 38

LG ................................................................................... 3

Vend-Rite .......................................................................... 5

Maytag Commercial Laundry .......................................... 7

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Wells Fargo Insurance Services ....................................... 19

APRIL 2014

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Motors, Baskets, Gas Valve, Computer, Doors, Front & Side Panels FL & GA. Call Victor 321-946-9890

38 American Coin-Op APRIL 2014

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EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

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USED LAUNDRY PARTS

WASCO GEN 5 DOOR LOCKS & TIMERS REBUILT Door Lock $75 • Gen 5 & 6 Timer $85 Gen 4 Timer $75 • Continental Timer $89 DRYER COMPUTER BOARDS ADC Stack $60 • Single $45 Huebsch SQ Board $45 Huebsch Old Style Board $55 Stack Dexter/Continental $65 Washer Coin Boards $65 Some prices may vary!!!!

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WILL BUY ANY EQUIPMENT (WASHERS AND DRYERS) ON WEST COAST. 888-205-0884.

WANTED Coin-operated commercial Whirlpool or Kenmore top load washers.

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CARD READERS FIXED

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WASHER AND DRYER COMPUTER BOARDS REBUILT Igniters repaired Washers: $70 - & up Dryers: $40 - & up Igniters: $25 - & up Rebuilt Timers - Wascomat, Huebsch, Speed Queen, IPSO, Laundry Center, Maytag Call for exact price which includes free return shipping METRO LAUNDRY TECH CORP. 1490 Boston Rd., Ground Floor, Bronx, NY 10460 ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS Please call 718-742-4137 Or 718-733-4313 Or Visit our website at www.metrolc.com e-mail us at metrolc@hotmail.com

Place your ad ONLINE www.AmericanCoinOp.com APRIL 2014 AMERICAN COIN-OP 39

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newsmakers

Alliance Laundry Acquires Primus Laundry Equipment Group Alliance Laundry Holdings LLC, the parent company of Alliance Laundry Systems, has acquired Primus Laundry Equipment Group. Terms of the transaction completed in early March were not disclosed.

Primus Laundry Equipment Group is headquartered in Gullegem, Belgium, with production facilities in Pribor, Czech Republic, and Guangzhou, China; and sales offices in France (Lyon), the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Spain (Barcelona) and Hong Kong.

Primus Laundry Equipment Group markets commercial washerextractors, tumbler dryers, ironers, and feeding and folding equipment under the Primus, Lavamac and Deli brands. It has annual revenues of approximately 87 million euros (approximately $120 million).

“We are very pleased to have the Primus organization join our company,” says Mike Schoeb, Alliance Laundry’s president and CEO. “We view their management team, product breadth, distribution, quality focus and commitment to reliability as complementary to our global reach.”

Primus Laundry Equipment Group CEO Eddy Coppieters says the company is “...excited to join the world leader in commercial laundry. Joining the Alliance team at this point is good for our employees, our customers and the industry.”

Continental Girbau Honors 2013 Distributors of the Year Continental Girbau recently named its 2013 Distributors of the Year, honoring Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment S.E., Southside, Ala., as USA Distributor of the Year; Coronet Equipment Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta, as Canadian Distributor of the Year; and Elite Business Investments Corp., Van Nuys, Calif., as Vended Laundry Distributor of the Year.

Owned by Russ Arbuckle, Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment S.E. is a full-service distributorship offering laundry equipment, installation technical service, parts and customer service

Russ Arbuckle, president of Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment S.E., accepts Continental Girbau’s 2013 USA Distributor of the Year Award during the equipment manufacturer’s Profit Symposium. Pictured (from left) are Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services; Mike Floyd, Continental president; Arbuckle; and Ed Ziegler, Continental sales manager – Eastern U.S. and Canada.

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Elite Business Investments Corp. recently received Continental Girbau’s 2013 Vended Laundry Distributor of the Year Award. Pictured (from left) are Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services; Tod Sorensen, Continental sales manager – Western U.S. and Canada; David and Carol Dang, owners of Elite Business Investments Corp.; and Mike Floyd, Continental president. throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and portions of Florida and Tennessee.

“Wholesale excelled in all areas of vended and on-premise laundry distribution this year,” says Joel Jorgensen, Continental Girbau vice president of sales and customer services. “Continental has worked with Russ since the beginning, and he has evolved into a great business leader and laundry professional for his customers.”

Coronet Equipment handles Continental coin and on-premise laundry equipment distribution, and Girbau Industrial sales, in Saskatchewan and the Northern Territories, assisting in vended laundry site selection, financing, equipment, store layout and management, according to Continental Girbau.

Elite Business Investments Corp. specializes in business sales and acquisitions, coin laundry brokering, consulting and development, as well as vended laundry equipment sales and store remodeling, according to Continental Girbau.

Huebsch Adds Empire Laundry Machinery to Distributor Network Huebsch recently added Rochester, N.Y.-based Empire Laundry Machinery to its distribution network in New York state, the company reports. As an authorized distributor, the company can now provide Huebsch commercial laundry equipment to Laundromats and on-premises laundry accounts.

“By partnering with Huebsch, our customers now have the ability to benefit from the brand’s wide range of commercial laundry equipment featuring easy-to-use controls,” says Gerry Hendershot, president and owner of Empire Laundry Machinery.

His company sells to, and services, commercial laundry accounts in upstate, western and southern tier New York markets.

Empire will offer Huebsch vended washer-extractors ranging in capacity from 20 to 100 pounds, with paired dryers ranging from 25 to 75 pounds. Supported products include washer-extractors with eBoost™ technology and 200 G-force extraction, as well as front- and top-load commercial washers and tumble dryers. n www.americancoinop.com

3/18/14 3:37 PM

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Meanwhile, the control helps storeowners maximize their profit potential. Contact Continental Girbau to find out how you can boost your income with ProfitPlus!

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(800) 256-1073 • www.continentalgirbau.com

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Brian Holland, Partner The Laundry Café

Why did you choose an ESD system?

We obviously wanted a state-of-the-art card system that would give us a competitive advantage, but we also wanted a company that was as celebrated for their service and customer care as they are for their most successful products.

ESD is the gold standard in the industry because of superior products, well-trained personnel, and outstanding customer service.

What is your experience in the laundry industry?

In the purest sense of the word, we are “newbies” to the vended laundry arena - excited to be here, eager to play, hungry for knowledge, and humble enough to learn from anyone who is willing to offer guidance.

At the same time we have seasoned experience and battle scars from both corporate- and small business experiences in unrelated industries.

While the industries are completely unrelated, the foundational business principals that they taught - Customer Service, Finance, Marketing, Sales, People Management, HR, Operations - are all directly relevant. Maybe we’re newbies with a little seasoning.

What are the unknown challenges that you faced with your new store? How has ESD’s system helped you to overcome these challenges?

The Laundry Café is located in a fantastic destination location, but it is in a an internet challenged area of the city. ESD exceeded all our expectations by creating a wireless network even though none of the major internet providers were available. ESD has an internal team of IT professionals who customized our system to meet our needs, from design to installation.

Brian Holland & Tyrone Akins of

Is there anything that surprised you about the ESD system?

I was pleasantly surprised at the managerial utilities. The reports are thorough, comprehensive,and seamlessly integrated.

I can produce performance reports that track nearly everything. These are great for tracking your business and making informed adjustments for improvement.

Contact your local ESD distributor or ESD sales representative for more information.

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