Upgrading Coin Laundries: POS System Setup Guide

Why upgrading your coin laundry with a POS system isn’t just smart—it’s survival.

Ask any Aussie laundry operator who’s wrestled with broken coin slots, refund requests, or end-of-day tallying—running a self-service laundromat isn’t as passive as it sounds. Now layer in rising operational costs, staff shortages, and increasingly tech-savvy customers expecting tap-and-go everything, and suddenly, your humble coin-op starts to look… dated.

Enter: the modern Coin Laundry POS System. But before you assume it’s just a fancy till—this guide unpacks how the right setup can shift your laundry from “old school” to “automated cashflow machine”.

What does a POS system actually do for a coin laundry?

Let’s cut through the tech-speak. A laundromat POS system isn’t just about processing payments.

Here’s what a proper setup offers:

• Cashless payments: EFTPOS, Apple Pay, Google Pay—no more fumbling for coins.

• Machine integration: Connects directly to washers/dryers so usage = payment.

• Customer loyalty: Reward regulars, offer credit, or manage prepaid cards.

• Operational data: See which machines earn most, track downtimes, and forecast peak hours.

• Remote access: Manage pricing, alerts, and usage from your phone—even while on holidays.

• Reduced theft & errors: Automation equals fewer mistakes and less temptation.

Put simply, you’re trading daily headaches for data-backed decisions.

Do customers actually want cashless laundries?

Short answer? Yes—and here’s why:

According to The RBA’s Consumer Payments Report, cash use in Australia dropped from 27% in 2019 to just 13% in 2022. That trend is accelerating.

A Sydney-based operator we spoke with shared this:

“Since we installed a cashless POS, we’ve had fewer disputes and more regulars. It’s just easier for everyone.”

This aligns with a core behavioural principle—loss aversion. Customers hate wasting time or feeling they’ve overpaid. A smart POS system frames value clearly, shows pricing up front, and removes the friction that coins create.

What are the key features to look for in a coin laundry POS system?

Not all systems are equal. Here’s what you want if you’re serious about making the switch:

• Machine compatibility – Can it connect to your current washers/dryers?

• Tap payments – Bonus points for mobile wallets.

• Prepaid functionality – Great for student housing, caravan parks, or fleet laundries.

• Usage tracking – Hourly, daily, and machine-by-machine data.

• Remote management – Adjust prices, check logs, and get alerts on the go.

• Support & service – Can you get help when things glitch?

Think of it like buying a ute—you want reliability, not just bells and whistles.

Is it worth the cost for small or regional laundries?

Here’s where the behavioural science bites back. A lot of owners fall into the sunk cost fallacy—hanging onto coin systems just because “they’re already paid off.”

But outdated gear bleeds profits through:

• Manual refunds

• Lost time on float preparation

• Customers leaving due to coin-only options

• Untracked usage and peak-time pricing guesswork

Even in regional towns, customers expect tech. One operator in Ballarat shared:

“We hesitated at first, but the system paid for itself in 9 months—mostly because we didn’t need a full-time staffer anymore.”

Can a POS system reduce operational stress?

Absolutely. Behavioural psychologist Bri Williams often says that “ease is the path of least resistance”. When you reduce friction for customers and staff, things just work better.

For example:

• Instead of training staff to open coin vaults, you set up auto bank deposits.

• Instead of tracking maintenance on paper, your POS pings you when a machine underperforms.

• Instead of refund disputes, every transaction has a time-stamped record.

Automation doesn't just save time—it saves decision fatigue.

What’s the first step to upgrading?

If you’re unsure whether your current setup supports POS integration, start with a simple audit:

• Are your machines coin-only or POS-ready?

• Do you want customer accounts or once-off payments?

• Do you operate across multiple locations?

• How often are you refunding or reissuing credit?

• Can you (or your staff) easily track earnings?

Many suppliers offer free consultations to map out your needs without pressure. And you’ll likely find that modern coin laundry POS systems are far more plug-and-play than expected.

FAQ: Coin Laundry POS System

Q: Will customers still be able to use coins?Yes, hybrid systems exist. But pure cashless models are increasingly preferred in busy metro areas or unmanned laundries.

Q: Can I install it myself, or do I need a technician?Depends on your machines. Some systems are DIY-friendly; others require a quick professional install.

Q: What if the internet goes down?Many POS units include offline transaction support—payments queue and sync once reconnected.

The takeaway?

If you’re still counting coins, you’re not just doing more work—you’re likely earning less. A smart POS system doesn’t just process payments; it rewires how your laundry runs, earns, and scales.

As many operators across Australia have found, moving to a digital-first laundry model makes sense—both for customers and the bottom line. For those ready to explore options that align with their business, this guide to a coin laundry POS system is a solid starting point.