Why Modern Laundries Need POS Systems, Not Just Coins

Ever stood at a self-serve laundromat with no coins in your pocket and a full basket of washing? You're not alone. Across Australia, traditional coin laundries are running into a digital wall—because the modern customer doesn’t carry change. And while retro charm has its place, relying purely on coins is starting to cost laundromat owners more than it earns them.

Let’s be clear upfront: smart laundries are moving away from coin-only setups—and not just because it's more convenient. It's because POS systems offer data, automation, customer satisfaction, and frankly, survival in a rapidly shifting industry.

Are coins costing you customers?

In a contactless world, coins feel clunky. Tap-and-go is the norm, and digital wallets are outpacing physical wallets. For laundromats still clinging to coin-only models, that means:

• Missed revenue from card-preferred customers

• Maintenance headaches from jammed or vandalised coin slots

• Zero data on who your customers are or what services they use

Think about it: would you rather count coins at 10pm, or check your earnings on your phone in seconds?

POS systems—short for Point-of-Sale—don’t just let people pay without coins. They transform your laundry from a machine room to a smart, optimised business.

What does a POS system actually do for a laundry?

Most people hear “POS” and think of a cash register. But in the laundry world, a modern POS system can:

• Accept payments via card, phone, app or even loyalty credits

• Track machine usage in real-time

• Alert you to maintenance issues automatically

• Offer promotional pricing during quiet periods

• Collect data to inform your pricing and service mix

Basically, it puts you in control of more than just the machines—it gives you control of the entire operation.

Case in point: A laundry in Sydney’s Inner West switched to a hybrid coin + card POS setup in early 2023. Within three months, they reported:

• A 22% lift in revenue

• 40% fewer customer complaints about payments

• Sharper insights into machine usage patterns, allowing better machine allocation on weekends

That’s not anecdotal fluff—it’s behaviour-led ROI.

Is it just about payments, though?

Not even close.

A well-integrated coin laundry POS system is more like a central nervous system than a till. It connects the dots between hardware (washers and dryers), software (payment apps and machine tracking), and customer behaviour.

It’s also about reducing friction—one of the most overlooked nudges in behavioural science. The easier you make it for people to wash their clothes, the more they’ll come back.

Think of POS systems as behavioural nudges in action:

• Defaults: Set standard wash cycles with optimal pricing.

• Choice architecture: Let users see clearly priced options on a touchscreen.

• Anchoring: Offer a “premium wash” option slightly higher than the basic one to guide spend.

Adam Ferrier would call this behaviour change at the point of decision. Mark Ritson would call it better brand positioning through customer-centric operations.

What about the cost to install?

Here’s the mental roadblock: many laundry owners assume POS systems are expensive and complex.

But that’s not the reality anymore. Modular systems mean you can start small (just payments) and scale up (into loyalty programs, remote diagnostics, even dynamic pricing).

In fact, reciprocity kicks in hard here: give customers a more seamless experience, and they’ll return the favour in loyalty—and higher average spends.

As one Melbourne-based owner shared:

“We used to lose people who’d walk in, realise we were coins-only, and walk straight back out. Since going digital, we’ve seen repeat customers go up—especially among young renters and students.”

Is a hybrid system the sweet spot?

You bet. Many Aussie laundries are starting with hybrid systems—keeping coin options while adding POS terminals. This gives customers flexibility and lets businesses transition gradually.

It’s also a savvy move from a commitment & consistency angle. Once your regulars start using digital options, they’re more likely to keep doing so—and explore added services like softener upgrades or bundled drying.

Hybrid setups also minimise resistance from older demographics who still prefer physical currency. No one gets left behind.

What about laundromat security?

Good question. POS systems often come with integrated security features:

• Time-stamped usage logs

• Remote lock/unlock options for machines

• Better theft deterrence (less physical cash on-site)

This isn’t just convenience—it’s risk management.

According to Canstar, Australia is well on its way to being a cashless society. The fewer coins on-site, the lower your exposure to theft.

Does this make your laundry future-ready?

Absolutely. POS systems give your laundry a competitive edge without the overhead of extra staff.

Here’s what future-focused laundries are already doing:

• Using data dashboards to identify top-earning machines

• Running “Happy Hour” discounts on off-peak days

• Integrating loyalty cards with app-based alerts

None of this is pipe dream tech. It’s already happening—right here in Australian suburbs.

If you’re still thinking your coin-only setup is “simple and low-maintenance”, that simplicity may actually be the anchor dragging your business down.

The laundromat business is no longer about washers and dryers—it’s about experience, accessibility, and automation. Smart operators are ditching the coin-only model and using tech to build a consistent, scalable business.

And if you're curious about how a coin laundry POS system might fit into your setup, it's worth exploring—not for the tech, but for the customer loyalty it unlocks.

FAQ

Do I need to completely remove coins to use a POS system?No. Many modern laundries use hybrid systems that accept both coins and digital payments, allowing you to cater to all demographics.

Is a POS system hard to install in an existing laundry?Not at all. Many providers offer retrofitting kits or simple plug-ins for common commercial washer brands.

Can I track machine usage remotely with a POS system?Yes. Advanced systems allow for remote monitoring, alerts for machine errors, and performance analytics.