How Coin Laundry POS Systems Work with Existing Machines

Some laundromats are still run with little more than coin boxes and printed signs. But these days, successful operators are quietly leveraging smarter tech – like POS systems that sync with their existing machines – to cut headaches, save time, and boost margins. Here's how it all works behind the scenes.

Can POS systems really work with older coin laundry machines?

Yes – modern Coin Laundry POS Systems can integrate seamlessly with existing machines, including coin- and token-operated models. These systems use smart adapters or retrofitted controllers to bridge old hardware with cloud-based software, allowing laundromat owners to track usage, enable cashless payments, and streamline operations.

What exactly is a Coin Laundry POS System?

Think of a Coin Laundry POS System as the brain of your laundromat. It’s not a till – it’s a central control platform that connects your washers and dryers to cloud software, allowing you to:

• Accept cashless payments (cards, mobile, QR)

• Monitor machine status in real time

• Set custom pricing rules or time-of-day discounts

• Reduce coin handling and theft risks

• Analyse usage data to spot trends or inefficiencies

It's basically applying retail smarts to self-service laundry – minus the need for a cashier.

How does it connect to existing laundry machines?

That’s the million-dollar question for most laundromat owners. You don’t need to rip out your machines or replace them.

Instead, these POS systems use:

• Smart retrofits – Small modules or interface boxes that connect to the coin-drop system or machine controller

• IoT integrations – Wireless adapters that talk to cloud software, sometimes over 4G or Wi-Fi

• Custom APIs – For machines that already support smart integrations (like Huebsch, Dexter, or Speed Queen)

For older machines, a common retrofit involves a board that simulates coin insertion when a cashless payment is made – meaning your machines still “think” they’re being fed coins, but you’re logging every transaction digitally.

This retrofit approach is why so many Aussie operators are adopting systems like BubblePay without massive hardware overhauls.

Will this tech work with all machines?

Not every machine on the market is plug-and-play, but most can be made compatible with a bit of help from the POS provider. Here’s what determines compatibility:

• Machine age – Most machines built in the last 10–15 years can be upgraded

• Coin mechanism type – Electro-mechanical systems are easiest to work with

• Voltage access – Some retrofits need power from the machine’s board

• Space inside the housing – For installing adapters or interfaces

If in doubt, take a few photos of the machine's control panel and internals, and send them to the POS vendor. Many, like BubblePay, can pre-assess compatibility before anything’s installed.

What does setup and support look like?

Most POS providers offer:

• On-site installation or guided self-install kits

• Ongoing cloud-based software access

• Support for pricing updates or machine troubleshooting

• Integration with tap-and-go terminals or app-based payments

Some systems also include remote diagnostics – so if a dryer goes offline, you get pinged before customers start banging on the door.

From a behavioural lens, this taps into Cialdini’s consistency principle – once customers use cashless payments at one location, they’re more likely to return to places offering that same seamless experience.

Why are Aussie laundromats making the shift now?

There’s a behavioural nudge happening: less cash, more tap. As Australia moves toward a cashless economy (cash transactions now account for just 13% of all payments according to the RBA), laundromats without card options are quietly losing foot traffic.

Plus, running a laundromat with coin-only machines means:

• More downtime when coin boxes jam or fill up

• More time manually collecting, sorting, and banking coins

• Higher risks of theft or skimming

• No way to track usage data or customer trends

Smart POS systems don’t just add convenience – they add operational visibility. You can see what’s earning money and when, identify underused machines, or even test price changes without annoying customers.

Can a POS system pay for itself?

Yes – and not just in coin savings. Real-world operators report:

• Reduced coin collection labour (less staff time needed)

• Increased revenue from higher spend-per-visit when cashless is available

• Fewer customer disputes, because payments are tracked and verified

• Better machine uptime with remote alerts and self-diagnostics

Some businesses also use the data to run promotions or loyalty programs – turning anonymous laundromat users into returning customers. That’s behaviourally clever: create a habit loop around convenience, reward, and trust.

FAQ

Can I still accept coins alongside a POS system?Yes, most setups are hybrid – customers can choose to pay with coins or tap their card/phone.

Do I need an internet connection?Usually yes, for cloud-based reporting and payment processing. Some systems can use 4G routers if Wi-Fi isn’t stable.

Is there a lot of maintenance involved?Not really. Once installed, the systems run quietly in the background. Regular software updates are done remotely.

Tech in laundromats might not sound sexy, but the ROI is real. Whether you’re in metro Sydney or regional Queensland, integrating a Coin Laundry POS System is becoming less of a luxury and more of a strategic move – especially if your competition is still stuck counting $1 coins at the end of the day.