Why Should Laundromats Upgrade to Kiosk Systems?

Some laundromats seem to run on autopilot—efficient, profitable, and oddly calm. No staff shouting over machines, no customers fumbling for coins, no stuck doors. What’s their secret? It’s not extra elbow grease. It’s smart tech—like kiosks.

Laundromat owners across Australia are upgrading to self-service kiosk systems, and the reasons are as practical as they are psychological. Let’s break down exactly why a simple change to how customers interact with your store can lead to serious shifts in revenue, reputation, and repeat business.

What’s a laundromat kiosk and why are they trending?

A laundromat kiosk is a touchscreen self-service unit that lets customers control everything from starting machines to paying digitally—all in one place. No coins, no confusion.

But this isn’t just a tech fad. It’s the product of two intersecting forces:

• Customer expectation for ease and automation, shaped by Uber, tap-to-pay, and fast food terminals.

• Owner demand for less maintenance and higher margins, especially as wages, rent, and competition climb.

You’ll find kiosks in thriving venues from Sydney’s inner west to Perth suburbs—particularly in unattended or semi-attended operations. Why? Because the economics make sense.

How do kiosks improve customer experience?

Let’s face it, coin-op laundromats are relics. Here’s how kiosks raise the bar:

• Tap-and-go simplicity: No more scrounging for coins or struggling with note changers.

• Multi-language support: A quiet win for inclusivity and clarity—especially in culturally diverse suburbs.

• Transparent pricing: Everything’s shown upfront, avoiding awkward confrontations.

• Queue management: Smart kiosks can integrate with machine timers, so users know what’s free and when.

One customer in Melbourne told us, “It feels less like doing laundry, more like checking into a hotel. I’m not guessing what machine to use or how it works.” That’s liking and authority in action—two of Cialdini’s persuasion principles at play.

What operational benefits do kiosks bring laundromat owners?

The shift isn’t just customer-driven. For owners, kiosks quietly streamline everything behind the scenes:

• Remote monitoring: See what’s being used, when, and how often—without stepping foot inside.

• Dynamic pricing: Adjust prices based on demand. Peak hours? Slightly higher rates. Midday lull? Offer discounts.

• Reduced vandalism and theft: No cash on site means less reason for break-ins.

• Data-driven decision making: From detergent upsells to maintenance patterns, kiosks gather goldmine insights.

As Adam Ferrier might frame it: the behavioural nudge lies in defaults. When everything’s automated and simple, the default becomes returning—because why wouldn’t you?

Can kiosks help with marketing or loyalty?

Absolutely. The best kiosk systems don’t just process payments—they build relationships:

• SMS receipts and loyalty rewards: Build a database with every use.

• On-screen upsells: Promote softeners, express cycles, or bundle pricing.

• Branded experience: Reinforce your brand’s look, feel, and tone every time a customer taps in.

This builds consistency—a subtle but powerful behavioural cue. Once people are used to your system, they’re less likely to switch. That’s commitment and consistency in full flight.

What mistakes do owners make when switching to kiosks?

Here’s what to avoid:

• Undertraining staff or customers: A kiosk isn’t useful if no one knows how to use it. Brief explainer signage or staff walkthroughs can help.

• Picking the wrong provider: Not all kiosks are created equal. You want local support, system integration, and customisation options.

• Ignoring feedback: Customers will tell you what’s working and what’s not—listen early and often.

Don’t overthink perfection. Behavioural science teaches us that reducing friction is often more powerful than adding features.

Who’s already making the switch?

Plenty of smart operators. In fact, laundromat owners from regional towns to metro areas are seeing the benefits. Anecdotally, one regional NSW owner reported a 40% drop in refund requests after switching to kiosk payments—mainly due to fewer user errors and clearer instructions.

It’s not just about going “cashless.” It’s about building a system that runs itself, scales easily, and meets customers where they’re already headed: the touchscreen future.

FAQ: Kiosks in Laundromats

Do customers like using kiosks for laundry?Most do—especially younger users or those used to self-service elsewhere. Clear instructions and intuitive design matter most.

Is internet required for kiosk systems?Usually yes, but many systems have offline fail-safes. Good providers offer mobile connectivity backup.

Can kiosks integrate with loyalty programs or promotions?Absolutely. Many come with built-in marketing tools or integration options for third-party software.

In a world where convenience wins, laundromats that still rely on coins and guesswork are playing from behind. Kiosks don’t just modernise operations—they shift behaviour, boost trust, and help owners quietly increase margins without lifting a finger.

For those curious about how this transformation actually plays out, this guide to laundromat kiosk systems explains the key benefits and setup process in full detail.

And if you're wondering whether it's too early to go digital—just look around next time you're at a café, servo, or bottle shop. Tap-and-go isn’t the future. It’s the present.