6 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Commercial Laundry Equipment

Commercial laundry equipment lasts 10 to 15 years, and if you have machines nearing that vintage, it may be time to consider replacements. You don’t have to wait until washers and dryers break down to make improvements. Even machines in working order can hurt your business if they are worn or inefficient. Tell-tale signs to upgrade commercial laundry equipment are higher utility costs, a dated-looking shop floor, increased downtime, and dips in business.

1. Your laundromat’s utility costs are too high.

Utility costs are one of the largest expenses that commercial laundromat owners deal with. If your energy and water bills are higher than usual, it might be time to upgrade your commercial laundry equipment. Old washers use more water than newer models, and thse machines feature lower-velocity cycles that take longer, increasing energy use. Out dated dryers lack sensing features that can prevent overdrying, and as these machines age, they may require additional cycles or higher heat settings to achieve the same results.

Modern vended laundry equipment is efficient and can help reduce the amount of water, electricity, and gas your laundromat uses. Installing just one new commercial washer with energy-saving features can save thousands of gallons of water per month compared to conventional models. In the long run, an upgrade can save you money, help offset future utility increases, and attract eco-conscious customers, too. While it may be hard to swallow the expense of buying commercial laundry equipment, flexible financing can make this easier.

2. Your laundry equipment looks old.

There’s no hiding outdated washers and dryers in your laundromat, and equipment that's central to the customer experience can seriously impact how people perceive your business. Old machines make your entire store look dated, no matter what paint color, décor, or other features surround it. If your machines aren’t high-quality stainless, they may be scratched, dented, or showing their age, giving people the impression that your store isn’t cared for, even if it is. Any folding tables, carts, and vended laundry accessories that look worn or dated should also be addressed to enhance the store’s overall appeal. When customers have multiple laundromats nearby, they generally gravitate toward the one offering modern and new equipment.

3. Your washers or dryers are constantly “out of order.”

Older equipment is more likely to break down and need expensive repairs. Not only does this cost you money, but discontinued parts and limited technical support add to the headaches. Having to take machines out of service limits profits since customers can’t use machines that are “out of order.” It also takes away from the customer experience. When people need to wait for a machine to become available or arrive to find their preferred washer out of order, they may think twice about returning. 

Buy commercial washers and dryers from Martin-Ray Laundry, an authorized equipment supplier and service provider. Not only are you getting the industry’s best machines, but you’re also gaining a partner who can help you keep them performing like new longer.

Even with proper maintenance, there will come a time when you can no longer put off buying commercial laundry equipment. According to the Coin Laundry Association’s industry overview, the accepted standard of useful life for commercial equipment is as follows:

• Top Load washers (12 lbs. to 14 lbs.): 5-8 years
• Front Load washers (18 lbs. to 50 lbs.): 10-15 years
• Dryers (30 lbs. to 60 lbs.): 10-15 years
• Heating Systems: 10-15 years
• Coin Changers: 10-15 years

4. You’re lacking the technology customers want.

Technology changes quickly and 

that’s also true in the laundry industry. Today’s best commercial laundry machines are updated to help improve security, boost efficiency, and increase customer loyalty. Keeping up to date with modern technology can help your business stand out and attract customers. If your equipment is outdated and lacking attractive features, it might be time to update. 

Here are some of the technological advances you can expect when you upgrade your commercial laundry equipment:

• App-based and cashless laundromat payment systems: The convenience of card payment systems boosts customer satisfaction, and going cash-free (or cash-lite) is safe for your staff.
• Real-time status updates: Machines connect to apps, providing customers with real-time updates and cycle monitoring, and giving your staff alerts for when maintenance is needed.
• Programmable controls and advanced wash cycles: Machines iwth custom cycle options appeal to customers lookng for more tailored experience and the premium price increases the business's revenue.
• Energy-saving modes: Reduce wasted resources to keep utility bills low, helping you maintain pricing.

5. You’re not serving enough customers.

If your machines are slow, the store has an inefficient layout, or you don’t have enough washers and dryers, your business and customer satisfaction can suffer. If your outdated machines cause long wait times and bottlenecks, it could drive customers away. People prefer new, large-capacity commercial washers that can handle big loads without compromising cleanliness and dryers with moisture sensors to protect clothes from damage. Bonus: When you buy commercial laundry equipment that’s efficient for high-capacity loads, you’ll increase your average turns per day and potentially increase your revenue.

6. Your laundromat business is growing.

Even profitable, successful businesses can benefit from upgraded laundry equipment. If you’re expanding your existing store, moving to a bigger location, or opening additional shops, you’re going to need new commercial washers and dryers. Having modern equipment can attract and retain customers, helping your expansion do well from the start. 

Your business must be set up to meet any growing demands. Providing the best commercial laundry machines possible is important for continued customer satisfaction and, ultimately, your success. Replacing your laundry equipment should be part of your ongoing business strategy in this competitive industry.

Partner with Martin-Ray Laundry Systems

Martin-Ray Laundry Systems helps laundromats across Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, West Texas, and western Nebraska find success. If it’s time to upgrade your equipment, contact us to speak to a commercial laundromat expert today.