American Coin-Op - November 2016

This month, Laurance Cohen travels to Brooklyn, N.Y., to meet pinball enthusiast Peter Rose. At Rose’s Sunshine Laundromat & Pinball, stainless steel front loaders and stack dryers are upstaged by coin-op machines of a different breed.

About 60% of Laundromats offer some version of wash-dry-fold (WDF) service, writes columnist Howard Scott, and he notes there is a stickiness to raising prices. Certainly, maintaining a price is easy, comfortable and accommodating, but no price is ever fixed. Always, there are variables that encourage price increases.

While the initial investment of replacing laundry equipment may seem like a large cost up front, it can almost immediately be offset by the efficiencies and additional revenue streams that today’s advanced equipment can provide, writes Speed Queen’s Jim Rosenthal.

THE POWER TO CHANGE

ASSESSANDACTTOMANAGEUTILITIESCOST

Brian Wallace, president/CEO of the Coin Laundry Association, didn’t mince words when he spoke to a group of store owners during the recent Coin-O-Matic “Octoberfest” event in the Chicago suburb of Alsip:

“The smart money is to assume water rates are going up a lot for as long as you’re going to be in the laundry business,” he said.

EDITORIAL

Charles Thompson, Publisher

E-mail: cthompson@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1680

Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

E-mail: bbeggs@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1683

Roger Napiwocki, Production Manager

Nathan Frerichs, Digital Media Director

E-mail: nfrerichs@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1681

ADVISORY BOARD

Kurt Archer Ann Hawkins

Wayne Lewis Kathryn Q. Rowen

ADVERTISING

Donald Feinstein, Natl. Sales Director

E-mail: dfeinstein@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1682

OFFICE INFORMATION

Main: 312-361-1700

Bruce Beggs

Indeed, and while many store owners have enjoyed lower natural gas and electricity rates recently, they, too, appear to be going up again. As our nation’s utilities infrastructure continues to age, the resources needed to repair and/or replace it will mean even higher rates.

So what can the average self-service laundry owner do? It comes down to assessing your store’s utility usage and finding ways to conserve resources and minimize waste.

Our cover story this month deals with keeping utilities in check, and I’ve done my best to gather some practical suggestions for ways you can take action and control costs.

It’s often been said that you have to spend money to make money. Replacing older laundry equipment with today’s cutting-edge, feature-rich models is the type of investment than can pay off not only in lower utility usage but also by producing additional revenue-producing opportunities.

Speed Queen’s Jim Rosenthal, in this month’s Coin-Op 101 column, discusses just that, drawing on the experiences of multi-store owner Adam Naxon. “Reducing utility costs is a huge priority,” Naxon tells Rosenthal. “The new equipment in my stores is significantly more energy-efficient, especially the dryers.”

Whether you do it today, tomorrow or next week, you owe it to yourself—and your business—to take stock of your utilities consumption, then act to reduce or at least better manage the related costs. You have the power to change.

Bruce Beggs Editorial Director

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POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Coin-Op, Subscription Dept., 440 Quadrangle Drive, Suite E, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Volume 57, number 11. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 566 West Lake Street, Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661. Charles Thompson, President and Publisher. American Coin-Op is distributed selectively to owners, operators and managers of chain and individually owned coin-operated laundry establishments in the United States. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason.

© Copyright AMERICAN TRADE MAGAZINES LLC, 2016. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher or his representative. American Coin-Op does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any article, product, service or information found within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of American Coin-Op or its staff. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the magazine’s contents at time of publication, neither the editors, publishers nor its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise therefrom.

The CLEAR choice in affordable dryer sheets

by Laurance Cohen

He’s a pinball wizard/There has to be a twist (The Who)

Peter Rose’s turnaround of an aging Brooklyn, N.Y., storefront laundry is working just like magic. And it’s the silver ball that’s keeping things rolling.

At his Sunshine Laundromat & Pinball, stainless steel front loaders and stack dryers are upstaged by coin-op machines of a different breed, offering playtime with Baywatch’s Pamela Anderson and a ride with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

For game aficionados, the rare Big Bang Bar, circa 1996 from Capcom, awaits in pristine condition alongside Bally’s 1992 hit The Addams Family and Williams’ 1997 classic Medieval Madness.

I found myself in the trendy Greenpoint neighborhood in mid-August and discovered it’s hip to hang out at the laundry on a Saturday night. The summer heat wave had taken its toll on wash patron volume, and those who did venture in quickly retreated to the rear bar oasis via a stack dryer. You read that right – a stack dryer. There’s no password required to access Rose’s speakeasy, but you do need to pick the right tumbler.

Stainless Steel Silver Balls and

Sunshine Laundromat & Pinball is a funky fusion of bubbles and bumpers

▼ Peter Rose’s passion for classic pinball is scoring high with Brooklyn laundry patrons. (Photos: Laurance Cohen)

GOIN’ WITH COHEN

“The entrance had to be a joke and what’s more obvious than a dryer door,” he quips, yanking the top handle, swinging open the stainless steel-clad doorway while pointing down to the lower grip where passage is provided to his free-roaming labradors, Scrapple and Choco.

Behind the faux dryer lies a bar and pinball emporium where natural wood and exposed brick contrast with backlit works of art showcasing more than two dozen of the most sought-after games standing toeto-toe where dryer tumblers and folding tables once lined up.

Moonlight is drawn in at the back atrium, casting a glow on players performing a well-executed “drop stop” or “flip trap.” The gaming theme carries through to the restroom where a wall-mounted pinball flipper serves duty as the toilet flusher and an antique mirror is illuminated by play-field pop bumpers.

“This is truly a pinball bar, not a bar with pinball,” Rose emphasizes.

Not to be overshadowed, the immaculate—albeit intimate—23-machine laundry space at the front of the house is adorned with decorative lighting fixtures hanging below a high canopy of wainscoting panels and crown molding trim.

Sunshine’s funky fusion of bubbles and bumpers is as much about Rose himself as it is a testament to his determination to preserve a quaint neighborhood selfservice laundry amid rapid urban gentrification.

“What I brought in were amenities I deem pleasant and enjoyable that I would want if I were doing laundry,” he explains. “Dogs, humor, art and pinball make me smile.”

And when in-unit and centralized laundry facilities began invading Greenpoint’s new low-rise apartment developments, it was “game on” to retain clientele.

“Without doing something, our days would be numbered,” the operator comments. “To increase our longevity, it was best to be proactive.”

Rose’s passion for pinball as a teen gave rise to a career servicing game outlets throughout New York. His sale of a used bill changer to Sunshine’s previous opera-

tor a decade ago led to a close friendship that eventually culminated with the outdated store changing hands in 2011.

Rose quickly rolled up his sleeves, repaired the laundry equipment, and spruced up the space with bright lights and a kitschy décor while squeezing in as many pinball machines as he could, including adding a tier above some washers.

He whittled away at the oversized dropoff counter, realizing that for every three feet he lopped off he could shoehorn in another game. The hybrid laundry/game parlor soon had more pinball slots than

dryer mechs, and customers and employees alike took it all in stride.

“We started hiring pleasant attendants, people who were fun and wanted to be here,” he recalls. “The place had a better vibe to it. People would smile and be happy.”

Longtime Greenpoint resident Matthew Gross, who was doing his wash during my visit, remembers Sunshine sans pinball. “I just went home to do the dishes after loading up,” he says.

A pinball enthusiast at heart, Gross now frequents the establishment more often. ▼

Pinball enthusiasts retreat to the bar area between cycles to mix, mingle and play.

Beach babes and baskets share the cozy confines of Sunshine Laundromat & Pinball.

GOIN’ WITH COHEN

“I’m much better at doing laundry these days. There’s never a week I don’t do it.”

The 32-year-old patron even celebrated a birthday with friends at the coin-op. “People still tell me it was one of the best birthday parties they ever went to.”

While interspersing games among washer bulkheads and dryer banks scored points with patrons during the first few years under his direction, Rose took aim at an ambitious project in 2015 to carve out spaces devoted to each activity.

The move would keep the washers and dryers humming while also ensuring his venue remained the epicenter of pinball for “league-approved” play in the Big Apple. Scrapping single-pocket tumblers and installing stack models up front provided ample room for the bar area.

“Pinball and beer go together. We just wouldn’t add a bar to the Laundromat,” he explains.

As part of the overhaul, the entire facility was upgraded with extensive soundproofing and enhanced fire-suppression systems. The back section now houses 26 of the 31 pinball machines, a coin-op fortune-telling monkey, and a tap room serving beer, wine

and pizza, while the front half boasts a compact drop-off station, eight new stack 30-pound tumblers, 15 front-load washers with upper-tier pinball displays, and five floor-level pinball machines.

With the space partitioned and only a handful of games in the laundry, the competitive gaming takes place out of sight of basket-toting patrons. The front nevertheless retains plenty of color with Atari’s trendsetting video game Area 51 Maximum Force Duo housed inside a single-pocket tumbler just steps from the entryway.

A salvaged dryer was cleverly put back into play as a video game.

see?’ and then they realized it worked. It was amazing to see their expressions.”

The fully operational, two-player gun battle was relocated from the rear of the store, where it was originally offered as an inline gaming option to drying. Rose salvaged the machine after a customer’s load went up in smoke and, rather than repairing it, cut the outer drum, installed the video monitor, and wired it to the original coin drop and selection buttons.

“People’s reaction was ‘What did I just

The dryer-cum-video game now occupies a slot next to an unconventional glass front vendor offering up detergent alongside personal hygiene products, some banded together with Chinese finger taps and other assorted bonus trinkets.

Rose reports that combined self-service and drop-off laundry revenue still outpaces pinball. His most devoted players are millennial males, but he is seeing more coins being dropped in by a growing contingent of female patrons, many of whom participate in a biweekly league and tote wash to the competitions. Minors are permitted access to the games, although the owner encourages play during off-peak bar times.

Sunshine operates almost around-theclock as the last machine cycle and final ball in play usually stretch well into the wee hours of the morning.

“It’s been amazing to find that here in New York City, where pinball has all but been forgotten, that so many are as fascinated as I am,” Rose smiles. “Pinball players are themselves pleasant customers and, after a while, it turned into something wonderful.”

ACO

Laurance Cohen crisscrosses the country seeking out the most unique vended laundries. He served as American Coin-Op editor in the early 1990s and currently operates Laundry Marketing Concepts based in Hallandale Beach, Fla. He can be reached at goinwithcohen@outlook.com.

Mascots Scrapple and Choco have a dedicated doggie door between the speakeasy pinball bar and the laundry.

Laundry owner Rose warms up a game for store regular Matthew Gross (background).

CHECK KEEP UTILITIES in

Energy efficiency strategies to manage your water, natural gas, electricity costs

by Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

The specter of ever-rising utility costs should be enough to send any vended laundry owner in search of strategies to help them better manage their water, natural gas and electricity usage.

But before you can decide what strategies to undertake at your store(s), first you must get a sense of what your energy expenses are and what’s contributing to them.

Your local equipment distributor may be able to help you with this. Plus, there are companies that specialize in performing assessments of the energy needs and efficiencies of a building, otherwise known as an energy audit.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has compiled a sizable list of local, state and regional programs that help small businesses like yours become more energyefficient. There are programs that offer financial assistance in the form of grants and loans for making energy efficiency upgrades.

These same programs also offer free

or low-cost technical assistance to help small-business owners conduct energy audits and implement energy efficiency technology.

To learn more, visit the SBA website: https://www.sba.gov/content/state-andlocal-energy-efficiency-programs.

Now, with a summary of your utility bills in hand and perhaps the results of an energy audit, you’re ready to take action and start corralling those costs.

ON THE CUTTING EDGE

If it’s been a while since you’ve upgraded your laundry equipment, say, several years, it may be time that you seriously take a look at it. Utilizing the right mix of new, cutting-edge laundry equipment reduces utility expenses plus offers new profit-generating opportunities. This would certainly involve making a sizable investment, but it may make sense for your operation once you take the costs tied to older, less-efficient equipment into account.

Today’s advanced vended models offer many energy- and resource-saving features. Without focusing on any one brand’s offerings, here are some of the features available in washers and/or dryers on the market:

• Automatic weighing within a washer determines the actual weight of a soiled load and adds precisely the right amount of water, thus lowering water consumption and energy costs.

• Sump-less washer design reduces the amount of water used with each fill.

• Customized wash programs adjust water level, wash time and rinses per load based on customer needs.

• Stronger machine frames and leak detection reduce preventive maintenance and repairs as well as lower utility expenses.

• High-speed extraction shortens dryer time, lowering gas consumption.

• A dryer sensor determines when laundry is dry and lowers the operating

(Photo: © iStockphoto/idealistock)

temperature or stops the drum altogether.

Aside from lowering your costs thanks to energy-saving features like these, you may be able to take advantage of incentives offered by local utilities or other organizations.

For example, Puget Sound Energy in Washington state offers monetary incentives when Laundromats switch to energyefficient, ENERGY STAR ®qualified equipment. Store owners can get up to $200 per machine—depending on their site’s utility usage—upon installing such equipment. Incentives for installing qualified condensing water heaters and condensing boilers are also available.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

It might not seem like much but you could lower your utilities cost by switching your store’s lighting to LED. While LED lighting systems are more expensive up front, the bulbs last, on average, much, much longer than incandescents, for example.

For example, Willow Creek Laundromat in Carrboro, N.C., retrofitted that store’s lighting system with LED lights with the help of North Carolinabased Carolina LED. The Laundromat now uses 30 2-tube T8 LED systems to light its 2,500-square-foot space, taking advantage of a rebate program offered by a local energy provider.

Efficiency Vermont, that state’s energy efficiency utility, offers these LED lighting tips to save energy in your small business:

• Switch frequently used lights first, as the biggest return on LEDs come from lighting that’s always (or frequently) on—for example, your exterior lights.

• Consider the benefits of better lighting beyond saving energy. Replacing dim, yellow or flickering lights with high-quality LEDs can boost employee productivity, customer comfort and store appeal.

• Choose your color and ambiance for directional and dimming applications.

• Match the light to the task: overhead fixtures, task lighting, exterior lots.

• Add lighting controls and sensors, because they can save you money by automatically turning off lights when they’re not needed (this is something you’ll need to balance with your security needs).

• Upgrade tube fluoroscents to high-

performance T8 fluoroscents or convert existing fixtures to accept linear LEDs.

• Make use of natural light. If it makes sense for your budget and space, add skylights and daylighting controls that adjust interior light levels based on available daylight.

DO YOU DO WINDOWS?

Large plate-glass windows are a standard feature in many vended laundries today. When the sun penetrates a store’s windows, temperatures rise and so do utility bills. Thus, there is an opportunity to cut those costs by making the windows more energy-efficient.

One option is installing windows with low-emissivity, or low-E, glass. Emissivity describes how a window radiates the heat it absorbs. Low-E glass can filter 40-70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through standard window glass, reflecting heat back to its source, says Tom Herron, director of marketing and communications for the National Fenestration Rating Council, which provides information to measure and compare energy performance of windows, doors and skylights.

Glazed with a metallic coating thinner than a human hair, low-E glass filters out infrared light while allowing the full amount of visible light to pass through. This reduction in solar heat decreases

the need for air conditioning, as well as dependence on artificial lighting.

While windows with low-E glass generally cost 10-15% more than windows with standard glass, according to Herron, they can increase energy efficiency by 30-50%.

Another option is to install window film. According to information shared by many utilities, solar control window films applied to existing glass in windows and doors are an effective method to reduce peak demand during hot months and conserve energy.

“As the sun heats up during the day, so do temperatures inside buildings,” says Darrell Smith, executive director of the International Window Film Association. “A/C systems often must work overtime during the costliest period of the day, when peak electric rates are charged.”

Whether placed on the outside or inside of glass, window film may cut cooling costs by 30%, repel about 80% of solar heat gain, and some offer similar energy savings as low-E glass. Return on investment is often less than three years, and some utilities offer rebates. The IWFA estimates installing window film may cost up to 91.5% less than installing new windows.

HERE AND THERE

Finally, there are some basic things you can attend to around your store to prevent unnecessarily spending more on energy than you must.

Distributor BDS Laundry Systems reminds that clogged vents cause HVAC units to work harder than necessary, so make sure your maintenance routine includes clearing vent blockages. Also, keep your doors and windows air-tight by utilizing weather-stripping and caulk available at your local hardware store.

When conditioned air is used to heat and cool your Laundromat, the right amount of make-up air—which replaces air lost through the dryer exhaust—is a must.

Also, utilize a programmable thermostat, and secure it so you’re the only one who can make adjustments.

These are but a few strategies for keeping your laundry’s utility costs in check. Take some time today to see how your store measures up energy-wise, then take action to manage your costs and bolster your bottom line.

(Photo: © iStockphoto/ s-c-s)

REINVEST IN YOUR LAUNDROMAT, REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR BUSINESS

Today’s Laundromat customers are looking for more than someplace where they can do their laundry. They are looking for a clean, safe store that is equipped with modern machines and additional services and amenities to enhance their experience. However, in order to provide this complete laundry experience, store owners must lay a solid foundation with high-quality, reliable equipment.

Like all machines that undergo constant use, laundry equipment has a certain lifespan. If machines reach beyond that time frame, not only will it be more challenging to keep them to a high standard of service, it will cost more money to operate them. While the initial investment of replacing equipment may seem like a large cost up front, it can almost immediately be offset by the efficiencies and additional revenue streams that today’s advanced equipment provides.

Replacing older machines with equipment that features advanced control systems can help store owners manage their business more efficiently and can provide unprecedented levels of profitability. The advanced controls wirelessly connect laundry machines, so an owner can program, monitor and diagnose equipment from any Internet-connected device, anytime and anywhere.

If you’re a new store owner who recently acquired an existing Laundromat with outdated equipment, or you have been in the industry for many years and are considering replacing your equipment, read on to learn how reinvesting in your Laundromat can transform your business and increase your profitability.

MANAGE FROM ANYWHERE WITH REAL-TIME MONITORING

Technology is constantly changing and evolving every day, and the laundry industry is no stranger to these advancements. Through advanced control systems with wireless networking, modern washer-extractors and tumble dryers provide real-time monitoring capabilities that report on machine usage, revenue, customer trends and more. All of this information is just a click away and can also be delivered by e-mail.

Such monitoring capabilities give store owners insight into day-to-day operations, and help them make informed business decisions that will ultimately help increase their revenue. Adam Naxon, a multi-store owner in Dallas, knows firsthand the benefits replacing outdated equipment have on a business. Naxon owns

two Laundromats in the greater Dallas area and plans to open a third shortly.

After purchasing his first store in 2013, he ran the business for a year before replacing the outdated machines. The new efficiencies and advanced controls made a significant impact on his business. Not only were his customers happy with the new equipment, the increased control and visibility into his operation completely changed the way Naxon could run his business.

“I was initially drawn to the Speed Queen® equipment because of the technology,” says Naxon. “With the Quantum® Gold controls and networking, I can see exactly what is going on with my machines at any time and from anywhere. It has been a huge benefit for my business.”

Naxon likes to know how his business is performing at all times. Not only does he view his store reports to track machine usage, he relies on the revenue reports to track profits. Before he replaced his equipment, Naxon would count coins by hand each week, a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

“With my new machines, I can now see how many coins are in the equipment at any given time, so I know when it is time to empty the change boxes,” he says. “Since we replaced the equipment, our customer base has grown significantly and we can’t always wait a week to remove the coins, as the boxes can reach maximum capacity in a few days. Now, it is very easy for me to know when they are full, and we can remove the coins ahead of our weekly schedule when needed.”

LEVERAGE ADVANCED EQUIPMENT FEATURES TO BOOST PROFITS

Replacing equipment can positively impact a store owner’s bottom line by opening up new possibilities to increase profits. According to Naxon, his upgraded equipment provides many opportunities to increase cash flow – from setting new pricing models to slashing

Jim Rosenthal

Technology is constantly changing and evolving every day, and the laundry industry is no stranger to these advancements.

utility bills to providing a more inviting atmosphere for customers.

“Since installing the new machines, my revenue has been significantly higher and the impact was felt almost immediately,” he says. “Additionally, the word got out in the neighborhood and my business just exploded.”

Revenue can remain stagnant on older machines since water usage and cycle settings are not often customizable, which forces owners to adopt a less efficient “one cycle fits all” approach. However, store owners can modify the amount of water used in each wash cycle on new machines, which can help reduce utility costs. This also allows owners to charge more for premium cycles that use more water.

Naxon utilizes cycle modifiers in his stores by charging extra if customers want a “heavy soil” wash or an additional wash or dry cycle. Furthermore, he utilizes multi-level pricing to boost revenue by charging more for premium hot-water cycles that have higher utility costs than lower-cost cold-water cycles. By taking advantage of advanced features such as cycle modifiers, owners can increase washer revenue by an estimated additional 4-5%.

Similarly, store owners can utilize the advanced control systems to analyze machine usage data and adjust prices to further increase revenue. Owners can make informed decisions to create time-ofday pricing: customized settings based on a store’s traffic volume. Machines can be set to charge premium prices during peak laundry hours and offer specialty lower costs to boost usage during slower periods. The advanced features on new machines also enable store owners to create a “lucky cycle” program, which encourages customers to revisit a store by rewarding a free wash or dry after a predetermined number of cycles.

“I use special time-of-day pricing for slower periods and utilize the lucky cycle pricing feature, which randomly rewards customers with a free wash or dry and helps increase customer loyalty,” says Naxon. “I can also use the lucky cycle feature to help increase traffic on some of the machines in the back of the store that don’t get used as often as those in the front.”

GREATER EFFICIENCIES LEAD TO REDUCED UTILITIES

With advanced features and higher levels of efficiency, replacing equipment will also increase cash flow by significantly reducing utility costs. Installing new machines can drastically lower energy and water consumption, leading to lower utility bills.

For example, the average 12-year-old, 35-pound washer-extractor currently costs a store owner $1.04 in utilities per cycle. With a brand-new 40-pound washer-extractor, the cost can be as low as 33 cents per cycle. This can save a store owner more than $900 a

year on utilities when replacing just one machine. If an owner were to replace a bank of eight machines, that would lead to an annual savings of more than $7,200. New dryers can also save money on utilities, thanks to more efficient drying airflow patterns and shorter dry-cycle times.

“Reducing utility costs is a huge priority,” Naxon says. “The new equipment in my stores is significantly more energy-efficient, especially the dryers.”

MANAGE MORE EFFECTIVELY BY PREVENTING COSTLY REPAIRS

As laundry equipment ages, the amount of maintenance it requires will increase. Repairs can be time-consuming and costly, which can greatly impact the success of a business.

Replacing equipment will reduce maintenance and repair needs. Today’s equipment will also have maintenance and service alerts, which help take the guesswork out of managing laundry operations when a machine is not running properly. Advanced control systems can send up to 40 possible warnings and error codes that notify store owners about potential issues that could harm or slow down a machine.

The technology also has many money-saving features, such as auto water-leak detection and slow-drain detection, which can help avoid expensive water and sewage bills. The technology monitors drain systems and immediately alerts a store owner if there is a leak or obstruction causing water to be wasted.

Naxon takes advantage of the advanced warning systems by analyzing the weekly error reports he receives from his networked machines. This way, he can ensure his customers have reliable access to his equipment, decrease his machine downtime and cut down on the need for larger costly repairs.

ADVANCE BUSINESS BY REPLACING EQUIPMENT

Between the new profit centers, reduced utilities, increased customer satisfaction and advanced monitoring capabilities, new washer-extractors and tumble dryers can help a store owner manage his or her business more effectively while increasing profits.

With these savings and increased revenue opportunities, it is estimated that the equipment replacement can result in an added cash flow of more than $91,000 over the lifespan of the equipment.

When Naxon purchased his second and third Laundromats, he replaced the outdated equipment right away because he saw the immediate benefits the new equipment had in his first store. When it comes to other store owners considering replacing equipment, Naxon’s advice is simple.

“If you don’t have the tools and information to monitor and manage your operation, you will be missing out on opportunities to increase your profits and the overall success of your business,” he says.

Jim Rosenthal is North American sales manager for the Speed Queen Commercial division. For more information, visit www. speedqueencommercial.com/CoinOp101 or call 800-590-8872.

“Reducing utility costs is a huge priority. The new equipment in my stores is significantly more energy-efficient...”

— Adam Naxon

AN OUTSIDER’S VIEW

IT TIME TO RAISE YOUR WASH-DRY-FOLD PRICE?

About 60% of Laundromats offer some version of wash-dry-fold (WDF) service. And I notice that there is a stickiness to raising prices.

“I’ve been charging $1.10 a pound for four years, and I think my customers are stuck at that price,” one Laundromat operator tells me. “They wouldn’t put up with an increase.”

Another says, “We charge $1.25 a pound, and I think that’s too much. Five years ago, we were charging 80 cents a pound.”

Certainly, maintaining a price is easy, comfortable and accommodating, but no price is ever fixed. Always, there are variables that encourage price increases.

To give an out-of-the-industry but personal example, I wrote a small book, Bee Lessons, about my hobby, beekeeping. We initially priced it at $3.50. It’s a small tome, 4.5 by 5.5 inches and 56 pages. With the second printing, I upped the price to $3.75; it was an agonizing decision, as I wondered if people would continue to buy it. The third printing was priced $4.25. Now, the same book is priced $4.90, and I still sell 2,000 copies a year. All the worry was needless. Looking back, I increased

the book price by 40% (from $3.50 to $4.90) without denting demand. The customer wants the book and will pay the going price. To date, I’ve sold 38,000 copies.

Although your main concern is not what others are doing, check around your marketing region to find out what others charge for WDF. You might be surprised. If you think your price is the highest, you might discover that someone else charges more. If you think you are the lowest, you might discover that someone else is even lower. This exercise will give you a market range.

Depending on your area, you might be surprised to learn that the $1-per-pound price is no longer the

Howard Scott

IS

Certainly, maintaining a price is easy, comfortable and accommodating, but no price is ever fixed. Always, there are variables that encourage price increases.

(Photo: © iStockphoto/JannHuizenga)

industry standard. That barrier has been broken in the last few years.

Using a map of your general region (including several towns), put a dot by each store alongside its prices. If there is a store with an extremely low or extremely high price, note the explanation (if there is one) in pencil alongside the dot. Scan the market for trends, movements, whatever. It could just be that you can’t make any sense out of the pricing. But that’s not a problem.

Then, see how your WDF volume interacts with your walk-in business. If they interweave smoothly with minimum disruption, that’s good. If there is a lot of issues in getting the WDF done on time, because of machine usage, then that’s another consideration. If you can comfortably handle more volume, then that’s a

price-increase opportunity.

Next, evaluate your costs, relatable to WDF. Labor is the first and largest cost. But allocated utilities, supplies, delivery and promotion also enter into the equation. Have the costs gone up in the last few years? By how much: 3%, 5%, 10%?

Or have they gone down? (Which might occur if your WDF is growing.) Have they remained flat? Have you had to spend a lot of management time recruiting and training assistants? That enters the equation, too.

Next, has WDF volume grown in the past few years? If yes, that means that your service is most desirable. People would rather give you the job of doing their laundry than do it themselves. If no, is there a reason—lack of space, poor staffing, overcrowded market—why the segment hasn’t expanded? If WDF is growing, that’s a strong statement for increasing prices.

Finally, what’s the tenor of the economy in your area? If the economy is good, that’s a positive. But if your market is in a general economic downturn, that’s another matter.

Of course, you service the lower-income population, but even they benefit in a rising economy.

If you have not raised prices in two years and your WDF volume is growing, give strong consideration to doing so. In my area in the Northeast, prices seem to range from $1.10 to $1.25 per pound. If your WDF service is not priced at the upper end, you should consider moving there. If you are at the upper end, it would not be difficult to go beyond it.

Let’s look at an example. Say you are currently priced at $1.15 per pound. Should you go to the next price break of $1.20? Or should you go up 10 cents to $1.25? Make it a rounded 10% increase. If all the other factors are in order, my advice would to be to make the jump to $1.25. Your indirect costs are going up every year, even though the direct costs only went up 4-5%. Besides, you want to more than cover cost increases.

You can’t sneak this increase by. Post a sign on the back wall. When a customer drops off clothes, inform him or her that the WDF price has gone up by a dime. Describing it as a “dime rise” mitigates the bad news of increasing prices. If you use a pickup service, have the delivery person insert a note in the customer’s door when he picks up the load.

If someone calls to complain, explain that increasing costs have forced you to raise this price. Note that the work is laborintensive, and that means paying people a good wage to get quality output. Add that you are complying with the nation’s commitment to give everyone a livable wage. Above wages, state that the cost of doing business is increasing. Don’t go on and on; rather, two or three succinct sentences will do. The customer will take that information to decide.

There is a strong inclination for customers to stay with the WDF provider they currently use, particularly if there haven’t been issues in the past. However, there might be a few customers who balk at paying $1.25 and go searching for a new supplier. But you have a strong operation, and you are a good manager. You can manage without

those few customers who only know price. Besides, they might try someone else and then return to you.

Doing business is always a balance between level of service, price and quality. Price, even where WDF service is con-

cerned, is always the least important consideration.

Why COMPANION?

EFFICIENCY!

99

98

Hamilton Engineering’s patented Cold Water Injection System™ (CWIS™) maximizes the heater’s condensing efficiency up to 99.8% by directing the coldest water through the EVO heat exchanger—greatly reducing utility bills. Indirect Companion

97

96

95

94

Efficiency Water Temperature at Heat Exchanger

93

92

100 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

Odd Water™ system shown above 91

Hamilton Engineering’s patented Cold Water Injection System™ (see inset) maximizes the heater’s condensing efficiency by directing the coldest water to the water heater. CWIS™ also provides 100% usable volume, allowing the use of a smaller tank!

EVO Efficiency with CWIS >99% Efficiencywith Hamilton'spatented ColdWaterInjection System. <96% Efficiencyoftypical condensingwater heaterapplication. 34000 Autry Street, Livonia, MI 48150 • 800.968.5530 • Fax 734.419.0209 • www.hamiltonengineering.com • LIT91293 REV 10/2013

Howard Scott is a longtime business writer and consultant. He can be reached at dancinghill@gmail.com. • CWIS™ provides 100% usable tank volume, allowing the use of a smaller tank! • Stainless steel or optional glass-lined insulated tank (less than 1°F temp loss/hr)

10 Year Limited Warranty—in similar environments, a Companion will last up to three times longer than conventional self-contained heaters and tankless/ on-demand heaters!

ACO

MONEY-HANDLING EQUIPMENT

S SEAGA

eaga fills the need for economy-size changers with its CM1250. Holding $250 in quarters, the CM1250 accepts $1 and $5 bills and can also be programmed to accept $10 and $20 bills as well.

Hopper-style loading, an LCD display, dual locking system and a coin cup are all features of the CM1250, which is easy to mount to a vending machine or wall, Seaga says.

More information on the ChangeMakers is available on the company’s website listed below.

With more than a quarter-century of experience in the world market, Seaga provides service, parts and repairs from its corporate offices in Freeport, Ill.

Seaga UK Ltd. and Seaga India Pvt. Ltd. expanded the Seaga group of companies to provide worldwide sales, manufacturing and service.

www.seaga.com 815-297-9500

SETOMATIC SYSTEMS

Setomatic Systems provides dropcoin meters for many makes and models of laundry machines designed for Laundromats.

The company suggests replacing older turn-knob dryer meters with an up-to-date drop-coin meter that features a digital display and time countdown. The meters are adjustable in 15-second increments and are easy to install, the company says.

If you still have plastic drop coins, Setomatic has

CUMMINS ALLISON

Cummins Allison’s broad range of coin-counting and currency-scanning solutions is designed for speed, accuracy and productivity, the company says. Its large network of local sales and service offices ensures that customers will get the necessary advice and post-sale support when and wherever the need arises.

Cummins Allison JetSort® coin counters (pictured) are the fastest high-capacity coin processors in the industry, the company claims, delivering speeds of up to 10,000 coins per minute with 99.9995% accuracy. This translates into less time managing coin processing and more time for other tasks.

The JetScan iFX® money-counting machines and check scanners provide the fastest, most accurate cash-counting and check-scanning technology available, Cummins Allison says. The JetScan iFX i100 can process 1,600 bills per minute — 33% faster than other money-counting machines.

Both the JetScan iFX and JetSort products contain advanced counterfeit detection that minimizes the risk of incoming counterfeit bills, according to the company. www.cumminsallison.com 800-786-5528

all-metal drop-coin replacements. The company also makes drop-coin meters to replace the coin slides on most machines.

Multipush insertions on Wascomat washers can be eliminated with a drop-coin meter, Setomatic says. The company also offers aftermarket dropcoin meters to replace factory-installed units on many front-load washers. www.setomaticsystems.com 516-752-8008

www.americancoinop.com

he SEETECH brand of currency counters, including the iHunter 2.0 (pictured), are intelligent and reliable banknote counters that use image-processing technology to recognize banknotes and to discriminate denominations, says manufacturer Klopp International.

Having 2-pockets, a stacker and a reject pocket, allows it to count and off-sort without stopping, along with facing and orienting the bills. Operators can now perform daily cash-processing jobs without any interruption. When counting, suspect and unrecognizable banknotes automatically divert to the reject pocket, assuring the operator continuous operation.

Counting modes include mixed (counts mixed money, providing grand total and itemized count), denomination (sort-

ing: counts one denomination and sorts all other denominations into reject pocket), count (counts all bills, providing quantity total), face (faces all bills, either heads up or heads down), and orientation (orients bills in proper direction, with heads facing right or left).

The user-friendly counter offers full counterfeit detection, a 4.3-inch color LCD screen, audio alert for errors, easy jam removal, and can easily be upgraded by USB flash drive.

Klopp has been a manufacturer of coin-handling equipment, including counters, sorters, wrapper crimpers and counting scales, since 1931. Its machines consist of cast aluminum and hardened steel, and are fully made in the USA.

www.kloppcoin.com 800-356-9080

perators who prefer the economy and simplicity of coin slides can select from ESD’s four basic models, which include a four-coin, five-coin, eight-coin, and 14-coin slide model.

The vertical slides can be configured to accept various quantities and denominations of coins, ranging from 5 cents to $3.50. The company says it manufactures 72 different slides, which will accept coinage of most countries, for international markets. In addition to currency, ESD also builds slides designed to accept various tokens.

All slides are equipped with several security devices—designed with components made of stainless steel, magnets and case hardened parts—that defeat attempts to slug, string, wrap, tape or any variation of “pull back” cheating, the company says.

ESD also manufactures a variety of money boxes, with security design features like case hardened steel face plates, a four-point locking system, and a cone that provides extra protection for the lock, which is additionally available. Four different options of lock styles can be purchased with each of its boxes.

Coin trays are available in 6-, 8- and 9-inch lengths, with faces available in several finishes, including powder black, chrome and powder blue. www.esdcard.com 215-628-0860

MONARCH COIN & SECURITY

Monarch Coin & Security Inc. offers slides for quarters, foreign coins and tokens; coin boxes for all brands of machine; locks and keys; extensions; guards (coin box guards and full body armor to cover the meter case), reusable locking key rings; coin- or token-operated bathroom door locks; and other products for coin laundries.

IMONEX

The Imonex® R7 Series coin drop for washers and dryers is a field-proven and reliable solution to quarteronly or aging loyalty card operations, the company says.

Dollar coins are gaining in popularity as owners boost wash capacities and initiate full cycle dry vends, the company reports. Imonex’s intuitive design allows dollar coin and quarter insertion into one inlet. The dual coin format retains quarter increment pricing, maximizes vault and changer hopper capacities, and minimizes operator collection duties, Imonex says.

The company says its patented Geometric Vertical Technology substantially reduces coin jams, resulting in higher rates of coin acceptance and unsurpassed coin flow. There are no moving parts and no required adjustments.

Mechanisms can be custom-ordered to accept both higher- and lower-value tokens and up to two coins in a single slot. Tokens have proven an economically viable alternative to proprietary loyalty card systems while providing similar benefits, including in-house promotions, credit/debit card capabilities, as well as the elimination of attendant drop-off laundry coin banks and cash refunds, Imonex says.

Imonex products are made in the USA and supported by regional distributors, the company adds.

www.imonex.com 800-446-2719

Family-owned and -operated since 1903, Monarch prides itself on customer service. It can key all items alike, in groups or all differently, at no extra cost, the company says. Most orders ship within three days. The company also carries VendRite soap dispensers and American Changer machines.

www.monarchcoin.com 800-462-9460

tandard Change-Makers Inc., a manufacturer of currency change machines, says it has a proven line of bill exchanger products for coin and card laundry operations. Bill-to-Bill (BX) and Bill-and-Coin (BCX) Exchangers are available with either the singlenote or dual-note Fujitsu™ Bill Dispenser.

The Bill Exchanger Series machines consist of the Billto-Bill Exchangers (models beginning with the designation “BX”) and the Bill-and-Coin Exchangers (models beginning with “BCX”).

BX Series machines break higher denominations into lower denominations. For example, $20 bills can be broken into four $5 bills in a single-note machine, or three $5 bills and five $1 bills in a dual-note machine.

Using the BCX Series machines, one can break larger denominations into a combination of bills ($5 and/or $1) and coins (dollar coins and/or quarters).

The “Always Transfer” feature allows a Standard Change-Makers machine to make the best change available in order to complete a transaction. For example, if a customer runs out of $5 bills in a dual-note dispenser, the Always Transfer feature would substitute $1 bills to complete the transaction. Likewise, if the customer ran out of $1 bills, the machine would substitute quarters or dollar coins (if available).

Bill Exchanger products provide a valuable service for laundry operations, the company says, by providing bill-change convenience for customers and taking the cash out of attendants’ hands, thereby enhancing store security.

www.standardchange.com 800-968-6955

NEW LABOR DEPT. RULE TO DOUBLE THRESHOLD FOR OVERTIME PAY GUARANTEE

A new regulation set to take effect Dec. 1 will make millions of Americans newly eligible for overtime pay.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rule will double the salary threshold—from $23,660 to $47,476 per year (from $455 a week to $913 a week)—under which most salaried workers are guaranteed overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a single week. (Hourly workers are generally guaranteed overtime pay regardless of their earnings level.)

Additionally, this new level will be automatically updated every three years.

“For decades, the salary threshold under which all white-collar, salaried workers qualify for overtime has failed to keep up with the rising cost of living,” says Labor Secretary Tom Perez. “In 1975, 62% of full-time salaried workers were eligible for overtime protection based on their pay. Today, only 7% are eligible under the outdated salary level. The current salary level is so low that it does not effectively identify which white-collar workers are entitled to overtime protection.”

In response to the new overtime rule, employers can pay time-and-a-half for over-

CALENDAR

time work, raise workers’ salaries above the new threshold, limit workers’ hours to 40 hours per week, or some combination of these.

The rule allows employers to use non-discretionary payments, bonuses and commissions to satisfy the minimum salary level requirements.

Overtime protections were first put into place by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and established the general standard that workers be paid time-and-a-half for any hours worked beyond 40 hours a week. In general, all hourly employees are guaranteed overtime, and salaried employees are presumed to have the same guarantee unless they make more than a salary threshold set by DOL and pass a test demonstrating they primarily perform executive, administrative or professional duties.

The new rule is not without its opponents. For example, the National Retail Federation (NRF) filed suit in U.S. District Court in September in an attempt to block the rule, and legislators like Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) have introduced bills trying to delay the rule’s implementation.

Business owners are being reminded to prepare for implementation because there is no indication there will be action taken prior to Dec. 1 that could delay or change it somehow.

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER

2 Aaxon Laundry Systems Autumn Expo Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Info: 800-826-1012

2 Belenky IPSO Laundromat Service School & Open House

Akron, Ohio Info: 800-235-3659, ext. 205

8 Commercial & Coin Laundry Equipment Co. Open House Gulf Breeze, Fla. Info: 850-932-8348

12 Coin-O-Matic Service School:

Speed Queen Single & Stack Tumbler Dryers

Alsip, Ill. Info: http://coinomatic.com

Visit www.americancoinop.com and click “Calendar” for the latest event listings and registration information! ACO

www.americancoinop.com

ACO

(Image licensed by Ingram Publishing)

NEWSMAKERS

D&M EQUIPMENT CO. HOSTS KOREAN-LANGUAGE SERVICE SCHOOL

Distributor D&M Equipment Co. recently hosted a Koreanlanguage Service School in Niles, Ill., for Dexter Laundry equipment owners in the Chicagoland area.

The educational session was conducted by Dexter’s Shane Palmer and local service technician Don Ha. More than 35 local Korean Laundromat owners attended and were able to ask questions of Ha in Korean.

Also on hand were Rick Case, D&M’s area sales representative for Dexter Laundry; Joe Frankian, owner of D&M Equipment Co.; and Benny Sohn, president of the Chicago Korean Coin Laundry Association.

Guests were treated to a Korean barbecue dinner following the seminar at the Woori Village restaurant.

Frankian says he looks forward to hosting seminars annually for his company’s Korean customers.

premise laundry development. It specializes in vended laundry site analysis, design, construction, training and marketing.

“The Fowler team is really remarkable in its commitment to developing lifelong relationships with customers and business partners,” says Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services. “They work very closely with investors to develop highly efficient, successful and profitable vended laundries.”

Coronet is a full-service distributorship handling Continental vended and on-premise laundry equipment distribution in Saskatchewan and the Northern Canadian territories. Dedicated to unrivaled service, Coronet assists in vended laundry site selection, financing, equipment, store layout and management.

CONTINENTAL GIRBAU NAMES FOWLER, CORONET AND TAYLOR HOUSEMAN AS 2015 DISTRIBUTORS OF YEAR

Continental Girbau recently named Fowler Equipment Co., Bloomfield, N.J., as its 2015 Vended Laundry Distributor of the Year.

Simultaneously, Coronet Equipment, Edmonton, Alberta, received the Canadian Distributor of the Year award for outstanding sales and distribution in vended and on-premise laundry markets, and Taylor Houseman, Pittsburg, Calif., was named the New Distributor of the Year for excellence in all market segments.

Fowler is among the largest vended, on-premise and multi-housing laundry equipment distributors in the Mid-Atlantic region, Continental says. This is the second consecutive year the company has been recognized as Vended Laundry Distributor of the Year.

The full-service company offers technical service and parts, as well as expert assistance with vended, multi-housing and on-

“For the second consecutive year, Coronet has earned this prestigious award – continuing many years of high performance,” says Jorgensen. “The team at Coronet has been around and in laundries for a very long time. They effectively work with investors and laundry owners to develop successful and profitable vended laundries. They’re known throughout their territory for providing excellent and responsive service.”

Taylor Houseman, one of the largest commercial laundry and drycleaning equipment distributors serving northern California and the Central Valley, is a full-service company that handles virtually any application, including the multi-housing, vended, onpremise and industrial laundry markets.

“Taylor Houseman exceeded our expectations on all fronts, especially when it came to developing new vended laundries and Express Laundry Centers®,” says Jorgensen. “We partnered with them in 2015 and they are already accomplishing great things.”

ADVANTAGE EQUIPMENT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS Advantage Equipment Inc. is commemorating its 20th anniversary this fall. The full-service equipment provider, established

Service technican Don Ha (standing, at right) answers a question for a group of Korean Laundromat owners during the D&M Equipment Co. Korean-language Service School. Dexter’s Shane Palmer (also standing) conducted the educational session with Ha. (Photo: D&M Equipment Co.)

For the second year in a row, Fowler Equipment Co., Bloomfield, N.J., has earned Continental Girbau’s Vended Laundry Distributor of the Year award. Pictured, from left, are Joel Jorgensen, Continental vice president of sales and customer services; Doug Fowler, president of Fowler Equipment Co.; and Continental President Mike Floyd. (Photo: Continental Girbau)

Advantage opened for business with its flagship Continental Girbau line. “Continental became our first secured line of equipment and has spurred strong and even growth in both the vended and on-premise laundry segments,” Vlahos says.

Today, his company offers multiple equipment lines, including Continental Girbau, Hamilton, ADC, Ram Air, LG and Sports Laundry Systems. Additionally, the company supplies chemical products and ancillary laundry items.

“We started off in a small warehouse in Kent, Ohio, with one employee and my mom doing the books and answering the phone,” Vlahos recalls. “Today, we operate out of a large facility in Akron with four factory-trained technicians and four office personnel.”

Advantage has helped develop numerous successful vended laundries during the past 20 years, he says.

“We partner with investors and help them with site selection, lease negotiation, equipment mix, installation, operator and employee training, store marketing, and technical service after the sale,” he says. “There’s nothing more exciting than a vended laundry’s grand opening. It means we’ve helped an investor’s

by President Scott Vlahos in September 1996, caters to on-premise, vending and industrial laundry customers throughout West Virginia and large portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Scott Vlahos (far right), president of Advantage Equipment, and staff members (from left) Greg Vlahos, Nick Vlahos and Debi Wickiser are commemorating the business’ 20th anniversary this fall. (Photo: Advantage Equipment)

goal become a reality.”

Known for personal service, the company responds to nearly all equipment service calls within 24 hours. “Our staff of factorytrained service technicians get the job done,” says Vlahos. “Our vans are stocked with the needed parts, so we can make the repair on the first visit.”

Vlahos is grateful for his customers’ loyalty and support through the years, and has come up with a special way to demonstrate it.

“We’re slashing equipment prices in an effort to let our customers know how much we appreciate their business,” he says. “We are doubling our 20 years for a 40% discount through year-end.”

WESTERN STATE DESIGN UPGRADES ONLINE PARTS ORDERING

Western State Design (WSD) has enhanced its Parts Store and online ordering system, the distributor reports. The updated system, designed for coin-op and commercial laundry customers, features “fast and easy search and ordering of more 100,000 genuine OEM parts” anytime.

Customers have the flexibility to easily search for parts by various criteria, including the part name, part number, laundry equipment model number or manufacturer. For certain manufacturers, a customer can reference online parts manuals, photos and schematics to determine which part is needed if they’re unsure.

WSD says its enhanced online Parts Store offers other distinct advantages to busy store owners, such as quick access to order and shipping status, tracking numbers, invoices and statements, as well as the ability to pay invoices online by check or credit card. The distributor says its ability to ship products the same day the customer orders them is key.

Customers in California have the added convenience of two showrooms (Bay Area and Los Angeles) staffed by parts professionals and offering “will call” part pickup.

“When a machine breaks, we know how important it is for our

customers to find the right part, repair it and get it back into service as quickly as possible,” says Lorne Lyle, WSD’s parts manager. “We’ve designed and enhanced our online Parts Ordering System, making the process of ordering parts really user-friendly.”

CG WEST HOSTS VENDED LAUNDRY SERVICE SCHOOL

More than 35 vended laundry owners and technicians attended Continental Girbau West’s recent vended laundry service school, which overviewed Continental Girbau Inc.’s vended product line.

“By attending these classes, owners and store managers are better able to keep the equipment running at peak performance, allowing for greater efficiency, lower utilities and greater profit,” says Tod Sorensen, vice president of distributor CG West.

The service school in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., detailed the routine maintenance, programming and troubleshooting of Continental vended laundry equipment.

“We focused on how to configure and program ExpressWash freestanding washer-extractors and G-Flex hard-mount washers equipped with the ProfitPlus® Control,” adds Sorensen.

Each participant received copies of Continental’s preventative maintenance schedule, as well as programming and diagnostics training.

WHIRLPOOL CREATES ‘ULTIMATE CUSTOMER-FOCUSED TEAM’

Whirlpool Corp. Commercial Laundry recently restructured its management team to deliver “unrivaled knowledge and expertise,” the company says.

Whirlpool says its “newly transformed … all-star team” is serving up innovative solutions and services that aim to exceed the industry’s varied needs.

“Enhancing our team’s talent is one of the many steps we are taking to deliver on our long-term vision, which includes continuous improvement projects that drive

REBUILT MACHINES

WASCO 185’s 220/1 & 220/3 $3,500

WASCO 184’s 220/1 & 220/3 $2,700

WASCO 125’s 220/1 & 220/3 $2,400

WASCO 124’s 220/1 & 220/3 $1,850

WASCO 74’s 110 v & 220/3 $ 975

WASCO 75’s 110 v & 220/3 $1,200

WASCO 620’s 110V $1,600

PARTS

Our Parts Department has thousands of products on over an acre lot.

If we don’t have what you want, ask us, and we’ll find it for you.

FACILITY DESIGN

From initial site inspections and recommendations to equipment purchase and installation, we are here to help with every aspect of your project.

We can help you with specifications, dimensions, illustrations of commercial and on-premise laundry equipment.

FINANCING

We are able to offer competitive rates and low, affordable monthly payments for financing coin laundry and laundromat facilities.

We have a coin laundry financing solution to meet the needs of new store owners, and veterans alike.

ACRES OF HARD TO FIND USED WASHER & DRYER PARTS WASHER & DRYER FRONT & SIDE PANELS ALL MAKES AND MODELS STARTING @ $50

WASHER DOOR $35 & UP COMPLETE DRYER DOOR $35 & UP COMPLETE ANY WASHER TUB 18#, 35#, 50#, WITH NEW BEARINGS $175 & UP WITH EXCHANGE ALL DRYER BASKETS $75 & UP ESD CARD READERS $150 EA

EMERALD SERIES COMPUTER BOARDS $575 EA

LET US REFURBISH YOUR PANELS ~ FRESHLY PAINTED PANELS IN EITHER ALMOND OR WHITE ... $70 EA

CALL FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

0092-2811

9/22/2016. 4. Issue

Monthly. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $46.00. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. Contact Person: Charles Thompson, 312-361-1700. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Charles Thompson, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. Editor: Bruce Beggs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. 10. Owner: American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. Charles Thompson, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County.

Bruce Beggs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County. Donald Feinstein, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County.

Nathan Frerichs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 566 West Lake St., Suite 420, Chicago, IL 60661-1410 Cook County.

Suhler Family Investment Office LLC, 200 Long Neck Point Rd., Darien, CT 06820 Fairfield County. 13. Publication Title: AMERICAN COIN-OP 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data

Below: September 2016

15. Extent and Nature of circulation: (average number of copies each issue during proceeding 12 months = “X”)

(Number copies of single issue published nearest to filing date = “Y”) (a) Total Number of Copies (Net press run): X=14,545, Y=14,509. b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail). (1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and Internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) X=9,053, Y=8,910. (2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and Internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.) X=0, Y=0. (3) Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS®: X=0, Y=0. (4) Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®): X=0, Y=0. (c) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): X=9,053, Y=8,910. (d) Nonrequested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail). (1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association Requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): X=5,336, Y=5,447. (2) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales and Requests including Association Requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Lists, and other sources): X=0, Y=0. (3) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g. First-Class Mail, Nonrequestor Copies mailed in excess of 10% Limit mailed at Standard Mail® or Package Services Rates): X=0, Y=0. (4) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms and Other Sources): X=3, Y=0. (e) Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): X=5,339, Y=5,447. (f) Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): X=14,392, Y=14,357. (g) Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)): X=153, Y=152. (h) Total (Sum of 15f and g): X=14,545, Y=14,509. (i) Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by f times 100): X=62.90%, Y=62.06%. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2016 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties): Charles Thompson, Date 9/22/2016.

Continental (6) L-Series, 18lb, Washers $999 ea/obo (7) L-Series, 30lb, Washers $1299ea/obo

Dexter (8) DL2x30, Stacks, SS $1699 ea/obo (12) DL2x30, Stacks, Alm $1699ea/obo (2) WCN, 40lb, Washers $1599 ea/obo (6) WCN, 25lb, Washers $1199 ea/obo (8) WCN, 18lb, Washers $999 ea/obo

Huebsch/Speed Queen (25) 0300, Dryers, White $1699 ea/obo (19) 0300, Dryers, SS $1699 ea/obo (10) MD2, 18lb, Washers $999 ea/obo (6) MD2, 35lb, Washers $1599 ea/obo (6) BC2, 20lb, Washers $1499 ea/obo

Wascomat

(17) TD30x30 Dryers, Alm $1699 ea/obo (8) W105, 25lb, Washers $999 ea/obo (4) W74, 18lb, Washers $899

our renewed commitment to operational excellence and standout customer experience,” says Trey Northrup, the team’s leader and general manager.

“Steve Hietpas, Randy Karn, Nick Koukourakis and Rebecca Ross not only bring fresh out-of-the-box ideas to their new roles, they help us examine our efforts and the industry in a refreshing new light.”

Described by Whirlpool as an “intercontinental expert and savvy leader,” Hietpas is the team’s new international sales manager. A commercial laundry industry veteran of nearly 20 years, Hietpas has spent nearly two-thirds of his career in the field working closely with key distributor contacts. This experience, along with his team approach, makes him an ideal fit for this role and the perfect team member to unearth untapped opportunities abroad, Whirlpool says.

Hietpas will have full profit-and-loss ownership and “own” the long-range strategic plan for international business.

Helping deliver the corporation’s customer experience is Karn, who has transitioned to global service manager. He will coordinate internal and external initiatives and programs to support the company’s long-range plan. His Iowa State education, 35 years in the industry and positive attitude will serve him well in his new role, Whirlpool says, and Karn’s “voice of customer” work will provide a strong foundation. His strategic leadership will help guide the product development process.

Building on his mechanical engineering degree, extensive technical background and more than 15 years of marketing and sales experience, Koukourakis is the ideal person for the multi-load product management job, according to Whirlpool.

With a deep-rooted passion, Koukourakis will help bridge market gaps and engineer multi-load products that continue to exceed customer expectations, efficiency standards and industry needs, the corporation says.

Whirlpool calls Ross strategic and resourceful with a desire to drive brand loyalty, which fits perfectly in her latest corporate role: commercial laundry brand manager.

Driven by working closely with trade team members, she thrives in cross-functional team settings, Whirlpool says. Since joining the corporation in 2002, she has held various roles in brand marketing, co-marketing and channel marketing.

PWS SAYS THREE CALIFORNIA SHOWS DREW RECORD CROWDS

Distributor PWS says all-time attendance records were “smashed” in September when more than 800 people attended its three Fall Sales in Redwood City, San Diego and South Gate, Calif.

Much of the excitement revolved around specials on Speed Queen equipment and parts from all manufacturers, PWS says, but the energy was magnified in South Gate by the upcoming opening of the SpinCycle Laundry Lounge inside the distributor’s corporate headquarters.

The Laundromat will serve as a fully functioning vended laundry, as well as a showroom and test facility for the latest innovations in laundry equipment and operations.

Additionally, attendees of the three events were treated to free service schools and were able to converse with more than 15 industry vendors.

“It was so great to see customers in good spirits and truly enjoying the events,” says Brad Pollack, co-president of PWS. “We were so pleased with the turnout and will continue to invest in giving customers tools to help improve the bottom line of their Laundromats.”

Besides attendance, another all-time record was set in South Gate: customers enjoyed eating 511 In & Out burgers.

In addition to distributing laundry equipment and parts, PWS develops new Laundromats and brokers existing stores. ACO

Karn

Koukourakis

Ross

A PWS service technician teaches a free class on how to repair top-load washers during one of the distributor’s well-attended Fall Sales. (Photos: PWS)

PWS founder Mort Pollack (right) greets longtime salesperson Shin Cho.

Hietpas

IT’S SIMPLE.

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Why did you choose an ESD system?

We obviously wanted a state-of-the-art card system that would give us a competitive advantage, but we also wanted a company that was as celebrated for their service and customer care as they are for their most successful products. ESD is the gold standard in the industry because of superior products, well-trained personnel, and outstanding customer service.

Brian Holland, Partner

In the purest sense of the word, we are “newbies” to the vended laundry arena - excited to be here, eager to play, hungry for knowledge, and humble enough to learn from anyone who is willing to offer guidance. At the same time we have seasoned experience and battle scars from both corporate- and small business experiences in unrelated industries. While the industries are completely unrelated, the foundational business principals that they taught - Customer Service, Finance, Marketing, Sales, People Management, HR, Operations - are all directly relevant. Maybe we’re newbies with a little seasoning.

The Laundry Café is located in a fantastic destination location, but it is in a an internet challenged area of the city. ESD exceeded all our expectations by creating a wireless network even though none of the major internet providers were available. ESD has an internal team of IT professionals who customized our system to meet our needs, from design to installation.

Is there anything that surprised you about the ESD system?

I was pleasantly surprised at the managerial utilities. The reports are thorough, comprehensive,and seamlessly integrated. I can produce performance reports that track nearly everything. These are great for tracking your business and making informed adjustments for improvement.

Contact your local ESD distributor or ESD sales representative for more information.

What is your experience in the laundry industry?

Brian Holland & Tyrone Akins of

The Laundry Café

What are the unknown challenges that you faced with your new store? How has ESD’s system helped you to overcome these challenges?