American Coin-Op - November 2023

Insurance: How Much

Coverage is Enough?

Making sure there’s a strong ‘safety net’ protecting you and your laundry INSIDE: NOVEMBER 2023 SIGN ’EM UP: LAUNDRY SUBSCRIPTIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

PAULIE B ON COOPERATION, PROGRESS AND OPPORTUNITY

GARMENT CARE BASICS FOR FULLSERVICE OPERATORS

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 64 ISSUE 11

COVER STORY

INSURANCE: HOW MUCH COVERAGE IS ENOUGH? Laundry operators don’t share the same risks as death-defying acrobats but still need protection in the event of catastrophe. For their businesses, the “safety net” is having the proper insurance coverage to protect against losses from personal injury, fire, theft and more.

8

(Cover image: © PantherMediaSelle/depositphotos)

INSIDE

COLUMNS

18 SIGN ’EM UP: LAUNDRY

22 POINTERS FROM PAULIE B: CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR EVOLVING INDUSTRY

SUBSCRIPTIONS & MEMBERSHIPS

Some operators offer plans enabling customers to use or order laundry services on their schedule without paying each time.

We examine how these programs are designed.

Retired multi-store owner Paul Russo takes a walk down memory lane, assesses how technology has influenced self-service laundry operations, points out the areas where he thinks more industry improvements can be made, and suggests what the future might hold.

26 GARMENT CARE BASICS

FOR FULLSERVICE OPERATORS

During a Coin Laundry Association webinar, Jeff Gardner (formerly “The Laundry Doctor”) shared his thoughts on some garment care basics, including care labels, effective cleaning products, and the benefits of building a relationship with your chemical supplier.

DID YOU KNOW...

DEPARTMENTS 4 VIEWPOINT 6 YOUR VIEWS SURVEY 25 WEB UPDATE

30 CLASSIFIEDS 31 AD INDEX 32 NEWSMAKERS

2 AMERICAN COINOP NOVEMBER 2023

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American Coin-Op has released podcast episodes on a variety of industry-related topics? Give one a listen at AmericanCoinOp. com/podcasts.

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VIEWPOINT Charles Thompson, President Donald Feinstein, Publisher E-mail: dfeinstein@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1682

Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

WHO WILL CATCH YOU IF YOU FALL?

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

Mathew Pawlak, Production Manager Nathan Frerichs, Digital Media Director E-mail: nfrerichs@ATMags.com Phone: 312-361-1681

ADVISORY BOARD

Bruce Beggs

The rope or other material used to make the mesh. The tie ropes or other anchorage devices. The support structure.

Each of these is a vital component of a safety net used to protect aerial acrobats performing high above the circus floor.

Now, I’m not comparing being a self-service laundry owner with being a tightrope walker (although I’ll bet there are days when you feel like you’re managing “death-defying” situations), but you can’t ignore that both groups encounter risk that can be considered dangerous.

Just as a safety net can prevent an aerial performer from suffering serious injury should they fall, the proper insurance coverage is kind of a net for the small-business owner that can face serious damages without it.

For our “Insurance: How Much Coverage is Enough?” cover story this month, I invited reps from a handful of insurance companies wellacquainted with our industry to answer some questions about coverage options that’ll allow operators to best utilize their resources while avoiding heartache when the unexpected happens.

Turn to page 8 to learn who and what can catch you if you fall.

Elsewhere in this penultimate issue for 2023, you’ll find a look at the “Laundry Subscriptions & Memberships” business model; columnist Paul Russo’s take on how to continue improving our evolving industry; and “Garment Care Basics for Full-Service Operators,” featuring the musings of longtime launderer Jeff Gardner.

Remember, it’s best if you slowly put one foot in front of the other and don’t look down.

••••• As this issue arrived in your mailbox, I marked the beginning of my 25th year as an editor covering the textile care industry. Nov. 1, 1999, was the day I started work for American Laundry News, a sister publication of American Coin-Op. I’ve been connected to this publication since 2011 when American Trade Magazines became its own company.

It’s been my honor to serve our industry for nearly a quarter-century and I look forward to sharing many more tales of laundromat and laundry service success for years to come.

Bruce Beggs Editorial Director

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Douglas Pratt Tony Regan Sharon Sager

Michael Schantz Matt Simmons

OFFICE INFORMATION Main: 312-361-1700

SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS

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American Coin-Op (ISSN 0092-2811) is published monthly. Subscription prices, payment in advance: U.S., 1 year $50.00; 2 years $100.00. Single copies $10.00 for U.S. Published by American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER, Send changes of address and form 3579 to American Coin-Op, Subscription Dept., 125 Schelter Rd., #350, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-3666.

Volume 64, number 11. Editorial, executive and advertising offices are at 650 West Lake Street, Suite 320, 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, 2023. 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.

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INDUSTRY SURVEY

COMPETITION DOESN’T FRIGHTEN CONFIDENT LAUNDROMAT OWNERS L

aundromat customers often seek out convenience, affordable pricing and enhanced services, and the stores vying for their business are challenged to adapt and differentiate themselves to thrive in the environment.

They must engage in competition.

A new laundry is poised to open in your area. Are you anxious about the impact it may have, or do you stand resolute because of the confidence you have in your business?

This quarter’s American Coin-Op Your Views survey asked respondents how they feel about competition and what they do to set themselves apart from the rest. More than 46% of respondents to the unscientific poll say they don’t fear competition, while the remainder do in one respect or another.

For 17.9%, their chief worry is that their competitor “offers higher-

When you learn a new laundry is opening in your area, what’s your chief worry?

When you learn a new laundry is opening in your area, what’s your chief worry?

That it offers higher-quality equipment 17.9% That it’s more attractive 14.3% than my store it has cheaper 7.1% That itThat offers higher-quality 17.9% vend prices equipment That it’sThat larger store 3.6% it’sthan moremyattractive 14.3% my store Thatthan it’s cleaner 0.0% Thatthan it has mycheaper store 7.1% vend prices I don’t fear competition, 46.4% so no than worrymy at store all That it’s larger 3.6% That it’sOther cleaner 10.7% 0.0% than my store I don’t fear competition, 46.4% so no worry at all Other 10.7%

When going head to head against the competition, what’s your greatest strength?

When going head to head against the competition, 7.1% what’s your greatest strength?

Our store is clean

We offer reasonable prices

through and through 32.1% Every machine is up 10.7% and running We offer reasonable prices 7.1% Our customer service 28.6% is second to is none Our store clean 32.1% through We haveand the through ideal 7.1% Everymachine machinemix is up 10.7% and Other running14.3% Our customer service 28.6% is second to none We have the ideal 7.1% machine mix To read other Your Views survey stories, visit www.americancoinop.com Other 14.3% ACO0523 Charts.indd 2

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quality equipment.” Another 14.3% are concerned a competing store is “more attractive than my store.” Vend prices that are cheaper than theirs concerns 7.1% of respondents the most. Just 3.6% fear a competing store is larger than theirs.

The remaining 10.7% selected the “other” option, worrying most that their competitor has newer equipment or better parking, for example.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having between two and four competing laundries in their service area. It’s five or more for 19.2%, and just one for 11.5%.

Have you ever personally visited a competing laundry to get a sense of its operation? Based on our survey results, the likely answer is yes.

Among respondents, a whopping 92.9% admit to having scoped out the competition this way.

Visiting and walking through the store (85.7%), driving by in their car or walking by on foot (50%) and reviewing a competitor’s website or social media (39.3%) were their most common methods (respondents could choose any or all from several options). As for how often they visit their competition, quarterly or annually tops the frequency list, followed by monthly, then twice annually.

When going head-to-head with the competition, 32.1% believe the cleanliness of their store is their greatest strength. Roughly 29% say their “customer service is second to none,” and 10.7% count on the fact that “every machine is up and running.” Smaller shares of 7.1% point to having “the ideal machine mix” or “reasonable prices.”

The remaining 14.3% of respondents see something else as their greatest strength. In many cases, it’s either some or all of the choices they could select from.

How do you differentiate yourself from your competition? Here are some responses from those who took the survey: • “We are the only 24-hour, fully attended, open 365 days coin laundry in our service area.”

• “Service, fully staffed, (and) newer equipment with ozone and soft water.”

• “One competitor requires customers to sign up to get rewards. I’m able to reward without sign-ups.”

• “Super-high extractor washers at reasonable prices.”

• “We have a great reputation for customer service because we have longtime employees who have been trained to understand (that) service and being pleasant must be part of their daily work ethic.”

• “Relationships with community, outreach, experience, friendly staff.”

• “Location mainly. Convenience, parking. We’ve been here 60 years.”

While American Coin-Op’s Your Views survey presents a snapshot of store owners’ viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Subscribers to American Coin-Op e-mail blasts are invited to participate anonymously in the industry survey.

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Insurance: How Much

Coverage is Enough?

Making sure there’s a strong ‘safety net’ protecting you and your laundry

(Image this page: © PantherMediaSelle/Depositphotos, other pages: © thodonal/Depositphotos; © konstsem/Depositphotos)

by Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

Q: What types of insurance coverage does a vended laundry business need?

Anne Cobb, customer service representative and sales, NIE: Business personal property; business income; utility services – time element; utility services – direct damage; liability; signs – attached or detached; awnings or canopies; crime; bailee (when laundry owner is doing drop-off dry cleaning and/or wash/dry/fold); equipment breakdown; workers’ compensation; and building when 8 AMERICAN COINOP NOVEMBER 2023

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Cobb

the building is owned by the laundry owner.

The limits of insurance are ultimately up to the business owner, but we strongly suggest using our building replacement cost survey for the building, and our equipment replacement cost survey for business personal property. When calculating the amount of business personal property insurance needed, the owner must include delivery, installation and taxes, plus all operating supplies. These items are often overlooked when the owner is giving his agent the desired limit of insurance, but they all need to be paid when recovering from a loss.

Lawrence Larsen, owner, Lawrence Larsen Laundry Insurance: The three areas of insurance needed by a laundromat owner are liability, property damage and theft. You carry liability to both protect yourself from liability lawsuits and, perhaps more importantly, to ensure that you have sufficient resources available if your actions or inactions have injured a customer or landlord. Property damage insurance, most often for fires, protects the equipment and assets you have in your business from unexpected loss. Finally, theft protection protects against the theft of washers, dryers and related equipment.

Jodie Millino, vice president commercial lines - producer, HUB International Insurance Services: Vended laundries need to carry coverage on a replacement cost basis, making sure they understand that equipment values have tripled or quadrupled over the last two to three years.

The intent of the insurance company is to put you back whole if you were to have a covered loss.

Larry Trapani, president, Brooks-Waterburn Corp.: A laundromat owner typically needs several types of insurance to protect their business, property and liabilities. The specific needs can vary depending on the

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T

rapeze artists, balancing acts and tightrope walkers thrill circus audiences with their daring acts high above the arena floor. But you can bet that before each show, these performers test that a safety net will catch them should they fall.

Self-service laundry operators don’t share the same risks as death-defying acrobats but they do share the same need for protection in the event of catastrophe. For these small businesses, their “safety net” is having the proper insurance coverage to protect against losses from personal injury, fire, theft and other events.

American Coin-Op invited four insurance providers with laundry industry experience to answer some questions about the options that’ll allow operators to best utilize their resources while also avoiding heartache when the unexpected happens.

(Editor’s note: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Readers should consult an insurance services professional regarding their specific situation.)

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Cobb: Do business with an insurance professional who knows the coin laundry business, specializes in this industry with years of experience, has a good company reputation, and has great customer service.

Q: Where are the greatest areas of risk in and around the average vended laundry?

Q: Are there specific insurance policies tailored for laundromat businesses?

Larsen: The majority of insurance policies are not specifically tailored for laundromats but are combined with dry cleaners and therefore have provisions that just don’t seem to apply to the laundromat business. These coverages may not be needed by laundromat owners but are not a major factor in setting policy premiums, so any request to eliminate these coverages is not worthy of the effort.

Millino: Generally, the insurance policy(s) are written on a business owner policy that will write this class of business. It is the job of the insurance agent to make sure they pick the proper coverages and advise the customer with the important items they should look for on their insurance policy.

Trapani: Yes, there are insurance policies and insurance packages tailored specifically for laundromat businesses. Insurance providers often offer specialized coverage options to meet the unique needs and risks associated with laundromats. These policies can provide comprehensive protection for laundromat owners.

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Q: How much liability insurance should a laundry owner have to protect against customer accidents or injuries while on the premises?

Trapani: While I recommend a minimum of $1 million, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It’s crucial to strike a balance between adequate coverage and affordability. You want to ensure that you can handle potential liability claims without jeopardizing your business or personal assets.

Cobb: Always go with at least $1 million general liability coverage. You may also want to consider an umbrella policy, (which) is extra insurance that provides protection beyond existing general liability limits, workers’ compensation liability limits, and auto liability limits. Umbrella can provide coverage for injuries, property damage, and certain lawsuits.

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size of the laundromat, location, and other factors, but here are some common types of insurance coverage that an owner should consider: • Commercial Property — Protects physical property, including the building, equipment and inventory from perils such as fire, theft, vandalism and natural disasters.

• General Liability — Provides coverage for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on your laundromat premises. It can also cover legal expenses if you’re sued by a third party for accidents or injuries that happen at your business.

• Business Interruption — Helps replace lost income and covers ongoing expenses if your laundromat needs to temporarily close due to a covered event.

• Workers’ Compensation — If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is typically required by law. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job.

• Equipment Breakdown — Helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failures.

• Commercial Auto — If you have company-owned vehicles used for pickup and delivery services, you’ll need (this) insurance to cover accidents and damage to the vehicles.

• Umbrella — Provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your other liability policies, offering extra protection in case of a catastrophic event or large lawsuit.

• Flood — Depending on your laundromat’s location, you may need flood insurance; it’s typically not included in standard commercial property insurance policies.

The specific insurance needs of a laundromat owner can vary, so it’s essential to work with an insurance agent or broker who specializes in laundromat insurance. They can assess your business’ unique risks and help tailor a policy package that provides the appropriate coverage.

Millino: Fire is the main area of risk around the vended laundry.

Dryer fires and lack of general maintenance (cleaning of the dryer ducts, etc.) are the leading cause of loss on the vended laundries. There has also been a rise of fires due to homeless as well.

Trapani: The greatest areas of risk in and around the average laundromat can vary depending on factors such as location, operational practices, and the level of safety precautions in place.

However, some common areas of risk in and around laundromats include: Trapani • Slip-and-Fall Accidents — This is our most frequent type of claim. Laundromats often have smooth, hard flooring surfaces, and water or detergent spills can make these surfaces slippery. Customers and employees are at risk of slipping and falling, which can result in injuries.

• Fire Hazards — Dryers in laundromats generate heat, and lint buildup can create a fire risk. Regular maintenance and cleaning of dryers are crucial to mitigate this risk.

• Security Concerns — Laundromats may be susceptible to theft or vandalism, particularly during off-hours when there may be minimal staff or surveillance.

• Electrical Hazards — Laundromats have various electrical components, including washing machines, dryers, and lighting. Faulty wiring or electrical issues could lead to fires or electrical shocks.

• Customer Altercations — While rare, altercations between customers can occur, potentially resulting in liability issues for the laundromat owner.

Cobb: Fires are the biggest risk in the sense that they can cause the most devastation. However, the most frequent risk is trip- or slip-andfall. People come to the laundromat in flip-flops, slippers and a variety of other shoes that can contribute to a fall. Make sure your tables and chairs are steady, and get rid of any broken ones right away.

Larsen: The most common claim made against liability portions of laundromat policies relate to customer slip-and-falls. Appropriate warning signs, warning cones, available mops and proper maintenance (especially on front-load door gaskets) will reduce the common causes of water on the floors. To keep your rates low, don’t have a folded-up towel placed under your leaking front-load washer but repair the door or gasket as soon as possible.

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Larsen: Although inflation and increasing jury awards are increasing potential payouts, standard liability coverage of $1 million is still the most common liability coverage. I believe $2 million liability will eventually be offered by some carriers.

One of my laundromat clients was involved in a million-dollar claim in 2022, when a young child stuck his finger into an uncovered electrical outlet. The laundromat owner had provided the outlet for customers to charge their cellphones. I advise laundromat owners to conduct regular inspections of their business to ensure that potential sources of injury are identified and removed. In the meantime, consider an umbrella policy if available.

Millino: The customer first needs to refer to the lease agreement to confirm what the requirements are from the landlord. We recommend not going any lower than $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate, but the customer needs to make sure that the coverage will be enough to protect their assets in the event a customer tries to sue them for negligence.

Q: Is property insurance needed to cover damage to the laundromat building and equipment in event of fire, theft or natural disaster?

Cobb: Yes, all laundromats need property insurance to cover the building, equipment and other business personal property that they own, and any portion of the building that their landlord holds them responsible for (glass, doors, windows, HVAC equipment, drywall, plumbing, pipes, etc.).

Larsen: If you own your building, you obviously need to cover against risks to your property, but the less obvious issue is ensuring that laundromat owners who rent are following the requirements contained in their

Clean, Maintain Your Store to Reduce Likelihood of Claims

Q: Are there insurance options that cover loss of income in case a laundromat has to temporarily close?

Larsen: Most package insurance policies provide a payment if your laundromat is forced to close for a specific period of time. There is usually a waiting period before your benefits can be used. More frequently, laundromats are better served to return their business to operation as opposed to waiting and relying on any insurance coverage. Extended periods of closing means you can lose your customers and insurance policies are not designed to pay for a decline in income based on customer loss.

Larsen Millino: Under a business owner policy, there is coverage for business income coverage generally written on an actual loss sustained basis for 12-24 months. If the coverage is written on any other insurance product, the customer needs to make sure there is coverage for this and ask what type of form it is written on. On a “package” policy or a “property” policy, there could be limitations under this coverage.

Trapani: Yes, there are insurance options that cover loss of income in case a laundromat has to temporarily close due to a covered loss. This type of coverage is typically referred to as business interruption insurance.

It is designed to help businesses recover lost income and cover ongoing expenses when they are forced to cease operations temporarily due to an event covered by the insurance policy.

Business interruption insurance is a valuable tool for laundromat owners to protect their income and maintain financial stability during

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Where laundromats are concerned, insurance costs are rising to a level that Larry Trapani, president of Brooks-Waterburn Corp., says he hasn’t seen in 30 years.

“Some companies that we represented are no longer writing laundromat insurance,” he says. “The ones remaining in the game have raised their rates or restricted coverage. Underwriting guidelines have gotten very tight.”

Settlements in slip-and-fall cases have gone up a lot, according to Trapani, due in part to plaintiffs seeking more in damages than what had been the norm.

“Keep your floors dry. If there are wet spots, put up the appropriate signage, and take care of it right away. Clean your lint filters as often as possible, because the second largest type of claim are dryer fires, and many of them start because the filters haven’t been cleaned this year or in a long time. Keep your parking lots well-lit. If there are cracks in the sidewalks, get those fixed.

“In other words, run a cleaner operation so claims can be avoided. If the industry does that as a whole, I think the class of business can improve and that’ll only lead to better rates. Rates do go down, if it’s warranted.”

And Trapani urges store owners to think carefully before submitting any claim.

“If it’s a small claim, consider self-insuring that, or have a high deductible.

There’s nothing wrong with a $10,000 deductible. … In the long run, with a poor claim history, the laundromat owner will wind up paying even more.”

leases. Landlords can use improper adherence to lease provisions to cancel leases or options even without experiencing a loss.

Millino: Building insurance is needed if the customer owns the building or if the lease requires the tenant carry the building. This will happen on sole occupancy buildings, but it will be spelled out in the lease. Tenants need to cover the replacement cost of the equipment and tenant improvements under the business personal property coverage for replacement value and not what the equipment may be worth at the time of a loss.

Natural disaster coverage (earthquake, flood, etc.) is not covered under the standard business owner policy but can be purchased separately.

Trapani: Yes, property insurance is needed to cover damage to the laundromat building and equipment in the event of fire, theft, natural disasters, and other covered perils. Property insurance is a fundamental component of a laundromat owner’s insurance portfolio and provides essential protection for your physical assets.

Here’s what property insurance for a laundromat typically covers: • Building Coverage — Ensures the physical structure of your laundromat, including walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures. It provides protection against perils such as fire, smoke damage, vandalism, theft and certain natural disasters.

• Business Personal Property Coverage — Covers the equipment and machinery used in your laundromat, including washing machines, dryers, folding tables, and any other property that is essential for your business operations. It protects against the same perils already mentioned.

• Inventory and Supplies — Can also cover your laundry supplies and inventory, such as detergents, fabric softeners, big-screen TVs, and other items used in your business.

• Equipment Breakdown — Protects against damage to machinery and equipment due to mechanical or electrical breakdown.

Keep in mind that property insurance policies may have deductibles, limits, and coverage exclusions.

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ers’ compensation insurance and hired a cash worker and ended with the owner turning his laundromat over to his injured worker and his attorney.

His worker dropped a heavy trash container on his sandaled foot while trying to lift a container up to a large trash bin. Severed toes were the result, along with the discovery that liability insurance does not protect you against intentional disregard of employment requirements.

Q: Should a laundry business adjust its insurance coverage as it grows or changes over time? If so, how? unexpected disruptions. It allows them to focus on getting their business back on track without suffering severe financial losses.

Cobb: Coverage for loss of business income is also dependent upon the cause of loss. Covered causes of loss include damage from break-ins and fire (deductible would apply). Flood and unfavorable economy are excluded causes of loss.

Every business should carry loss of business income coverage. Without it, some businesses might find it hard to ever reopen after a fire.

Q: How does workers’ compensation insurance work, and is it required for laundry employees?

Millino: If the customer has anyone working in the laundry (even if they are being paid on a 1099), they are required by the state they are residing in to carry workers’ compensation coverage. If this person is taking instruction from the owner of the business directly, the state would consider them an employee, and if they were injured on the job and there was not workers’ compensation coverage, there would be fines incurred to the customer.

Trapani: This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill while on the job. Regardless of your industry, workers’ compensation is mandatory in most states.

It covers employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, and typically includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of the employee’s lost wages.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that employees are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness. In exchange for these benefits, employees typically waive their right to sue the employer for the injury in most cases.

This insurance also provides partial wage replacement for employees who are unable to work due to their injuries or illnesses. The amount is typically a percentage of the employee’s average weekly wage.

Cobb: Workers’ compensation insurance provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. Requirements vary by state. Some states require employers to carry workers’ compensation if they have three or more employees.

If the business does not carry workers’ compensation and has an employee injured on the job, the business is held responsible to pay the medical bills and lost wages. If the business owner does not carry workers’ compensation, an injured employee can sue the business. The only way such suits would be covered is if the business carries a workers’ comp policy, or, in some states, an employers liability policy.

Larsen: For years, laundromat owners in many parts of the country have used workers who are paid in cash for their cleaning or repair services. They have been avoiding government obligations where workers’ compensation insurance for workers is required. You need to check your local governmental exemptions which may allow you to pay your workers under the table in cash, but it’s likely you’ll find you need to pay payroll contributions and obtain workers’ compensation.

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Trapani: Insurance needs can evolve along with your business, and it’s essential to ensure that your coverage adequately addresses your current risks and exposures. Here’s how you can approach adjusting your insurance coverage as your business changes: • Regular Insurance Reviews — Schedule regular insurance reviews with your insurance agent or broker, ideally at least annually. These reviews allow you to discuss any changes in your business and assess whether your existing coverage is still sufficient.

• Business Growth — If your laundry business is expanding, whether by adding new locations, increasing the number of employees, or offering additional services like dry cleaning or pickup/delivery, you may need to adjust your coverage to account for the increased risks and liabilities associated with growth.

• Property Changes — If you make significant changes to your laundromat’s property, such as renovations, upgrades or expansions, it’s crucial to update your property insurance coverage to reflect these changes. This ensures that your property is adequately protected.

• Equipment Updates — Laundromats rely on specialized equipment, and if you upgrade or replace machinery, you should update your equipment breakdown insurance.

• Claims History — If you’ve had claims in the past, they can affect your insurance premiums. Work with your insurance agent to manage risk and potentially reduce your insurance costs over time.

• Policy Shopping — As your business grows, periodically shop around for insurance quotes. Different insurers may offer competitive rates or better coverage options for your evolving needs.

Cobb: When your business grows, your exposure becomes greater and coverages need to be reviewed/adjusted accordingly. Review your coverages and limits with your insurance agent every year. When your business changes, make sure you tell your agent what’s going on. Spend time with your agent to make sure your coverages and limits match the needs of your business.

Larsen: In order to reduce insurance premiums, many laundromat owners lower the amount of their personal property coverage as they realize the value of their insurable interest in their laundromat reduces because of equipment age. It’s important to remember that you can’t insure your opinion of value or the profitability of your laundromat.

If you build a new laundromat for $500,000 and its income greatly increases to a level where you now believe you could sell your business for $1 million, increasing your coverage provides no benefit. If it costs $500,000 to rebuild your laundromat, that is the maximum you can collect under normal laundromat policies. Insurance policies insure the assets, not the cash flow. One area in which you might consider increasing coverage is if equipment prices have increased and you no longer have enough coverage for a full-replacement cost of equipment.

Millino: It is important that each year when the policy comes up for renewal that the customer talk with their insurance agent to make any adjustments to the gross sales, replacement cost of the equipment, etc. (continued on page 21) www.americancoinop.com

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Laundry Subscriptions & Memberships Service model offers convenience on customer’s terms, plus maybe some special benefits

by Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

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A SUBSCRIPTION’S ALLURE Typically, a customer can choose from subscription options that are best-suited to meet their unique needs and budget. Plans often are segmented by household size (singles, couples and families). Still others are intended for college students living away from home. And by leaving a credit card on file with the laundry service, subscriptions can be renewed automatically. Here are some subscription plan examples: • The Wash Club offered by Minnesota’s Pilgrim Cleaners & Launderers is a monthly subscription wash-and-fold service that comes with unlimited pickup and delivery. Customers can choose from three service levels based on the number of bags laundered each month.

“Small” is two standard-sized bags for $110, “Medium” is four bags for $160, and “Large” is eight bags for $260; each additional bag received

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I

n the world of personal laundry, absent having a washer and dryer at home, the self-service laundromat represents the do-it-yourself option. For those who enjoy doing their own laundry (especially several loads at once), are on a tight budget, or generally have limited access to laundry services, a trip to the laundromat is where it’s at.

Meanwhile, there are a wide variety of laundry services vying for the wash/dry/fold (WDF) business of those uninterested in doing their own laundry, either in home or at a laundromat. These services promote convenience, time savings and quality.

Plenty of WDF customers, whether of the drop-off variety or the pickup-and-delivery crowd, choose to pay as they go. In other words, service is rendered once and the bill is paid, and the process is repeated again each time the customer chooses to use the service. Their commitment extends only as far as when their clean clothes are received.

A laundry services subscription enables a customer to pay a fee (usually monthly) in exchange for receiving the service continually during the time period of their choosing. As long as they continue to pay the charge when due, they can take advantage of the service.

Sometimes, these service arrangements are called membership plans.

And they are a growth sector within the laundry industry.

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When someone is accepted as a Laundry Club member, they alone are granted private and secure access to Clean-O-Rama! Northwest through a unique access code that unlocks one entrance.

Dood consulted an attorney before introducing the concept to make certain he wasn’t “crossing any lines I shouldn’t be crossing,” he says.

At present, club access is available only at the northwest location on Thurman Street (the other Clean-O-Rama! is roughly 10 miles away in southeast Portland). The 1,800-square-foot store has a secondary, residential-style rear entrance that lends itself to the special controlled access, the owner says.

“I didn’t have to do any elaborate card system or anything like that,” says Dood, who bought his first laundry in 2011. “I looked into that, it was exorbitantly expensive. I have a simple Wi-Fi lock on the back.”

Once inside, the Laundry Club member has his or her pick of 30 washers and 13 dryers.

Members don’t have to schedule a time slot, and because Laundry Club membership is limited, it’s likely they will have the entire laundromat to themselves. Dood tracks the after-hours comings and goings via the special lock and his store’s cameras.

He calls the group an exclusive club of screened and approved laundry aficionados, saying “dozens upon dozens of people have signed up.” Of the members to date, he says about half signed up because their schedule didn’t mesh with the store’s, and the other half became members for the added security of knowing that no else could be in the store with them.

A spinning graphic on his website’s home page promotes the Laundry Club. Posting a sign inside the laundromat for a week or two after the club launched really got the ball rolling and word-of-mouth continues to support it, Dood says.

When a person submits the online application seeking Laundry Club membership, they agree to the following: • Will immediately email to ownership a copy of their photo ID, along with a selfie of them holding this ID • Will not reveal their access code to any other person • Will do their laundry alone and not bring any other person in with them • Will not let anyone else into the store while they are doing laundry • Will clean up after themselves (throw away dryer sheets, leave nothing behind, etc.)

• Will exit immediately upon finishing their laundry and will not loiter • Will notify Clean-O-Rama management of any other members violating these terms (can do so anonymously) Applicants are also asked to share why they want to Jeff Dood, owner of two Clean-O-Rama! Laundromats in Portland, Ore., poses outside his Northwest store become a club member. Not everyone is accepted for membership, according to Dood. And even if accepted, the new where Laundry Club members enjoy special after-hours access. In the inset, Dood shows the equipment member must continually meet his club standards or else. and environment that await his customers. (Photos courtesy Jeff Dood, Clean-O-Rama! Laundromats) “I can take away their code anytime they misbehave,” he says. “I make it clear that it’s a privilege, not a right.”

UNLOCKING MEMBERSHIP PERKS Only one member’s privileges have been revoked in the 18 months or Not every laundry subscription or membership model is based on service frequency and load size. In Portland, Oregon, laundromat owner so that he’s offered club access.

Dood likes the concept he’s developed and is looking for ways “to Jeff Dood created his Clean-O-Rama Laundry Club as a way to provide vetted members with exclusive after-hours access to one of his two unat- take it further.” He mentions free soap, special vend pricing, or perhaps club-member-only days as options to be considered. tended Clean-O-Rama! Laundromats.

“If it’s done in the right way, I could probably start charging a little His stores are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day but the free membership offers pre-approved customers the means to do their laundry nominal membership fee, if people felt they were getting a value for that.

There could be a social aspect to it as well. The sky’s the limit.” outside those operating hours at a time when it’s convenient for them.

beyond plan limits costs another $35.

• Deluxe Laundry Service of Evans, Colorado, offers Gold Level and Platinum Level membership plans. For $159 per month, Gold includes 14 loads of WDF laundry (four loads per week) with free pickup and drop-off and two deluxe laundry bags. Platinum costs $219 per month for 32 loads (eight loads per week) with four bags.

• Wash U Wash of St. Louis offers in-store or pickup-and-delivery WDF services for local students and faculty on or off campus on a half-year or full-year basis. Half-year with in-store pickup starts at $370 for up to 200 pounds during the service period. Full-year with in-store pickup starts at $600 for up to 400 pounds. For delivery, the half-year plan starts at $500 for up to 200 pounds during the service period, and the full-year plan is from $875 for up to 400 pounds.

Subscriptions are a mutually beneficial, continuous relationship between customer and service provider. Some people prefer pay-as-yougo to a commitment, so subs aren’t for everyone.

But a laundry’s ability to entice customers to sign up for a service plan presents benefits that can help generate revenue, improve customer retention, and streamline operations.

Successful subscription models help produce a predictable and steady revenue stream, encourage customers to stick with the service over time, and buffer the impact of seasonality or economic downturn.

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(continued from page 14) Some business owner policies have a built-in inflation guard that will increase the building/business personal property limit 4-5% but not all carriers have this built into their policies.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about insuring laundromats and laundry services businesses?

Cobb: Do what you can to reduce your risk. Do walk-around inspections both inside and outside on a regular basis. Make sure you have working video cameras inside and outside. Clean dryer lint traps on a daily basis. Post emergency (phone) numbers in a prominent place.

Do a yearly review with your insurance agent on all your coverage needs. Remember to include all costs in choosing your insurance limits.

Promptly report all claims and incidents that could result in a claim.

Larsen: The most important thing that laundromat owners should do is to read their leases and ensure they are in compliance with all the provisions on insurance. Don’t wait for a loss to discover you didn’t properly cover you business.

The second most important thing is to ensure you regularly search your business for risks and hazards, that you’ve posted appropriate signage, and you are in compliance with hiring legal employees.

Millino: It is extremely important that the (laundry owner) customers review their policy carefully and go over all questions they have with their insurance agent. Going with an agent that specializes in this class of business is important rather than to go strictly on price. It is also important that all customers ask their insurance agent to provide them with the A.M. Best Rating of the insurance carrier they have been placed

with. This gives the customer the financial status of the carrier and the rating as well.

Trapani: One of the most overlooked coverages for laundromats is a coverage called tenant improvements. (This) coverage is important to a laundromat owner because it helps protect the investments made in customizing and improving the rented space for their business.

This can include installing plumbing and electrical systems; adding flooring, walls or partitions; and making other modifications. These improvements can be a substantial financial investment.

If the leased space experiences damage from covered perils such as fire, water damage or vandalism, tenant improvements coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the customized improvements. Without this coverage, the laundromat owner could be left with significant outof-pocket expenses.

Tenant improvements coverage is a valuable component of a comprehensive insurance strategy for laundromat owners, as it safeguards their investments in customized improvements and helps maintain positive relationships with landlords.

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NOVEMBER 2023 AMERICAN COINOP 21 AM 6/9/23 10:24

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POINTERS FROM PAULIE B

CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR EVOLVING INDUSTRY T

Paul Russo

he very first laundromat, then called a “wash-a-teria,” opened in the 1930s during the Great Depression.

Back then, people simply couldn’t afford to buy a washer, let alone a dryer, so they’d just wash at the laundromat, then go back home and use a clothesline. And there were no change machines. Customers were basically on their own, using the change in their pockets.

Coin-operated laundromats as we know them didn’t really take off until the 1950s. We’ve come a long way from those beginnings when someone would rent a store and fill it with washers, a handful of dryers, and a few signs listing the do’s and don’ts. When I came into the industry in 1976, the vast majority of mats were terrible. They were mostly unattended, and the owners were only interested in them as a sideline.

There weren’t enough mats, making the demand for them so lucrative that many owners didn’t care if they lost a customer or two. Therefore, they didn’t have the motivation to respond well to complaints and rarely did they retool or renovate their mats.

Distributors were also less responsive back then, due to the same principle of low competition.

There was little sharing of knowledge for success in the past, and not many places to ask questions. You were left to figure out many problems on your own.

The best source of help back then was industry trade magazines, usually featuring a successful mat in every issue so you could glean some ideas.

Generally, laundromats today are far more sophisticated and professionally run than those small mats of yesteryear.

Somewhere along the way, real entrepreneurs noticed that running a mat isn’t just a hobby or a sideline, it’s a business, and should be treated as such.

Our industry needs shared knowledge in order to progress and improve, and it has, thanks to online forums that have popped up. You can ask a question and get several replies. You can actually “talk” to other mat owners who achieved success.

And you can read about problems that you never would have fathomed were a possibility.

TECHNOLOGY SAVED THE DAY (SORT OF)

The birth of cellphones, surveillance cameras and the internet changed everything. Advertising on Facebook, Google and other places became far cheaper, and more dynamic than placing an ad in The Yellow Pages.

Cellphones were a godsend, allowing you to be easily reachable in an emergency. They’ve evolved to enable laundry owners to see on their phone what’s going on in their store through their surveillance system.

Also of note, machine manufacturers embarked on a steady path of improving their equipment with each new series. Washers and dryers became far more functional and sophisticated, albeit more complicated. New equipment designs extract better, and use less energy, water and gas.

You can now collect and analyze data with your computer on the effectiveness of your advertising, usage patterns and promotions. You can see if they are really effective rather than just guessing.

You can even input all your repair records to come up with a predictability model so you can do maintenance more efficiently before things go wrong.

For instance, if you record all your repairs, you can see just how many water valve diaphragms you have replaced for, say, 40 washers over the past year. Each machine can have at least five diaphragms, translating to 200 potential failures.

With this information, you can determine how many more are likely to fail and come up (Photo: © Feverpitch/Depositphotos) with a plan to either replace them or maybe just

22 AMERICAN COINOP NOVEMBER 2023

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SO WHAT MORE CAN WE DO? Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance!

— Well, improving your own mat improves the industry ever so slightly. If every laundry performed proper maintenance, our industry reputation would grow.

In order to present a satisfactory laundromat to the public, one that is clean, beautiful, and features working equipment throughout, you must do periodic maintenance. You want to stop problems before they come up!

The biggest challenge is simply finding the time, money and effort to do routine maintenance!

Over the years of fielding hundreds, maybe thousands, of newbie questions about equipment problems they are having, the biggest common denominator is lack of maintenance.

Equipment manufacturers all have suggested

or required maintenance for their machines, but how many operators actually heed them?

Human nature is to just wait until a problem comes up. However, there are things you should never ignore, such as dryer lint buildup that can cause a serious fire, or lint building up in drains and causing water main backups. Both can bring you a lot of grief.

Read your operator manuals. It’s in your own interest, as well as that of your customers and any neighboring stores.

Take Advantage of Online Resources — Knowledge is not just power, it’s profit. If you go online and say, visit an industry forum, I’m confident you’ll make more money and have fewer headaches and losses.

Even if you’re moderately successful, you can’t think of everything. But you can post any question you want and I guarantee you’ll get an answer. Not sure what kind of floor to install?

Ask for input in a forum and you’re likely to get answers along with photos of various flooring that other operators like and the reasons why.

The forums will help you, you’ll help the forums, and, by default, the whole industry advances.

Consider Adding Pickup and Delivery Service — More and more operators are expanding their markets while improving the industry at the same time with timely, efficient pickup and delivery. No longer is your market limited to just your immediate area.

When COVID helped catalyze the need for homebound people to have their laundry picked up, processed and delivered, and there were restrictions limiting people from congregating too closely in laundromats, pickup and delivery helped mitigate this.

Savvy operators have already created ways for customers to schedule times, either by texting or using a website platform or custom app.

Apps can allow the customer to pay as well.

You can buy or rent various apps on the market now and customize them for your operation.

Some require using their name so they can build a national network. This may not be

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POINTERS FROM PAULIE B the way you want to go, but it seems to be a growing trend.

About the service itself, employ uniformed delivery people and use small vans wrapped with your advertising.

When done correctly, there is a promising future with pickup and delivery.

Host a “Free Laundry” Event — Helping your community with such an event—the LaundryCares Foundation (https://laundry cares.org) is known for them—is a nice trend that improves our industry image. These events can gain you free promotion on local TV and YouTube, and local politicians love them.

Make It Easy for the Customer — Try installing automatic doors, or a walk-up or drive-up window for drop-offs and pickups.

Organize Your Own Local Association — This may be a hard one due to initial suspicions and overblown egos, but there can be useful cooperation.

When I opened my first store in 1976, my competitor freaked out and had a 2-for-1 sale to fight me off. It didn’t stop me. (A couple years later, he told me he did better after doing that sale.) We actually became friends and helped each other to the point where he performed tub bearing jobs for me (I paid him, of course), and we watched each other’s stores when we took vacations. This takes trust, of course, but it’s not out of the question.

Another thing was I and a couple dry cleaners went in to buy cases of shirt hangers and poly bag rolls. We needed to buy a minimum amount of cases, and together we got a great price.

There’s no telling what other ways cooperation can help. It’s truly up to your own imagination.

I would like to see more simplicity while keeping or even expanding new features. The more parts a machine has, the more often it will break down. Take a lesson from Elon Musk, who famously said, “The best part is no part.”

WHAT MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS CAN DO

Going Cashless — Whether we like it or not, it’s looking more and more that eventually all cash will be eliminated. This may, however, actually improve the industry.

If you and all your competition must take only electronic payments, forcing you all to pay fees, then everyone is in the same boat and vend prices should rise accordingly to keep the industry as a whole going.

When that happens, crimes against your business should drop and the “cash target” on your back may even fade. There’ll be no need to collect and count coins, so you’ll save time. And it will be easier to do things like go on vacations.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence — The future is already here, my friends, and it is artificial intelligence!

AI is still in its infancy, but every day, every second, it grows stronger and more intelligent and powerful.

Have you ever tried asking chatbot ChatGPT what a laundromat can do to combat new competition? I think you’ll be amazed that it will write you 400 words of advice in mere seconds.

Try asking how to negotiate a laundromat lease, or to describe why a commercial washer may not be filling with water, or to list the most common causes of a dryer fire in a laundromat.

All players in our industry—manufacturers, distributors, store owners, parts suppliers, rebuilders, etc.—will be able to benefit from AI. This is just the beginning, and there’s no telling what ChatGPT will be able to do in a couple more years.

Our industry has come a long way in terms of technology and professional management since I started back in ’76. There are some new challenges ahead, but there have always been challenges. That said, I’m excited about the progress, cooperation and new opportunities.

I wish everyone an exciting and profitable future.

Manufacturers and distributors have played a big part in improving the industry.

Over the decades, manufacturers have done a terrific job in improving their equipment, not only with water, gas, and energy efficiency, but also solving a few nagging issues (such as alerts when a washer is not holding water).

Distributors, for their part, have learned to design better store layouts and help owners cope with a myriad of issues.

Remember the online resources I mentioned earlier? I believe that manufacturers and distributors are reading the forum comments of store owners and gaining insight into doing their part better.

And wouldn’t it be nice if a manufacturer asked what you would like to see in its upcoming models? Or if you needed machines with less depth so you can get an inch or two more aisle space? Or designed washers so that belts could be changed from the top without having to open up the back of the machine?

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WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY?

Paul Russo owned and operated multiple laundromats in New York City for more than 40 years before retiring in 2018. You’re welcome to direct any questions or comments for Russo to Editor Bruce Beggs at bbeggs@atmags.com. www.americancoinop.com

10/11/23 3:13 PM

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Garment Care Basics for Full-Service Operators Longtime launderer Gardner discusses care labels, effective cleaning products, more

by Bruce Beggs, Editorial Director

I

f you run a self-service laundry operation, then you’re leaving the cleaning and stain removal up to your customers. But if you offer wash/dry/fold services and are doing laundry for your customers, then your need to know and understand the basics of garment care is much greater.

During a webinar last month, the Coin Laundry Association asked Jeff Gardner, who owned and operated a Minnesota-based residential and commercial laundry services business called The Laundry Doctor for many years before selling it recently, to share his thoughts on some Gardner garment care basics.

UNDERSTANDING CARE LABELS

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Care labels are attached to a garment and contain the manufacturer’s instructions for its care and cleaning. They came about, Gardner explains, because manufacturers were held responsible for producing a way that the consumer could clean their garments after being worn.

“Care labels were almost exclusively created for professional dry cleaners,” he says. “We, as laundry operators, tend to stick our nose in that area more and more with the onset of wash/dry/fold, and it becoming a bigger and bigger sector in our business.”

He remembers a time when his WDF operation didn’t pay much attention to them because “we kind of assumed the customer would only give us stuff that they deemed to be washable.” But you never know when someone is going to give you a “dry-clean only garment or, even more deadly than a dry-clean garment, that brand-new red garment that could be cotton and launderable.”

Gardner says he’s seen garments with care labels that read, “Do Not Clean,” “Do Not Dry Clean” or “Do Not Wet Clean,” and have absolutely no cleaning instructions.

“So there are manufacturers that are saying to consumers that you’re buying something you can’t take care of going forward,” he says. They’re usually high-end, very expensive garments that won’t even stand up to a wash, Gardner adds, because their finish can’t withstand mechanical action or direct cleaning.

He trained his staff as a dry cleaner would train theirs: to examine every care label on garments received and make the customer aware of any item’s cleaning limitations or restrictions prior to making the attempt to clean it.

“The most important thing is to know the garment, especially from www.americancoinop.com

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IDENTIFYING FABRIC TYPES Some of the fabrics commonly found in garments sold today are cotton, linen, polyester, silk, wool and rayon. Each has its own unique qualities that must be considered when deciding the best way to clean it.

“There are really two categories of products there: you’ve got a manufactured product and a natural product, and they’re both very temperamental in their own ways,” Gardner says.

A launderer’s challenge with each is to maintain its appearance while getting it clean.

Pilling creates the tiny lint balls found on sweaters and bed sheets, for example, and those pills are actually broken, knotted fibers.

“The more you wash a garment, the more mechanical action you put on it, the quicker—depending on what it’s made of—it will pill,” Gardner says.

An audience member asked about cleaning yoga pants, popular in women’s fashion today. Because some care labels say to not dry them, you may be tempted to air-dry them, he says, but few laundry operations can spare the space needed.

“If you have equipment that has moisture-drying capability or, even bet-

ter, no heat settings, you can still pass the air through a shrinkable garment,” he offers. “The nice thing about these things is they dry really quickly.”

CHOOSING RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCTS With so many detergents, bleaches and softeners on the market today, what advice does Gardner have about choosing the right type of cleaner for the item being washed? Are there any products—or even ingredients—that he suggests avoiding?

“I’m sure other folks have had this happen but I’ve had employees literally dump chlorine bleach accidentally or intentionally—not knowing what the effects were—on a load of colored items, full color, destroyed the entire load and had to replace it.”

Chlorine bleach is good for truly white items and/or polyesters that were dyed before the fabric was made, advises Gardner: “If dye is applied after the product has been made, chlorine bleach will pull it at one point in time or another.”

He believes you can achieve results using oxygen bleach (and “a little bit more temperature on your whites”) that are just as good as using chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach, even as a liquid, is going to be more effective.

Because they’re concentrated, powdered detergents are more effective than their more expensive liquid counterparts if washing in the proper temperatures, Gardner says. For example, using water that’s hotter than 110 F would be optimal, but you can still get results in water as low as 80.

If you’re in a Northern state like Minnesota, it’s wintertime and you’re running your washers on cold water, even the Tide “wash in cold” products don’t work effectively when the water temperature you’re putting in the drum is less than 50 degrees, he says. Those located in the South

▼

a washing standpoint,” he says. “Know what your risks are with certain types of garments.”

If you’re doing basic WDF, post signage saying you’re not responsible for damages and state that customers should submit only garments that are washable. If you’re offering a higher-end service and charging more, over $2 a pound, then maybe you’re expected to look at every individual garment and sort them by cleaning needs, according to Gardner.

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Everything you need Everywhere you need it Looking for a specific product for your laundry operation? Check out the Buyer’s Guide at AmericanCoinOp.com, where you’ll find our extensive coast-to-coast listings. Just scroll down beneath “Resources” and click on “Buyer’s Guide” to start shopping today!

Looking for a specific product for your laundry operation? Check out the Buyer’s Guide at www.AmericanCoinOp.com, where you’ll find our extensive coast-to-coast listings. Just scroll down beneath “Resources” and click on “Buyer’s Guide” to start www.americancoinop.com shopping today!Guide 2023 Standard_half_horz.indd 1 0623aco_Buyers 1123aco_p026-028-Garment Care Basics-FINAL.indd 27

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and Southwest will never encounter this issue.

Gardner’s WDF operation used chemical injection in which liquid detergent was automatically injected into the wash cycle. “We could do two things: we could dose the proper amount so we weren’t overusing chemicals, and we also made sure we had the (chemical) product that was specific for that.”

And that product was something he called a “nursing home blend.”

Most chemical companies offer a product that would qualify.

“Most nursing homes deal with a lot of stains: urine, feces, food stains … and they’re washing their own laundry internally,” Gardner explains.

“There are products made—one-dose products—that work really well with the equipment we have in vended laundry … It’s a little bit more expensive but it does a great job because it’s built and designed specifically for personal laundry, and personal laundry that are going to have some (cleaning) challenges with it.”

The formula likely contains some enzymes, oxygen bleach, and natural bluing agents to assist in brightening the cleaned garments.

Gardner also likes color catchers, which are sheets designed to absorb and trap any dyes that clothes may release during the wash.

“You never know when you may get a load with what we call ‘fugitive dye,’” he says. “In other words, a dye that did not hold to the garment, just like a red garment the first time you wash it. It’s going to redeposit itself on everything else in the load.”

Gardner says ammonia and Dawn dishwashing detergent are excellent products for the treatment and removal of most stains you’ll see.

Ammonia works well on stains with odors, as well as fatty or greasy stains. Dawn can pre-treat oil, ink or grass stains.

Heavily stained garments may require soaking in an enzyme detergent,

28 AMERICAN COINOP NOVEMBER 2023

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and Gardner recommends using a commercial shirt laundry powder.

“You want the detergent with the most enzymes in it because that’s going to (offer the greatest) ability to do this type of cleaning,” he adds.

“The more expensive ones will have a broader range of enzymes in them and a higher concentration.”

GET TO KNOW YOUR CHEMICAL SUPPLIER Any operation that does laundry for its customers benefits from having a good relationship with a professional chemical supplier, according to Gardner.

“Whether it be your drycleaning supplier or an industrial laundry supplier, they’re the ones who are going to be able to help you with your specific problem,” he explains. “There are a lot of things to think about when you’re doing laundry for somebody else.

“You can get into the pH of your water. You can get into the hardness of your water. … My chemical supplier checks our pH regularly when he comes out to make sure the balances are all correct in the loads and making sure we’re getting the right doses for what we want.”

Water’s pH level and hardness can change regularly depending on the source, which can impact wash chemistry effectiveness.

“They’re also a regular resource,” Gardner says of chemical suppliers.

“You can pick up the phone and call them if you have a problem and a good supplier will solve that problem for you.”

The Coin Laundry Association frequently offers webinars that cover topics such as marketing, store operations and management, and new investor education. Visit www.coinlaundry.org/events/webinars to learn more.

www.americancoinop.com

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: AMERICAN COIN-OP. 2. Publication Number: 0092-2811. 3. Filing Date: 9/15/2023. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly.

5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $50.00. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Contact Person: Donald Feinstein, 312-361-1682. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Donald Feinstein, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Editor: Bruce Beggs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. 10. Owner: American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Charles Thompson, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Donald Feinstein, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Bruce Beggs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661-1036 Cook County. Nathan Frerichs, American Trade Magazines LLC, 650 West Lake St., Suite 320, Chicago, IL 606611036 Cook County. John S Suhler, 200 Long Neck Point Rd., Darien, CT 06820 Fairfield County. 13. Publication Title: AMERICAN COIN-OP. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2023.

ACOof 3.5 inch class display.indd 1 8/2/23 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 Copies (Net press run): X=10,852, Y=10,516. b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail). (1) Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form Professional Laundry Scales 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= 6,410, Y=6,075. (2) In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing and Internet requests from from Summit Measurement 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 NTEP Digital Bench, Portable, ONL(By E Mail andAPM-60 Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): X=6,410, Y=6,075. (d) Nonrequested Distribution Outside the Mail).

(1) Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on Scale ! including AssociationBench ARequests PS Form 3541 (include Sample copies, Requests Over 3 years old, Requests induced by a Premium, Bulk Sales S and Requests, Names obtained from Business Directories, Commercial Floor and Coin Counting Scales 150old,lbs.

OWcopies, Capacity Lists, and other sources): X=3,942, Y=3,941. (2) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (includeN Sample Requests Over 3 years 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)Legal Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes For Trade 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 The Single Best Place to Buy (Include Pickup Stands, Trade Shows, Showrooms and Other Sources): X=0, Y=0. (e) Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): X=3,942, Y=3,941. (f) Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e): X=10,352, Y=10,016. (g) Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4, (page #3)): X=500, Y=500. (h) Total (Sum of 15f and g): X=10,852, Y=10,516. (i) Percent Paid and/or Requested Laundry Scales Online!

Circulation (15c divided by f times 100): X=61.92%, Y=60.65%. 16. Electronic Copy Circulation: (a) Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: X=79, Y=78. (b) Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) * Pillar Optional + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): X=6,489, Y=6,153. (c) Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): X=10,431, Y=10,094. (d) Percent Paid (818) 561-3636 and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100): X=62.21%, Y=60.96%. I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2023 issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, www.summitmeasurement.net 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): Donald Feinstein, Publisher, Date 9/15/2023.

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NEWSMAKERS PELLERIN MILNOR CORP. RECOGNIZES TOP DEALERS OF 2022 Pellerin Milnor Corp. recently awarded California-based Western State Design first place for machinery sales among its worldwide distributor network in 2022.

Milnor says the company, which was founded in 1974 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, has been a great contributor to its success.

“Western State Design actively helps customers determine the right solution for their business through consultative relationships utilizing our industry-leading products combined with their strong service support,” says Rick Kelly, vice president of sales and marketing for Milnor. “We are grateful for their success and customer support in their region.”

Rounding out Milnor’s top five dealers for the 2022 machinery sales year are: second place, Pellerin Laundry Machinery Sales Co., Kenner, La.; third place, TLC Tri-State Laundry Companies, Valdosta, Ga.; fourth place, Mendenhall Commercial Laundry Equipment, Salt Lake City; and fifth place, Steiner-Atlantic Corp., Miami Gardens, Fla. Milnor says that for more than 75 years, its industry-leading dealer network has provided sales and service support to Milnor customers around the world.

CLA HOSTS SOLDOUT WDF WORKSHOP 2023 IN NASHVILLE The Coin Laundry Association (CLA) welcomed approximately 275 laundry professionals to its sold-out WDF Workshop 2023 in early October in Nashville, Tennessee. The annual event dedicated to wash/ dry/fold and pickup and delivery business owners provides a unique platform for industry leaders to connect and learn, CLA says.

“I’m immensely proud of the Coin Laundry Association for producing the WDF Workshop, which has seen remarkable growth this year,” says CLA CEO/President Brian Wallace. “This growth reflects the increasing significance of wash/dry/fold and pickup and delivery services in the laundry industry.”

A recent CLA survey showed that over 56% of laundry businesses now offer WDF services, while 55% of WDF businesses have reported a boost in their customer base over the past year.

“This underscores the growing demand for these services,” Wallace says. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformative wave.”

The education program was set up to empower attendees with essential insights and skills through sessions and hands-on workshops. It was developed to cater to individuals at all levels of experience to ensure everyone attending could gain practical knowledge for immediate application.

Topics covered during the three-day event included pricing strategies, employee management, the integration of folding machines, customer retention, and revenue streams beyond traditional laundry services.

ACI RECOMMENDS ADDING LAUNDRY PRODUCTS TO EPA PROGRAMS The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) recommends new product categories—liquid laundry packets, dissolvable laundry sheets and microbial-based cleaners—be added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) potential expansion of its Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs.

The EPA programs allow companies to get an agency-approved label if their products are proven to meet stringent health and environmental safety criteria. That label is used by consumers and helps to guide purchases made for schools and other institutions.

“ACI members benefit from the Safer Choice Program Certification 32 AMERICAN COINOP NOVEMBER 2023

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because it represents a high level of achievement in formulating products made with safer ingredients for consumers and the environment,” writes Darius Stanton, director, Regulatory Science and Innovation, ACI. “By the Safer Choice Program expanding the certification to new product categories, it will continue to drive innovation within the cleaning/disinfecting/sanitizing industry and beyond and help consumers, businesses and purchasers find products that perform and contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.”

The ACI submitted its written comments as part of a “stakeholder engagement opportunity” for public input.

WHIRLPOOL CORP. EARNS RECOGNITION FROM MAJOR NEWS MAGAZINES Whirlpool Corp., parent company of Maytag Commercial Laundry and ADC, recently earned special recognition from national news publications TIME and Newsweek.

TIME recognized Whirlpool as one of the “World’s Best Companies” for 2023. To create the list, TIME partnered with Statista, a provider of market and consumer data, to conduct a comprehensive research study identifying the top performing companies across the globe.

The companies recognized were identified based on an independent survey sample of more than 150,000 participants from 58 countries.

Companies also had to generate revenue of $100 million in 2022 and demonstrate positive revenue growth from 2020 to 2022.

Whirlpool’s inclusion reflects its dedication to delivering products and solutions that enhance the lives of people around the world while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future, the company says.

In Newsweek, Whirlpool was recognized as one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” for 2023. To create the list, the publication teamed with Statista to evaluate companies’ business practices and relationships with key stakeholders.

Whirlpool says its inclusion on this list highlights its commitment to do the right thing for employees, consumers, investors and the communities around the world where the company does business.

The companies recognized were identified in an independent survey sample of more than 70,000 participants from 21 countries; 269,000 evaluations were analyzed. The three main public pillars of trust— Customer Trust, Investor Trust, and Employee Trust—were considered.

TIDE LAUNDROMAT OPENS THIRD CHICAGO LOCATION Tide Laundromat celebrated the opening of its third Chicago location, in the North Riverside neighborhood at 1730 S. Harlem Ave., with a Free Wash Weekend in mid-October.

“We are thrilled to open our third location, in the beautiful North Riverside neighborhood,” says Rich Kahan, Tide Laundromat partner.

“Our commitment to providing the best laundry experience is unwavering, and we can’t wait to share it with the wonderful people of North Riverside.”

Tide Laundromat rolled out the red carpet with food, games, music and giveaways, and a special treat for every guest: a free wash.

Detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets are all included at Tide Laundromat. Tide or Gain detergent and Downy or Gain fabric softener are automatically added via smart auto-dispensing washers, so all a customer has to do is make their selections.

Tide Laundromat offers an array of amenities to enhance the customer experience, including free parking, Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

The North Riverside location joins facilities in the Belmont Cragin and Rogers Park neighborhoods in serving Chicago residents. www.americancoinop.com

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