Laundromat Owner considers “modernizing” her store with a card system
Owner: “I’m considering installing a card system for my laundromat. What do you think?”
Loyal Customer: “Will you still take quarters?”
BASED ON A TRUE STORY…
At a recent laundry industry event, I overheard a young laundry owner share something that stopped me in my tracks.
She’d bought the business less than 10 years ago and knows many of her customers by name. She’d been reading about the latest card systems — thinking her customers might appreciate a “modern” payment option.
But before spending thousands on card readers, kiosks, cards, and setup fees… she decided to ask her customers first.
Over several days, she talked with regulars on busy weekends and quiet weekdays alike.
Their answers surprised her:
“We don’t want to buy another loyalty card.”
“If you put in card readers, will you still take quarters?”
“If you put in card readers, will you still take quarters?”
They told her that while coins can sometimes be a hassle, they trust them. Quarters can be spent anywhere — at the grocery, gas station, or a coffee shop. A $4 balance left on a laundry card? Who else will accept that card? That’s my kid’s milk money!
After hearing her customers loud and clear, she decided to continue as a coin laundry — investing in her community, her customers, and reliable, tangible value.
Everyone was telling her that to be “modern,” she needed cards. But she realized modernization doesn’t always mean “digitization” — it means listening.
I have to admit: I really enjoyed this conversation.
#CoinLaundry #CashIsKing# LaundryBusiness #CustomerExperience #TrueStory