Did you ever notice how some laundry rooms seem to make a building look more decrepit? We all know the stories of laundromats that are on their last legs, with rickety machines that look like they may light on fire. People avoid those places of business—even if that business just has a shared laundry room for clients.
It’s no secret that people tend to judge a business by the equipment they have available. In the case of a corporate laundry room or an apartment building’s laundry room, having equipment that looks good and works well is a must. If you’re struggling to give your laundry room a facelift, our guide will help you make it happen.
What are the benefits of getting better equipment for your laundry room?
If you want to get better business, it’s best to start by looking for laundry equipment for sale. This is true regardless of whether you need to get new machines. Don’t believe it? Take a look at the benefits of buying new machines below.
New laundry equipment will make your entire laundry room look better. There are few things that make a room look more up-to-date than new machines. If you have been dealing with dingy washing machines from 20 years ago, a new set of washers will give your room a more modern feel.
Getting new equipment also means that you will be able to avoid liability issues. Did you know that older equipment can turn into an insurance liability? It’s true, especially if the equipment is so old that it doesn’t contain current standard safety measures. In some cases, older commercial washing machines actually go against local ordinances due to their water consumption. Updating your machines on a regular basis (or at least every five years) can prevent a lawsuit or a ticket.
People trust newer equipment. We have all heard about how old washing machines can rip up delicate fabrics—or a horror story similar to that. It’s a common tale that is often mentioned between friends who had bad experiences in a laundry facility. New equipment is seen as more reliable by users. That can give your business a better reputation.
The demand for new equipment is there. People want to use newer washing machines to launder their clothes. Everyone loves the perks of new tech. For businesses like apartment buildings or dorm rooms, this can be a major draw for renters.
In many cases, it can also help trim water and electricity bills. This is a vital issue in many parts of the country. Every building owner and building renter knows that utilities can burn a hole in your wallet. Most new machines come with built-in water and electricity conservation technology. It can save you hundreds, or even thousands, over the course of a day.
Does it make sense to repair your old laundry equipment?
At times, it actually does make sense to repair your equipment rather than to replace it. If you have repair and maintenance service with your commercial laundry room work.
What are the most common signs that you need to buy new laundry equipment?
Sometimes, it’s not about the benefits. It’s sometimes a sign that you may actually need a new machine. The most common signs that your old machines are on the way out include:
Your machines regularly break down. Do you have a sign that says “OUT OF ORDER” on your machines almost every week? If so, those machines are on life support. You need a new line of washers and dryers.
People have complained about the age or quality of your machines. No one wants to have the laundry rooms that are known for being bad. If your laundry facility is the subject of many complaints, getting new equipment is the least you can do to make things better.
Your utility bills have gone through the roof. This is often a sign of a strained machine or of a machine that is outdated. If you want to decrease your monthly bills, you may want to look at smart laundry equipment for sale.
Your laundry equipment has been around for more than 10 years. At this point, your equipment is considered to be outdated. It will break down more frequently, may require more repairs, and may also not be up to local building codes anymore. While they may appear okay, this is often the time when you should replace them before expensive repairs become a necessity.
A flood or earthquake damaged your commercial laundry equipment. Not all damages are easy to spot. If you were affected by a climate disaster, you owe it to your company to look at commercial laundry equipment for sale.
Your laundry equipment was vandalized or otherwise damaged, and your insurance company called it a total loss. If your insurance company has told you that the laundry machines are no longer functional, you have to trust their decision. This is a decision that was put forth by experts.
What type of laundry equipment should you buy?
If you’ve ever looked at commercial laundry equipment for sale, you already know that there are tons of different options that you can pick from. You are going to have to think about several features that can impact your room’s layout.
Utility Usage
Most laundry equipment for sale will have some kind of features that help you save on both water and electricity bills. If you live in an area with extreme water restrictions, then you absolutely should look for eco-friendly, EnergyStar commercial washing machines and dryers.
Even if you are not in an area that has restrictions on energy usage, getting climate-friendly smart washers can help you reduce your bills. That’s never a bad thing, and getting eco-friendly equipment can also be a selling point for certain renters.
Space Accommodations
It’s no secret that land now rents at a premium price. Every square foot counts. If your room is not a major focal point or part of communal amenities, it makes sense to get commercial laundry equipment that is designed for cramped spaces—ideally, stacking machine units.
With that said, you may also want to consider the average size of the laundry loads that will be processed there. On one hand, you might have small families in 1 and 2-bedroom apartments that need small to medium loads. That can work well with stackable machines.
On the other hand, if your laundry room is meant for large batches of laundry for commercial purposes, you may want to get a much larger unit that can do more in a single load. This actually makes the most sense economically.
PRO TIP - If you aren’t sure what your space requirements are and whether you should work with a larger machine, you can always ask a professional in the laundry equipment sales industry. The pros are there to help you design a better laundry unit.
Specialty Functions
Not all laundry loads are made equal. If you are a hotel or a hospital, then your laundry may need to be sanitized on a regular basis—and this can occasionally require special treatments. On the other hand, if you are a costumer or a fashion house, you may need in-house dry cleaning.
Before you buy new laundry machinery, you need to take a look at what you’re going to be washing. Regular batches of laundry for apartments won’t have the same requirements as high-end cashmere sweaters or hospital bedding.
Budget
While we all wish that we could have as much money as possible to spend on laundry machinery, the truth is that every business has a budget. Budgeting is something that you have to take into account as a factor when purchasing any equipment.
Though you may want to get the cheapest option on the market, that isn’t always a good idea. The phrase “You get what you pay for” is very true when it comes to commercial equipment. Remember: good equipment is an investment in your business.
Multiples
There is always going to be a difference between buying one (or two) large units and buying half a dozen of them. In most cases, you may be able to get a discount. Even if you don’t, you have to think about the logistics of installing them and getting them delivered.
A good laundry equipment company will be able to guide you through this process with ease. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider keeping an eye on the number of outlets you have. This can help your supplier plan where to place the units and determine how many you can place safely.
Warranty/Service/Maintenance
Fixing a commercial unit is not easy, nor is it affordable. A good warranty can go far in terms of the value you get out of a washing machine. Make sure to take a look at typical repair prices for your unit’s service and maintenance before you buy it.
In a lot of cases, you will be able to get a good ballpark on maintenance costs by asking a savvy salesperson.
How much should you spend on new laundry equipment?
If you were buying regular home equipment, you could get away with buying a washing machine for as little as $500 to $800. However, this isn’t for a house. This is for a commercial unit, and that means it has to be built to withstand commercial-level use.
Most companies spend an average of $2,500 per unit. If you are on a budget, it’s best not to try to spend less than $2,000. If you want to splurge, it’s possible to find state-of-the-art units for as much as $5,000 or more.
Of course, you also have to keep accessories in mind. Chairs are typically around $30, desks $100, and soap dispensers can cost as much as $1,400. Depending on your business model, these may come into play.
Your best bet, in terms of budgeting, is to discuss your needs with a professional who helps order units for companies. After all, every business is different and will require different equipment to truly thrive. Not sure what to ask for? Professionals can give you a better idea of what to expect from your specific situation.
A good professional laundry equipment company will also help you install the machines for a free or discounted amount. Always ask about their installation fees and weigh your options carefully!
What should you look for in a commercial laundry equipment company?
There are four main factors that you should look for in a commercial laundry equipment company: selection, pricing, knowledge, and customer service. You want a company that has the machines you are looking for, the experience in the field to help you out, and the drive to make things better.
A company that has a great selection but a reputation for bailing mid-discussion will be a nightmare to work with. A company with great customer service but a poor selection and bad knowledge won’t work either.
Do you need help finding the right machines for your business?
It can be a jungle out there! Finding good equipment at a price you can afford is a daunting task—especially if you have other types of business to run. That’s why we make a point of making laundry equipment sales less daunting.
From the first phone call to the final look after an install, Smart O Mat is here to make sure that your commercial laundry endeavor is everything that you need it to be and more. Our job is to make sure that your purchase, laundry room planning, budget considerations, and aftercare are done right.
If you are looking for the best in the industry, look no further. We’re here for you. When you are ready to make that leap, give us a call or check out our equipment. No matter the questions you have, our goal is to answer them well and give you all the tools you need to succeed.