industry is both extensive and conclusive that self-service businesses that offer
multiple payment options far out perform
those that only accept a single form of payment,” Carlson explained, adding that the
coin laundry business mimics this trend.
(Continued from page 50)
“Cashless systems that create more options
for a consumer will win out every time
over a cashless system that limits consumers’ options in how they can spend their
money,” he continued.
According to research conducted by
WashCard Systems, about 30 percent of
consumers will only use cash (or coin) to
wash their laundry. Meanwhile, over 60
percent will go out of their way to use a
credit card. “Cashless is a necessity since
our society is trending towards that direc-
tion at an exponential rate,” Carlson said.
Into the future
Wonder what the carwash and
Laundromats of the future might
look like? According to Ryan
Carlson, director of marketing
for WashCard Systems, it all boils
down to plastics.
“This is a simple answer — we
live in a society that has been
trending towards going cashless
over the past decade,” Carlson
explained. “The average amount
of cash carried by a 16-34 year
old is $2.25, which hardly is
enough to wash a single load of
laundry. More and more people
buy all of their services with their
bank card or credit card.”
of cash carried by a 16-34 year three years, credit card use has doubled and in 2008 electronic to pay with their credit and debit cards business owners will begin to feel the pinch when they are predict the “death” of cash and checks, Carlson had this piece of advice for carwash and Laundro- mat operators: “When considering debit or credit cards, ask your self this, ‘What would McDonald’s and Walmart do?’”
