Laundromats aren’t a “set it and forget it” kind of business. They require hard work and dedication. However, owners who use digital tools spend far less time on small tasks, and more time making their business better.
Handling a laundromat remotely comes with challenges, but we have solutions. In this blog, you’ll learn the power of machine monitoring, holistic store oversight, and ways you can convert your laundromat business into a passive income stream.
Welcome to the future of laundromat operations—it’s up to you whether or not you want to capitalize on it.
The Truth About Remote Laundromat Management
Managing a laundromat from a distance can be tricky. When customers have complaints or need help, it’s harder to solve problems quickly. Keeping supplies stocked, like detergent and change for coin machines, can also be a challenge if you’re not there to check. If a machine breaks down, you need a reliable system to handle repairs fast.
That’s why good communication with employees is so important. Your team needs clear instructions on how to handle customer issues, restock supplies, and report machine problems.
But one big challenge laundromat owners face is keeping a reliable team. Employees might quit unexpectedly, or some might not follow instructions properly.
Many people dream of running a laundromat that takes care of itself, but the truth is, laundromats still require work. The good news is that technology can make all of these tasks much easier and faster. Even when away, laundromat owners can track everything using remote management tools.
Take Jason Worme, owner of Star Laundromats, who aspired for a passive income business but couldn’t find a way to overcome the reality of constant, hands-on management. During the early days, Jason had to work 18-hour days to maintain his store, manage his employees, and grow his business. Today, through embracing remote management technology, Jason transformed his stores into beacons of modern management and efficiency.
Read on to learn more about the digital strategies that remote laundromat operators, like Jason, use to manage their business.
Essential Digital Tools for Laundromat Owners
1. POS systems for easy payments and tracking
A laundromat needs a POS system to handle payments and track business income. The Cents POS system helps you run your laundromat easily by allowing you to:
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Accept digital payments so customers can pay however they like, without using cash.
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Watch machine use and income in real time to spot busy hours and change prices if needed.
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Reward customers for coming back so they choose your laundromat again and again.
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Get simple reports that show how much money you’re making and help with taxes.
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Simplify employee management by tracking staff clock-ins, performance, and productivity within the same system.
2. Remote monitoring software for machine tracking
With remote monitoring software, laundromat owners can check on their machines from anywhere. This type of software allows you to:
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Know right away when a machine needs repairs so you can take care of it quickly.
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See which machines get used the most so you can move or service them as needed.
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Plan repairs early so machines don’t break down and cause delays.
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Start or stop machines from anywhere to help customers or stop misuse.
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Watch utility usage closely to find simple ways to reduce costs.
3. Smart security systems for safety
Security is a major concern for laundromat owners, especially those who aren’t on-site all the time. Smart security systems can help:
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Watch live security video from your phone or computer, no matter where you are.
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Get alerts if someone enters a restricted area or tries to break in late at night.
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Keep doors locked so only employees or service workers with keycards or PINs can enter.
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Record footage to have proof in case of theft, vandalism, or other problems.
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Use two-way audio to talk to customers or warn off trespassers from anywhere.
4. Cents Assist: Customer call center support
Answering customer calls and complaints takes a lot of time. Cents Assist helps by handling them for you:
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Customers can reach support quickly through a phone number just for them.
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Customers can get help fixing simple machine issues before a technician is needed.
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Owners save time by letting a support system handle common customer questions.
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Tracks customer calls and questions to help owners see what issues come up most.
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Sends automatic messages to help customers quickly and keep them updated on promotions.
Keeping Your Laundromat Running from Anywhere
You can’t be at your laundromat all the time, but the right tools help you manage it from anywhere. Here’s how to stay in control:
Watch online reviews
Customers leave reviews to share their experiences. Reading them can help you find problems early, like broken machines or messy areas. When you reply, it shows you care and helps build trust.
Use alerts
Use alerts to keep up with your laundromat. You’ll know right away if a machine breaks so you can get it fixed fast. Alerts also help you track sales and warn you if something unusual happens.
Check your business dashboard
Many remote management tools come with dashboards that give you a complete view of your laundromat’s performance. You can check your profits, see which machines get the most use, and watch customer trends all in one spot. A clear dashboard helps you stay updated without being there.
Why a Strong Team Matters for Remote Management
Digital tools are helpful, but a strong team is still important. Your employees keep the laundromat clean, help customers, and make sure everything works well.
Tips for training staff to work with digital tools:
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Show your employees how to use the POS system, security tools, and remote monitoring.
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Keep your team updated by messaging them through an app.
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Have short talks with employees to make sure they understand their jobs.
Maintaining Store Wellbeing Through Regular Checks
Even if you run things from afar, checking in at your laundromat helps you keep high standards. A comfortable space brings back customers.
Schedule routine inspections
Drop by your laundromat on a regular basis. Walk through and check if machines, supplies, and cleaning standards are up to par. Are the floors clean? Are the vending machines stocked with detergent and other supplies? Are the seats comfortable and free of damage? Make sure the restrooms are tidy and well stocked.
Use digital tools to spot problems early
Your remote management tools can help you know what to check before you even arrive. Check reports from your POS system and remote monitoring to see how machines are working, what customers are doing, and how sales are going. If a machine isn’t used much, it may need fixing. A drop in sales might mean your store needs some changes.
Stay ahead of maintenance issues
Look at reports from your POS system and remote tools to see how machines are running, what customers are doing, and how sales are going. If a machine isn’t used much, it might need repairs. If sales drop, your store may need updates.
When you mix regular visits with smart tools, your laundromat stays in great shape, customers stay happy, and you save money on repairs. A clean store also means better business.
Conclusion
Smart technology makes hands off laundromat management easier. POS systems and remote monitoring save time and help your business grow. Try automating a few small tasks, and you’ll quickly realize how much smoother things operate.
Key takeaways
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Digital systems help laundromats run more smoothly: Using POS software, machine monitoring, and security cameras means less time managing small tasks.
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Catching small issues early helps you avoid big costs: Using alerts and automation keeps repairs from getting too expensive.
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A great customer experience brings people back: A well kept laundromat with simple payments and helpful service keeps customers coming.
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Being there in person still matters: Smart tools help a lot, but checking in yourself keeps your laundromat clean and welcoming.
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A good team keeps your business running: Teaching employees how to use digital tools makes remote management much easier.
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Better tools lead to bigger success: Automating simple jobs lets you work on growing your laundromat instead of daily operations.
