As we all fear, coin and cash theft is a big problem for laundromats. Owners worried about break-ins and lost cash. However, new cashless payment systems have made those worries smaller.
But it's not just about preventing theft anymore—it’s about giving both you and your customers a better, safer experience. Coin-operated machines come with headaches: jammed slots, overflowing coin boxes, and the constant need to collect and deposit cash.
If your machines still use coins, you might be losing more than just change. New payment options help protect your earnings, reduce maintenance, save time, and give customers the flexibility they expect.
What Traditional All Coin Laundromats Get Wrong
Coin machines might feel familiar, but they come with some serious baggage. Here’s what traditional laundromat owners know all too well:
-
Theft and tampering: Crowbars, drill bits, and lock-picking tools are common foes for coin boxes.
-
Employee shrinkage: When cash is king, internal theft may become a hidden cost.
-
Unattended risk: Many laundromats run with little to no staff, making them a prime target for break-ins.
-
High maintenance: Coin mechanisms jam, overflow, and break—requiring frequent service and frustrating customers.
Beyond physical theft, cash-based systems offer little to no visibility. If money goes missing, there’s often no digital trail to follow.
How Laundromat Payment Systems Evolved
Ten years ago, most laundromats just used coins. Now, many use card-based laundry payments, phone apps, or laundromat payment kiosks. These tools have gone from cool extras to things customers expect. Laundroworks is leading this charge with hardware built for laundromat security solutions, ease, and full control.
Our systems replace outdated coin and cash models with cloud-connected, touchless solutions that give owners insight and oversight, from anywhere in the world.
How Modern Cashless Laundromat Payment Systems Prevent Theft
Let’s get straight to the point: smart laundry payment solutions prevents theft before it starts. Here’s how:
1. No physical cash = Less cash theft
Without quarters or bags of bills to steal, there's much less in the store to tempt opportunists. Simple as that. If you want to get fancy, no cash at att gives you and your attendants even less to worry about.
2. Encrypted transactions
Payments made through mobile payment laundromat systems are encrypted and secure. It’s the same tech trusted by banks and e-commerce giants.
3. User accounts & digital receipts
Every transaction leaves a digital fingerprint. If anything looks fishy, you’ll see it, instantly.
4. Remote laundromat monitoring
Cloud-based systems let you monitor your business remotely in real-time. Suspicious activity? You’ll know right away.
5. Tamper-proof kiosks
The kiosks themselves are built to protect against break ins and damage.
As Fairbanks Laundry put it:
“The problems with the kiosks are zero; we have not had any issues with them. They are basically bombproof, secure, and perform exactly as promised. The technicians are always available to answer our questions.”
Bonus benefits: What happens when you upgrade your payment system
Digital laundromat security is only the beginning. Modern laundromat payment systems also unlock:
-
Operational efficiency: Staff can focus on customer service or... not be there at all.
-
Smart pricing: Lower prices during slow hours or offer deals when customers use more than one machine.
-
Customer rewards: Keep people coming back with simple perks, no need to hand out cards or ask.
-
Data-driven decisions: See what machines are being used, when, and how often to maximize uptime and reduce utility waste.
-
Remote management: Monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot machines from anywhere—no need to be in store to know or see into every issue, just check your Laundroportal.
Laundroworks makes all of the above possible with one simple integration.
Bathroom Doors Matter More Than You May Think
Ask any laundromat owner what their biggest frustrations are, and restrooms are usually near the top of the list. From unauthorized use and vandalism to security risks and maintenance nightmares, public bathrooms can quickly turn into a liability, especially in unattended stores.
That’s why smart laundromat operators are rethinking access control at every touchpoint, including the bathroom.
Modern laundromat payment systems like Laundroworks integrate with smart door lock technology, giving owners more control over who gets in and when. With the tap of a laundry card or app verification, customers can unlock the bathroom during their visit, keeping it clean, safe, and off-limits to loiterers.
Here’s why this matters:
-
Keeps non-customers out: Tie access to active machine use or customer verification to reduce misuse.
-
Reduces maintenance issues: When only paying customers use the restroom, you deal with less mess and fewer repairs... hopefully.
-
Enhances customer experience: Clean, secure restrooms build trust and encourage repeat visits.
-
Protects your team: For stores with staff, limiting access to known users reduces the risk of dangerous encounters.
If your laundromat bathroom is currently unlocked, or you're relying on a flimsy key system, it might be time for an upgrade. Just like your washers and dryers, your bathroom door should be working for you, not against you.
With Laundroworks and compatible smart lock integrations, you can finally close the door on one of your store’s biggest problem areas.
How Laundroworks Simplifies Payments
Since 2008, Laundroworks has been a trusted name in card-based payment systems for laundromats and multi-family laundry rooms. With more than 5,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, our technology has helped operators modernize their businesses by moving away from coins and adopting secure, cloud-connected payment systems.
Laundroworks makes it easy for laundromat owners to streamline operations, offer convenience to customers, and keep things running smoothly—even from afar. Whether you’re running a traditional self-service laundromat or managing shared laundry rooms in apartment buildings, their simple, reliable system helps you stay ahead.
Here’s what Laundroworks brings to the table:
-
Secure, cashless payments: Say goodbye to coins and usually bills too. Customers can pay using contactless methods, mobile apps, or reloadable laundry cards.
-
Real-time tracking: Monitor your store’s performance and machine activity live, from anywhere.
-
Fast, reliable setup: Compatible with most major commercial washers and dryers, the system is tamper-resistant and easy to install.
-
Built-in customer loyalty: Encourage repeat visits with customizable loyalty programs and easy-to-use reloadable cards.
Whether you're upgrading your current setup or launching a new location, Laundroworks helps you run a smarter, safer laundry business—without the headache.
Ready to see it in action? Schedule a demo to explore how Laundroworks can simplify payments and modernize your operations.
Things to Consider Before You Upgrade
Moving from coins to cashless is a big change, but it can pay off in a big way. Before making the leap, consider:
-
Your customer base: Many modern laundromat users prefer cashless options, but some demographics may need education or signage. Laundroworks offers cashless and hybrid options to fit your demographic and business needs.
-
Internet reliability: Cloud-based laundry management needs consistent connectivity. Make sure your store is Wi-Fi ready.
-
Hardware compatibility: Laundroworks works with most modern machines, but older ones may need an update. The Laundroworks team is here to help!
Final spin: Stop Theft, Start Thriving
Laundromat theft prevention isn’t just about adding cameras or locks. It’s about making sure there’s nothing worth stealing.
With Laundroworks’ modern payment solutions, you protect your profits, streamline your operations, and create a better experience for every customer who walks through your door. No more hauling coins, counting quarters, or worrying about break-ins.
It’s time to stop chasing coins, and start building a smarter, safer laundromat.
The future of laundry is digital, secure, and simple. Let’s talk about how Laundroworks can help you get there—with the tools, support, and reliability you need to grow.
