Making a laundromat great isn’t just about clean machines. Customers need a simple, stress-free experience. Signs help by showing them the way, explaining the machines, and sharing special promotions.
This blog will explain why signs matter, how they’re changing, and the best ways to use them.
Creating a Friendly First Impression
A warm welcome
The first thing a customer sees in your laundromat matters. A tidy space with clear signs helps them feel at ease. A friendly welcome sign should include:
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Your laundromat’s name and logo
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Hours of operation
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Basic instructions on how to start washing and drying
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Contact information for help
Helping customers find their way
Customers should never feel lost in your laundromat. Wayfinding signs help them find key areas like:
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Washers and dryers
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Payment stations
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Restrooms
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Folding tables
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Vending machines for soap and snacks
Using large, easy to read fonts and bright colors makes these signs more effective. Adding simple pictures (like arrows or machine icons) also helps people who may not speak the same language.
Signs for different languages
Not all laundromat customers speak the same language. Multilingual signs ensure that everyone understands how to use the machines and follow the rules. Digital screens that let customers pick their preferred language for instructions can make the experience even easier.
Making the wait time more enjoyable
While customers wait for their laundry, they appreciate having something to look at. Digital signs can provide:
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Estimated wait times for washers and dryers
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Fun facts or trivia
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Local news and weather updates
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Tips for removing stains and washing delicate fabrics
This keeps customers entertained and makes waiting feel shorter.
Placing Signs Where They Matter Most
Best spots for signs
Placing signs in the right spots helps customers get the information they need quickly. Important locations include:
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Entrances: Welcome signs should be easy to see as soon as someone walks in.
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Near machines: Instructions on how to use washers and dryers should be placed right where customers need them.
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Above payment stations: Customers should see clear instructions on how to pay before they start loading a machine.
- Restrooms and exits: Signs should direct people to these important areas.
Keeping signs fresh and updated
Old or outdated signs can confuse customers. Digital signs make it easy to update messages and keep content fresh. A simple plan for updating signs includes:
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Seasonal promotions: Holiday deals and back to school sales can bring in more customers.
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New policies: Quickly let customers know about changes to pricing or hours.
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Customer reminders: Encourage customers to clean up after themselves or report machine problems.
Safety and emergency signs
Keeping customers safe should always come first in a laundromat. Clear emergency signs should include:
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Fire exit routes: Show customers where to go in case of an emergency.
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What to do if a machine breaks: Provide a phone number or QR code to report issues.
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Warnings: Remind customers about hot surfaces, detergent spills, and overloaded machines.
Using glow in the dark signs or lit up exits can help keep your laundromat safer.
How Signs Can Help Grow Your Business
Advertising deals and specials
Signs help customers learn about discounts, rewards, and special services. Special offer signs can promote:
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Free dry days
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Discounts for frequent customers
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Wash-and-fold services
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Referral bonuses for bringing friends
QR codes for instant deals
Adding QR codes to your signs lets customers scan and instantly access:
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Coupons and discounts
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Online loyalty programs
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Pickup and delivery service details
This makes it easy for customers to take advantage of special deals.
Mobile advertisements with van wraps
Make your delivery van work for you! A colorful van with your laundromat’s name and contact info turns every trip into free advertising.
More self service, less staff help
When customers can easily understand how to use machines and pay for services, they don’t need to ask for help. This means:
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Staff can focus on other tasks instead of answering the same questions.
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Customers feel more independent and comfortable.
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Machines get used more efficiently.
More people join loyalty programs
Signs that share deals and rewards can get more customers to join. When people see they’re getting something extra, they’ll want to come back.
Fewer complaints and problems
Clear instructions mean fewer mistakes. Customers are less likely to overload machines, use the wrong detergent, or get confused about pricing. This reduces:
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Machine breakdowns
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Refund requests
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Customer frustration
Attracting more customers
A laundromat with bright, professional signage stands out. Passersby are more likely to stop in if they see clean, modern signs advertising services and specials. Great signs build trust and make your laundromat look inviting.
Stronger brand recognition
Customers are more likely to remember your laundromat if they see the same colors, fonts, and logo on all signs—inside and outside. Digital signs can reinforce this by displaying your branding in a way that’s consistent and visually appealing.
How Laundroworks Can Help
Laundroworks makes it easy to improve your laundromat’s signs and communication. But it’s more than just a signage system—it’s a complete laundromat management solution that helps owners make more money with less effort. Laundroworks simplifies customer transactions, provides valuable business insights, and improves operational efficiency.
Digital signage solutions
Laundroworks' digital signage allows laundromats to update their messaging instantly, reducing the need for printed signs. With these digital displays, owners can:
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Show real time updates on machine availability and wait times.
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Customize digital screens with your logo and branding to reinforce your business identity.
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Quickly update messages, promotions, and instructions without printing new signs.
Smart payment and customer retention features
Laundroworks goes beyond signage by integrating a Value Add Center (VAC) kiosk, card readers on machines, and a mobile app to enhance customer experience. Customers can start machines using a loyalty card or mobile payment, creating a smoother experience. The system accepts multiple payment methods, including:
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Credit and debit cards
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Google Pay and Apple Pay
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EBT
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Cash (which can be converted into stored value on a loyalty card)
Switching from coins to digital payments helps laundromats cut down on theft and damage.
Customer data collection for better marketing
Unlike traditional laundromats where customer interactions are anonymous, Laundroworks helps owners track ROI and engage with customers. Customers who register their cards or mobile apps provide their name, email, and phone number, allowing laundromat owners to:
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Send targeted promotions to encourage repeat business.
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Offer special deals to loyal customers.
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Recover lost customer balances if a loyalty card is misplaced.
Reliable and low maintenance hardware
Laundroworks' card readers are designed for minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional chip or swipe readers, these tap-to-pay systems don’t require physical contact, reducing wear and tear.
Benefits:
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No need to clean card slots or fix damaged swipers.
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Machines remain operational even if the laundromat’s Wi-Fi goes down.
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Transactions remain secure and seamless at all times.
Staffing challenges? Let the kiosk be your best employee
Laundromat owners often have trouble finding good employees. Laundroworks' kiosks do the job instead, handling payments, rewards, and customer service around the clock. Unlike human staff, the kiosk:
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Never calls in sick.
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Works around the clock without breaks.
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Reduces the need for on-site attendants, saving on labor costs.
Mobile app for an enhanced customer experience
Laundroworks also provides a mobile app, making transactions even easier for customers. With the app, customers can:
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Load funds using a credit card, Apple Wallet, or cash at the kiosk.
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Start a machine by scanning a QR code with their phone.
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Track their laundry cycles and receive notifications when machines are available.
The app makes paying simple and lets customers skip carrying a loyalty card.
Advanced management and operational insights
Laundromat owners can handle daily tasks online with the Laundroworks Laundry Portal. This dashboard gives up to the minute updates on:
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Revenue reports: View income from credit cards, mobile payments, and cash loads.
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Machine usage data: Identify underused machines and adjust pricing accordingly.
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Refund management: Issue remote refunds instantly, improving customer satisfaction.
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Maintenance tracking: Monitor machine health and schedule servicing before breakdowns occur.
Additional features that solve common laundromat challenges
Laundroworks also provides unique solutions for everyday laundromat challenges, such as:
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Bathroom access control: Restrict bathroom access to paying customers by integrating card readers on bathroom doors.
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Vending machine integration: Accept loyalty card payments for detergent, snacks, and drinks.
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Automatic pricing adjustments: Set “happy hour” discounts during slow hours or adjust prices based on demand.
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Promotional bonuses: Offer reload bonuses (e.g., “Add $20, get $2 extra free”) to encourage larger deposits and increase customer loyalty.
Laundroworks for multi-housing and route operators
Laundromats in apartment buildings or multi-housing areas can get even more help. Laundroworks:
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Lets owners control many laundromats from one easy-to-use screen.
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Provides automatic revenue reporting to track commissions owed to property owners.
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Eliminates the need for expensive Wi-Fi infrastructure with built-in networking technology.
Laundroworks makes it easier for route operators to track money and maintain laundromats in different apartment buildings. Laundroworks isn’t just for payments. It helps laundromats stay organized, bring in more money, and give better service.
Conclusion
Laundromat signs do more than just look good—they help customers find their way and use the machines easily.
Laundroworks’ signs help laundromat owners share important details, keep things clear, and promote great deals.
Want to make your laundromat stand out? Contact Laundroworks today to learn more!
