Laundromat That Takes Debit Cards, yer or no? The laundromat industry is booming and many operators are upgrading their machines to take debit cards. However, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of converting to a laundromat that takes debit cards before you make the decision.
Coin-operated Laundromats accept only quarters and are great for customer acceptance, but it is a hassle for Laundromat owners to collect from each machine, count and place in changers.
Hybrid Card Systems
If you’re looking to accept credit/debit cards at your laundromat, you should consider a hybrid card system. These systems allow you to offer the convenience of card/mobile payments without losing customers who prefer coin.
Hybrid cards are a type of smart card that contains two or more embedded chip technologies, such as contactless and contact chips, in a single e-card. They can be used for a variety of applications, such as access control and time recording.
Laundromats that take debit cards often use a hybrid card system such as FasCard from Card Concepts Inc. This card payment system allows machines to accept coins and also accept credit or debit cards, loyalty cards, and RFID contactless credit cards.
Credit/Debit Card Readers
When it comes to payment, customers are increasingly relying on credit/debit cards. Having a laundromat that takes debit cards can be an easy way to improve your customer experience and earn more money.
Many laundry owners are deciding to install credit/debit card readers on their washers and dryers. They provide convenience for customers and reduce the risk of vandalism.
They also help make it easier for laundry owners to track their income. With real-time online reporting, they can always see how much money is coming into their store and what is being paid out.
In addition, some of these readers can even be integrated into a smartphone pay app. This allows residents to pay by tapping their phone with their credit/debit card.
Smart Card Readers
The addition of smartphone pay apps and mobile wallets to laundry customers’ repertoire has prompted laundromat owners to reconsider their charging systems. These systems allow customers to load funds on their personal devices by a simple keystroke, allowing them to complete transactions with their credit or debit cards.
Smart card readers are designed to accept and read chip-enabled, contactless or RFID-compatible cards. They may be connected to a computer by a USB or Ethernet cable.
Some smart card readers can also provide secure storage of transaction history data. Other features include advanced authentication and verification functions.
Owners often find that using smart card readers reduces the number of times patrons misplace coins. And they often eliminate the need for a kiosk, which can reduce costs.
Those who choose to use smart card readers should be sure they are compatible with all card types and manufacturers. Otherwise, they risk missing out on potential revenue.
ATMs
Laundry customers use fewer coins these days, so cashless payment options are becoming more common at laundromats. Credit, debit, and mobile/app-based payment systems offer multiple benefits for both patrons and laundry owners.
Card-to-token is a popular credit/debit card solution, allowing arrivaling customers to insert bills at the changer bank and swipe or dip their cards for payout of tokens at coin/token acceptance drops or washer/dryer self-serve stations. Owners pocket a transaction fee from the change and can keep a portion of the surcharge revenue they collect as well.
In addition to card-to-token, ATMs have become a popular option at laundromats that take debit cards. Often called American Changer models, these machines accept debit and/or credit cards and dispense quarters in $5, $10 and $20 quantities. They’re easy to install, requiring little maintenance or space. And they’re a good way to increase business. They’re also a great tax write-off! Some ATMs are operated by an ISO, but most are self-service.
