NEWS
Time:2021-08-24 12:48 Tag:Laundry equipmentlaundry parts
When we work with new investors in the laundry industry, one of the questions we get asked a lot is how to improve safety and security at laundromats. While you can’t always stop vandalism, theft, and crime from occurring at your laundromat business, there are some steps you can take to keep your customers, employees, and your investment safer. Here are just a few of the basics we recommend.
1. Research the area before you invest.
Picking a location for your laundromat isn’t something you should take lightly. Besides looking at the building specs, it’s important to take a look around the surrounding area from a safety perspective as well. In order to deter potential crime, you’ll want to find a laundromat location that is:
Well-lit (both externally and internally)
Easily visible and accessible from roadways and other businesses
Surrounded by well-kept businesses and residential properties
Through the internet and local police stations, you may be able to access valuable crime statistics, police records, and news reports that can help you judge the safety of the surrounding area.
2. Get to know your neighbors.
Laundromats are most successful when they’re interwoven with the communities they serve. That’s why it’s important that laundromat owners take the time to foster relationships with their neighbors – including business owners, local law enforcement, and regular patrons. These people are key when it comes to sharing important safety insights and quickly reporting suspicious activity. You can’t be everywhere at once, so it’s nice to have a community behind you even before an emergency occurs.
3. Install security cameras and alarm systems.
One of the great benefits of living in a technologically advanced world is that technology can keep us all safer! Installing security cameras and alarm systems at your facility is a good first step in protecting your patrons and investment. Security systems have been shown to significantly reduce crime and make your laundromat less of a target.
4. Go coinless and utilize caution when moving profits
Coin-operated washers and dryers can definitely be a target for theft – especially when you’re in the process of moving profit from coin changers and money boxes. A few ways to help combat this issue and increase safety include:
Checking your surroundings (including bathrooms and parking lots) before moving profits
Varying your pick-up times and techniques
Utilizing the buddy system when moving profits
Many laundromat owners have also moved to a credit or loyalty card payment system to improve safety and better serve their customers’ needs. Contact OEM Laundry Parts to discuss available commercial laundry equipment that is compatible with ESD payment systems.
5. Have a safety plan in place and train employees
“Be Prepared” isn’t just for the Boy Scouts, it applies to the laundry industry too! You should have a clear safety plan in place for you and you laundromat attendants to follow – and be sure to update it often! This plan could include things like opening and closing checklists, alarm system instructions, and emergency contact lists. Having this type of information readily available can help minimize confusion and prevent accidental alarm triggers.
At OEM Laundry Parts, we understand that opening a coin laundromat is a big decision, and we want to help you every step of the way. Contact our dedicated team of laundromat experts to chat about the equipment, parts, and services that can help make your business safer, more efficient, and successful.