Different take on Coin-Op Machines

Different take on Coin-Op Machines

Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 4 votes

Hello everyone, just wanted to apprise the forum with a different setup - that I have not seen much info on - in hopes that it will better inform your decision-making process when adding/modifying on-site laundry machines.

This rental property did not previously have any washer/dryer machine on premises and because tenants were inquiring, I decided to add that amenity to keep them happy.  I was considering a coin-op machine like Speed Queen coupled with ShinePay (or a similar coinless system) but the price was a bit steep for me.  I did not consider adding regular washer and dryers and increasing the rent as I don't want to run the risk of tenant's family members/friends coming to the property for free laundry service.  It had to be coin-operated in my opinion.

I came across MQTEK coinboxes that essentially converts your machines to coin-operated ones but there weren't many reviews.  I took a gamble and ordered a pair and a set of a new washer and dryer from Best Buy.  (I haggled them on a lower price for the pair based a similar set that Costco was selling for a couple hundred dollars cheaper.  They got it down to $1188.01 from $1457.98).  I know I could have saved more by purchasing a set of used machines but I'm gambling on a new set giving me years of service.  Time will tell if this proves true but either way, if one goes down, I'll just swap in a cheap, used one.  I installed these back in October and *knock on wood*, so far so good.  

Cons are - of course - you have to collect, count and deposit your rolls of quarters.  Personally, this doesn't bother me as I regularly visit the property and find that it doesn't take up much time at all.  Some may prefer not to and opt for something like ShinePay which I was heavily considering but the device itself is relatively expensive, they take $4 for every $100 and it just seems like there's room for more issues to arise whether it be with the software and/or its components, customer support, increase in fees in the future, compatibility issues with tenant's phone, etc., etc.  

Here's the setup.  Also, I went with a gas dryer believing that it's the more economical choice given that gas is cheaper than electricity.  

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  • Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
    Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    5y

    @LaCroix Rockwell Nice set up. You can also take the quarters to coinstar and dump them in without rolling them and buy HD certificates, airline tickets etc. That way there is no commission.

  • Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 4 votes
    5y

    I did not know that - unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be many Coinstar machines in the area that I know of.  

  • Rental Property Investor · Member since 2021 · 385 posts · 197 votes
    5y

    @LaCroix Rockwell This was a really cool way of getting your laundry machines set up, with a much more economical option. Thanks for sharing!

  • Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    Awesome stuff @LaCroix Rockwell! 

    I love my speed queens! I think my last set cost me combined $2800. So you definitely got in cheaper, Everyone I spoke to told me the SQ were US made battle tanks that are easy to service. These machines haven't proven them wrong (although in 4 years I have had zero service issues).

    I think some in the forum may see the coin boxes as more conducive to theft (ripping them off a wall) but that would not be an issue for me.

    I used to LOVE collecting my quarter and heaving a whole sack into the house (4 machines), sitting down and listening to a pod cast/game as I rolled them... Then at the start of the pandemic I found a flush mount $1-20 change machine on craigslist for a couple hundred. It was a bit of a drive, but now I feel like I have a bill printer, Just move the quarters to the hopper and take out the bills!

    Love it! Good stuff!

  • Rental Property Investor · Modesto, CA · Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 4 votes
    4y

    I have 2 machines that I want to convert to coin op. Similar setup to yours. One question. What do you think on adding a coin timer to only the washing machine? Let’s say 3 dlls. And keep the drier “free” ?  I’ll simplify the setup.  

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