Disclaimers

[rildin]

HI All!

So far, after about one month (old owner had no books), it looks like the mat is generating enough to cover all the bills, plus some $$ for parts and what-not (old owner did very little maintenance). Not enough for a paycheck, nor enough to cover the paint, paneling & etc, but we're getting back some customers who say they left because of the old owner, and came back because they heard the mat changed hands. We're getting great reviews on the repainting/clean-up we're doing, as well as "little" things, like changing out the membrane keypad on a SQ that didn't allow warm washes.

The mat was at one time a "Norge Town", and the dryer lines all had cedar shakes over them. Quaint, but REALLY looked bad. We cleaned all that out and repainted, we're using a color called "linen" for the entire mat, almost eggshell, with a touch of yellow. It really brightens the place up. Along the way, we've taken down the old paneling, which also did away with the 4" day-glo letters telling everyone not to leave anything in their pockets, and that the mat was not responsible for damage to clothing. VERY tacky looking, but I know necessary.

What disclaimers do I need, and how are you'all posting them? Any and all are desired, so even if it's the "Don't let your dog do it in the corner", send it on! :)

Thanks,
Frank.

[David]

Frank,

You can look at catalogs or companies that sell signs to get a feel for what you might need. After that, you may have to get a feel additional signs by watching your customers. I've had to print a few signs(on my computer) to spell out specific do/don't that seem to occur at my mat.

I have one customer that has twin boys. From the time they can in the mat, the boys climbed back and forth across the toploads. (Toploads are back to back) The mother hardly even looked at them. After a couiple of times, I posted a specific sign in the area that she liked to wash. DON'T ALLOW CHILDREN TO CLIMB ON ANY LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT! It worked. They are much better behaved now.

[pete f]

Sounds like you are on the way to making an ok mat into a great one.
I have 1 sign that lists many things at 1 mat, it is fairly large and was done by a sign company. It looks pretty good. I also have bt the prepared signs from supliers, they look fine, and I have a small page "letter" typed out at the exit to thank them for comming in and to tell me, not a friend, if they have a problem.

Disclaimers are all over. Use at your own risk, check your pockets, do not use tops for heavy items, the list goes on, I can not think of them all right now. The only one you are required to have is one that tells how many mins per quarter you get for dryer time.