Tops vs Hard mount Front Loads

[Chase13]

I have 12 18lbs top loads in my store that average 5 tpd at $1.50. That's $60 per day.

If I replace them with an 18lbs hard mount, and vend them at 2.00, how many tpd will I loss? With your experiences, do customers really fill them, or will it stay about the same for tpd?

Thanks Chase13

[pete f]

most tops are "12" pound capacity, how are yours 18? what brand?
A top and 18# hard mount use about the same amount of water, so they cost the same to run. But the hard mount cost more, and hold more, we call them double loaders. So you can charge more. There will still be those who want to use tops becuase they like them, don't want to pay extra, or/and do not have a big load for the 18#'er I find keeping some tops helps make charging a little more for 18's easier. Your customers will go to machines they feel comfortable with, I will guess replacing will probably not really effect the revenue that much. If you are looking at the maytag, the turbo wash model uses less water, that is where you make the "extra".

[mike]

I think Chase13 is talking about 18 "Canadian pound" toploaders ;-)

[pete f]

I think Chase13 is talking about 18 "Canadian pound" toploaders ;-)

Is that like the gallon of Canadian gas? You got it all on Texas! They think everything is bigger there...

[smellysocks]

i think tops use more water, but the front spin out faster so it will save some drying time and they last alot longer. i hate tops and would never put them in. They come because you have big machines its all about saving time today in our hurry up world

[MichaelCa]

When you mix those Canadian 'Pounds' with Canadian 'Dollars' ...the result is pretty 'flacid' to your bottom-line ;)

Seriously tho', some Toploader literature not too long ago actually claimed that certain 'deep-tub' models were 15-18lbs or so - whatever - it's all just hype anyways.

"...They come because you have big machines its all about saving time"

Not true in many situations, like mine: Dense, urban city, singles & couples, mostly young. I watch them look over my '18-20LBers' and then the Maytag Tops, and half the time they choose the Tops - is it about money? yeah... BUT, it's also that they can choose it, because they have smaller loads. They don't even look at the 25 & 35 LBers.

My revenue right now is split 50/50 between Tops & Auroras (18-20Lb)
with an equal amount of machines.
Am i making more gross margin with the Auroras, yes.
But, back to your question, am i losing TPD ? Probably yes, - but think about this: It isn't only about TPD/machine, its about total AVAILABLE TPD/store.

Are you more confused now?

[ajay]

the best way I found to increase more revenue is to change washers to a different brand. For example, I recently added 3 tops with longer wash cycle and longer spin cycle and am charging $.25 extra. I don't have the specs with me right now, but I thought for sure that tops used alot more water than the 18lb fronts. so there could be savings there as well. Also, as you indicated when you add "new" washers you'll also be able to get more for those machine. An average vend price I have seen depending on area and competition is between $1.75 to $2.25. Also, I would recommend hard mounts over soft where possible.


ajay

[Kitty]

From a woman's perspective and with laundry experience, the 18lber in our market was not well received. Especially where we still had tops in use. Im not sure about the model you are looking at, but the "double loaders" gen 5 wascomats I have experience with had a small door opening that was very annoying. As I have said before ~ many laundry customers.....myself including with the exception I always seperate.......take an arm full of clothes and want to stuff into the door opening, so the small openings are annoying as it may take more than 1 good heavful into the washer.....:) The double wascos were challenging with this type of customer action. However, the store we housed these doubles, were full of a wide variety of other sized machines, ranging from tops & neptunes, double wascos gen 5 and the emerald series, 35's 50,s and 55's. The double wasco and double wasco emerald series did not fair as well in this market. I do take in to thought Kirbys adamant opinion that has been heard before ~ of not offering your customer too many choices. Offer the market their preference ~ with the goal to earn the highest vend price.

The 35's were most used in my market but 50's faired well. Tops did pretty good and the neptune front sort of kinda. I agree with Kirbys thoughts of sticking to what the customer want and are willing to pay for. The ease of use, less time incolved, clean and cost effective clothing.


Increase revenue? Dig into you customer base and find what they would add to your sales. Would they utilize more larger fronts that will increase their cost but increase your sales. Would they like video and vending that could add a few bucks to your sales each month. How about a wdf service? drop off dry clean.

The small town I work in now which also houses my old stomping ground offers no laundry services nor ironing/dry or cleaning services that is servicable in less than 3 days tournaround. At my stomping grounds I know what I would implement and see if there would be sales gain.

INcreasing revenue can be acheived in many areas. Cutting hours and payroll if you can determine the cost versus gain. Raise prices, change out lower vend machines for higher vend machines. Offer video, snack and entertainment vending machines.

Good luck!

[mike]

Chase13,

In your original post, you made a math error !

You take in $90 a day, not $60.

I hope the next sound I hear is you phoning revenue Canada to inform them of your error :-)

[KJD]

OR, he is only getting 3.33 turns a day.