Membership / Insurance

[Kitty]

We are CLA members and will continue to be members, however, I am curious to see what others think of this organization. After finishing my research into the Laundromat industry I have come to certain conclusions regarding the industry and how it is presented.

I am curious to know what the other members think of the organization as a whole and how you felt as a newbie, and how you feel now as a seasoned operator? Who does the membership benefit more? The newbie or the old timer? Or both?

What is it you expect out of the orgainzation?

[pete f]

I expect the CLA to continue to write my insurance. Anything else is gravy for me. Trust me, I have 1 store I can't even get a quote on. It is near a bad neighborhood, called the Gulf of Mexico.

Perks like free dinner/drinks are a nice touch. I know they are active in some issues that do not affect me directly, but will still lend support. Newbie or old timer, everyone should support them.
except thier new BB which echos here. They kept postings from 3 years ago. And Jeff L I think is copying stuff from here and posting there. He is quite more laid back on that one, guess he is aging.......

[CharlieS]

I found the CLA to be very useful in my first year, less in my second. They do write my insurance, which seems reasonable (about $1400 per store).

I definitely enjoy the Journal, as well as Coin-Op, but I don't think you have to be a member to get the Journal.

Yes, CLA is definitely manufacturer friendly. They avoid and refrain from any kind of equipment comparisons, and have heavy manufacturer involvement. However, I have also appreciated much of the information that I have received from manfacturers in their seminars.

The last session in SF had several good seminars. The tax seminar was superb. Hamilton Engineering gave a great seminar on the current state of water recycling for our industry (bottom line, its not feasible yet).

I believe in the one good concept theory. If I can get one good idea to improve my business, its worth being a member that year. I get that from the CLA.

Charlie

[Coinwash]

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[Suds]

I joined CLA as a newbie primarily for the insurance after quickly learning that most companies do not insure mats in Florida.

Personally I found the CLA staff to be quite patient, understanding, and helpful. They made themselves and email or a phone call away. The few times that I have sent emails or questions, my messages have been replied to the same day.

I also like and enjoy the Journal.

Then again, I am still a newbie. The mat owner that I shadowed and trained me is a great guy but does not believe too much in the whole internet concept, let alone either of these sites. I guess when you own several very successful mats, it's hard to make a valid argument. So when I asked him about either of the sites or the seminars he smiled and politely said it wasn't for him.

[Boxer]

So your point is you spent around 3 hundred dollars and you not a supporter of this site.

for $59 bucks. hmmmm Ok

Now what seems not to be working in your Mat.
Oh that's right the shadow Knows.

I wish you all the luck with your Mat.

Free is good

[mike]

I guess when you own several very successful mats, it's hard to make a valid argument.


Well, I own 2 successful mats, and I say,

no matter how much you know about any trade/business,

it never hurts to speak to people about THEIR methods or ideas !

Even rocket scientists talk to each other !


Speaking of which,

I just pulled the trigger on Cleanshow tickets, airfare, and reservations at

the Marriott from june 18th to june 21st 2009

I hope to see you all there !

I learned at my first show, that you may see something or hear something

that saves you money.

or

You could stay home and I will report on my findings,

(that would be on the premium forum only of course :-)))

[pete f]

I joined CLA as a newbie primarily for the insurance after quickly learning that most companies do not insure mats in Florida.

Personally I found the CLA staff to be quite patient, understanding, and helpful. They made themselves and email or a phone call away. The few times that I have sent emails or questions, my messages have been replied to the same day.

I also like and enjoy the Journal.

Then again, I am still a newbie. The mat owner that I shadowed and trained me is a great guy but does not believe too much in the whole internet concept, let alone either of these sites. I guess when you own several very successful mats, it's hard to make a valid argument. So when I asked him about either of the sites or the seminars he smiled and politely said it wasn't for him.


last quotes I got were for ex wind, ie, huricane ins. When quoted seperataly it was huge. Again, no FL ins available. I have an agent here in FL does a great job, if coinwash does not pan out let me know I will send her contact info.. .

[pete f]

Well, I own 2 successful mats, and I say,

no matter how much you know about any trade/business,

it never hurts to speak to people about THEIR methods or ideas !

Even rocket scientists talk to each other !


Speaking of which,

I just pulled the trigger on Cleanshow tickets, airfare, and reservations at

the Marriott from june 18th to june 21st 2009

I hope to see you all there !

I learned at my first show, that you may see something or hear something

that saves you money.

or

You could stay home and I will report on my findings,

(that would be on the premium forum only of course :-)))

thanks for the reminder.. New 'orleans. right?

[Suds]

So your point is you spent around 3 hundred dollars and you not a supporter of this site.

for $59 bucks. hmmmm Ok

Now what seems not to be working in your Mat.
Oh that's right the shadow Knows.

I wish you all the luck with your Mat.

Free is good


I spent over $300.00 while attempting to get the insurance. That was my priority. Rest assured, I'll spend the $59.00 on this site sooner or later.

As to what's been wrong with my mat lately? Let's see I just replaced the hot water valve on my 55 lb Dexter just a few hours ago. Evidently my model Dexter was a bit older. The attach points for the water valves are threaded in lieu of the speed clips. I had to take the old one and a new one apart so that I could use the frame.

Earlier today I cleaned my ADC coin mechanism that was not accepting every quarter. I took the mechanism apart, cleaned it, the coin slide re-assembled it and put it back together. It was working when I left. Heck, I even told the customer that informed me about it to go on and use the 36 minutes that were showing. My customer was very thankful. The added bonus was the other 4 customers that were in the store were equally as impressed / surprised by the gesture. How's that for face time?

Prior to that I went to the owner's big mat and cleaned out the drain valve on his older Dexter triple loader that is used for the WDF at his location. I cleaned the drain hose, cleaned the drain valve, ran the machine with the water off so that I can obtain visual verification that the valve is working (opening and closing) etc..

I then went to his top loader that had a jammed vertical coin slot. I opened the access door removed the 5/16 threaded rod that secures the mechanism. I then pulled the mechanism, cleaned it, sprayed some silicone on the mechanism travel surfaces, verified operation, then left the toploader running with some WDF clothes so that I wouldn't wast his water or electricity to verify the top loader's operation
His last top loader has a broken belt. We will replace that and the pump while we are there on said top loader later this week.

And just to be clear I am the shadow. I'm shadowing the owner and his repair guy (when he brings him) as he works at his mat. I'm sure there's lots to learn still, but this isn't bad for my for my first 3 months in operation.

And yes, I will be joining soon.

[Suds]

last quotes I got were for ex wind, ie, huricane ins. When quoted seperataly it was huge. Again, no FL ins available. I have an agent here in FL does a great job, if coinwash does not pan out let me know I will send her contact info.. .

Thanks Pete. I'll give both of them a call when it's time to renew my insurance. I paid for all my insurance up front for a year. But I will be in touch. Thanks again.

[Suds]

Well, I own 2 successful mats, and I say,

no matter how much you know about any trade/business,

it never hurts to speak to people about THEIR methods or ideas !

Even rocket scientists talk to each other !


Speaking of which,

I just pulled the trigger on Cleanshow tickets, airfare, and reservations at

the Marriott from june 18th to june 21st 2009

I hope to see you all there !

I learned at my first show, that you may see something or hear something

that saves you money.

or

You could stay home and I will report on my findings,

(that would be on the premium forum only of course :-)))


Mike,

I agree, matter-of-fact, subrscribe to your point of view. But you have to keep in mind that not everyone is into computers, posting, or reading information online. The owner and my own parents are classic examples of that.

Clean show... yes thanks for the reminder. It's a tough call for me to make right now. I'm not sure what will be going on on the work front. I'll know a little later. Thanks for the post.

[laundryboy]

Have been shopping my insurance and the best rates so far are from State Farm. Two differnt stores - each under $900.00

[seflaundry]

Really? I called them about 2 years ago and they want nothing to do with me. I have everything else insured with them.

[Suds]

Same here. I soon learned almost every insurance company does not insure in Florida (or at least it seemed that way).

My insurance came in over $2400.00 for one year alone. Heck, that is not much further than what it costs to ensure m vehicles. :-P

[mike]

My insurance came in over $2400.00 for one year alone. Heck, that is not much further than what it costs to ensure m vehicles. :-P



Well, I DREAM of that amount !


$8,337. a year for 2 stores, $200,000. each !

(But I am insured for everything that CAN'T happen !! :-)


It's Montreal, I probably AM covered for hurricanes.

[live1phish]

With hurricane coverage was 6500. (built in 50s) So now every June I shop and buy wind/hail and drop it in Nov . I have coin-op for gl/contents
coin-op is the cheapest for me and Ive had 3 other carries

[pete f]

With hurricane coverage was 6500. (built in 50s) So now every June I shop and buy wind/hail and drop it in Nov . I have coin-op for gl/contents
coin-op is the cheapest for me and Ive had 3 other carries


lets do lunch or Golf! I love the drop h ins after Nov.. ! How does that work? PM or call me. 727-480-2467
pete

[pete f]

Same here. I soon learned almost every insurance company does not insure in Florida (or at least it seemed that way).

My insurance came in over $2400.00 for one year alone. Heck, that is not much further than what it costs to ensure m vehicles. :-P


My GL biz is running about 1500 a store. No equipment. Becuase it looses value so fast and what can happen to a stainless piece of big steel I do not insure it.

Mike is probably hiper ventating by now after reading this..

[mike]

My GL biz is running about 1500 a store. No equipment. Becuase it looses value so fast and what can happen to a stainless piece of big steel I do not insure it.

Mike is probably hiper ventating by now after reading this..


Well,....(gasping for air :-)

That is the one downside of buying new equipment,

they INSIST on insurance for replacement value if they finance :-(

[Coinwash]

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