something for the kids

[n175h]

I have and extra 10'x15' area that I'd like to put something to keep the kids out of the laundry baskets. I was thinking maybe a dragline crane or video games, but not something to bring in teenagers off the street, just something to generate a few $$$ and keep those pesky children busy.

Any ideas????

David

[pete f]

How about a couple laundry carts for them to push around and crash into stuff?
I think kid's play area are way over rated unless you plan to staff them. Leave the creatures running thru the main part of the mat for the parents to watch. hehe.

[tmi]

I bought some used theatre seats off Craigs list and made a mini theatre.
I get the latest movies or keep it on Nickolodeon and many kids hang out for at least 30 min.
I put a sign on the TV that states Childrens programs only. I also have the rows of chairs so close together that it is uncomfortable for an adult to sit for a long time.
It did not cost much but it is hard to measure how much money it makes.
It is also imperative that it is kept VERY clean.

TMI

[PeterH]

I have and extra 10'x15' area that I'd like to put something to keep the kids out of the laundry baskets.

Straight jackets and wall hooks...

[pete f]

Straight jackets and wall hooks...

I think we have the same customer base! :)

[n175h]

I bought some used theatre seats off Craigs list and made a mini theatre.
I get the latest movies or keep it on Nickolodeon and many kids hang out for at least 30 min.
I put a sign on the TV that states Childrens programs only. I also have the rows of chairs so close together that it is uncomfortable for an adult to sit for a long time.
It did not cost much but it is hard to measure how much money it makes.
It is also imperative that it is kept VERY clean.

TMI

I kind of like this idea, but the hamster wheel in my brain is turning hard to figure out how to keep it clean from all the pop, candy,and gum. The chairs almost need to be all plastic, so I could take them out to the carwash and blast the crud off. Yes, I could see the importance of keeping the adults out. Small chairs would be good. However, I know some fat parent will attempt to sit down on them. Hey, I like to watch Bugs Bunny, too. LOL

[Aromaz]

I tried this, the area is now a storage room. Nothing you do will keep the little brats in the play area. I closed mine the day I caught three little monsters ripping the pages out of the childrens books . They were playing "camp" and were going to make a campfire with the pages. They had a lighter they found.

[tmi]

The only way to have a clean Laundromat is to have no customers with kids, and or no customers.
I want the customer with many children and the extended family.
I have only had 1 customer with really bad kids and I asked her not to bring them to the store or just use someone elses laundromat. They were using up a disproporionate amount of the attendants time.
I also found that the cleaner and nicer the place looks the less likely it is for the customer to trash the place.
The bottom line is attracting and keeping customers is more work than the status quo.

Thats why WE make the BIG bucks !! (ha ha ha)

[saltima]

I can't believe I saw one kid walking back and forth on the lop loaders all the while the mom was working on her crossword puzzle. I asked to mom kindly to control the kids and please keep them off the sugar. The next time I saw them, the kid sat quietly at the table playing with crayon books. So she either was being courteous the next time or took my advice of a sugar free diet for the kids. As for entertainment, I don't think you could get anything to catch their attention for more than 15 minutes.