24 hrs laundry mats

[mj420]

I just wanted to know if anyone runs there laundry mat 24 hrs. If so what are some disadvantegeous and advategeous in doing so? What are some of your security issues? Does anyone recommend have it? Any advise would be great. thanks everyone.

[ajay]

I don't but have thought but changed mind each time: homeless sleeping in issues. I know of a store owner in our area who has done that, but he has very little to no business. He did it simply to not deal with closing/opening doors.

[lindhdg]

downsides: homeless, answering calls in middle of night, hard to justify upgrading equipment when people treat everything like crap, bathroom is basically a public restroom...disgusting

upsides: keeps customers happy (many begged to keep it 24hrs based on shifts, etc), attracts customers when others are closed, no need to close door every night. I have been packed at 3am, can't explain it. 24 hrs of income.

[Ronald]

I am open 24/7 the 45 mile drive each way 2 times a day got old fast.

Only problem I have had is my cleaning lady called one morning about
5:30 and ask what happen to the changer.A$$holes took the whole
changer.Insurance bought a new one (needed a new one in the first place)
So that was not a problem.Old Changer was found a week later and was repairable
So now I have 2 in a concret wall.

And yes I had a homeless man staying there in the winter but got him moved out
Sent him down the road to a warm bed with bars around it..Would not have done that but in the morning when he left for the day he would not turn lights back on that he had turned off.

[pete f]

I only run one mat 24/7 now. It is in a tourist area, so have that plus bar/wait satff /hotel/etc workers using the place all night long. I put the other stores on time locks. I sleep well at night.

[daddy4ever]

I have thought about it, but thats it.

A mat few miles away is 24hrs. They are on a well lit main road. Thier machines are OLD, broke down and no seems to take care of the place.

I'm in a dark residential area and just wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the store open all night. I know customers would like it, but don't want the head aches. I'm already an un-attended mat and have more work than I want being open 7a-10P.

I point any customer down the road for all night laundry.

To Each Thier Own

[t8me2dacleaner]

pete f,

Can you tell me which auto lock system you are using? I am researching about converting to unattended during night hours. If it's auto lock, how you make sure no one is in the store when it locks up? Or you check your cam to make sure no one is in it then lock it from your computer at home?

thx,
tknc

[pete f]

pete f,

Can you tell me which auto lock system you are using? I am researching about converting to unattended during night hours. If it's auto lock, how you make sure no one is in the store when it locks up? Or you check your cam to make sure no one is in it then lock it from your computer at home?

thx,
tknc

I like the maglocks. The only way to make sure noone is in the store is to check the cam via interent, which I do from time to time. People left are generally homelss and harmless as far as vandlism goes. Some of the local homeless figure the system out, you do have go from time to time at closing and keep things right.

[t8me2dacleaner]

frank p,

Thanks for the explanation. Is there also a PA system that you can use over the internet? So 30 min before closing, you can tell anyone that the store is about to close? I am worry to accidentally lock someone in.

thx,
tknc

[Ronald]

frank p,

Thanks for the explanation. Is there also a PA system that you can use over the internet? So 30 min before closing, you can tell anyone that the store is about to close? I am worry to accidentally lock someone in.

thx,
tknc

All the locks I have seen have a push button to let people out when doors are locked

[daddy4ever]

frank p,

Thanks for the explanation. Is there also a PA system that you can use over the internet? So 30 min before closing, you can tell anyone that the store is about to close? I am worry to accidentally lock someone in.

thx,
tknc
I installed a maglock system and have both a motion sensor and push button for back up if someone is locked in. check with your local fire dept codes.

Also I have a key switch on the out side so when I want in durning off hours.

To top this off I wired in a couple relays off the maglock's timer to control the lights.

[Palmyra Jim]

I have the mag locks. My two evening cleaners (sweep and mop) make sure everyone is out. I have two mats and pay people for 2.5 hours to clean both. Works well so far.

I have thought about going 24 hours and people have asked. I am worried too much about local kids with the mat for a late night sex club....

Jim

[pete f]

I>> snip I am worried too much about local kids with the mat for a late night sex club....<<

Jim

That is what cams are for.. though it is more like the old smelly drunken homeless club. late night teen sex I could live with:)

[Palmyra Jim]

*S* Pete, I have cams that show them going in and out...Both times, I talked with the kids afterward. It is now posted with a sign that clearly states Coed Use of the Bathroom is considered trespassing. Photos of the kids going in and out will be shared with Police and Parents......

Seems to have put a stop to it.

Jim

[DuboisLaundry]

I am worried too much about local kids with the mat for a late night sex club....



If they can't afford a motel room they can't afford a washer and dryer for all those baby clothes they will be washing starting in about 9 months