To Coin or Not to Coin

[Tim-and-Holly0]

My listing is a 3 bedroom 2 bath entire home. Our average group is 6 people. I am thinking about changing the washer and dryer to coin operated and add that fact into my listing. I would like feedback from both hosts and guests as to how you would feel about a coin op laundry in a home. Do we have any hosts doing this in their home already and, if so, how is it working for you?

Thank you!

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Tim-and-Holly0

I think it is very good idea but it all depends of your nightly prices and competitors in your area. 

We don't offer washer but have a leaflet for local self service loundry service 2 blocks away + we have a bucket and loundry detergent if someone wants to wash his t-shirt or something by hand. Nobody ever complained but our prices are not high and average stay is just few days.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Branka-and-Silvia0:
Thank you for your thoughts.

[Robin4]

@Tim-and-Holly0

Hi again Tim and Holly,

It all boils down to economics....does you current machine require replacing? If it does what is the difference in cost between a coin op and a normal domestic machine? And bare in mind there is considerably more maintenance on a coin op than on a domestic machine. If your current machine is going ok and you are just replacing it for a principal, it's going to take you a long time to come out ahead.

The way I see it, a coin op machine is of considerably more robust construction and would cost at least twice as much as a regular domestic machine so, the thing I would consider would be...how long before you hit the 'break even' point! It may be that you would always be out of pocket by doing this, guys.

Personally your idea is great in that it would discourage indescrininate use but, financially I think it would be a loose/loose  situation and one I would not do!  

Cheers......Rob                                                                           

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Robin4:

Thanks for the reply. I already have the machines that I swapped out for new machines at an apartment complex, so we're just trying to determine if coin ops would upset guests or if they would even care.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Tim-and-Holly0 well, If I would be a guest then I would be happier with coin washer in the apartment  then a coin washer in the self service loundry 2 blocks away. Of course I would be even happier with a free-to-use washer in the apartment 🙂 but I wouldn't expect it in a budget apartment or a motel of course.

So, it all depends of a nightly price you charge.

[Wendy-and-Frank0]

@Tim-and-Holly0,

Go for it!

You'll be amazed how that one blue t-shirt isn't nearly as necessary as previously thought once they have to pay $2 to wash it and $1 to dry it.  😉

I advise ALL my clients who buy rental properties to install coin-operated machines in the basement for tenants.  Offsets the water bill and common electric bill.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Wendy-and-Frank0:

Thank you for the response. It helps.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

In my opinion, I think I'd first consider how much laundry guests actually do when they stay at your listing. Do guests tend to take advantage of the laundry machine to the extent you think you should charge them? 

As an Airbnb guest, when I stayed 3~4 nights I didn't need to use the washer - I just washed a couple socks and one piece of underwear by hand 🙂

But as a host, my guests tend to be long term - a month or more. So allowing them to use the washer was obviously important. I just included the cost of guests doing 2 loads of laundry per week into my price. 

In addition, I handle laundry for the bedding and towels I provide to the guest so sometimes if they are home, I ask if they have any laundry they would like to throw in the washer with the towels. 

If you have lots of short term guests abusing the laundry machine then I do think switching to coin is a good option. But if not, why not just add the cost of 1 load every 2~3 days into your price? 

[Amy38]

I would just raise my nightly price or the cleaning fee to accomodate the people who wash...o dreaded people who wash!

a coin operated machine would make sense but does not add to a feeling of openhearted hospitality.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Amy38:

"A coin operated machine would make sense but does not add to a feeling of openhearted hospitality." That's what I was wondering. Thank you for your input.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Jessica-and-Henry0: We do have a lot of short-termers that wash clothes. Probably about 50% of the guests do laundry. I was rushed one day so left towels in the dryer thinking the one-night guest would never notice.  Wrong... Thank you for your insight.

[Susie5]

@Tim-and-Holly0, here's another idea:  the honor system - leave out a nice bowl or jar and ask guests to add $1 per load (or whatever price you set). You could also provide the proper (e.g. HE) detergent and other supplies that you want them to use with your machines. That way you get some reimbursement and you can always say you are doing it this way to provide the service to those who want it, and keeping your costs low for those who don't want the service.  

I personally wouldn't go the coin-op route, unless you are going to have one of those singing launderettes where you also provide entertainment while people do their laundry (it's a thing here in Boston).  Coin-op feels too industrial or impersonal, and where are they going to get all those coins?? You'll need a change machine as well!

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Susie5:

You raise some good thoughts. Singing Launderette?? I do like the donation idea. Would solve the issue without risking the impersonable that you and a few others also mentioned. Thank you for the response.