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franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
“It was the automation that particularly attracted me to a Speed Queen
laundromat,’ says new operator of Manurewa Speed Queen-equipped
Sudz Laundromat, Jason Foord. “We run a frozen food business, but we are
always looking to diversify our income. The low management requirement
through Speed Queen’s automated systems had huge appeal.”
Speed Queen is not a franchise, it must be noted. Owners like Jason
operate under their own brand, which can bring advantages to those
looking for good ‘hands-free’ investments. “We were quite lucky” he
explains, “because we started with a superb site. One of the business
partners in Sudz was relocating his operation and wondered what else
his building could be used for. When we looked at what makes a great
laundromat location, we realised that all we had to do was make it
smart, brightly lit and open the doors!”
Not just about machines
Jason explains how he’d first had the idea of opening a laundromat
four or five years ago. “Running a full-time business meant I didn’t have
much time to put into researching it, however,” he says.
“When we eventually did open a laundromat, what was vital was that it
didn’t interfere with our already successful business. We boiled down
our equipment supply option to two providers. Speed Queen won the
day for two reasons. Firstly, their focus was on helping us create a
successful business. It wasn’t just about machines.
“Having said that, the second reason was their equipment. The
industrial, American-made, robust-as-blazes machinery could easily
last over 20 years, which makes them a very good return on investment.
More than that, the machines are incredibly smart. The combination of
the touch screen wizard with the payment system makes it very intuitive
for customers. We literally have no ‘how to use’ or pricing signage… We
don’t need it with Speed Queen,” says Jason.
“Our ability to remotely manage our laundromat is excellent. The
combination of cameras, remote capabilities of the payment system
and cloud connectivity to the Speed Queen machines means we can
do almost everything remotely,” Jason said. “What little we can’t do
remotely, we can ask the cleaners to do while they are there.”
Imagination and experience
Having chosen Speed Queen as the supplier, Jason was more than
impressed at the management of the process and subsequent fit-out.
“We were first timers, but Speed Queen have done it all dozens of
times and never failed. They helped us with various applications and
consents, and they knew who to approach afterwards to get things
speeding along. They were superb!”
The latest Speed Queen laundromat, on the southern side of a main
road in Manurewa, has benefited from the imagination and experience
of all parties involved. “The site is ideal,” says Jason.
“It’s lovely and bright in the sunshine and we spent money to make sure
it is lit up at night, which is vital for 24-hour operation. We’ve gone for
a bright, eye-catching blue, which stands out on the road, and there is
ample parking.”
Jason explained how Speed Queen helped ensure the space was fully
utilised, including 3D design plans to show how the 47 machines would
look after installation.
“Most operators go for big local leaflet drops, but our position is so
visually prominent that we felt we didn’t need to. The only marketing we’ve
done so far has been ads on social media and flags over the footpath.”
Always attractive to customers
Does Jason’s new business do what he hoped it would do? “In a word -
yes! It is early days, but my fellow investors and I are really happy so far.
It has started off better than we thought, which is amazing given it takes
a couple of years for a new laundromat to really reach full potential.”
“It’s been a tremendous experience working with Speed Queen. They
held our hands through the process far more than I was expecting. Now
that the business is up and running, success is down to us as business
operators, but we know Speed Queen is still there to help.
“Provided it is kept clean, bright, polished and always attractive to
customers, we are confident it will continue to do really well with the
lightest of input from us. That’s exactly what we wanted.”
A medium-sized investment with Speed Queen Laundromats will
be between $250,000 and $300,000, says Speed Queen Head of
Laundromat Sales, Royce Little. “Automation and fully cashless
operation make a laundromat such a compelling investment,”
he explains.
“Some of our owners live a long way
from their laundromats. With no cash
handled on site, there is minimal
temptation for break-ins. And you can
be open 24 hours a day.
“The return on investment is in the
region of, or better than, 20-30%. So,
if this sounds like you, why not get in
contact with me!”
Speed Queen Laundromats
www.speedqueen.co.nz
Royce Little
09 528 5600
royce@speedqueen.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Opportunity: Retail
Speed Queen has come of
age in New Zealand, and the
laundromat concept continues
to build on its reputation and
success, with the opening of a
new Manurewa site.
SPARKLING
SIGHT, CLEAN
AND BRIGHT!
Sudz Laundromat
shining bright at night