franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
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Speed Queen is the oldest and largest
manufacturer of commercial laundry
equipment in the world. “Despite being
founded in 1908, we’ve always been at
the cutting edge of technology, and that’s
why our operators continue to make big
profits,” says Royce Little, Speed Queen’s
head of laundromat sales.
“We offer technological advances that
are game changers for laundromats. With
cashless payment systems and remote
operation, laundromats have become
even more attractive for investors. You
don’t need expensive high street or mall
locations, and our partners are reaping
the rewards of us being ahead of the
game. That’s why we say Speed Queen is
a near-perfect model for anyone seeking
semi-passive income.”
Cashless means stressless
From an investor’s perspective, cashless payments are one of the biggest
shifts in the business. “There are no security issues around cash. There is
nothing to steal on site,” explains Royce. “There are no worries about cash
handling, collecting, or banking coins. That used to be a massive hassle.
“Our laundry equipment integrates to payment systems that allow customers
to pay directly on the machines. This means your customers can pay with
their EFTPOS or credit card or pay with PayWave or Apple Pay, and the
money then ends up in your bank account without the need to deal with cash
collection and deposits.”
Security and control from anywhere
Remote operation doesn’t stop with cashless payments. Security cameras
allow owners to keep an eye on their store 24/7 from their phone or laptop.
Smart doors mean you don’t need to be on site to open and close your
laundromat. Stores can run 24/7, or you can use timed access or remote
unlocking to let staff and cleaners onto the premises. “With reliable local
cleaners,” says Royce, “many investors hardly need to visit their laundromats
at all.”
Real-time insights at your fingertips
Speed Queen Insights takes remote management even further. Store owners
can log in and see machine performance in real time: how many cycles each
machine has done, revenue by the hour, and even when there are rare faults.
“If there is a blocked drain, the machine will notify you immediately,” says
Royce. “You can literally sit in Kerikeri and operate a laundromat that is
in Invercargill.”
Customer experience that drives loyalty
While investors benefit from cashless systems, smart doors, and remote
monitoring, customers notice the difference too. For them, Speed Queen
laundromats are faster, safer, and easier to use than ever before. No longer do
they need to carry bags of coins or worry about machines swallowing their
cash. With the ability to tap their card, phone, or even smart watch at the
washer or dryer, payment is effortless and familiar.
Reliability is another factor that builds repeat business. Because every Speed
Queen machine is connected through the Insights platform, any issues
are identified quickly. If a drain blocks or a machine requires servicing, a
laundromat’s owner knows instantly and can act before the issue causes
downtime. That means fewer out-of-order signs and more machines available
when customers need them most.
Safety is also front of mind. The absence of cash on site reduces theft and
creates a more secure environment, which matters to families, students,
and late-night users. Combined with well-lit stores and camera monitoring,
customers feel safer and more confident in using laundromats. Ultimately,
happier customers stay loyal, tell others, and keep coming back – driving the
steady income that investors are looking for.
Built for the long haul
“Our equipment leads the world because it was built for the long haul,” Royce
explains. “The machines are designed to last 15 to 20 years on average, day
after day. We also have servicing agents in every town across the country.
With durable machines and service support nearby, you can live or holiday as
far away as you like.”
Success after success
Speed Queen has equipped over 50 outlets, including some of the largest
laundromats in the southern hemisphere. A medium-sized investment is
typically between $250,000 and $350,000, with a deposit of $100,000 typically
required. “Returns are often in the range of 20-30%,” Royce points out, “with
some owners exceeding even that.”
Speed Queen is not actually a franchise – you operate under your own brand,
but Speed Queen provides extensive support, from site selection and council
approvals through to literally opening your doors. “If you’re considering
a semi-passive, remotely managed
business that generates real income, I’d
love to talk,” says Royce.
“We’re ready to hear from anyone who
has the desire to build a successful
business in any part of the country. You
don’t even need to move. Whatever your
situation, give me a call and let’s discuss
how Speed Queen can help you.”
Future-proofed technology and remote
operation makes Speed Queen an
investors’ dream
MORE THAN
REMOTELY
INTERESTING
Opportunity: Retail
Royce Little: ‘There are no
security issues around cash’
Speed Queen
www.speedqueen.co.nz
Contact
Royce Little
09 528 5600
Royce@speedqueen.co.nz
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