Choosing a Good, Reputable, Full Service Distributor is one of the most important decisions that a coin laundry owner will make regarding the future of the coin store. Over the years, the role of the Distributor has evolved into becoming an integral part in the success of the store as well as the storeowner. This is true because a Distributor is providing knowledge, support, financing, after sales service, laundry design, demographics and their analysis, as well as marketing and equipment.

Commercial laundry equipment of the type now used in today’s coin laundry, is not a product that can simply be brought to a facility in a truck, taken out of the box, plugged in, turned on and be ready to go. The equipment, in many cases weighing thousands of pounds will need to be removed from the truck by qualified and properly trained individuals, rigged into the proper place, properly leveled, bolted down and connected to the proper utility supplies. Once this is all done, the equipment will need to be functionally tested to make sure that all is as it should be. Most equipment failures and problems can be traced back to an improper installation. Improperly installed machines typically will experience vibration problems that can affect other things, as well as premature bearing and seal failure. Generally speaking, any moneys thought saved by either buying direct from the manufacturer and installing the equipment yourself or buying from other than a qualified full service distributor will be spent on repairs related to a faulty installation.

Before purchasing commercial laundry equipment, here are a few questions you may wish to ask of a Distributor

1. Do they have a properly trained and qualified installation staff
2. Do they have a properly trained and qualified Service staff that will provide after sales service
3. Do they have a fully stocked parts department
4. How long have they been business
5. A list of references
6. Are they properly licensed and insured

Before purchasing laundry equipment, here are a few services that the distributor should provide you

1. A survey examining the store’s specific needs and requirements, and determine the goals of the owner
2. A demographic study if applicable in order to determine feasibility of the coin laundry
3. Evaluate this information, and recommend the right products to suit the needs of the store
4. Check installation parameters. Will the equipment fit through the doors for example. Are the utilities proper and adequate? Is the floor the right type and of sufficient strength and thickness. Will the equipment fit in the assigned space properly
5. Recommend the right equipment manufacturer
6. Check delivery times of the laundry equipment from the manufacturer
7. Answer all questions posed to them regarding the equipment being purchased as well as why this particular equipment is right for the situation

Another reason to consult with a qualified professional is to gain information based upon their experience in the industry. This experience with product and the industry make the distributors professional opinion a valuable part of the decision making process.
After the sale of equipment, the distributor should also do the following

1. Order the proper equipment, with the correct voltage and specifications from their respective manufacturers
2. Coordinate the sale with the financing institution if financing is sought
3. Continuously check the status of the order with the respective manufacturers in order to ensure timely delivery of the equipment
4. Accept the product when delivered, either at the job site or their warehouse, meet the delivery truck, properly and carefully unload, and inspect the products. Rig it into the store and set it in place.
5. If contracted to do so, properly level, bolt down, and install the machine. This should also include proper testing of the equipment after installation
6. Train owners on proper use and preventive maintenance procedures that they may need to perform. Provide a maintenance schedule for the equipment
7. Provide qualified, factory trained repair service when needed, including warranty service as negotiated when the equipment was purchased
8. Provide warranty parts through the respective manufacturers
9. Assist you with lease negotiations if required

What to look for in a good Distributor

When selecting a supplier, always use prudence. Check references requested, and provided with the Better Business Bureau, banks, credit bureaus, or Dunn & Bradstreet. Also check with the Coin Laundry Association

When selecting a distributor, look for the following qualities found in many credible businesses both inside as well as outside the coin laundry business. The distributor should meet the following criteria

1. Offers honesty, integrity, and credibility in addition to prompt and professional service
2. Attends industry activities and absorbs as much information as possible
3. Continuously seeks ways in which to deliver highest quality service to customers, including the use of properly trained and equipped service and installation staff
4. Offers reasonable financial assistance resources
5. Helps to make decisions that are good for your business
6. Treats the owners investment as if it were their own
7. Provides regular service training programs on the equipment that they provide
8. Maintains an ample supply of spare parts on hand for quick delivery
9. Has superior knowledge of the industry and the products that they represent
10. Furnishes if requested, floor plans, proforma work sheets, and meets with construction personnel with regards to the store as a part of the full service provided
11. Possesses knowledge of demographics, and the ability to interpret them accurately

The relationship with the dealer should be a working partnership for the future. Choosing the right distributor may well impact the store’s financial future.
No matter what the purchase, price is only one factor when evaluating the value of the product.
Research distributors in order to find the one that illustrates the “Value” in the product that they offer. Not all distributors are the same, be sure to choose carefully in order to find one that will meet your long-term goals.
A successful relationship with your distributor should result in a long-term collaboration that will enable your store to be even more successful.

** Information includes materials obtained from the Coin Laundry Association and other sources.