MORE THAN REMOTELY INTERESTING

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.” 

See this advertorial on page 27 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 34 Issue 3

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