Posts tagged "fascard"

2020 marks the 20th year of business for CCI, Card Concepts, Inc.

 

“As with many things in life, time has flown by” said CCI’s President Steve Marcionetti.  “I remember our first card system install as if it were yesterday”

20 years is no small feat considering CCI is a small family run technology company that exclusively services the vended laundry industry.  The company was founded by the Marcionetti family; Dion and his two sons, Steve and Andy were inspired to develop a product after having experience with other systems that did not fully meet the needs of a progressive store owner.  The Marcionetti family was not new to the Laundromat business; prior to starting CCI, Dion Marcionetti had been deeply involved in the industry for twenty years and had started his own Laundry distribution company (Laundry Concepts).

LaundryCard, the company’s founding product was designed to eliminate the burden of coin collection from laundry operators. It was the first product of its kind to introduce a color touch screen interface with impressive redundancy capabilities for the time.  “It took us about a year to develop Laundry Card, and once we installed it into a few locations in Chicago, we reached out to a few ‘Distributor Friends in the Business’ to see if they would be interested” says Steve Marcionetti.  “It did not take long to realize that the same issues we had with the available products at the time, were also issues for others and LaundryCard seemed to fit the need, quickly growing in popularity”.  Since 2000, LaundryCard has been installed in over 1,200 Laundromats across the US and is still one of the companies most popular products.

In 2012, the company launched its second product called FasCard, which was designed to help bring credit and debit card acceptance to existing coin machines.  “Credit and debit card acceptance was becoming more mainstream in all kinds of small businesses; it was a good time to introduce an offering specifically designed for Laundromat owners who wanted to add credit cards, without eliminating coin acceptance.”  FasCard evolved quickly and is already on its second iteration. The F2 card reader is the first of its kind, color touch screen enabled payment device for Laundry Equipment.  Since its inception, FasCard has been installed in over 1,500 locations nationwide.

Innovation has not stopped at CCI, just last year they introduced their latest offering, the FLEX system, which provides a coinless operation to store owners using wireless card readers and cloud-based technology.  As the name implies, the FLEX system is flexible, providing a cost-effective solution based on the desired functionality.  Loyalty Cards, Credit/Debit, Mobile App, or NFC payments are all possible with FLEX; operators choose what’s best for their business and only pay for the capability that suits them.

Although the company prides itself on quality and innovation, CCI’s reputation comes from its dedication to customer support.  “When we started CCI, we knew we had to be available when store owners needed us, so we have always provided twenty-four hour a day technical support, 365 days a year,” says Steve Marcionetti.  “Laundromats are weekend and evening businesses; it only makes sense that you would have support available during these times.”.  “Everyone at CCI has the same customer focus that I had when we first started the company, and it’s our commitment to patience, availability, and reliability that has helped us form such a loyal distribution and customer base”.

“I’m proud of the past 20 years, but even more excited about the future,” Says Marcionetti.  “Even with all the new options that are now available for payment, very few vendors can show 20 years of commitment to this industry.  We are in it for the long haul and will be there as the business evolves, always committed to our customer.”

To learn more about what CCI products can do for your store, contact us today!

It seems that everything these days is moving digital. Laundromats are no different, so converting your coin-operated laundromat to a card-based one that also accepts digital payments has many advantages.

Step One: Find the Card System That is Right for You

Researching the card systems available is a crucial first step when considering moving away from a coin-only laundromat. There are many different laundry card systems out there, and it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is an ideal fit for you. At CCI, we offer FasCard, which affords you the best of both worlds by enabling you to accept credit/debit cards, loyalty cards and digital payments, while working with your existing coin machines and still allowing coin as a payment option.

As an owner or property manager with FasCard, you are able to monitor your laundry facility easily from a distance. Run sales reports, configure specials, change vend prices, check equipment, and manage employees all from your smartphone or laptop. FasCard can also alert you when a coin slot is full, so you only collect when you need to. The system is compatible with top laundry industry brands — take a look at our compatibility guide for more information.

Slow Transition or Complete Redo?

With FasCard, converting your laundromat is simple. You can either switch over a machine at a time or convert the entire store all at once. But before doing so, consider seasonality and the demand for your laundromat to help guide your decision.

Promote Upcoming Payment Options to Your Customers

Once you decide when and how you’ll switch to a card system, get organized and begin promoting the upcoming payment options to your customers months in advance. Informing your customers on what is happening at your store will create a smooth transition, plus it can be used as a valuable marketing tool to draw new customers in.

If you’re ready to start your transition to accepting more payment options in your laundromat, fill out this short form to request more information on FasCard.

Are you thinking about purchasing a card system for your laundromat? Do you have worries about it being an investment without a return? Here are three reasons why investing in laundry card technology has a high ROI and benefits laundromat owners and investors.

 

1. A Laundry Card System Increases Revenue

Build Float By having customers pay first and use a card system, it establishes customers with a sense of loyalty and encourages them to return. Float is the amount of money added to cards but has not been spent yet. As customers add more value to their cards, the ‘float’ of your business increases.

Ability to Sell Upgrades increase profits with a card system by offering your customers the ability to upgrade their cycles. Offset utility expenses by charging more for hot water.

Time of Day Pricing With a card system, you can charge different prices at different times of the day or different days of the week. This allows you to offer specials during slow times to attract business and raise prices during busy periods to maximize profits.

Marketing Tools Entice new business and reach new sales goals with marketing programs available through a card system like Loyalty Points, Bonus Packages, Free Dry and Group Discounts.

2. A Laundry Card System Makes Managing a Laundromat Easier

Simplify Employee Management Remote management of employees is possible with a card system. Create, edit and monitor one-time and ongoing employee work schedules for multiple locations. Allow employees to clock in and out for their shifts using the system for hands-off time management.

Remote Monitoring of Your Laundromat When you can’t physically be at your store, it is comforting to know that you can always access your laundromat from any remote location. Configure vend prices, specials, run reports, configure alerts, and monitor the status of the system and equipment in real-time from your laptop or smartphone.

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3. A Laundry Card System Will Save You Time and Money

Make the Most of Your Time Collecting coins from each machine in your facility is a time-consuming business and your time as an owner is valuable. As vend prices rise and stores get bigger, the physical task and limitations of accepting coins becomes greater, making eliminating the need for coins with a card system a popular choice.

Take Control of Your Revenue If you are paying another company to collect coins for you, that is money out of your pocket, combined with the uncertainty of how much is actually being collected. With a card system, you can see real-time profits and sales data for each machine without having to collect coins.

Decrease Security Risks Having to collect coins and carry around bags of money can compromise the safety of you and your employees. Your machines are susceptible to vandalism and theft, that can leave you with costly damage plus the loss of revenue until those machines are repaired. With a card system, you can minimize or eliminate these issues.

All of the features above can be found in CCI’s payment systems. Whether you’re just starting out in the laundry business or a long-time owner of multiple stores, CCI has a laundry card system to fit your needs. Our FasCard system is a hybrid solution that allows you to accept both coins and cards. The FasCard system works with existing coin laundry machines and doesn’t have a minimum card reader purchase, allowing you to start small with card readers and add more over time. If you are looking for a ‘card only’ solution for your Laundromat, our LaundryCard system is perfect for new and existing stores with 40 or more machines. LaundryCard is completely coinless, totally automated and rich in features.

If you’re a laundromat owner or investor looking to set your business apart from the competition, contact us today to learn more about our payment solutions and how investing in the right technology can benefit your laundromat business!

Are you looking for ways to increase revenue on your property? Here are three profit generating resources that won’t require a lot of staffing, financial investment or management.

 

Source #1: Vending Machines

Vending Machines provide a convenient amenity for guests / residents and a simple source of income for property owners.

    • Think Outside the Box: Traditionally when you think of vending machines, you think about soft drinks and candy. Think beyond refreshments to household and personal items your residents or guests might purchase such as trash bags, light bulbs, cleaning supplies, lip balm, shaving gel, and toothbrushes.

 

    • Willing to Pay for Convenience: Even if there are nearby grocery stores, on premise vending machines are always going to be more convenient. If a resident needs laundry stain remover, it’s easier to purchase it in a vending machine in the laundry room than it is to drive to a store. The key is to have machines located in high traffic areas where guests will have a need for the vending machine items. For example, vending machines with beverages would make sense near the gym or pool.

 

  • Hands Off Management: With a vending machine, transactions are automated, so you don’t need to hire employees to run it. Vending machines have the possibility to be open 24/7 which means profit isn’t limited by time and machines are available any time guests or residents have a need. You don’t have to purchase the machines, because there are companies that will deliver and service the machines for you. You share the profits with the vending companies just by having the machines on your property.

Source #2: Laundry Room

Having an on-premise laundry room can add value and an additional revenue source to your property.

    • Raise Vend Prices by Pennies: Don’t miss out on potential revenue by keeping prices in your laundry room the same over a long period of time. Raise vend prices over time in small increments (pennies) instead of quarter increments. The change will have a minimal effect on residents and increase profits for you.

 

    • Loyalty Cards = Increase in Float: Utilizing a laundry loyalty card system encourages your residents to do laundry at your property. As residents add value to their laundry cards, your laundry room will build ‘float,’ or the amount of money added to accounts but not yet spent. As float increases, so will your profit!

 

    • “Time is Money” When Collecting Coins: Collecting coins from each machine in your laundry room is time consuming. If you are paying someone else to do it for you, that is still money out of your pocket. Implementing a card-based payment system gets rid of the need for coins, saves you time and allows you to easily track sales.

 

  • Technology Based Amenities: Smartphones play an integral role in our lives. If a guest or resident can use their cell phone to pay for laundry or remotely check machine availability and cycle completion, doing laundry at your property becomes convenient. Overall, this improves resident satisfaction and increases usage.

The FasCard System for Multi-Housing Properties allows you to implement incremental vend pricing, accept debit/credit/loyalty cards, save time collecting coins and offer mobile technology in your laundry room. Contact us to see if the FasCard system is a good fit for your laundry room.

 

Source #3: Parking

Parking can be a luxury, especially in high density areas where there is a parking shortage. Parking is a desired amenity and by charging for it at your property you can increase your bottom line.

    • Premium Parking: People will pay more to park in a guaranteed spot, covered parking or in a garage. Consider giving residents a numbered parking space that is reserved for them. Charge more for covered or garage parking if you are not already doing so. If you don’t have covered parking, consider building carports over spaces.

 

    • Prime Location: Charge guests and residents more for parking in coveted locations. Residents will pay more to be close their unit. If your property has popular parking spots, think about advertising those spots as reserved parking that can be rented.

 

    • Rent Out Extra Parking: Does your property have more parking spots than it needs for its residents? Allow residents to rent extra parking. If you are in an area next to professional buildings or event spaces, consider renting additional parking out to the public for a fee.

 

  • Don’t Forget About Cyclists: Is your property in a bike friendly area or do you have residents that are cycle commuters? Install traditional bike racks and rent them out for a fee. Create an indoor bike room on your property and charge for bike storage with additional security and protection from the weather.

By implementing these three sources of additional income at your property, you can increase revenue with virtually no extra effort or major staffing needs. After you take care of your upfront costs to make these changes, it’s pure profit moving forward!

Laundry equipment manufacturers are continually upgrading their equipment with the latest technological advances. One of the latest innovations are machines with a high “g-force” number. But what is g-force technology, and what are the opportunities and costs for your laundry business?

What is a high G-Force machine?

A high-speed washing machine or high g-force machine has a faster spin with greater pressure during the final cycle that removes water from clothing. As g-force increases, the amount of water that is taken out during the spin cycle increases. The advantage of less water being retained in the load after washing is that it will then take less time to dry.

Value for Your Customers

Washing machines with a higher g-force provide convenience to your customer. There is a decrease in the amount of time it takes for laundry to dry, and with less time in the dryer, wait times to use machines are reduced, which increases the speed in which your machines turn over. Thus, making the entire process of doing laundry easier.

Benefits for the Laundromat Owner

When you use high g-force machines in your laundromat, you benefit from reduced utility expenses, since less gas and electricity are used when the drying time is shortened. Energy efficiency is maximized, which is better for the environment.

Are there downsides of high speed washers?

Your customers will spend less time using dryers, so your total sales from dryers might see a decrease. In order to offset any potential decrease in dryer sales, you can sell cycle upgrades (i.e. extra rinse/wash, charge more for hot water). Selling upgrades can have a positive impact on your bottom line, but only if your laundry payment system can support them properly. Our payment systems are fully compatible with selling upgrades because of their multi-vend interface.

If you’re a laundromat owner or investor looking to set your business apart from the competition, contact us today to learn more about our payment solutions and how investing in the right technology can benefit your laundromat business!

Your customers are the key to the success of your laundromat. Understanding what their needs are, what they have come to expect in a laundromat, and their frustrations can help you increase customer satisfaction and in turn, the profits of your laundromat. On the other hand, failing to understand those needs can be detrimental to your business.

Below are four common laundromat customer complaints and how you can turn those problems into opportunities, by using the latest technology in your store.

Customer Complaint #1: “I never have cash on me.”

A large percentage of your customers rarely, if ever carry cash and find that it’s a big hassle to obtain cash and quarters. With our world becoming a cashless society, people don’t want to have to visit a bank or an ATM to do laundry, carry around a bag of coins or find out they can’t keep a load of laundry going because they’re shy a couple of quarters.

Solution:
Eliminate the need to pay solely with coins by offering card acceptance. Give your customers the choice to pay any way they choose! CCI systems allow you to accept credit/debit cards and loyalty cards. With FasCard, customers can even insert some coins and swipe their card for the remaining balance.

Customer Complaint #2: “I don’t carry a wallet. My wallet is my phone.”

Smartphones play an integral role in our lives. Today’s smartphone wallets store credit cards, tickets, coupons and more. Everything that was once in a consumer’s physical wallet is now in their digital wallet on their phone. Customers want to be able to pay with their phones and have come to expect to be able to do so with most goods and services.

Solution:
CCI’s FasCard system has a smartphone app that acts as a loyalty card. Customers who use the app no longer need to own a physical card but can use the app in the same way. They can take advantage of any of the loyalty programs you offer, and the app will keep track of it all.

Our complete card systems allow you to accept mobile payments, credit/debit payments and can even work with existing coin laundry machines.

Customer Complaint #3: “I don’t have five hours to sit and wait for laundry.”

Your customers have busy schedules and don’t want to spend leisure time doing laundry. Their time is valuable, and they don’t want the process of doing laundry to be time-consuming. If a customer’s laundry takes longer than expected due to events such as all machines being in use, it can create frustration and turns the experience of doing laundry into a negative one, likely preventing them from returning to your store.

Solution:
FasCard App users can see what machines are available without needing to physically be in your store, and they can also see the remaining cycle time of machines currently in use, giving them time to plan their commute and how long it will take to do their laundry. In addition, app users can request cycle completion notifications and even start a machine. When your customers do have to wait in your establishment, consider making it convenient by providing amenities such as free Wi-Fi or coffee (which can also increase your revenue).

Customer Complaint #4: “I want a personalized experience.”

It’s like the lyric in the Cheers theme song, “You want to go where everybody knows your name”. It’s cheesy but true. Customers desire to feel like they are wanted. They want to be appreciated and treated like a valuable part of your business. If a customer doesn’t feel welcome, they will most likely go to a competitor, and might even leave a negative review on your Google or Yelp page.

Solution:
FasCard and LaundryCard loyalty programs offer personalization by letting you establish discounts for certain groups (i.e. college students) or giving bonuses near your customer’s birthday. They also provide the ability for your customer to choose the language they prefer, and the system will remember their language preference and continue to display appropriately in the future. CCI systems offer many features that help you truly get to know your customers and effectively market to them, creating a memorable customer experience that can increase loyalty to your store.

Upgrade Your Laundromat

FasCard and LaundryCard from CCI offer the industry’s most advanced card payment systems, designed with both the operator and end user in mind. Contact us today to learn more about our payment solutions and how investing in the right technology can help you meet the needs of your customers and increase the profits of your laundromat business!

Today’s laundromat customers prefer to use their smartphone for purchases and have come to expect to be able to pay for goods and services via mobile device. Mobile-pay is a great option for laundry purchases because it is fast, secure, easy and convenient. However, if you’re using a mobile-pay only system, you could be missing out on the benefits of a complete card payment system. CCI’s complete card systems allow you to accept mobile payments, credit/debit payments and can even work with existing coin laundry machines. In addition to accepting payments, CCI FasCard and LaundryCard systems offer benefits that will take your laundry business to the next level. Here are five reasons to consider investing in a complete card system over a mobile-pay only system.

1) Increase in ‘Float’ and Loyalty

With a CCI system, customers can add value to a loyalty account and have the choice to purchase a flat amount or preconfigured value packages (i.e. Buy $10, Get $11). With loyalty accounts, not only will customers be encouraged to pay you in advance, you now have them obligated for that amount of money in service! The more they add, the more loyal they will be to your business.

2) Loyalty to Your Laundromat, not a Payment Company

CCI’s FasCard system has an app that acts as a loyalty card. Customers who use the app will no longer need to own a physical card but can instead use the app in the same way. They can take advantage of any of the loyalty programs you offer, and the app will keep track of it all. If they forget their loyalty card one day, they can use the app, because the functionality between the app and physical cards is interchangeable. For some mobile-pay only systems, if customers add money to their account, they may be able to use that at several different laundromats, therefore their loyalty is to the mobile-pay company and not your specific laundromat. With CCI’s system app, the customer’s float is your money and can only be used at your business, so their loyalty stays with your laundromats.

3) Marketing Tools for the Laundry Industry

CCI FasCard and LaundryCard systems offer advanced marketing and loyalty programs. Loyalty programs include Loyalty Points, Bonus Packages, Free Dry, Group Discounts and more. Utilizing the integrated marketing programs will help you attract new business and encourage loyalty with your current customer base. Mobile-pay only companies make a one size fits all product that doesn’t take into consideration the marketing and management that goes into a laundromat business. CCI was born from over 40 years of experience in the vended laundry industry and designs all products with both the operator and end user in mind.

4) Remotely Running Your Laundromat

Managing your laundromat with a CCI system is simple and can be performed from any web browser at any time. You can remotely control, view and configure your laundromat in real-time. Run profit reports, see usage statistics and sales data for each machine and change vend prices all from your smartphone, tablet or computer!

5) Hands Off Employee Management

Managers can create, edit and monitor one-time and ongoing employee work schedules in a FasCard or LaundryCard system. Your employees can use the system to view upcoming work schedules as well as clock in and out for shifts. Our task scheduler ensures employees are reminded of what they are supposed to do and lets you run reports on what tasks are not getting done.

CCI’s solutions give store owners additional tools to increase success in one integrated system. If you’re a laundromat owner or investor looking to set your business apart from the competition, contact us today to learn more about our payment solutions and how investing in the right technology can benefit your laundromat business!

Marketing is a large component of increasing business for your property. Having a marketing plan in place will help you attract renters to your property and turn them into residents. Here are five steps to developing a winning marketing plan for your property.

Perform a SWOT Analysis

Make a list of your property’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Define the amenities and services that offer value to your residents and give you an advantage over competitors. Outdoor spaces, extra storage, ample parking, a modern laundry room, smart technology, a fitness room, and new kitchen appliances are examples of value added amenities to advertise.

 

Describe Your Target Audience

Look at your current residents and what they have in common. Analyze your competing properties and their residents. Decide what your ideal resident looks like. Define the demographics, lifestyle and motivations for the market you are trying to reach. Consider what that ideal customer will be looking for in a property.

 

Set Marketing Goals

Make your goals measurable and time specific. If you want to reach prospective residents on social media, make the goal clearly defined by saying you want to reach X number of followers on X social platform by X date. If you want to increase sales, you can make it quantifiable by saying you want to increase new leases by X percent in the next X months.

 

Define Your Strategies

What marketing strategies will you put in place to reach your objectives? How will you market to your target audience at every step of the sales process, from those who aren’t aware of your property to those that are ready to sign a lease? Consider print, email, online advertising, direct mail and promotional products.

 

Build a Plan

List which marketing strategies you are going to implement at each stage of the customer life cycle, from a cold prospect to a hot lead. For example, you could use social media advertising to build awareness, email marketing to those that have taken a property tour and promotional gifts to those ready to become a resident. Make sure your strategies are aligned with your marketing goals.

Our FasCard system for multi-housing properties is a great way to market to potential residents. FasCard gives your property a valuable amenity and helps attract new residents to your property. Our “Roll into Rent” feature allows you to advertise your property with “Free Laundry” and our Smart Technology adds a cutting-edge service to your property’s laundry room.

Want to learn more about how FasCard can add value and an additional revenue source to your property? Let’s Talk!

Even if your apartment complex or other rental property is one of the best in the area, a decent amount of resident turnover is both healthy and expected. As such, attracting new residents to your property is always at the forefront of a property manager’s mind. Below are some effective strategies for enticing new residents to rent at your property.

Superb management

First and foremost, you need to establish an excellent property management team. A team that makes residents feel welcomed, heard and cared for is your most valuable asset in attracting new leaseholders to the complex.

Online reviews

When you have an excellent management team, positive online reviews should come easily. Don’t be afraid to send out automated emails encouraging residents to review your property on your Google Business page, Apartments.com or similar sites. When potential residents are trying to decide between your property and another, positive online reviews could be their deciding factor.

Lease specials & incentives

One thing that can be the deciding factor on whether or not a potential resident chooses your property is the lease specials and incentives you offer for new residents. Many properties will offer 4-8 weeks free, Visa gift cards or other rewards for simply signing a lease. This can greatly reduce moving costs and draw in new residents. You can also advertise “free laundry” by utilizing a FasCard system in your laundry room.

Social media

Potential residents may use social media to get a better sense for your property. By posting frequently on social media, you can show off your property as well as specials and events.

Pet-friendly community

Today, most newer properties have adopted a friendly outlook on pets. Pet parks, dog washing stations, and reasonable pet fees or deposits can help bring in new residents. Consider revising your pet policy if necessary and you’ll expand your pool of potential residents.

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Event marketing

Sponsor or organize fun events in your area and set up a booth where attendees can learn more about your property, get free swag and even schedule a tour. Even if they aren’t in the market for a new place, there is a higher chance they will remember your property when they start their search.

Unique amenities

Unique amenities such as pet parks, spacious 24-hour gyms, large outdoor lounge spaces, card laundry machines that can be controlled via smartphone, private garages or storage spaces, and package lockers can push your property above the rest.

Integrating technology conveniences into your property can reduce costs, save time and give your property additional revenue opportunities. Adding technological enhancements is a great return on investment and will take your property to the next level with current residents and marketing to potential renters. Here are our top ten technology-based amenities to consider adding to your multi-unit property.

Leasing Documents

Reduce paper by putting leasing applications and renewals online and allow your renters to sign documents electronically.

Paying Rent

Allowing online payments makes collecting rent and utilities easy. Give renters the option to set up recurring payments making it easy for on-time payments.

Maintenance Requests

Give renters the ability to put in 24/7 requests for maintenance online and submit pictures if applicable. This reduces the amount of calls coming into the property office and makes it easier for you to manage maintenance priorities.

Keys and Locks

Consider replacing mechanical locks with keyless locks that can be opened with a smartphone. This gives your property better security, makes it easier to change locks when there are resident changes and saves you money by eliminating the need to make and copy keys.

Package Deliveries

Package lockers are electronic lockers used for package deliveries. Adding package lockers saves you the time of receiving and distributing package deliveries and offers your residents a secure delivery place for their packages.

USB Outlets

Almost all of your residents own a smartphone. Adding outlets with USB ports for charging devices provides a convenient, tech-based amenity for your residents.

Thermostats and Lighting

Installing smart, programmable thermostats and light bulbs makes it convenient for your residents to control utilities in their unit from anywhere, at any time and reduces energy costs.

Doorbells

Installing video monitoring doorbells makes it convenient for your residents to answer their door from their smartphone and provides enhanced security for both your residents and your property.

Wi-Fi

Providing a fast, reliable Wi-Fi connection for your residents is a must. Having high speed and reliable internet is probably one of the most important amenities among renters.

Card Laundry Machines

Installing a card payment system in your laundry room gives your residents flexible payment options when doing laundry and allows you remote management of your laundry room. With the addition of a card system, your laundry room can become a great source of additional revenue for your property. CCI’s card payment systems can be controlled with a smartphone making doing laundry quick, easy and stress free for your residents.