Owning and operating a laundromat can be a great way to generate income. Laundromats require very few employees, and they provide a valuable service to the public that helps to drive their success.

If you are hoping to increase the profitability of your laundromat, here are three features that you should consider adding to your laundromat in the future.

1. Card readers on all machines.

Many people think that using laundromats to clean their clothing requires access to a stash of quarters. Securing and storing these quarters can be an inconvenience for modern consumers.

Surveys show that 9 percent of consumers carry no cash with them on a daily basis, and 50 percent carry less than $20 at any given time. Most consumers opt to use a credit or debit card to make payments more convenient.

Adding card readers to your washing machines and dryers will help you attract modern consumers who don't want to be bothered with carrying quarters to do their laundry.

2. Energy efficient machines.

If you are hoping to increase the popularity of your laundromat, appealing to the environmentally aware consumers in your area can be beneficial. Washing and drying clothing requires access to a significant number of resources, including water and electricity.

Consumers who are concerned with their carbon footprint will be attracted to businesses that make an effort to reduce resource consumption. Installing energy efficient machines in your laundromat will not only help you attract more customers, but it could increase profitability by reducing your overhead operating costs as well.

3. Laundry valet services

Many people loathe the thought of doing laundry because it is a time consuming task. With so many personal and professional demands being placed on a consumer's time, leaving their laundry to someone else can be a beneficial way to free up a few hours during the week.

Adding a laundry valet service to your laundromat could help you attract more customers to your business. Enlisting an employee to wash, dry, iron, and fold laundry for a customer (and charging a premium for this convenience) can help you increase your popularity and profitability over time.

Making your laundromat more popular by adding card readers to all machines, installing energy efficient washers and dryers, and hiring an employee to provide laundry valet services will help you attract new customers and increase the profitability of your business in the future. Contact an equipment supplier like Metropolitan Laundry Machinery Sales Inc. to learn about other equipment features.