Cost of laundry equipment rental for high-traffic locations

For high-traffic venues like student apartments, caravan parks, gyms, or laundromats, the cost of coin laundry equipment rental isn’t just a line item—it’s a strategic decision. Rental pricing varies widely depending on equipment type, usage volume, and service inclusions. But here’s the kicker: in many cases, renting commercial washers and dryers can be more cost-effective and scalable than outright ownership.

Let’s dig into the dollars, decisions, and behavioural biases at play when choosing coin laundry equipment rental for busy locations.

What’s the average cost to rent coin laundry machines?

Straight to the point—most commercial coin laundry machine rentals in Australia range from $60 to $150 per machine per month, depending on factors like:

Washer vs dryer – Washers typically cost more to rent.
Load size – 8kg machines are cheaper than 14kg ones.
Technology features – Smart payment systems, energy efficiency, and programmable cycles increase costs.
Service inclusions – Full-service plans (with repairs, maintenance, and upgrades) push monthly fees higher.

So, a standard setup with 3 washers and 3 dryers could cost between $360 and $900 per month.

But pricing alone is only part of the story. The real question is…

Why do busy venues prefer rentals over buying?

Anyone who's managed a high-use laundry room knows: machines break. Fast. One jammed coin chute or faulty belt can mean dozens of unhappy users and lost income. That’s why rentals appeal—especially to site operators who value predictability and service.

Here’s what tips the scales:

No capital outlay – No $20,000 upfront purchase.
Fixed monthly costs – Easy to budget, no surprise repair bills.
Rapid replacement – Faulty machine? Swapped fast under service agreements.
Professional maintenance – Keeps performance and uptime high.
Tax-deductible – Rental fees can often be claimed as operating expenses.

There’s also a consistency bias at play—operators who start with one rental tend to keep renting because it works and aligns with their “set and forget” mindset.

What affects the rental price most?

Let’s break it down with clarity, not fluff.

Factor	Influence on Price
Machine type	Dryers are usually cheaper than washers
Capacity (kg)	Higher capacity = higher rental
Usage volume	High-use sites may get discounts
Coin vs card systems	Card/smart systems cost more
Maintenance coverage	Full-service = higher monthly fee
Contract length	Longer terms often mean better rates

Suppliers also use anchoring—they might show a “premium” $150/mo model first to make the $90/mo unit seem like a bargain. Classic pricing psychology.

Is there a minimum contract term?

In most cases, yes. You’re looking at 3–5 year contracts. This benefits both sides: you get reliable equipment with no ownership headaches, and the supplier gets stable income to cover equipment depreciation.

However, shorter 12-month or even month-to-month contracts are sometimes available—especially in pop-up or temporary locations like construction camps or seasonal caravan parks. Just expect to pay a premium for that flexibility.

What types of properties benefit most from rentals?

Let’s keep it real—rental laundry setups aren’t for every building. But they shine in these high-traffic, shared environments:

Student housing – Frequent use, high turnover, little user care.
Caravan parks – Seasonal surges and water constraints.
Gyms – Towel washing volume is intense and daily.
Apartment blocks – Centralised laundry means shared responsibility.
Aged care facilities – Require reliable machines with hygiene features.

And let’s not forget profit share models, where suppliers install machines for free and take a percentage of revenue. Great for small property managers who want passive income without overhead.

Are smart payment systems worth it?

Absolutely. Cashless payments are now standard in most new builds. Why?

No coin jams or collections – Big win for convenience and hygiene.
Remote monitoring – Know when a machine needs service before complaints roll in.
Dynamic pricing – Charge peak/off-peak rates to manage demand.
User data – See usage patterns to plan upgrades or add capacity.

It also taps into the ease bias—users are more likely to choose your machines when payment is fast and frictionless. Just tap and wash.

Can you generate income from laundry rentals?

Yes. In fact, this is one of the most under-appreciated perks. Many site operators use laundry machines as a secondary income stream, especially in high-density residential buildings.

Here’s a basic profit example:

3 washers + 3 dryers
Average 6 cycles per machine per day
$5 per wash/dry = $180 daily revenue
Monthly revenue: ~$5,400

Even after rental fees and electricity, you could be clearing $2,000–$3,000 per month in profit.

That’s not just utility. That’s revenue per square metre.

What are the hidden costs?

It’s not all rinse and repeat. Some hidden costs can creep in:

Utility bills – Water and electricity usage is on you.
Wastewater management – Especially in rural or eco-sensitive areas.
Machine downtime – Even with service contracts, there can be lags.
User damage – Gum, coins, overloading… it happens.

Behaviourally, this is where loss aversion kicks in. You don’t notice the cost of a smooth-running setup. But one breakdown or angry tenant? Feels 10x worse. That’s why reliable service is often worth the higher rental.

What questions should you ask a rental provider?

Don’t get locked into a deal without clarity. Ask:

What’s included in the monthly fee?
How fast is service response time?
Can machines be upgraded mid-contract?
Who pays for shipping/install/removal?
Are parts and labour covered fully?
Is training offered for staff/residents?

Transparency builds trust authority—a key Cialdini lever in B2B decisions. If the provider fumbles those answers, move on.

FAQ

What’s the cheapest way to get coin laundry machines in a building?
Look for profit-share deals where suppliers install and service machines in exchange for a revenue cut. It’s cost-free upfront, though you’ll earn less per cycle.

Can I deduct laundry equipment rental from tax?
Yes. In most cases, rental fees are treated as operating expenses. Speak with your accountant to confirm.

How often do rented machines need servicing?
Most are serviced quarterly or as-needed based on usage volume. Smart systems can trigger proactive maintenance.

Final thought

Renting coin laundry equipment isn’t just about hardware—it’s a strategic decision that affects service quality, user satisfaction, and even profitability. If you’re in a high-footfall location, rental isn’t just convenient—it’s often the smarter move long-term.

And while costs vary, this breakdown of coin laundry equipment rental pricing captures the key factors and trade-offs for property owners.

For further reading on why small decisions like these can shift user behaviour and drive profit, check out this article from Choice .

Search This Blog

Nina’s Launderette