How to budget for coin laundry equipment purchase in Victoria.

 Why does budgeting for coin laundry equipment feel like trying to hit a moving target? Because it is—especially in Victoria, where electricity prices fluctuate, property lease terms vary, and customer demand shifts with the seasons. But there’s a way to bring calm to the chaos. It starts with a clear-eyed budget plan that doesn’t just chase the cheapest machines, but aligns with how Aussies actually use laundromats. Here’s how to get it right.

What’s the average cost of coin laundry equipment in Victoria?

Short answer: you’ll need $50,000 to $150,000 to fit out a decent-sized coin laundry in Victoria. But there’s nuance.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown:

• Top-load washers: $1,500–$3,000 each

• Front-load commercial washers (20–80 lbs): $4,000–$15,000+

• Dryers (single or stacked): $3,000–$8,000 each

• Change machines, soap dispensers, card readers: $1,000–$5,000

• Installation, delivery, and compliance: $5,000–$20,000

Now multiply that by how many machines your space can handle. A small self-service setup might only need 6–8 machines. A busier, urban site? Think 12–20, plus extras.

Pro tip: In Victoria, commercial properties in inner-Melbourne suburbs often come with existing plumbing and electrical—massive savings potential. But rural sites may need costly upgrades.

Should you lease or buy coin laundry equipment?

Here’s the reality: buying gets you long-term value, while leasing reduces upfront pain. Both have their behavioural nudges.

Decision Bias	Buying	Leasing
Loss Aversion	Full ownership after a high upfront cost feels “safer” long-term	Lower commitment appeals to new owners fearing “getting it wrong”
Commitment & Consistency	Buyers often stay loyal to a brand or supplier	Leasing allows trial without locking in
Framing Effect	“Big one-time hit” vs “manageable monthly cost”	Framed as OPEX, not CAPEX, so easier on tax lines

Many Victorian operators go hybrid: buy base machines, lease high-capacity extras, and rotate as demand shifts.

What hidden costs should you factor in?

Plenty—and skipping them can blow up your budget fast.

Here are the most commonly overlooked coin laundry budget killers:

• Power upgrades: Older strip-shop sites may not handle the load of commercial machines.

• Water pressure/flow issues: Can slow down cycle times or cause machine errors.

• Council approvals: Local Victorian councils vary wildly in how they treat laundromats. Expect compliance fees.

• Insurance: Commercial equipment often needs specialised cover.

• Branding & signage: Easy to overlook, but critical to get foot traffic.

• Repairs & downtime: No machine runs forever. Budget 3–5% of your total spend annually for maintenance.

Think of it this way: machines earn you money, but only when they’re working. A budget without a maintenance line item is like skipping the spare tyre on a road trip.

Can you get government or energy efficiency rebates in Victoria?

Yes—but don’t bank on them without research. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program sometimes includes rebates for high-efficiency commercial equipment, especially if it reduces water or electricity usage.

You’ll need:

• Equipment that meets efficiency thresholds

• An accredited provider to handle the paperwork

• Patience (some rebates can take 3–6 months)

Check current eligibility at the Victorian Energy Saver site.

This is where reciprocity plays in—manufacturers offering rebate-ready machines are giving you a leg up, and it builds trust. It’s also a subtle Cialdini principle: value first, ask later.

What’s the best way to future-proof your laundry investment?

Simple: plan for modularity. In Victoria’s diverse property market, leases change, demand shifts. So build flexibility into your setup.

• Start with a scalable floor plan

• Choose machines with programmable settings for different wash cycles

• Consider payment tech upgrades (coins today, cards or apps tomorrow)

• Opt for suppliers who provide buy-back or upgrade pathways

And don’t forget to talk to other operators. In our experience, nothing beats a quick yarn with someone running a shop in Dandenong or Geelong. You’ll learn more in 15 minutes than a week on Google.

FAQ

What’s the ROI on coin laundry equipment?
Most Victorian operators report break-even within 18–30 months, depending on rent, marketing, and location foot traffic.

Is used equipment a smart budget move?
Sometimes. But unless you’re mechanically savvy or know the seller, the repair risks often outweigh the upfront savings.

Do laundromats in Victoria need special council approvals?
Yes. Each LGA has its quirks. Check for planning permits, parking requirements, and noise or waste water regulations.

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Budgeting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about behaviour. The real trick? Understand what you’ll need today—and tomorrow—then layer your budget like a lasagna: equipment, setup, hidden costs, future tweaks. No single choice is perfect, but if you’re smart about it, your investment can keep spinning profits for years.

If you're already exploring your options, here’s a helpful guide to coin laundry equipment selection that breaks it down further. Worth bookmarking.