What financing or rental options exist for coin laundry equipment in Australia?

 If you’ve ever looked into setting up or upgrading a laundromat, you’ll know one thing real quick: commercial coin laundry equipment isn’t cheap. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about modernising your existing setup, the upfront cost can make your head spin faster than a 1400 RPM spin cycle. But here’s the good news — you don’t need to cough up the full cost upfront. Australia has a growing range of financing and rental options that make getting high-performance laundry machines more doable than ever.

Let’s unpack how to get your hands on the gear without draining your bank account.

TL;DR – Quick Snapshot

Yes, you can finance or rent coin laundry equipment in Australia. Here are the top options:

  • Equipment leasing: Fixed monthly payments, no ownership.

  • Commercial loans: Own the equipment but pay over time.

  • Rent-to-own: Start as a rental, transition to ownership.

  • Revenue share deals: Supplier provides machines; you split earnings.

  • Government and green incentives: Rebates or low-interest loans for energy-efficient upgrades.

Each has trade-offs in flexibility, cash flow, and control. Your best choice depends on whether you’re just launching, expanding, or replacing ageing gear.

Why is upfront investment a roadblock for laundromat owners?

Here’s the rub: a single commercial washer or dryer can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 — and that’s before you factor in installation, plumbing, fit-out, or payment systems. If you’re outfitting a full site with 10+ machines, that’s a six-figure commitment.

Many Aussie operators — particularly first-timers or family-run businesses — simply don’t have that kind of capital lying around. And even if they do, tying it all up in depreciating machinery might not be the wisest move.

As behavioural economist Dan Ariely says, “We tend to focus too much on short-term affordability rather than long-term financial health.” Financing options exist to help you keep your cash flow flexible and your laundry turning.

What are the most common financing options in Australia?

1. Equipment Leasing

Leasing is like a long-term rental — you make fixed monthly payments, and at the end of the term, you give the equipment back (or sometimes upgrade). You don’t own the gear, but you’re not stuck with obsolete machines either.

Pros:

  • Predictable costs

  • Tax-deductible payments

  • No large upfront outlay

  • Maintenance sometimes included

Cons:

  • No equity

  • Early exit fees if you want to cancel

This suits operators who want to stay tech-current without the stress of owning depreciating assets.

2. Commercial Laundry Loans

This is a classic business loan — you borrow the money, buy the machines, and repay it over time. If your credit history is solid, it could be the cheapest long-term option.

Pros:

  • Full ownership

  • Can customise and modify machines

  • Choose your own supplier

Cons:

  • Risk sits with you

  • Higher monthly repayments than leasing

  • May require collateral

Banks like NAB or smaller lenders like Prospa or Moula often finance laundromat setups — though they'll want to see a solid business plan and cash flow forecasts.

3. Rent-to-Own (RTO)

RTO options are growing fast. You start with a rental, but part of your monthly payment goes towards ownership. After a set period (say 3–5 years), the equipment is yours.

Pros:

  • Low upfront cost

  • Path to ownership

  • Fixed repayments

Cons:

  • Higher overall cost than outright buying

  • Locked into a contract

Some suppliers (like Speed Queen or Maytag distributors) offer RTO programs designed for Aussie laundromats.

4. Revenue Share Agreements

This is where things get creative. Some equipment providers will install the gear at no upfront cost. In return, you split a portion of your revenue with them.

Pros:

  • No capital investment

  • Supplier often handles maintenance

  • Faster launch

Cons:

  • You give up a slice of your profits

  • Less control over equipment selection

This model works well in rural or under-serviced areas, where suppliers want a footprint but local capital is scarce. One NSW operator we spoke to runs their entire laundry with shared revenue machines — and swears by the simplicity.

Are there any government or eco incentives?

Yes — and they’re worth chasing.

If you're upgrading to energy-efficient washers and dryers (especially those with high water star ratings), you may qualify for:

  • State energy efficiency rebates

  • Small business grants

  • Low-interest equipment finance from clean energy programs

For example, Energy.gov.au lists national and state-level support schemes that apply to commercial laundry operations.

Investing in efficient gear isn’t just good for the planet — it can slash your power and water bills by thousands each year.

How do I choose the right option for my laundry?

Here’s a handy guide to help you think through it:

SituationBest OptionWhy
New business, limited capitalRevenue share or RTOLow risk, fast setup
Established biz, strong cash flowCommercial loanCheaper long-term ownership
Tech-forward operatorEquipment leaseStay modern, minimal upkeep
Looking to scale fastMix of loan + leaseFlexibility and speed
Sustainability focusGovt-backed green loansLower interest and rebates

Just like detergents, no one-size-fits-all.

What do real operators say?

Lyn, a laundromat owner in outer Melbourne, says leasing helped her business “get off the ground without drowning in debt.” She leased six machines, all under a fixed monthly fee, and reinvested her profits into local advertising.

Meanwhile, Jay from Brisbane went the rent-to-own route: “I wanted to eventually own the gear, but I couldn’t stomach the lump sum. This way, I’ll have it paid off by year four — and I didn’t have to grovel to a bank.”

That’s social proof in action — and a gentle reminder that different models work for different goals.

FAQ: Coin Laundry Equipment Financing in Australia

Q: Can I get financing with bad credit?
Some specialist lenders and RTO providers are more flexible, especially if you’ve got strong business projections or experience in the industry.

Q: Is maintenance included in rental deals?
Often, yes. Many lease or revenue-share agreements include servicing and emergency repairs.

Q: What’s the lifespan of commercial laundry machines?
Around 10–15 years with regular use. Financing structures typically span 3–7 years, meaning you’ll still have usable life left after it’s paid off.

Laundry businesses aren’t just about washers and dryers — they’re about cycles of investment, growth, and smart decision-making. Choosing the right way to fund your gear can mean the difference between a business that squeaks by… and one that spins into profit.

For a deeper dive into what sets successful laundromats apart, this future-proofing guide on coin laundry equipment lays out smart strategies used by thriving operators.

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