Performance Under Pressure: Operators Post Another Strong Year (Conclusion)

CHICAGO — For an industry that has navigated inflationary pressures, labor challenges and evolving consumer expectations, the latest data suggests a resilient core.

According to results from this year’s American Coin-Op State of the Industry survey, more than 70% of self-service laundry owners and operators report that their business improved over the past year — a notable signal of momentum as the industry moves through 2026.

The annual report offers a detailed snapshot of operating conditions across the U.S., providing benchmarks that store owners and investors can use to measure their own performance against peers. This year’s polling examines business conditions, vend pricing strategies, equipment profiles, turns per day and other key operating metrics that shape profitability and long-term value.

While the survey is an unscientific online poll of American Coin-Op readers who operate stores — and some totals may not equal 100% due to rounding — the results nonetheless paint a revealing portrait of an industry that continues to adapt, invest and grow.

MANAGING THE PRICE LEVER

Have you raised washer and/or dryer prices in 2026, or do you plan to do so before the end of the year?

A healthy share of respondents (60.3%) have raised, or plan to raise, their washer prices this year. Roughly 22% say they have no such plans, and the remaining 17.5% are undecided.

As for dryer prices, 23.4% say they have raised, or plan to raise, their prices this year. Nearly 55% say they have not and aren’t planning to this year. Roughly 19% are undecided. The question doesn’t apply to the 3.1% of respondents who offer free dry.

INVESTING IN THE MACHINE MIX

Sixty-one percent of respondents purchased at least one piece of equipment — washer, dryer, water heater, vending machine, or other — in 2025, which is a full 10 percentage points higher than our last annual survey.

Here is a breakdown of 2025 purchases by respondent (percentages do not total 100% because some buyers purchased equipment in multiple categories):

10.9% purchased at least one top loader, with the average buy being 11.9 machines.
40.6% purchased at least one front loader, with the average buy being 14.3 machines.
28.1% purchased at least one dryer (single or stack), with the average buy being 10.2 machines.
26.6% purchased at least one water heater.
14.1% purchased at least one vending machine.

Payment systems, card readers, lockers, locks, bill changers, garment pressing machines, wash-dry-fold software, and laundry carts were among the other equipment listed as having been purchased.

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT UPGRADE

Do you have your eye on a piece of equipment you intend to buy this year?

Among survey respondents, 35.9% have acquired, or plan to acquire, some type of equipment — washer, dryer, water heater, vending machine, or other — for their mix in 2026. By comparison, last year’s percentage was 38%.

Here is a breakdown of purchases that operators have already made in 2026, or they plan to make by the end of the year (percentages do not total 100% because some buyers purchased or plan to purchase equipment from multiple categories):

4.7% of respondents have or plan to purchase a top loader this year. Average buy is 9.0 machines.
26.6% of respondents have or plan to purchase a front loader this year, with the average buy being 17.5 machines.
20.3% of respondents have or plan to purchase a dryer (single pocket or stack) this year, with the average buy being 12.5 machines.
7.8% of respondents have or plan to purchase a water heater this year.
9.4% of respondents have or plan to purchase a vending machine this year.

WHAT LAUNDRY OWNERS EXPECT NEXT

Roughly 51% of respondents are optimistic that their 2026 total business will be better than 2025’s. Nearly 37% expect their business to be about the same, while 12.7% say their business won’t perform as well.

Operators who expect stronger 2026 performance point to a mix of pricing power, reinvestment and favorable economic conditions.

Many cite higher vend prices — or plans for moderate increases — as a direct contributor to revenue growth, often paired with expanding commercial accounts, WDF and pickup-and-delivery (PUD) services.

Others highlight capital improvements, including new equipment installations, store expansions, upgraded payment systems, and aesthetic enhancements.

External factors also shape expectations. Respondents reference population and housing growth, stronger regional economies, easing inflation and overall GDP expansion as tailwinds. At the same time, they credit improved marketing, better staffing, operational efficiencies, and a reputation for cleanliness and quality service.

Collectively, the outlook reflects confidence built on strategic pricing, modernization, service expansion and a belief that both local market fundamentals and internal improvements position their stores for continued growth.

Laundry owners forecasting a softer 2026 point primarily to immigration-related disruptions and rising operating costs.

Several respondents described customer base instability tied to immigration enforcement activity. ICE raids and broader immigration uncertainty have reportedly led to deportations, customers relocating, or behavioral shifts such as washing at home, in residential buildings or during off-peak hours to avoid visibility.

At the same time, escalating expenses are squeezing margins. Owners cite higher costs for utilities, insurance, parts, repairs and shipping. Compounding the issue, operators believe their customers are also feeling financial strain, limiting discretionary spending and potentially reducing the frequency of their laundry visits.

If you missed an earlier part: Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3