GETTING SMART ABOUT LAUNDRY SERVICE
Since 1927, Mac-Gray Services, Inc. has built resources and expertise that help multi-family property owners and managers provide a better quality of life for their residents. While Mac-Gray’s primary focus is in providing first-class laundry service, the company provides a range of complementary amenity programs designed to help managers maintain resident satisfaction and increase resident retention.
Mac-Gray has developed quality relationships with thousands of owners, managers and co-op & condo board members. They attribute their success, in part, to their commitment to forming mutually beneficial partnerships with their customers. "Our philosophy is simple, we listen to the customers’ needs, then we design and implement a laundry program to satisfy those needs. Our daily challenge is to exceed our customers’ expectations", said Kevin Fahey, Regional Vice President.
|
Mac-Gray views a property’s laundry facility(s) as a vital and valuable amenity. The facility itself gives prospective renters or buyers an indication of the building’s management style. A well designed, properly maintained laundry facility(s) can help attract and retain residents. Prior to making the important decision and long term commitment for laundry services, Mac-Gray recommends that the decision-maker(s) complete a formal evaluation process.
DESIGNING A LAUNDRY SERVICE TO SATISFY YOUR NEEDS
The laundry evaluation process can be simplified and the outcome more beneficial, if you spend a little time at the on-set to determine your property’s primary needs and objectives. Mac-Gray recommends that you create a simple ‘Bid Specification’ or ‘Request for Proposal’ (RFP). This RFP should outline the property’s desired laundry program and provide the laundry service companies with a guideline to bid from. Mac-Gray offers free assistance and/or a sample RFP, upon request.
CREATING A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
First, determine your needs and desires with respect to the following: laundry income; renovation of the laundry facility; type of equipment and vend prices; smart card or coin operated; laundry room accessories; required qualifications of the laundry service company; specific service requirements; type of laundry agreement and length of contract. Then, outline your requirements in the RFP. Mac-Gray recommends that you require all bidders to comply with the RFP guidelines. In addition, they recommend that you encourage bidders to submit an alternate proposal with their own recommendations for your property.
SMART CARD OR COIN OPERATED LAUNDRY FACILITY?
What are the costs and benefits of a smart card system? Will my residents accept and understand the new technology? These are a couple of the most commonly asked questions by property managers. The answers to these questions vary depending on both your choice of the manufacturer of the smart card technology and the laundry service company supporting the system. It is important to choose a smart card system that will satisfy your present needs and have the flexibility to take advantage of future applications. The laundry service company must have the experience, expertise and resources to properly support the system and educate your residents.
Smart Cards are the wave of the future in multi-family properties. This technology has revolutionized the way property owners and managers think about on-site amenities and promotional programs to enhance the quality of life in their communities, differentiate their properties and increase profits. An independent research study was conducted with residents who are currently using Mac-Gray Smart Card technology. The results showed that Mac-Gray Smart Card technology had a positive impact on properties by improving resident retention rates and increasing laundry room revenues.
THE LAUNDRY AGREEMENT
Mac-Gray feels it is important that the contract document used by laundry companies becomes part of the property’s decision process. "Prior to making a decision about laundry service, you should see the proposed terms in contract form. The laundry contract may have terms and conditions that are unacceptable to you and non-negotiable. In addition, these terms and conditions will give you an insight into the company you choose to partner with," says Fahey.
Mac-Gray recommends you have an attorney review all contract documents prior to signing. When requested, Mac-Gray consults with law firms and management companies to assist them in creating their own laundry contract.
For more information about Mac-Gray or any of their products or services, call 800-262-2037 or visit their web site at www.mac-gray.com.
