If you operate a furniture, appliance or home improvement business, consider stocking washing machines. Homeowners find washer machines an essential appliance. Washing machine manufacturers produce a large variety of clothes washing machines to accommodate different needs and different sizes of laundry rooms. Manufacturers make compact, energy efficient and adjustable washers.

Other businesses use washing machines to provide a service. Laundromats, hotels, hospitals, dry cleaners, apartment complexes, car washes and other businesses need laundry machine equipment as part of their operations. These businesses evaluate equipment purchase in much the same way as appliance retailers would. They look for durability, large capacity and multiple cycles. Space saving equipment would not be as much of a consideration as it would be for the retailer.

Before purchasing washing machines:

1. Decide which brands of washing machines to carry.

2. Identify suppliers of washing machines.

3. Arrange maintenance services for washing machine repair.

4. Compare features and benefits of top loading washers with front loaders.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare features and prices of washing machines

Because of brand loyalty, an appliance store must carry the best known brand names in washing machines. Offer customers enough choices so they don't have to go somewhere else to buy the appliance. Businesses that use washing machines in providing a service must also evaluate which machine best meets their needs.

I recommend: Compare brands sorted by dwelling type, features, size and other aspects at Wize. Bosch Appliances manufactures a small line of high-end washing machines that are Energy Star rated. The Laundry Alternative manufactures a unique portable design for a small apartments, campers and single people. You can never go wrong with an established brand such as Whirlpool.

Evaluate washing machine suppliers

The buyer can purchase machines directly from the manufacturer, often for bulk prices. However, you may not always get the best prices or variety. Investigate other suppliers that will provide you the best service. Smaller suppliers often have better customer service and benefits, such as free shipping.

I recommend: General Electric Company sells many washing machines directly from its website. AJ Madison offers name brand washing machines with no sales tax and free delivery. Appliance Warehouse of America offers washers and dryers as rentals in apartment complexes and condominiums. Renting appliances can be a cheaper alternative for some businesses.

Buy commercial and coin-operated washing machines for service-oriented businesses

Several types of businesses require large capacity or coin-operated washing machines. Hotels purchase machines both for washing their own linen and to allow guests to wash their own clothes. Laundromats use coin-operated machines so that customers can do their own laundry without having to pay attendants to collect money.

I recommend: Alliance Laundry Systems provides the reliable Speed Queen top loading, front loading and washer extractors for commercial businesses, in addition to the Speed Queen coin-operated machines that are appropriate for use in laundromats. Staber Industries makes a line of specialized commercial and home washing machines. Nextag offers comparisons of washing machines perfect for laundromats and apartment complexes.

Consider offering washing machine repair service for customers

Despite manufacturer's warranties, appliances still break. Sometimes repairs don't cost very much, while other repairs cost more than a new machine. Decide whether your business wants to hire in-house service people or contract a repair service through the manufacturer or an independent agency.

I recommend: Sears offers repair services for all major brands of appliances regardless of where you bought them. If you decide to conduct your own in-house repairs, consult RepairClinic.com for tips and ordering replacement parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Today's consumers are environmentally conscious and thrifty. Appliance stores should stock energy efficient and ergonomic equipment. Businesses that use washing machines to provide a service should be equally as energy conscious in their selection of equipment in order to keep operating costs down.