Paystation for PDQ 360?

[wash12]

I am trying to decide on what paystation to put in, I would like something that can scan coupon bar codes and is very user friendly as the wash is unintended. What are everyones thoughts on the best fit for me needs to take cash, card and codes.

Also if you ran barcode coupons at an unintended wash how did that work for you?

I like the PDQ access B series but I do not believe it is capable of scanning barcodes.

 

[splashngocornwall]

I own 5 PDQ Access units and though I like PDQ washes and their service people - I cannot recommend these pay stations. They feel antiquated and are difficult to configure. Not to mention the new EMV implementation has not gone very well. They do accept cash, cards and codes but you are correct in your assessment that barcode coupons are not accepted.

Why do you prefer barcodes to numeric codes?

 

[wash12]

I own 5 PDQ Access units and though I like PDQ washes and their service people - I cannot recommend these pay stations. They feel antiquated and are difficult to configure. Not to mention the new EMV implementation has not gone very well. They do accept cash, cards and codes but you are correct in your assessment that barcode coupons are not accepted.

Why do you prefer barcodes to numeric codes?

Thank for the feedback, when you say difficult to configure can you elaborate a bit on that and do you run a PDQ 360 with any of the stations?

I want to be able to scan a barcode and it gives them lets say $2 off each wash it just seems easier to have them scan and pay then type a code. Does PDQ allow a promo code to be typed in to discount a wash?

Also EMV implementation didn't go well are they not reading cards or whats going on there?

 

[Sparkleclean]

Pdq told me they were working on a new access machine now. I was told they reached their limit on the old one as far as engineering goes so they had to start from scratch. I will agree, i have 3 access machines and they are a pain in the ass. Constant problems, expensive parts, and really the worst part is the machines limitations. Because it can not scan barcodes, the bill validator can but pdq doesnt allow it to, i cant hand out barcoded wash discounts or free washes. Instead i am stuck paying for the plastic wash cards at something like $1 each or using "wash codes" for either free washes or discounts. And using the wash codes isnt simple either. Most customers get confused. In my opinion pdq really dropped the ball on these machines.

 

[PEI]

The Hamilton HTK can have a bar code reader and seems to be very reliable.

 

[wash12]

The Hamilton HTK can have a bar code reader and seems to be very reliable.

Any idea the cost on one of these they don't look cheap.

 

[PEI]

The baseline price for a unit with a barcode reader is about $22,000. So, they aren't cheap.

 

[soonermajic]

can't you use coupons in Wash Select II ?

 

[wash12]

can't you use coupons in Wash Select II ?

I think you have to buy there pre printed tickets for this I actually have a extra select 2 laying around can anyone confirm this?

 

[APW]

Yes, you can buy the coupons from Unitec. I believe they come in packs of 100. You have to have a different coupon for each different wash package. We use them as giveways for our top three washes or sell them when asked.

 

[PEI]

I talked with Hamilton at the Car Wash Show and the Gold Line can be had with a barcode reader for about $11,000.

 

[CheetahExpress]

Glad to know I'm not the only one with Access Machine problems. You're right about the constant problems and expensive parts. Mostly serious printer jams and bill dispenser not giving change. An extra bill dispenser drawer costs almost $1,000! But we thought it practical to have so we can pull out the empty one and load a new one quickly. We were lucky when the printer went bad and had to be replaced, but it was during the warranty period. Due to the demographic here in rural South TX, some can't even fathom wash codes, let alone bar-codes. We have customers who don't even have email. The complex computer insides of the machine are also very "glitchy." It's an expensive and complex machine.