Automatic Car Wash Refunds

[wasiknator]

I have an aging American Paystation that has been bullet-proof for 16 years. I need to upgrade the hardware and will no longer be able to issue Washbucks for those that may have a problem at the wash. There are only 24 codes available on the upgrade, so giving a code seems to be a limited option as well. My other option is to send a token in the mail, but not sure about sending metal in the mail.

What are others doing in this situation to refund customers who may have a problem at the wash. I am not attended.

Wasiknator

 

[chaz]

I mail a card or refund to c/c when possible. Refund only with equipment issue....otherwise card for re wash. In your case I'd do a few trial mailing of the token, maybe a reinforced envelope....or assuming the 24 codes you talk about, are one time codes I'd use those and reset as needed. If they are unlimited codes...I would NOT give those out.

 

[washnvac]

I send tokens in the mail all the time. I just tape them to my standard apology letter and/or explanation letter. I make sure the token(s) fall in the center of the regular #10 envelope. As long as you are not over 1 ounce, 1 stamp will do it.

If an issue was definitely my equipment problem, I just mail the customer the cash back.

What has happened to your American Changer that requires upgrade? I have seven of the ac8001s. The oldest is 16 years old. The youngest is 10 years old.

 

[Greg Pack]

Hi Mike, Buy a used wash select II, preferably with enhanced fleet- EF gives you 1000 possible codes that can be configured as needed. I think the standard has 100 which is likely enough anyway. I generate a few codes and print them out. I carry the list in my billfold. If someone calls with a problem you can give them a code over the phone. If it is their fault, I give them a rewash. If it is the equipment malfunction, I give them a code with two washes.

You can also issue discount codes and set up fleet accounts if you like.

Used WS IIs are running around 4K.

 

[wasiknator]

I send tokens in the mail all the time. I just tape them to my standard apology letter and/or explanation letter. I make sure the token(s) fall in the center of the regular #10 envelope. As long as you are not over 1 ounce, 1 stamp will do it.

If an issue was definitely my equipment problem, I just mail the customer the cash back.

What has happened to your American Changer that requires upgrade? I have seven of the ac8001s. The oldest is 16 years old. The youngest is 10 years old.

It will not batch out periodically. I have been working with Lenny and he cannot figure it out. Says the only solution is to upgrade the components inside the machine.

 

[washnvac]

I have that happen occasionally; especially when really busy. I just power cycle the machine, and it batches out. I also changed my batch limit to $100 so batches occur more frequently. This solved a lot of periodic not batching out. Now maybe it happens once per month at one of the machines.