Laundromats are targets — cash-heavy, often unattended, and open to the public. Most owners underinvest in security until after they've been hit. A single break-in costs $500-$2,000 in cash plus $150-600+ per machine in damage.
Camera Systems
- Verkada (Enterprise): $1,500-3,000/camera, AI detection, 365-day cloud
- Rhombus (Mid-range): $400-800/camera, excellent for laundromats
- Reolink (Budget): $150-400/camera, local storage
Minimum 4-6 cameras for a typical 2,000 sq ft store covering entrances, cash areas, machine rows, and parking.
Access Control
- Kisi: $500-800/door, smartphone access, scheduled unlocks
- Salto KS: $600-1,000/door, key cards + mobile
- ButterflyMX: $3,000-5,000, video intercom for multi-tenant
Cash Management: Highest-ROI Security Investment
Converting to card/app payment: theft reduction 60-80%, revenue increase 15-20%. Typical payback: 10-12 months. Read more about cashless laundromats.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera System (4-6) | $800–$1,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Access Control | $300–$600 | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Alarm System | $500–$1,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Total Initial | $2,100–$4,100 | $7,700–$14,500 | $18,000–$35,000 |
Recommendation: Most single-store operators should budget $8,000-$12,000 for a solid mid-range system.
Insurance Premium Impact
Combined security systems can reduce insurance premiums 15-25%. On a $3,000-5,000 annual premium, that's $450-$1,250 in savings. See our insurance guide for details.
A $10,000 security system that prevents two $2,000 break-ins and saves $500 annually on insurance pays for itself in three years.