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Hamilton vs. Unitec vs. Cryptopay

matts22

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We recently purchased a car wash (5 self-service bays and 1 in-bay automatic) and truck wash (4 self service bays). These are at two separate locations about 1 mile apart. They are the only washes in our town of about 4500 people.

One of our most urgent upgrades, in our opinion, is adding credit card capabilities to both sites. I have researched various systems and would like your opinions on these systems as well as which route we should take.

One confounding factor is that our in-bay automatic currently uses an old Hamilton ACW4. We do not like the fact that the display is at the bottom of the unit, making it very difficult for customers to see in taller vehicles. Thus, we have considered upgrading this and would also like your opinions on this, as it makes a difference in which credit card system we use. We have considered upgrading to a Hamilton Goldline or a Unitec Wash Select II, as it seems you can get a used model for a reasonable price. Can you give your thoughts on this as well?

At this point, I am leaning toward Cryptopay because it is cheaper, wireless, and easier to install. However, I am still considering the other options. With their new site analytics feature and upcoming ability to do fleet accounts, it seems that the main benefit of the other systems now is the ability to track non-credit card payments. I have not decided whether this is a big deal or not, but would appreciate your thoughts.

An added cost for the Cryptopay for us would be that we would need to upgrade all of the timers at both locations so that we could use it in count-up mode. This would be a $40-50 upgrade per bay at the truck wash as we already have Dixmor LED7 timers and they just need a firmware upgrade. However, at the car wash, we would have to buy new Dixmor LED-6 timers for each bay.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help!
 

Randy

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I’d keep the ACW-4, it’s about as rock solid as you can get. If it doesn’t have the Red scrolling display and a Mars bill validator I’d install both of those, upgraded the front of the ACW and you’ll have a solid piece of equipment for many more years. Upgrade the timers to the Dixmor LED-6 timers and install Cryptopay on the ACW-4, self-serve bays and vacuums and you’ll be set, the Dixmor timers are a much better timer than the Coleman - Timemaster timer, easier to read and see on a sunny day.
 

MDrost1

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I agree with Randy. I have the ACW4 with the CPay upgrade. I have Cpay in 2 bays and two vacs as well. No issues. Don't regret it. Plus CPay is unveiling a fleet program in 2016. Should be great for those of us with the system.
 

matts22

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Thank you both for the replys. I was hoping to generate more of a discussion about this. Is there nobody that disagrees?
 
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