Starting the Hunt

So I needed an automatic dry cleaning machine for my new spot. Googled "commercial dry cleaning equipment near me" like a madman. Big mistake – got flooded with sketchy third-party sites wanting my phone number. Felt like feeding info into a black hole.

Filtering the Noise

Changed tactics:

• Checked industry forums where laundry owners rant about bad suppliers
• Called local dry cleaners straight up asking "Where'd you buy yours?"
• Visited trade show websites to see exhibitor lists (even virtual ones)

Found three names popping up repeatedly: SpeedQueen, UniMac, and some Chinese brand called SailStar.

Playing Phone Tag

Called all three pretending I was ready to swipe my card tomorrow:

• SpeedQueen guy talked down to me like I'd never seen a washing machine
• UniMac rep gave textbook sales pitch – felt robotic
• Surprisingly, SailStar lady actually asked about my shop's size first

Asked each for local users I could visit. Two refused. SailStar gave me two contacts without hesitation.

The Reality Check

Drove 60 miles to Bob's Laundromat – he'd used SailStar machines for 18 months. Made him show me the maintenance logs. Saw consistent 90-day service intervals. Key takeaway? The warranty actually covered labor costs – which SpeedQueen's fine print didn't.

Sealing the Deal

Went back to SailStar quoting Bob's testimonial. Their offer:

• 45-day delivery (faster than competitors)
• Free installation if I paid upfront
• Throw-in detergent packs for first month

Ended up at 23% below initial quote after playing hardball. Lesson? Suppliers who let you test-drive their clients ain't hiding crap. Now waiting for delivery next month – hope they don't ghost me.