Not until most students are waist deep in dirty laundry do they realize just how precious quarters are, but with this year's increase in vending prices, spare change has become even more valuable at Notre Dame.Washing a load of clothes is now $1.50 and drying is $1.00. Each price is increased 25 cents from last year. Some vending machine beverages have also gone up by a dime. Price increases on campus are ultimately decided by Food Services, said director David Prentkowski."We work with the manufacturers, who recommend prices, but we establish [them]," he said.There are 988 vending machines on campus and about 300 sell food and beverages with the rest used laundry and change machines."After paying for expenses, machines are quite expensive," said Prentkowski, pointing to the costs of purchasing the machines, products, labor and machine replacement as high expenses. Extra revenue from sales goes to the University's general education fund. "Adjustments [in pricing] coincide with the costs we receive," he said. A price increase can occur after higher manufacturer's suggested prices, increased cost of labor and even increases in employee benefits, such as health insurance. "It just keeps going up," said Prentkowski. "But we keep pace with the manufacturer. We try not to do it too often."Junior Elizabeth Goers, who does her laundry in Welsh Hall, said she was "quite surprised" by the price increase."I just learned about it when I came down here," Goers said. "It doesn't look like a lot, but I think it will add up."Prentkowski said it has been several years since there have been price hikes for any vending machines on campus.
