It can sell, but with prerequisites.** The U.S. currently has a severe shortage of public restrooms, but "pay toilets" were historically boycotted,
Here is the full English translation of the previous conversation:
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**It can sell, but with prerequisites.** The U.S. currently has a severe shortage of public restrooms, but "pay toilets" were historically boycotted, so you can't simply copy the Chinese model.
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### 📊 Why There Is an Opportunity
**1. Severe Shortage of Public Restrooms in the U.S.**
In the 1970s, the U.S. had over **50,000** pay toilets. However, the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America (CEPTIA) pushed legislation in more than a dozen states within six years, and by 1980 they were virtually extinct. The result: the U.S. now has only **8 public toilets per 100,000 people**, ranking 31st globally — compared to 15 in the UK, 18 in Canada, and 37 in Australia.
The New York City subway had 1,676 restrooms in the 1940s; by 2022, that number had dropped to a mere **78**.
**2. Americans Are Willing to Pay for Clean Restrooms**
A 2018 Bradley Corporation survey found:
- **56%** of Americans would consider paying for a clean, well-stocked public restroom
- **45%** would accept 25 cents, **29%** would accept 50 cents, and **6%** would pay over $1
- **70%** have had a particularly bad public restroom experience
**3. Successful Precedents Already Exist**
New York City currently operates automated public toilets, charging **25 cents for up to 15 minutes**, with an alarm after 12 minutes and a 90-second automatic cleaning cycle after the user leaves. These are installed and maintained by private companies under city government supervision.
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### ⚠️ Why It Won't Be Easy
**1. Historical Baggage and Cultural Resistance**
The 1970s anti-pay-toilet movement's core argument was: **discrimination against women** — women had to pay for stalls while men could use free urinals. This historical memory gives "pay toilets" a negative political connotation in the U.S.
Approximately **one-third of Midwesterners** say they definitely would not pay.
**2. Legal Risks**
Some states may still have residual laws banning pay toilets, or may require special permits. New York's automated toilets are **city-government franchised**; private direct deployment may face compliance issues.
**3. Low Pricing Ceiling**
Americans' psychological price point is **$0.25–$1**; acceptance drops off a cliff beyond that range. This means limited revenue per customer — you must rely on **high turnover** to turn a profit.
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### 🎯 How to Make It Sell
| Factor | Specific Requirements |
|--------|----------------------|
| **Cleanliness is the baseline** | 70% of people are disgusted by filth; automatic cleaning (like NYC's 90-second cycle) is a must |
| **Pricing** | Start at $0.25–$0.50; $1 is the ceiling |
| **Location** | Parks, subway entrances, tourist attractions, downtown commercial streets — restroom deserts |
| **Partnership model** | Franchise agreements with city governments / property owners, not purely private deployment |
| **Compliance** | ADA accessibility certification is mandatory, or you'll face lawsuits |
| **Differentiation** | Don't call it a "Pay Toilet" — call it a "Premium Restroom" or "Smart Sanitation Station" — avoid historically sensitive terminology |
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### 💰 Market Size Reference
The global portable toilet market was **$18.03 billion in 2024** and is projected to reach **$32.59 billion by 2033**, with North America as the largest regional market. The U.S. vending machine market is already mature at **$79.2 billion**, with 69% of workplaces having smart vending machines — showing that Americans **accept paying for convenience**; the key is that the experience must justify the price.
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**Conclusion: It's not that the U.S. can't do it, but if you do it, you must make it a "premium, clean, automated" benchmark product, with affordable pricing, and secure locations through government/property partnerships. Treat it as "public infrastructure service" rather than just "a business," and you'll have a much better chance of success.**