Driving Revenue & Customer Convenience With Car Washing
It has been known for many years that the car wash industry is an important addition to the landmark of the United States. What once was a mom-and-pop operation has now grown considerably to large franchises offering all modern and convenient ways for a customer to obtain a squeaky clean and dry car by adding improved chemicals to the mix.
Today, there are more than 80,000 car washes in the U.S., with an estimated worth of around $14.9 billion in 2024. By 2031, it is estimated that figure will grow to $19.8 billion. Eight million vehicles are washed daily, totaling 2 billion washes per year, with the average individual washing their car more than 12 times per year.
Part of this growth is due to rising disposable income and providing customers with convenient and affordable car wash options. Technological advancements include wash clubs, charging a monthly fee for an unlimited number of washes throughout the month, to pay at the pump features, to mobile applications to conveniently book and pay for your wash via your smartphone.
[Read more: Innovation Leads to Higher-End Car Wash Experiences]
For a new car wash entrepreneur, a key factor to keep in mind is location, location, location. When finding a new site, you must ensure the traffic or car count is sufficient to provide a good return on your investment. Visibility is another consideration. Is the land at a corner or intersection or, better yet, at a traffic light where the drivers will be slowing down and able to see your operation? Another thing to consider is permitting and if the parcel is permitted properly to accommodate a car wash location.
Choice of chemicals used is an important piece of the puzzle as well. Eco-friendly is the name of the game when regulating your use of water and detergent requirements, making sure the proper PH is achieved so that the car comes out not only clean, but dry as well.
To be successful, you do not want to send out a car with water droplets; this is not good for business. Therefore, your choice of blower systems is just as important as the chemicals being used. Top nozzles, side nozzles and elephant ears are all terms you will become familiar with when making your decisions.
Another important decision for the new startup is the type of equipment purchased to achieve the ultimate outcome. Newer innovations such as flat belt conveyor systems provide peace of mind to the operator and customer that tires and rims will not be damaged. With a belt conveyor, the car simply glides along through the tunnel while all the soap and chemicals are being applied. A more reasonable option would be the standard steel conveyor with rollers and chain, which need to be replaced at certain intervals. Either would be a good option for a new operator.
You may decide to have a 24/7 operation, self-service bays, touchfree automatic/in-bay, tunnel or mini tunnel, or express operation. Will you offer free self-service vacuums for your patrons, or will you provide full-service options that are labor intensive? Decisions, decisions.
Regardless, the key is customer service. Car washing is a service-oriented business — providing service to your customers. Also, make sure you provide value to your customers while, at the same time, keeping a keen eye on profitability. For the car wash operator, pricing your wash packages is a key to success.
As once a get-out-of-your-car experience, a wash today can be a drive-thru experience where the customer can be in their car, showered with multicolored foam product and a light show experience that rivals that of a Disney production.
There are numerous organizations that operators can join to share experiences and learn about new items and innovations in the car wash industry.
Remember, it's more than just soap and water!
Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Convenience Store News.