Posted by Lee Drever on Tue, Aug 09, 2011
A recent web poll shows that most car wash customers don’t want to get their hands dirty.
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In an online poll, car leasing website, ContractHireAndLeasing.com found that 85 per cent of car wash customers opt for full service hand washes or automated rollover service over self-serve jet wash options.
Washing the car at home and by hand, however, is still the most popular way to clean the car, the poll concluded. Polling 1792 motorists the website found that 47 per cent said they usually wash the car themselves at home, while a further 13 per cent said they designated that job to someone else in the family.
Nevertheless the car wash industry is worth millions every year, with 34 per cent choosing to pay for a car wash service of one kind or another. The most popular of these pay-for services was a hand car wash with 15 per cent paying for some else to pick up the sponge, followed by automated roll over car washes, which took 14 per cent of the vote. Just 5 per cent paid for a self-service jet wash.
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Octaform PVC walls are finished when formed, perfect for the car wash environment.
Shockingly 6 per cent say they never wash their car, subjecting the car’s paint and bodywork to a dangerous build-up of dirt and reducing the likely resale value of their car.
“Caring for your car is an important part of helping it retain its value. Regularly cleaning also ensures your lights are visible and if you are contract hiring your vehicle, will help ensure you meet your fair wear and tear criteria at the end of your lease and don’t face additional charges,” says the website’s spokesperson Richard Lawton.
He adds: “Even with the explosion of hand car wash businesses in recent years, it still seems that seems that for most people, washing the car on a fine day is an enjoyable pastime.”
Posted by Christina Florencio on Tue, Jun 14, 2011
Whether you're an owner of a vehicle wash or you're considering building one, every entrepreneur needs to understand how to maximize their investment.
After speaking to several car wash owners, we've taken their advice and bring to you 5 Ways to Increase Car Wash Profits:
1. Create a Welcoming Environment
If you had a choice to wash your car at a dark, dingy car wash or a bright, white car wash, what would you pick? As a woman, I can attest to the fact that a bright, clean wash bay is not only pleasant, it feels safer.
Make sure your bays are well lit and your walls' finish is maintained. Keep your walls looking new with fresh paint or epoxy coating as needed.
Better yet, install interlocking wall and ceiling panels. These panels are bright, shiny and come in white which gives a fresh, new look to the wash. They also provide a protective waterproof finish to your walls and eliminate further upgrades or significant maintenance.
2. Maintain Your Car Wash Equipment
Car wash equipment is not cheap and maintenance isn't either. Keeping on top of your equipment's regular maintenance schedules will prolong the life of your investment and reduce repair costs and downtime.
Be knowledgeable of what is included in the warranty to avoid any unneccesary costs. Also, a good relationship with your suppliers always helps, especially during equipment failure.
3. Become an Amateur Meteorologist
Wash habits are heavily influenced by weather. Plan accordingly! Look at your local forecast. Are they calling for rain? Schedule some maintenance. Downtimes are opportunities; use them!
Don't be forced into making repairs on a sunny Saturday.
4. Expand Your Product
Are you missing revenue opportunities? Your customers are looking for air fresheners and cleaning products but what else do they want? Be creative. Test your market. Soda & snacks can be great but have you thought about building a pet wash?
5. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
Think you can build a wash and just wait for customers? Think again.
Look to your colleagues and competitors. What are they doing right? How can you distinguish yourself from them?
Reward your loyal customers and reward your staff. Developing promotions through the web, couponing or reward cards create a rapport with customers and build loyalty. Reward your staff by extending promotional discounts to their friends and family.
