5 Ways to Increase Car Wash Profits
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.
