5 Car Wash Franchise Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you are considering starting a car wash business franchise, it is essential to understand some of the common small business mistakes new car wash owners make and how to avoid them. By taking the time to review these mistakes, you will better understand how to start a car wash business and have it be successful. #1. Not Checking Out the Competition
One mistake is not taking the time to find out who potential competitors are in the area where you want to open your car wash business. If there are too many car washes, there may not be enough customers to support your business.Another reason to see what the competition is doing is to get an idea about their pricing models, loyalty programs, subscription programs, and how well they maintain their car wash equipment. You need to determine what they are doing right, what areas they lack, and how you could improve on these things at your car wash.
#2. Picking a Poor Location
If you simply choose the cheapest commercial property and it is too inconvenient for customers, they are not going to visit your car wash. Your car wash business needs to be in a high-traffic area to attract customers. You also want to make sure your car wash is far enough away from competitors.So, you will want to look for commercial sites near grocery stores, shopping malls, and major roads with easy access for your customers to find the best location for a car wash business. While a high-traffic area will cost more upfront, it will pay for itself in the long run.
#3. Not Completing a Business and Financial Plan
Opening a car wash might seem pretty straightforward. However, you still need a business and financial plan that details various aspects of the business operations, such as:- What levels of car washes will you offer?
- How many vacuum cleaners will you need?
- How many vehicles can your car wash handle at peak times?
- What car wash equipment will you need?
- What type of car wash will you franchise?
- How much money will you need to franchise the car wash?
- Does the franchise include financing options to cover startup costs and purchase commercial property?
- How much are the franchise fees?
#4. Not Developing a Marketing Plan
There is that phrase from a popular movie “If you build it, they will come.” However, simply relying on customers to see your car wash as they drive by will not be sufficient to keep your car wash in business for long. You will not attract customers if they do not know there is a new car wash in their area.The best way to ensure your car wash gets noticed is to develop an effective marketing strategy. For example, you could hand out flyers at nearby stores with the owners’ permission. In addition, you could promote your business on social media sites. Do not forget about free marketing options, too, like creating a Google Business Profile, so when people search for car washes in your area, they will find your car wash.
#5. Not Using a Car Wash Wholesale Supply Company
Your car wash will need a wide range of supplies, accessories, vending items, car wash parts, etc. Therefore, it is vital to get the best prices on these things to reduce your operating costs. The easiest way to do this is to source what you need from a car wash wholesale supply company like Superior Car Wash Supply.While we touched on the 5 common small business mistakes people make when starting a car wash business, it is worthwhile to point out that once you do open, there are other mistakes you will want to avoid, including:
- Poor Customer Service
- Not Maintaining Your Car Wash
- Not Offering Customers Incentives to Return
- Poor Wash Quality and Consistency
- Not Offering the Services and Products Customers Want
- Not Listening to Your Customers’ Feedback