9 Ideas to Transform an Old Car Wash Bay
When you have an old car wash bay and want to renovate it or transform it into something else that can help your business earn income, there are several possibilities to consider. For example, your customers’ needs may have changed or your wash volume decreased. Regardless of the reasons, taking the time to explore your options is a great idea to help breathe new life into your car wash.
#1. Vending Area
Adding a vending area with vending machines is a great way to transform an underperforming wash bay and generate more income. In addition, using the old wash bay provides a larger space for you to try out a more comprehensive range of products.
Plus, the vending machines will be sheltered from the elements. Your customers will appreciate being able to have more time to browse products and find the ones they need. Not to mention, your vending machines will last longer in a covered area.
#2. Car Wash Detailing Area
Transforming the old vehicle wash bay into a detailing area could be a value-added service your customers will enjoy. Most people dislike having to wax and detail their vehicles. They also may not like having to vacuum and clean the interior of their cars. By providing this premium car wash service, they can get their vehicles detailed after being washed.
Another option is to offer complete detailing services where you take care of everything to wash, vacuum, and detail vehicles. Depending on how big the wash bay is, you might even have room for a waiting area to place vending machines and chairs.
#3. Quick Oil Change Bay
Another value-added service you could consider is converting the old wash bay into a new quick oil change bay. By doing this, you provide your car wash customers with another service they need. So, not only can you continue to earn profits from car washes but also from your new oil change service.
#4. Workshop
You could convert the old bay into an onsite workshop with the space you need to repair wash equipment used in your other wash bays. The space also provides a secure location for storing tools and car wash parts.
#5. Inventory Storage
Most car wash owners have limited storage space for inventory items and wash chemicals. You will have all the space you need by converting the old wash bay into a storage area. In addition, you can save money by buying in bulk and taking advantage of wholesale prices.
#6. New Retail Space
One current hot trend is to take an underperforming wash bay and convert it into a retail space. For example, you could open a coffee shop, sandwich shop, car accessory store, or any other retail venture that would be beneficial in your area.
#7. Rental Property
Another option of what you can do with an old wash bay is to convert it into a rental property. You could rent it out as office space or retail space. You could even solicit value-added car services, such as an auto repair shop, window-tinting and window replacement shop, or a specialty wheel and tire shop.
#8. Convert It into a Different Type of Wash Experience
Some car wash owners convert an underused self-serve wash bay into a different type of wash service. For example, you could install an automatic touchless wash system. You could also split the space and convert it into two motorcycle wash bays. Another possibility is to install pet washing machines and transform it into a self-serve or full-service pet wash.
#9. Water Recycling Area
Many car washes are investing in equipment designed to recycle and reuse wash water to conserve water. An old wash bay provides plenty of room for this equipment and storage tanks for the recycled water.
Other Considerations When Converting a Vehicle Wash Bay
Once you decide what you want to do with your old wash bay, you will want to take your time and conduct some further research. Part of your research should:
Review the commercial rules and regulations in your area. Specifically, verify with your local municipality what you will need to convert the wash bay. For example, you may need special permits.
Consider what competition you would have. Before investing in the conversion, you need to make sure you will not have a lot of competition in your area. For example, if there already are several coffee shops, it may not be profitable to open another coffee shop.
Determine what type of renovations will be needed. You may have to remove old wash equipment, add flooring, add exterior walls, etc.
Create a design of your new bay concept. Sketch out a design of how you envision your wash bay conversion and how you want the space to look once it is finished.
Be fun and get you excited about the possibilities. There are endless possibilities of what you can do with an old wash bay beyond the nine we presented.
Why Superior Car Wash Supply for Your Transformed Bay
Superior Car Wash Supply offers a wide range of car wash vending items, interior accessories, car wash supplies, and products at wholesale prices you can use in your transformed wash bay. We have been in business for over 27 years and specialize in car accessories, air fresheners, vending machines, floor mats, vending items, novelties, gifts, and other impulse items you need.
Thanks to our huge buying power, we are able to offer you access to a wide range of the best-selling products at the best wholesale prices anywhere. Please feel free to explore our online store or contact us directly at 800-554-9274 today.