Components of an Express Car Wash Business Plan for Success

There are several different types of car wash businesses you could start. One choice is a self-service car wash with individual bays. This concept is great when you can attract wash customers that do not mind washing their vehicles.

Another type of car wash is the hand-wash model. This option is where you or your employees hand wash and detail the vehicles for your customers. This is a good choice when you are operating on a small scale and focusing on a specific demographic.

A third choice is a full-service car wash model. This model is where the vehicle is often washed in an automated system that is monitored by employees to ensure the vehicle is cleaned. After the vehicle comes out of the wash, employees detail and hand dry the vehicle.

The fourth type of car wash is a variation of the self-service and full-service model called an express car wash business. This particular style of car wash focuses specifically on washing vehicles. It is typically automated to pull the vehicles through the wash on a conveyor system.

An express car wash also provides access to vacuums for customers to use to sweep out their cars. Express car wash owners should have car wash vending machines on hand to sell soft drinks, snacks, and car detailing supplies and accessories.

In recent years, express car washes have become very popular since people get a similar wash experience as a full-service car wash while having the flexibility to decide whether they want to detail and dry their cars.

They are also popular with car wash owners because they provide the flexibility of a self-service car wash and do not require that many, if any, employees to run and operate. Some of the key components that need to be included in an express car wash business plan include:

1. Location, Location, Location – You need to make sure the car wash is located in a high-traffic area, as near a grocery store, strip mall, restaurants, or other retailers.
2. Ease of Access – You want to make it easy for your customers to get in and out of your car wash. A corner lot or a location within a shopping complex are two great options.
3. The Number of Competitors – You don’t want to open your express car wash near another full-service or express wash operation. Otherwise, you will be competing with the other car wash and will limit your potential earnings. Instead, look for an area that does not have a car wash and could benefit from one.
4. Think Outside the Box – Another great location for an express car wash is near highly populated residential areas, such as apartment complexes, condos, and subdivisions. Many new developments feature a mixture of residential and commercial properties, so you can easily find a location for your express car wash.
5. Offer Perks – You could offer a customer loyalty program, free vacuums, or other such perks to entice customers to use your express car wash. The perks you offer could be what sets you apart from competitors.
6. Invest in Quality Equipment – You want to ensure the quality of your car washes to entice repeat customers. The best way to do this is with quality wash equipment.

By incorporating these ideas into your express car wash business plan, you can open and operate a successful car wash business.

To find car wash vending machines, car wash supplies, accessories, and other items for your express car wash at wholesale prices, please feel free to browse our online store at Superior Car Wash Supply or contact us at 800-554-9274 today!