Tips for Managing Unlimited Car Wash Programs
Thanks to advancements in technology, many car wash owners are taking advantage of offering unlimited car wash programs to their customers. These car wash plans provide numerous benefits for both car wash customers and the owner.The customer can have their vehicle washed as much as they want during the program period. For the business owner, subscription car wash programs provide recurring car wash revenue.However, many car wash owners shy away from unlimited car wash programs because they believe managing wash programs will be too time-consuming or too complex. So, they continue doing business as usual instead of cashing in and growing their revenues.
Managing car wash membership plans is easier than you may think. Once your program is set up, managing it is effortless, using all the latest technologies at your fingertips.
Are Unlimited Car Washes Worth It?
One of the primary benefits you gain is regular recurring monthly revenues, even when customers do not wash their cars. For example, you have customers who get their vehicles washed monthly and spend $20 per wash. They spend $240 on washes annually, but not necessarily at your car wash. With a $40 unlimited monthly subscription, now they are spending $480 annually at your car wash.Creating an Unlimited Car Wash Program
Step 1: Decide what packages you want to offer.
Most car washes will have two to three different packages to give customers the flexibility to choose which package best suits their needs.The best way to think of wash packages is like streaming services that offer ad and ad-free packages. Your better package should provide added value to entice customers to sign up for the higher level.
For example, you could have a basic wash package where the customer gets a wash and rinse. Then you could have a second package that includes the wash and rinse and a wax, spotless rinsing, and drying.
You should also include options for customers who have multiple vehicles. For instance, you could have family wash program packages to cover multiple vehicles.
Step 2: Determine your program pricing.
You need to show your car wash customers that signing up for a subscription is a better value than paying per wash. To do this, you need to determine what program pricing will entice them while still allowing you to earn a profit.Step 3: Decide how you will track wash subscriptions.
There are several different methods for tracking wash subscriptions, such as:Using your POS system and the customer’s phone number.
A loyalty rewards card with a barcode.
Your car wash mobile app.
An RFID keychain you provide your subscribers.
Step 4: Promote your new car wash membership program.
It is essential you promote your subscription packages and the perks the program offers. You could use different incentives to get people to sign up, including:Offering a discounted rate for yearly subscriptions
Offering a one-time trial.
Featuring weekly or monthly freebies, such as a free air freshener.
Discounts for items purchased from your car wash store or vending machines.
Tips for Managing Your Unlimited Car Wash Program
Once your car wash subscription program is rolled out, you need to manage it effectively. There are several tools you can use to help streamline management processes, as follows:Enable customer self-service options. The easiest way to ensure customers’ payment method is current is to put them in control of updating credit and debit cards when they expire. You could do this through your website, mobile app, or an in-store kiosk tied to your POS system.
Make it easy for customers to cancel or change plans. Self-service options are ideal for this. However, you could also give them these options whenever they scan their loyalty card or RFID keychain or go through your mobile app by accessing their account information.
Change up the perks offered with the program. Free air fresheners are great, but you want to provide other incentives to retain subscriptions and entice new subscribers. For example, you could partner with a local restaurant or quick change oil place and offer subscribers discounts at those businesses simply because they subscribe to your wash program.
Offer a monthly car care package at a discounted rate. You could put together a car care package with Armor All cleaning wipes, glass cleaner wipes, tire protectant sponges, and other such items. You could even theme the car care package for different seasons or holidays.
Offer a monthly car care package at a discounted rate. You could put together a car care package with Armor All cleaning wipes, glass cleaner wipes, tire protectant sponges, and other such items. You could even theme the car care package for different seasons or holidays.
Offer special perks based on retention level. Another way to retain subscribers is to offer some incentives for long-term subscriptions. For example, you could have special items you give away every three months that increase in value the longer the person remains a subscriber.
Celebrate subscribers with customer appreciation days. You can show appreciation for your subscription car wash subscribers with customer appreciation days. For example, you could give subscribers a free hot dog, bag of chips, and soft drink.
Feature an express lane for subscription members. Another way to add value to a car wash plan is to have an express lane where subscribers do not have to wait as long to get their cars washed. This feature can also encourage non-subscribers to join your program.
While you might be hesitant to start an unlimited car wash program, you need to remember this type of sales model is not going away. On the contrary, it is becoming more popular in many industries, including the car wash industry.
Fortunately, you have access to several different technologies that make rolling out a monthly wash program and managing it easy.
Wholesale Car Wash Supplies
It is easy to find car wash supplies, accessories, Armor All products, air fresheners, vending products, parts, and more at Superior Car Wash Supply. Shop online or contact us at 800-554-9274 today.