Looking for Good Company for carwash supplies

[audiosnow46]

Just trying to see what a good company to order soaps, tire shine, etc... Right now for a barrell of soap it costs me about $400. That seems a little rediculous to me, maybe its not. I would like to see if you get your soap (supplies) locally or over internet. Also it seems liek our only dealer for carwash supplies charges so much for parts as well. We stopped by there the other day and a part cost me $35 bucks, and online it was $15 with free shipping. I'm just starting to get fed up with them in general. If you have any advice or anything let me know!
Thanks!

 

[pitzerwm]

You might say where you live, as that might influence the replies.

Of course, our sponsors while maybe not the cheapest have me to deal with if something goes wrong and they drop the ball fixing it. So you should check with them.

 

[Buzzie8]

In my estimation, there are three major suppliers in this industry (beyond the manufacturers themselves). Kleen-rite, Dultmeirs, and Sonnys plus a handful of others. There are 100's maybe even 1000's of chemical/soap suppliers. While soap costs are important the customer experience is even more important. Find a chemical rep who can teach you the in and outs of chemicals and you can start making better decisions on cost and effectiveness as you go. As far as a $35 part goes... I am personally always thrilled when a part can be replaced for $35 or under. It's the expensive parts that I will spend some time doing some price shopping on. My experience is that one of the big three will always be more competitive than your local equipment distributor but they might not always carry the part.

 

[CRHAMEL]

Their is a couple good soap companys up in your area.
What type of equipment do you have??
I am is Souix Falls often
Give me a call, for those soap guys
1800-657-2139

Chris Hamel

 

[audiosnow46]

sorry in rapid city, south dakota

 

[Waxman]

I found great prices on chemicals at Kleen Rite after a friend suggested (for quite some time as I am a bit slow) I try them.

I use their automatic soaps as well as self-serve concentrates. For every 4, 55 gallon drums of their touchfree soap I buy I save $550. I also get free shipping. I apply it through the same tip as the more costly brand. Subsequently, I can dump ALOT more soap on a car than before if I choose to, though it has not been necessary as I am very happy with wash quality since switching to Kleen Rite.

It's hard to beat the ultra concentrates for Self Service Bays, too. Take a 5 gallon pail and mix 30 gallons of soap/wax/polish? Spend $80 or $250+ is the choice. Foamy brush is thick and rich, wax is nice smelling and strong, ditto for HP soap.

 

[bigleo48]

Ditto from Waxman. I have SS bays, IBA, petwashes, shampoo vacs, fragrance machines, vending, etc. I get all mys stuff from Kleenrite. Never have a problem with them and their customer service.

Sorry if I sound like I am pumping them.

 

[audiosnow46]

Thanks everyone I will check kleen rite out. My Dad (partner) called them today and said the gentleman he talked to was very knowledgeable, willing to help and very easy to work with. Also I called Chris Hamel with Hamel Manufacturing Co. I can not thank Chris enough!! Chris helped me out so much with giving me other contacts and great information on just starting out! Thanks again Chris, i greatly appreciate it!!

And like Chris told me over the phone, "We are all in this together."

 

[mac]

You should be a little more discerning about comparing soap by price alone. A $400 barrell might be cheap if it's diluted a lot and has good quality.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

You should be a little more discerning about comparing soap by price alone. A $400 barrell might be cheap if it's diluted a lot and has good quality.

Mac is right, the price of the barrel means nothing. You need to figure out how it needs to be mixed to figure out the actual cost. Trial and error is often the way you figure it out.

 

[audiosnow46]

alright thanks! Yea its just frustrating when you pay that much for a barrel of soap and it doesn't take any grime off the car at all. But i have been learning alot from this site and really appreciate everyone's help.