$00.25 for 30 seconds of your $$.$$ time

[carwash11147]

“totally disagree with this. The majority of people don't look at the quantity of what they are paying for, just the price.”

That’s a myopic view for “The market is too competitive.”

Some years ago, Pepsi sold 12-pack 12 oz cans for a decent price. Then the company switched to 8-pack 12 oz cans with much higher price per can. Sales fell off the cliff.

Pepsi switched back to 12-pack and introduced pony cans.

Breyer’s was first ice cream maker to reduce package size and keep same price. It did so buy redesigning the container so as to not reduce the height of container so the difference could not be perceived on the shelf next to competitor brands. Once customers wised up, sales dropped.

Today there are ice cream brands that have gain market share by selling 1/2 gallon containers.

There are two roads to success, low or high.

Self-serve has been able to get away with taking the low-road approach for a long time.

Those days are over unless you are content with having cheapskates as primary customer base.

Likewise, you want to reward loyal customers not punish them.

For example, “$1.50 for 4 minutes and plan on moving to $1.50 for 3 minutes”

$0.38/min versus $0.50/min

Now, sell more for more.

$2.00 for five minutes = $0.50/min

Robert,
I think you are missing my point and that is when looking to increase profit margins, if possible, it is better to reduce quantity than increase price. We could sit here all day and point out individual pricing mistakes and stumbles by companies but I'm speaking in general terms. My examples point out that consumer companies have used this strategy, with success, for years. I would be willing to bet if I increase my price to $2.00 for 20 minutes I would get more complaints then if I left my price at $1.50 and reduced time to 3 minutes because people would say "Hey you raised the price 50 cents!".

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I would be willing to bet if I increase my price to $2.00 for 20 minutes I would get more complaints then if I left my price at $1.50 and reduced time to 3 minutes because people would say "Hey you raised the price 50 cents!".

If my experience is any indication, you would lose that bet...bigtime.

 

[JGinther]

I think they would just complain about the line.

 

[robert roman]

"Hey you raised the price 50 cents!"

So what!

What would pharmacy say if the price of my prescription was raised by $5.00 and I said, “Hey you raised the price $5.00!”

So what!

On other hand, I can go to Canadian dispensary (mail order business) but its several miles away while CSV is two blocks away.

Pharmacy has drive-through open 24/7, licensed pharmacist to answer questions and provide advice and basic drugs like antibiotics are free.

Ordering from Canadian dispensary saves up to 50 percent but is cash up front, takes 3-weeks for delivery, pick up at store, no licensed pharmacist and no free drugs.

Wands have lost the price and time war and there is no comeback on the horizon.

Offer wand service you can live with and raise prices and then invest most in automatic washing.