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Zap The Sap A very cost-effective alternative for removing sap is denatured alcohol. It is equally effective and quite a bit less expensive than isopropyl alcohol and readily available at any hardware or paint store.;) As for tar (pitch), another cost-effective chemical available at the same...

Definition-Specific Terms Clarifiy Things! I absolutely agree with Bill that all too often people mix the terms "install" and "erect"as though they suggested the same thing, which is categorically WRONG.:p As Bill indicates, erecting equipment generally means to "properly set in position and...

Smart Move! Also consider these four basic bottom-line factors: 1. Who's going to install it and keep it running? You must have solid back-up support from both the manufacturer and the distributor. 2. What assurances are given in written warranties and performance guarantees that safeguard...

Bold Move! Posting your proposal is a bold move! Asking for additional help and input is smart! By putting things out there for others to see can spirit more input from potential suppliers that know that nobody really has the market cornered... and many can basically offer the same thing...

BRAND YOURSELF... and YOUR Operation My suggestion is to either write your own... or make a protected CD or DVD of "YOU" presenting your information verbally (and visually), with explanation and examples. Personalizing the information with your own "talking head" will provide much greater...

BRAND YOURSELF... and YOUR Operation I agree with having an operations manual... or a process & procedures guide... or a business handbook... or a.... "something in writing" guideline. Essentially, everyone needs a fairly comprehensive how-to-do-it guide to maintain a consistent standard...

ALWAYS AVOID DEVALUING Your Service Studies have shown that reducing price as you have suggested actually does significant damage to the integrity of your product or service. Discounting can be a very slippery slope when perceived value is considered.:o Believe it or not, giving a product or...

If you intended to keep the carwash and simply needed to win back lost customers due to poor management, here's an idea that has worked for me a number of times. However, you must be able to hold your breath for a bit of time, and the bank should help you with the promotion. The concept is...

Just curious as to what you actually pay for a clay bar?

ooops! Keep in mind that the clay bar has detergents embedded throughout, so you may actually be compromising its life cycle.:eek:

The Key Is Diversified Format That Satisfies All Bill is correct in saying the minimum hands-on staff for an Express After-Care component is two (2) cross-trained detailers. And if they can generate $200-$300/hr revenue, and four (4) can generate over $500/hr, where's the problem?;) Did you...

North, South, East or West; It Doesn't Matter Express exteriors are extremely vulnerable anywhere... and everywhere... due to one simple fact: they are a self-limiting business model.:( If all you do is one thing, you can survive and even thrive in a stable marketplace with adequate demand for...

Look... Before You Leap! Although a bit off subject, if you're considering the purchase of an existing (or even new) standalone express exterior, let this word to the wise offer sufficient warning. Be sure that the site layout allows you can ADD an express after-care component if and when the...

There typically are legal offices that specialize in these areas, and even some within the same industry. It might be wise to seek advice from one or two of them; it's usually a free initial consultation. In legal work, it pays to go to specialists. They should offer a strategy that not only...

Ignore all others. Focus on Yourself! :confused: Shopping carts compare consumer-packaged products that are quantifiable and regulated, something much different than the subjective discussion here. As for "Big Oil", major oil companies no longer own and operate carwashes in the United States...

Exercise Caution Careful!!! Since you asked, I'll offer my thoughts: An effective way to achieve what you're attempting is to say "US... Versus The OTHER GUYS", and then you can paint with a much broader brush.:cool: You can also use the term "major oil companies" without risk, but if you...

Contact Bob Roman and ask about bubblewashbuildings.com.

Like many things in automotive appearance care business, tri-foam is a glitzy way of applying a protection product. Yes, it's the sizzle... but also the steak. Foam application allows the use of color, and the clinging action of foam enables it to hang on the vehicle a bit longer. As many...

Semantics and Perception Guide The Way! Consumers often make subjective assessments as to what "Express" is... and is not. :confused: For the customer, it is more the wastefully irritating wait... than the actual stopwatch mentality. To some it's fast completion time... while others simply...

Appearance-care is directly related to exposure and prevention, sort of like an old oil change commercial: "see me now or see me later", suggesting that ignoring a simple oil change will probably result in avoidable repairs that occurred due to putting preventive care off until it's too...