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Consider TOTAL-SERVICE At Select Times I recommend hands-on after-care services to those in-bay customers who seek more than simply an exterior-only wash. As a rule, full-service customers have preconditioned expectations, so why risk the confusion of using the terminology "full-service"?;)...

Be positive. No whining allowed! People are often turned off by negativity or disparaging claims against competition. Sadly, it works in politics, but that system is pathetically awash in sewage.:( Instead, if you're staffed for hands-on care, advertise yourself as "Window-Cleaning Experts"...

Improvement Alternatives As I see it, in-bay automatic washes have options for growth as well as serving a large hand-carwash market. The key enhancements are quick & easy processing (inbay express) and a 3-minute express handwash (utilizing an existing drive-thru bay) that allows drivers to...

Small Flex-Serve Makes Sense Why not offer hands-on after-care services to those customers who seek more than an exterior-only wash... and avoid the confusion of the terminology of "full-service". Bob is right when he cautioned that full-service customers have preconditioned expectations...

In today's fast-paced world with the desensitizing of face-to-face communication, I suggest that carwash owners and detailers get out and greet their customers and offer a warm THANK YOU to each and every customer that comes in. Everybody! And while you're at it, be sure to show your...

Anyone aware of this site's "fair & balanced" information transfer? :o http://www.carsdirect.com/car-maintenance/how-to-get-car-wash-damage-paid

People-Power!!! There was a time when many self-serve carwashes benefited from having an on-site attendant during daylight hours. It actually created an overall feeling of safety as well as providing vigilant operational oversight. Initially, it usually was, or used to be, the norm for an...

Self-Serve Is Simply Evolving, Not Dying! Consider this, my myopically challenged friends.:rolleyes: Self-Serve has long been considered an unstaffed carwash operation whereby the customer does everything himself (or herself). Initially it was simply a hose & bucket... which was improved...

Wham, Bam... Thank You Ma'am! When I was pioneering the menu-merchandising concept in the carwash industry, the opposition was old line carwash operators who were entrenched in the "get 'em in, get 'em out" because they never sold anything else beyond a carwash. Oh, a few sold spray wax for...

ASSUMPTIONS Or Good Information? I've noticed that some carwash operators assume that customers actually know about their products' features, advantages and benefits... even though they've NEVER explained anything about their products. Instead, they simply put up signage that includes product...

How Do You Handle CHANGE? In keeping with the spirit of the topic, how many operators change their packages with upgrades or new product offerings? I've seen many carwash operations that like the "set-it-and-forget it" concept of leaving a package fixed and alone... while others routinely...

Rainwater harvesting simply makes good sense. Good business sense... and good citizenship.;) As an Industry, we've come a long way in water conservation through reclamation systems. But let's not rest on our laurels. There is much more to do that will safeguard our Industry's stability in a...

Fresh Start In the commercial real estate business, there's an old axiom: Sellers and buyers are frequently liars.:eek: If you plan to upgrade the operation, another option is to have a feasibility study done that addresses the marketplace in real-time. The numbers will be theoretical, but...

Kick this around, too. Glad you're considering an upgrade to flex-serve because we're approaching the second busiest season for detailers: Pre-Winter Conditioning. :) Since you've apparently recognized the shortcomings of a free-standing express exterior, you might as well kick around express...

With hundreds in use, please share your candid thoughts on what are the up-sides and down-sides of using a gated entry system? Should they be part-time or full-time? And, in hindsight, how many is too many?

Site Management Makes Sense Nothing new about the misuse of the vacuum area, given that customers can bring their own stuff with them, too. :eek: The exposure exists for customers to abuse vacuum space anytime. I've heard some real horror stories of stinky stuff people vacuum up and...

With the rush for some exterior washes to offer FREE vacuums, how many also offer profitable vending items to their captive audience? :confused: Vacuuming activities, free or paid, prompt consumers to appreciate the convenience of vended consumables and supplies. However, most locations...

Balance Your Analysis It's wise to temper your assessment with the offsetting impact of time-savings. For example, when surface clay came into the industry, it was costly, but it saved a huge amount of time in the detailing process. So, in fact, it provided savings in the most costly...

A Few Important Questions I agree with Earl... and offer these questions to help clear up any doubts. How was the customer instructed to enter the wash? :confused: Was an attendant present to assist in entry of the wash... or to offer guidance? If a self-loading process, was there adequate...

Plan? Research? Homework? Why?!! If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there! :rolleyes: If you choose to fly by the seat of your pants... You may wind up losing your shirt! :p