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In the Northeast the past 2 to 3 months were disappointing and below average. A lot of rain and clouds and weather uncertainty. But some of the reduced washing should be blamed on consumers cutting back spending. The gloomy weather accentuated that.
Today's carwash market is markedly different with the private equity express washes. In order to survive as a carwash flex service or even full service may have to be considered for survival. There very much is a customer desire for either one. I would much rather run a flex than a traditional...
I just sold my Flex Express, and they are more work than you think. I will miss the customers and employees but life changes. Originally it was a standard full service, and when I changed to a flex it was wonderful. I now have other locations which are IBA/ SS. I believe the industry is...
My thoughts are free vac for club members. Currently I drop a vac token on the top wash for all. When I do the club, the free vac would be just for the top club packages. My competition is 4 free vac, or wash club washes within a 5-mile radius and I found out today that a 5th got approval last...
Will having a Club program and Free Vac enable a Touch Free In Bay to compete with surrounding Express washes over 3 miles away. I do not see an alternative.
Twice in 3o years I have had to go to small claims court for a damage claim. Each time I lost. The odds are stacked are against any carwash. There usually is a settlement conference to speed things along. We the big carwash are seen as hurting the small claimant. If a reasonable settlement can...
Two years ago, I employed a strong local manager who could do carwash mechanical and was paying him about $18 an hour, no benefits. In today's market he would-be worth more. It is going to cost better than mediocre money for good and longevity. It means that you have to gross more and charge...
A common problem. Each of us has our own issues and we are all not superman despite our own thoughts. In my case adding a third wash took me into continual semi-controlled 7 day a week chaos, because I did not bring on a GM. Just keep on trying to find your correct answer. Maybe a GM, perhaps...
Three common disclaimers on Conveyor carwash warning signs: Not Responsible for Non Factory Items, Vehicles over 7 years old, Vehicle Badging or Emblems
If these were on your sign they might help in your situation. In the past 5 years all carwashes have gotten harsher and less friendly...
Location, location, location. Road Traffic count, future growth potential. 5-mile circle competition. Car washing is a business. Visit ICA show in VEGAS this weekend
I have used the ICS Flex for over 10 years at two different IBA sites, plus my tunnel. I have been pleased with them. You can dispense Free Vacuum Tokens, and there are good promotional capabilities, some are Time of Day pricing, wash codes bar coded or numeric, Coupons. Big Touchscreen...
When I opened, I had 3 mitters and over the years went down to just two. Then i replaced one mitter with a Top Brush and fell in love with it. I ended up a few years later replacing the last mitter with a top brush. I feel that the top brushes do a better cleaning job, and the tunnel has a...
I have been dispensing $1. Tokens only for over 10 years, I do give a bonus token for each $5.00 increment. Every Bay takes Card, Tokens, Quarters, bills. All vacs take tokens, quarters and bills and some vacs Credit card. I don't remember any problems when I shifted over. Customers have a...
In reading through this topic and from personal experience, it seems that a new Express wash entering your carwash market will take 20 to 35 percent off the top of your gross. It seems that after 2 to 3 years you will start growing again. -- Judging from what I have been reading, Take 5...
I have a 5-year soft gloss which replaced my Freestyler. I'd rather have the Freestyler back over the Soft Gloss, it was more reliable and had a much better Control and diagnostic and remote capability. My Soft Gloss was installed one month before they shifted to the Wash builder controls...
I am looking at replacing a 5-year-old friction In Bay with a Laser 360 Plus. Friction does clean better but also breaks down more often. I would like to keep it longer but I'll make more money with an IBA with better reliability and remote management. It's time to go Touchless. I have a...