Has anyone ever done a fundraiser using the automatic wash equipment rather than self service bays? I have a local group that consists of only a small number of people, and they would like to hold a fundraiser at our wash. I have a second location that hasn't generated as much sales as I would like and thought I could utilize their fundraiser as a way to get more people to this location. Has anyone done anything like this and if so, how did you work it?
Car wash fundraiser
- Thread starter peaches
- Start date
PEI
Active member
The most common fund raiser for IBAs and Tunnels is to sale coupons or codes to the group at a discount. They in turn sale them for face value and keep the difference.
Personally, I have had more luck with giving $1 for every car that washes at a location during a specific week. The group has to encourage their supporters and friends to come to your wash during that week and use it. They can use TV, newspapers, flyers, signs at the car wash and around town, word of mouth, phone tree, whatever works for them. The more people they get to come the more you make and the more they make. I do require the group to be present at the car wash on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to thank the customers for supporting them that week. If you can get most of a summer lined up with different groups in town doing this type of fundraiser then you can train a large portion of the community to use your wash at least once every week. It takes 6 weeks to form a habit, and you want them to be in the habit of using your car wash every week. The other big advantage is that most groups will use word of mouth and social media to advertise and promote your brand.
Just my 2 cents.
Personally, I have had more luck with giving $1 for every car that washes at a location during a specific week. The group has to encourage their supporters and friends to come to your wash during that week and use it. They can use TV, newspapers, flyers, signs at the car wash and around town, word of mouth, phone tree, whatever works for them. The more people they get to come the more you make and the more they make. I do require the group to be present at the car wash on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to thank the customers for supporting them that week. If you can get most of a summer lined up with different groups in town doing this type of fundraiser then you can train a large portion of the community to use your wash at least once every week. It takes 6 weeks to form a habit, and you want them to be in the habit of using your car wash every week. The other big advantage is that most groups will use word of mouth and social media to advertise and promote your brand.
Just my 2 cents.
pgrzes
Active member
I have done a few with limited success. I provide towels and tip buckets. I promote on my facebook page in the hopes that they will also promote through their group. I donate half of the automatic's total while they are there. They also walk around the lot and ask bay and vac customers for donations. At the end of day all the cash is tallied up and I cut them 1 check for the total amount earned. Most of the customers like the towel drying for the days we do this. Also beware since we dont offer towel drying, some customers are offended about asking for donations and the drying!!! But in general it works out ok.
robert roman
Bob Roman
I’ve done a share of carwash fundraisers including weekend charity washes.
“I have a second location that hasn't generated as much sales as I would like and thought I could utilize their fundraiser as a way to get more people to this location.”
I would be careful with that because the attempt to create goodwill may come across wrongly as half-hearted if only a little bit of money is raised for time involved.
Since group is small, why not sponsor instead.
For example, average annual donation from male-owned small businesses is about 6 percent of profit. Women-owned small businesses donate 10 percent profit, on average.
6 percent of $75,000 is $4,500. Sponsor three causes at $1,500 each.
Then you can put a nice sign on both buildings and website announcing that you are proud sponsor of 4-H club, scouts, etc.
Plus, tax deduction.
Otherwise, I would hold event at both sites.
“I have a second location that hasn't generated as much sales as I would like and thought I could utilize their fundraiser as a way to get more people to this location.”
I would be careful with that because the attempt to create goodwill may come across wrongly as half-hearted if only a little bit of money is raised for time involved.
Since group is small, why not sponsor instead.
For example, average annual donation from male-owned small businesses is about 6 percent of profit. Women-owned small businesses donate 10 percent profit, on average.
6 percent of $75,000 is $4,500. Sponsor three causes at $1,500 each.
Then you can put a nice sign on both buildings and website announcing that you are proud sponsor of 4-H club, scouts, etc.
Plus, tax deduction.
Otherwise, I would hold event at both sites.
Earl Weiss
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If you can use codes or coupons this is how I do it. If any local group solicits a donation for fundraiser / Auction I donate coupons. Typicaly it's 50, but it's been as many as 500 and I suggest they auction them in groups of 5. The tickets have an expiration of 2 weeks after the event to keep some idiot from buying or stealing them all for their own use. (Although I honor them after the espiration.
I have had some groups create a custom ticket as part of their raffle ticket. That way every purchaser of the ticket, even if they win nothing in the raffle has purchased a wash.
Anytime I see a charity parking lot wash I stop and propose this to them pointing out liability downsides and the opportunity to make more $.
I do not charge the charity.
I am not crazy about the idea of having non employees / charity volunteers on site.
I have had some groups create a custom ticket as part of their raffle ticket. That way every purchaser of the ticket, even if they win nothing in the raffle has purchased a wash.
Anytime I see a charity parking lot wash I stop and propose this to them pointing out liability downsides and the opportunity to make more $.
I do not charge the charity.
I am not crazy about the idea of having non employees / charity volunteers on site.
You definitely need to check on liability - both yours and theirs. Some of the larger charitable organizations might have coverage but I doubt that some small local ones do. Best to check on your own coverage before doing anything like this.
soonermajic
Well-known member
what about this, for a small town wash:
set up with the group 8am---10am on Saturday. $20 details + tips. Run their cars through your top pkg ($8) & owner keeps that. Group gets the other $12 + tips. Clints get: Dry, spray wax, vacuum, tire shine & wipe down inside. Tell the group minimum of 20 cars (10/hour). You've made $160 in 2 hrs (or $240 in 3 hours fi they get 30 cars), & they get $240 (or $360 for 30 cars) + tips which may push their's closer to $350---$500!
thoughts...?
set up with the group 8am---10am on Saturday. $20 details + tips. Run their cars through your top pkg ($8) & owner keeps that. Group gets the other $12 + tips. Clints get: Dry, spray wax, vacuum, tire shine & wipe down inside. Tell the group minimum of 20 cars (10/hour). You've made $160 in 2 hrs (or $240 in 3 hours fi they get 30 cars), & they get $240 (or $360 for 30 cars) + tips which may push their's closer to $350---$500!
thoughts...?
Earl Weiss
Well-known member
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They have to sell the $20.00 job or they get nothing?
Downside - They promote "Their Day" and it rains. Washout or reschedule.
Customer claims they damage something.
Volunteer Gets injured at your place.
soonermajic
Well-known member
They sell $20 details. I take $8/ automatic, which expedites the process, they get the rest. I'll prep the cars, &s rub em down in the IBA bay. They keep all tips to.
