CarWash 2013 Show Report Continued

[Uncle Sam]

There was a Post on the forum asking what was new at the 2013 show with many responses. From my perspective there were many new ideas, redesigns, and new approaches to both the hot, new Express Exterior business models and the more mature Self-Serve business model. The EE model is still trying to define itself, so most OEM’s were offering new ideas and equipment for this model. Even ShurVend offered a new vendor concept for the EE model to make a vending center more secure and profitable in this new model. Contrary to what others have posted, I think there were many new innovations and equipment that can be used or adopted by the Self-Serve segment. Both business models are changing every year, so it takes a real effort to keep up with all the new ideas. Here are some that I observed even though I didn’t get around to look since I was busy with my own new presentations.

CarWash13 App—I recently got into the iPhone world with all the technology that goes with it. One of the new things I tried for the first time was the free App that was used during the show. As an exhibitor I was able to upload PDF cut sheets for many of our different vendor products to this App so it was available to any exhibitor or attendee at the show to email or look over. No bags full of paper for the attendee to carry around. When we were asked for cut sheets of our products we told them they were available on the App and could be taken home that way. I was astounded how few attendees had downloaded the App for the show!! It was FREE; what’s not to like about FREE.

Cont'd

 

[Uncle Sam]

Coinco’s Arrow Credit Card System---Now called Iris Connect; the reader is the same size, but the control box for this system is attached magnetically, is much smaller, and the harnessing has been simplified from looking like spaghetti ball to a single wire harness. Easy to install and hook up for the “technically challenged”. The Iris System options are Ethernet/WiFi, MDB port, and DEX data (tells you the condition of the vendor equipment) that is accessible from a smart phone where ever you are.

LED light fixture options----I saw at least 3-4 LED fixtures and/or retrofit options for lighting on the wash sites. LEDs are expensive initially, but offer reduced power costs, increased brightness, and long years of service.

Hot wax applications (which Soapy has already covered), in-bay hand dryers, new fragrances (Febreze anyone) to vend, and I am sure many others. Nothing spectacular or earth shaking for wash sites, but many new ways to offer better services to your customer whether Express or Self-Serve.

Uncle Sam

 

[rph9168]

I believe there was a certain air of optimism for the future. While there wasn't a whole lot new on the floor most operators that I talked to felt things were going to get better but not how soon that would happen. Don't think many were in the buying mode but more looking toward future plans.

I also heard some concern about the recent purchases of some of the larger equipment and chemical companies of some of their competitors or in an effort to provide complementary pieces to their companies. We all know what happens when the number of competitors becomes smaller - less competition usually means higher cost. Time will tell whether this will come to pass.