Downturn in business???

[cap732000]

I know I'm jumping the gun a little but just looking for some input. I have owned this particular wash approx 6 weeks and finally raised prices everything is working and I only went from .75 to 1.00 but this first week my gross dropped dramatically! We did have two rainy days and it is was HOT on other days. I own the other washes in town however they do not do the volume I do at this location so it's hard to compare. Does anyone else slow a lot when it gets really hot and humid? I can't imagine all the customers just fled after first week at dollar??? And ideas or just general trends you may have noticed concerning weather.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I've never had a noticeable defection when I raised prices, usually not as much as a mention. My last increase was 50¢, when I went from $1.50 to $2. Weather killed your business, don't panic. I don't see how anyone in your region makes any money, with 1970s pricing

 

[cap732000]

Oh i agree on prices I appreciate your opinion I figured the same and after I finish the remodeling next year I am planning on going up again others in area are higher for less time!

 

[smallwash]

Oh i agree on prices I appreciate your opinion I figured the same and after I finish the remodeling next year I am planning on going up again others in area are higher for less time!

I'm 45 mins from you in a smaller town. I'm at $1.50 start at 30 seconds per quarter and my sales continue to increase. Last week was a slower week for me too.

 

[soapy]

It is the post 4rth of July blues. A lot of people get paid the first of the month and with the first weekend being a holiday the tend to over spend and then tighten the belt the following week.

 

[Jeff_L]

Hit, humid, July, and vacations....all tend to impact business.

 

[cellardale@aol.com]

I agree also. I have three washes in the Yukon, OKC area and all were impacted by the heat. Normally good days after the rain showers but it is just too hot. Probably be like this for the next 6 - 8 weeks and then the pace quickens back for the fall. Summer months are usually are worst. Last August was a great month, not normal.

 

[soonermajic]

Same here, near Idabel. Slowing down cuz of extreme heat, & no rain...I guess...

 

[cap732000]

We'll guess the price jump and everything went we'll after all not one person complained and bam HUGE week! All these upgrades seem to making a differance some have comment how they are seeing change and like it!

 

[Waxman]

We'll guess the price jump and everything went we'll after all not one person complained and bam HUGE week! All these upgrades seem to making a differance some have comment how they are seeing change and like it!

you are making the mistake of looking at business cycles in too-short a time frame. a slow week of car washing does not make a trend. if you keep things working, keep products rich, water warm and things clean, you can charge a good price and make customers happy.

 

[cap732000]

Oh I agree waxman I just haven't owned this wash long so every week is the start of my trend but you are spot on!