Express Conveyor coming to town

[lb60605]

I have two automatic wash bays friction and touchless. Just found out an Express conveyor wash is coming into my market 1/2 mile from my car wash location.
I know it will have an impact on my business when they first open, I am trying to be proactive before they open in 10 months. I have started to D-Bug cars
on weekends and is looking to offer a free vacuum service. I have Vortex vacuums and are considering turning them into a free vacuum. Any suggestions and
how would I convert the pay vacuums to a free vacuum?

 

[Greg Pack]

Ain't gonna lie- it's gonna hurt. SS seems to me more resilient but the autos close by seem to take a pretty big hit. Obviously, time to freshen up things and make sure your autos are operating at peak performance. My istobal does as good or better job than a tunnel, hopefully your cloth unit is a thorough washer. The touch free will still have it's niche customers who don't like friction.

I managed a car wash using this dispenser and it works pretty good. I like it because the token comes out of the same cup as the change which reduces confusion and speeds things up a little:

Bonus Token-Product Dispensing

Integrates with Unitec Wash Select II to dispense vacuum token at the auto cashier for Touchless Car Wash Systems and Soft Touch Car Wash Systems

www.carwashmsi.com

I would also add a self prep station if you have room.

 

[Waxman]

How about adding things that don't require more labor? Prepping is a bad idea, IMO, because you can't do it during all open hours. And the minute you don't , the perceived value of you wash is lower. Like GP said, add a self-prep station instead.

I wouldn't change your basic business model, I would enhance it with better soap, more soap, tweak your autos for better wash quality. Add ceramic coat and / or hot wax. I wouldn't give vacs away. You're going to need the revenue.

Add an app-based payment method like Touch4Wash. Look at all the features you get and the hardware is only $500.

 

[Axxlrod]

Either prep every car every day, or don't prep at all. Prepping just on weekends will devalue your service for any customers that then come to wash on a weekday. Adding prepping is not recommended because once you start, you can't stop. Ask me how I know....

 

[soapy]

I have always offered self prep stations with good results and free drying towels. YOu could add token vendors to your IBA packages.

 

[soonermajic]

If u do a Prep service, pay your help minimum wage + $1/car + tips, & highlight tips are part of our $alary.
Keep great soaps/waxes, make sure vacs can suck a golfball through a garden hose.!

 

[soapy]

My town of 60,000 has 7 operating express tunnels, 2 that are built still waiting for equipment and I just saw they are breaking ground for another express. I know only one of them can be paying the mortgage and not sure about any profit. The other must be tax right offs.

 

[Kramerwv]

My town of 60,000 has 7 operating express tunnels, 2 that are built still waiting for equipment and I just saw they are breaking ground for another express. I know only one of them can be paying the mortgage and not sure about any profit. The other must be tax right offs.

Good grief - nobody makes $$ in that scenario until someone folds.

 

[cooll903]

Good grief - nobody makes $$ in that scenario until someone folds.

it's war, battle of attrition.