Express detailing at self serve

[Ric]

I saw several express detailing setups (Simoniz, etc.) at the recent ICA show. Has anyone set up an area at their self serve wash to offer some of these quick and simple services such as spray/wipe wax, tire shine, rainx window treatment etc.?

 

[robert roman]

The express detail programs that you mentioned are a variation of the "Exterior Supreme" system that was developed years ago by Blue Coral (EcoLab). The complete package (cart, post or wall-mounted) included wax, rain repellent and tire shine. These products are applied individually with paint gun-like devices using atomized air. The products are polished off with dampened towels. The advertised claim was the three services could be completed in 8 to 10 minutes with two people at the exit end of the wash. Back then, the suggested retail price for the combo service was $10 (excluding the cost of the wash). This program was targeted at the conveyor carwash segment. The purpose was to provide operators with a set of even faster express services (i.e. versus 20 minutes for an express hand wax).

Over the last several years, the exterior supreme concept has been eclisped by new products that can be applied "on-line" with spray arches during the car wash process. It is now possible to achieve the same results with an in-bay automatic or express in-bay without the labor or management burden. Moreover, some products come with a company-backed, 30-day product warranty.

Hope this helps.

Bob Roman
www.carwashplan.com

 

[TheDoc]

Ric,

Robert passed you some good information. I can tell you that many self serve operators are starting to become "attended" sites on specific days or all week. This allows you the ability to add the profitable services that you're asking about.
Adding a paint gloss or glass repellant is a great way to bring in additional revenue.
I would be glad to assist you in deciding a correct path.
Have a Great Day!

 

[buda]

The machines you mention are not truly "detailing machines" they are simply machines to apply chemical.
Yes, you can do an express wax with either machine concept, but if you want to make real money at express detailing you need to offer the express wax; express carpet shampoo; express seat shamoo and maybe even a super interior clean or interior clean.

Keep in mind, however, that express detailing feeds off of the car wash volume and self service washes, even with an in bay automatic do not have the same large volume a conveyor wash offers. That means you will not have as many customers to draw to the express services.

Keep in mind the express customer is your car wash customer, not a person off the street. The person off the street sees "detailing" and thinks you offer the whole package, which you do not with express. You can only offer this to customers with cars that are newer or in good condition. You are doing maintenance, not restoration.

I do not know of any self service operations that do a huge express detail business. Not to say there are not some, I am just not aware of any.

Regards
Bud Abraham