New Manager for car wash

[sallain]

I recently was hired to take over a car wash for new owners who know nothing about car washes. I have only learned what i picked up while here. We run 4 different washes and do detailing this facility is an older facility with cheap prices but good quality of work. Recently posted askin about windows and got really good help from that. I'm kinda now looking for tips to speed things up and keep the same qaulity also looking for a good chemical company that has great quality with a cheap price.

 

[mac]

One of the first things that you should recognize is that great quality and cheap price are rarely found close together, whether it be cars, scotch, women, or soap.

 

[sallain]

Well we surprisingly accomplish the quality at price Example our low end wash for $11 is where we vacuum the floor clean clean inside and outside windows wipe down dash steering wheel cup holders all plastic/vinyl Wash towel dry clean rims and comes out looking great

 

[Waxman]

I think what he means is that your prices are too low.

I get $39 for that at my wash and detail shop and call it a mini express.

 

[jfmoran]

It would help if you were much more specific about your operation and exactly what it is that you are looking to improve. As far as chemicals great quality and cheap price do not go hand in hand. Sounds like you nor the owners are very knowledgeable about the car wash business, therefore, I would be seeking a company that could provide the level of service that newbies need. Someone who can make sure you are set up properly and someone who can educate you about the chemistry of car washing.

Just as a point of reference do you know what it costs you to wash, say your $11 wash? If you don't, then that has to be your starting point. Otherwise, how would you even know what cheap was? Just to give you an example you could buy a 55gallon drum of "car wash soap" for $200 or a 5 gallon pail of super concenrate "car wash soap" for $500. $200 is certainly cheaper then $500, but unless you know the dilution rates and calculate you cost per car, you would never really know which one is truly "cheaper."

 

[sallain]

Well thats my whole reason for posting here is advice i mentioned already that we werent really knowledgable in the car wash business.

 

[sallain]

I'm running with labor and chemicals between $4-5 a car, cars getting out in less then 30min with our best wash

 

[Red Baron]

I should just shut up and stay out of this...

But, I won't. ;-)

I made the money to build my car washes by defying that "Quality and Cheap Don't Go Together" theory. Actually, inexpensive is a better term than cheap.

We kicked the roofers in this region's butt for decades by defying that theory. We bought liquid asphalt directly from the asphalt plant in our 6,000 semi tanker for $1.37 when everyone else was paying $2.50. We bought granules by the railcar in (1100) 100lb bags for $5 when everyone else was paying $10. We bought polyester felt directly from the mill in Spartanburg SC for $2/SQR when everyone else was paying $10+. Our high performance spray equipment could apply 40,000 sq. ft. in a day with 3 men, when the other contractors could apply 1500 sq. ft with 5 men. So, we could install the same quality of roof, for 33% less money, and still make a lot more profit than the other guys.

Just sayin' that the cheap = poor quality theory doesn't always hold water. Usually, but not always. And I'm confident the same concept would work with car washes, to a lesser degree, but it would be shooting myself in the foot in areas I couldn'tford, to do so.

And, we didn't invent the concept by any means...I think Sam Walton deserves credit for perfecting the concept.

 

[pitzerwm]

Red, you missed that he mean cheap products, you were buying the same quality product, you just got a "cheap" price. Big difference.

 

[sallain]

Im in a community where its very difficult to raise prices so i am looking for "cheaper" products and tips on cleaning just to make things alittle easier.

 

[BoomerSooner]

What chemicals are you using for your tunnel, finishing, etc...?