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[Pizzyp]

Hey I’m thinking about opening a couple IBA in West Virginia in my hometown there is only one IBA and 3 bays of self serve and there is usually a line of 5-6 cars waiting for the IBA and I was wondering if just for building and systems would around $250,000 be unrealistic

 

[washnshine]

That is much less than what you will need. One touchless machine alone- no building - will run you in the neighborhood of $200,000.

 

[OurTown]

Hey I’m thinking about opening a couple IBA in West Virginia in my hometown there is only one IBA and 3 bays of self serve and there is usually a line of 5-6 cars waiting for the IBA and I was wondering if just for building and systems would around $250,000 be unrealistic

You might be able to do it if you put a 1 in front of that number depending on what you spec out.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Yep, figure 4-500K for two autos and support equipment. Then add in for the building, and the land if you don't already own that.

 

[Keno]

That is much less than what you will need. One touchless machine alone- no building - will run you in the neighborhood of $200,000.

Add a modern paystation and you're going to be right around $250k

 

[Waxman]

I think you need to do a little bit more research on your own so you can come back with a more sensible question. You're going to be about a half $1 million just in the equipment for two automatics. You also have to buy a water softener, perhaps a spot free rinse system, a cashier, a change machine, an air compressor etc. Then you've got the building. Then you've got the land. Then you've got the cost for permits. Then you've got engineering fees. Then you've got site work. You're nowhere near The number you're going to need for financing.

 

[edredtop]

Is it just me or is the "I'm thinking about building/buying a carwash with zero experience, zero gumption, big dreams and small pockets" a trending topic on this site?

 

[Keno]

Is it just me or is the "I'm thinking about building/buying a carwash with zero experience, zero gumption, big dreams and small pockets" a trending topic on this site?

It's the youtubers making it seem like you can get car washes for nothing and they are so easy to run and make big $... if only 1 of those were true

 

[Roz]

You will need to budget $1.5M min assuming the land is cheap.

One IBA is $500K as you will need doors and a Paystation and heaters inside the bay.

Equipment room has $500K or more in support equipment. Spot free, softeners, plumbing, heating, plus floor heating.

Land cost
Permit cost to connect water and sewer
If on well water you will need constant pressure pump to keep system working properly.

Easier to buy an existing place and renovate it to your desired configuration even if you convert a self service bay to an IBA.

Lastly don’t make assumptions on what the area can support in terms of revenue or return. You will be sharing the customer base with the existing carwash which may or may not be enough cash flow to justify the expense. The reason there is a line may be due to a very slow IBA machine.

 

[washnshine]

You also need to realize that opening a new wash is dependent on traffic studies, demographic research and myriad other factors including population that need to be considered. Seeing another wash in town with a line of a few cars waiting for the IBA is not sufficient for making the decision to build.

 

[Dan kamsickas]

Is it just me or is the "I'm thinking about building/buying a carwash with zero experience, zero gumption, big dreams and small pockets" a trending topic on this site?

I've had a number of conversations over the last few years with people who've bought old, antiquated washes and have no clue what they've gotten themselves into would be sad if I wasn't so old and jaded. Freaking youtube scam artists.

 

[Greg Pack]

It's the youtubers making it seem like you can get car washes for nothing and they are so easy to run and make big $... if only 1 of those were true

It occasionally happens but is the exception and not the rule. It's rare for a truly good location to shut down for no reason whatsoever.

 

[gomerpyle]

I would suggest reaching out to the other owner to see if they are willing to sell. It may be an easier way to get into the business and gain some experience from that owner.