We are pretty far down in the “essential” pecking order. Food/shelter/clothing/health and a whole bunch of other services are probably prioritized before a clean car. As people get deeper in debt, we just might see some lower numbers through our washes.
Well said
You have inspired me to read the forum on my computer so I can type well thought out responses instead of short paraphrasing with my phone and two thumbs!
Other point:
I view the
membership tunnels vs non
membership washes of any kind; tunnel or IBA, friction or frictionless, as two different approaches that attract different customers. Around me, the
membership tunnels Wash just fine- no problem- they should - they have endless equipment and are set up and dialed in by pros. So, the product is not a factor. But what sets them apart is their speed and convenience due to their process, locations and number of locations. A monthly
membership holder near me has not only the speed of a tunnel at their disposal, but they also have 8-10 locations they can go to to get the job done. They might use one location on the way to work, another on the way to the supermarket and maybe another is more convenient going to the gym or golf course or whatever. And who cares if there are 5 cars in line - that’s less than five minutes. They don’t need to plan a trip to the wash.
The single location mom and pop tunnels like me can’t be as geographically accessible, And the IBA’s just can’t offer the speed of service. I’ve got plenty of loyal customers and have weathered the
membership craze just fine, but if I have people who may no longer have my wash in their paths of travel, or within a reasonable distance, I could loose them just for the convenience and time saving factor that a 10 location wash can offer.
