Sounds like an interesting idea. However, many self-service owners probably have more to gain from an in-bay system.
For example, the fastest growing segment of the carwash industry during the recession was the exterior express wash.
In certain markets, brand
loyalty to self-service sites has given way in the presence of an exterior express wash. This doesn’t occur mainly because of the $3.00 or $4.00 price.
Arguably, the sucking sound comes mostly from hand-finish qualities, faster process speed and virtually no waiting line during busy periods. Capping this off by giving away the vacuum is something else most conventional in-bays don’t match.
Experience has shown that industry leaders coming out of a recession are those that maintained or launched the right strategy during it. So, you may want to consider stepping up to an express in-bay or mini-tunnel.
For example, during the initial years of the recovery and comeback, frugality will continue to be the buying culture. Self-service operators should play to this.
Self-service owners can do this by changing the variables of the
marketing mix.
Upgrading to an express in-bay or mini-tunnel would improve product quality and provide more value to customers as compared to most in-bay systems.
The express wash has pricing points conventional in-bays just can’t match. The express wash process is a more intense experience; the process much faster, the waiting lines much shorter, quality much better and there are more products and services for customers to buy.