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Things I did to save money last year

“To make a small fortune in this business, you’ve got to start with a large fortune!”

That’s not true.

I’ve help a lot of people make a lot of money in the carwash business and none of the start-ups (excluding corporate investors) had a small fortune to begin with.

Did you buy or build this calamity?

Whoosh!!! Better duck next time!
 
Robert Roman,

Not one to blow my own horn (at least, not loudly), I too, have guided many new investors through the somewhat nerve wracking process of buying or building a new facility. Most became friends and enjoy the rewards of successful endeavors. Certainly, a few struggled due to myriad factors. I like to believe that my advice and experience aided the financial successes of the former.

My portrayal as a myopic operator was an attempt to illustrate rph9167’s excellent reminder of how the “death spiral” begins...And, the unintended consequences of poorly considered actions.

With the exception of the “small fortune” thing, the vignettes presented were real…spoken aloud by operators with whom I’ve dealt. The names were changed to protect the idiotic.

I do admit to uttering the large fortune/small fortune comment to a potential client…as we stood on the dirt of his “best location, ever”. Gazing at the biggest dog in the market’s mortgage-free operation across the street, I added, “Any idea how long he can go at 25₵/4 minutes?”

I now realize that my satirical musings might require [SATIRE]…..[/SATIRE] formatting.
 
I always remember what some business man said while going out of business, "I knew I was selling at cost but I thought volume would take me over the top". While I know that operating wisely and efficiently is extremely important for success I maintain that what is important is to deal with the customer's perception that they are getting a great wash and the best bang for their buck. Most wash customers are not there to save money. They are looking for a good value on a quality wash. When an operator begins to evaluate their wash performance, appearance, results only on the basis of what they think is the best they are overlooking what their customers think is a quality wash.
 
“My portrayal as a myopic operator was an attempt to illustrate rph9167’s excellent reminder of how the “death spiral” begins...I now realize that my satirical musings might require...[/SATIRE] formatting.”

I suspected as much because story and source didn’t seem to match.

So illuminated, I couldn’t have said it better myself on either point (rph9167’s or yours).
 
................... When an operator begins to evaluate their wash performance, appearance, results only on the basis of what they think is the best they are overlooking what their customers think is a quality wash.

Reminds me of being at the Fishing supply store and having my dad by a lure and say:" Don't know if it will catch fish, but it caught me."

So, as operators how do we know what customers like (Perception) versus what appeals to us? It's difficult. Sometimes I ask the customers questions but it'sreally hard for them to answer or give reliable answers about what you may do, and as far as what you are doing, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. Unsolicited comments are great, but by then you've already spent the money.
 
To save money I replaced my detergent nozzles on all of my Water Wizard 2.0 machines. Now I have better coverage and use 30% less chemical. Result!
 
A rep had me try Mr. Foamer foamers in my tunnel. Tried it and got a better show at much lower dilution and less volume. Would not have believed it if I did not see it myself. Bought 11 more at the show for the show discount and then found KR sells a unit that performs as well for a lot less $ but did not have the curved tubes that the foam comes out of. So I could use those with my own tubes .
 
For those of you wanting to save money on floor heat without turning it off, here is a thread I started a few years ago with specific detail on how to get rid of your gas hog boilers and install an energy efficient condensing/modulating demand heater to heat your floors. I'm still reaping the rewards for this one! Its one of the best upgrades I've done at the wash that has saved me the most money. Just set it and leave it....

Check out post 27 for pictures of the finish install and post 69 showing the system in action during a snow storm!

http://www.autocareforum.com/showth...s-Water-Heater-For-Floor-Heat&highlight=floor
 
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