What does everyone else do???

[pgrzes]

New to touchfree auto. I have a hose bib and a prep hose in our touchfree auto bay. I have cameras everywhere including one in the auto bay. I have had several people that cannot follow directions, and have witnessed several people time out the auto and end up using the prep brush, and my hose to wash there car. If they payed and screwed up so be it, today I get home and watch a punk kid scope things out and back into the open exit door and wash his whole car dragging the prep bucket and brush around, and just wash away, all while his 5-6 yr old daughter and girlfriend/wife? watched. I went online and closed the door on them and called my local helper who caught him while trying to leave!!! Police want to prosecute for theft of services, as he is a problem child!!! I am concerned about retaliation?? What would or do you all do in instances like this?? Prep bucket and hose will be removed and high pressure gun will be shut off at night. I dont want to have to keep doors closed in warmer weather?? The inbay camera makes for interesting entertainment for wife and I!!!

 

[Buzzie8]

Maybe it is something that is the norm in your market area. I do not have any preg guns, buckets or brushes in my touchless automatic bays, nor do any of my competitors . I am not sure what equipment your running but an upgrade to avoid this might be in order.

 

[JustClean]

How good are your chemicals? Maybe better chemicals would get away with prepping. If people still want to do it I'd put up a sign: "For very muddy cars and the best result consider a manual pre-clean in the self serve bay first."

 

[soapy]

I do not provide a sprayer but do provide a bucket n brush and use a small wheel wizard brush. I also use the following signs.

 

[pgrzes]

I have a Washworld HV. It works fine, cleans excellent. I have a prep bucket inside tucked in the corner as a courtesy for when we are there if we see a really dirty vehicle go in we will use it on the back of the vehicle. The hose we have in there will be removed. Our high pressure gun will remain but will only be turned on when we wash bay down.

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

based on your description this one is a no brainer for me, I would prosecute.

 

[DavidM]

If you want to have access to a hose in the bay, use quick disconnects so the hose can be removed when the attendant doesn't need it. You can get high pressure and garden hose quick disconnects. We also have a valve in the equipment room for the line going to the automatic bay. We keep it closed when we aren't using it so even if someone tries to bring a hose or a fill a bucket, they won't get anything.

I personally wouldn't prosecute because I doubt it would accomplish anything but I don't think it would hurt to prosecute either.

David

 

[MEP001]

At the very least you should be able to get a criminal trespass warrant on him. Prosecuting requires charges filed, time and money - a CTW means he will be arrested if he comes onto the property again, and it costs you nothing. If I have one against someone I can show the cops surveillance video and they'll go to his/her house and take him to jail.

 

[Waxman]

you could prosecute, but don't you have better things to do?

people will abuse everything; towel dry, prep station, etc.

if you are running unattended you gotta take it as it comes.

you could always get a 'no trespass' order against hime, then bust him if he comes back.