Business At A Glance
Startup Costs: $100,000 +
Online Operation? No
Business Overview
When most people think of a car wash, they tend to think of anexterior-conveyor wash. These are the washes that put cars on amotorized track and drag them through a tunnel where they are rinsed,soaped up, washed, rinsed again and possibly waxed. The cars thememerge clean (and perhaps relatively dry) at the other end. Alsofitting into this conveyor wash category is the full-service car wash,combining the exterior conveyor cleaning with a manual interiorcleaning. In addition to offering cleaning cars, many car washes alsohave gas pumps, maintenance stations and shops where customers can buyanything from snacks to gifts.
The Market
Research suggests that women are more likely to use the services of anautomatic wash, perhaps because of the convenience. As you mightexpect, the typical patron is a bit more affluent than those usingself-service car washes.
Needed Equipment
Possibly three separate areas of the car wash need to be equipped,depending on the type of wash you operate. Full-service andexterior-conveyor washes need all the car washing equipment, such asthe power-wash units, vacuums, dryers and a water reclamation system.The offices for these types of washes also need to be equipped with allthe basics, such as phones, fax machines, computers and calculators.Both washes need cash registers, but full-service washes offering ashop or other services may also need shelving, vending machines andinventory.