New Purchase

[jjdohm]

I am in the process of buying 4 Car Washes in three different small towns in southern Iowa. Buildings are brick and 30 yrs old in good condition.
Washes consist of 3 SS bays and 1 Automatic in each. Equipment for Automatics is OLD!! Southern Pride, everything works and there are parts for them in storage, extra towers etc. Automatic prices are $6, $7, $8, $9. Displays are worn out badly and NO CREDIT CARDS yet?! Where do I start to update these things and increase Revenue? No Competition in two cities, other city has New Tunnel 10 minutes away.
I am new to this and looking for any advice. We currently own some other businesses in the area and are expanding. I will be running them myself.
TIA!!

 

[Rfreeman]

jjdohm

Welcome to the industry. I will saying jumping into it with 4 right away is a huge step, I hope you did your research and know what you are getting into because this isn't just go by and collect the money like some would want you to believe.

As far as getting these washes performing better I would do as follows:

1.) Routine daily cleaning. Make sure the places are clean and well run. Trash is picked up, by you or someone, daily if not twice a day.
2.) Make sure things get fixed quickly and pressures are good in ss bays and vacs work well.
3.) Clean bay walls with acid or some other cleaner.
4.) Bay doors decals and signage is worn and faded looking, update it. A decal on a bay door goes a long way.
5.) Existing paint on the building, does it need a new coat. You would be surprised what this can do see pictures attached.

Alll the above can be done relatively cheap.

6.) functions on your equipment in ss bays. You have triple foam and dryers?
7.) Does any of the existing equipment need to be replaced?

The automatic is a different story but the above with 4 washes is enough to get your started. BEST OF LUCK!

 

[jjdohm]

jjdohm

Welcome to the industry. I will saying jumping into it with 4 right away is a huge step, I hope you did your research and know what you are getting into because this isn't just go by and collect the money like some would want you to believe.

As far as getting these washes performing better I would do as follows:

1.) Routine daily cleaning. Make sure the places are clean and well run. Trash is picked up, by you or someone, daily if not twice a day.
2.) Make sure things get fixed quickly and pressures are good in ss bays and vacs work well.
3.) Clean bay walls with acid or some other cleaner.
4.) Bay doors decals and signage is worn and faded looking, update it. A decal on a bay door goes a long way.
5.) Existing paint on the building, does it need a new coat. You would be surprised what this can do see pictures attached.

Alll the above can be done relatively cheap.

6.) functions on your equipment in ss bays. You have triple foam and dryers?
7.) Does any of the existing equipment need to be replaced?

The automatic is a different story but the above with 4 washes is enough to get your started. BEST OF LUCK!

Thank you for the reply!!

 

[Randy]

Here's a video for you to watch

In the last month we have had 3 car washes close and one is having problems with vandalism and are considering going credit card only or close.

 

[Greg_T]

Four to start is a huge step. Agreed with Rfreeman, keeping the washes well presented, operating reliably and delivering a great customer experience is really important. The video from Randy is also really insightful - if you know and understand all the risks and challenges, you'll be much better prepared.