Recent content by Islandwash

I just replaced a Friction Wash with a Laser and the extra charges on top of the installation keep on piling up. You never know the real cost until its done and open. But it's better to spend now and make it great for customers.

One of the virtues of an In bay Automatic is being low profile. We just sit there and wash cars. Perhaps not the glory or volume of a conveyor, but we earn a living. Hopefully private equity will not find us. I want to leave something for my family.

Good points about the conveyor construction expense as compared to the In bay construction expense. Perhaps six is too much.

An interesting concept of multiple IBA 's . This may be an answer for the smaller owner operator to the overbuilt Private Equity conveyor juggernaut.

It's very nice to hear about your pleasant experience with Istobal. I will put them on my list when/ if I buy a friction machine again. I am a 2-time loser with other Friction brands and am installing a new Touch Free to replace the last one. I have had great experiences with 4 different Touch...

If the Floor heat lines fail a pressure test, you can always pour new concrete with new lines on top of the existing. I have done it, it's easy and cost effective. Any of the floor hear companies will design the new layout and sell you the package with manifolds and tubing.

I just sold my Flex serve conveyor after 35 plus years. On the market over 2 years. All of the above is good stuff. Check with carwash specific realtors. What and where and who your competition is critical and will affect your selling price. Good luck

In the Northeast the past 2 to 3 months were disappointing and below average. A lot of rain and clouds and weather uncertainty. But some of the reduced washing should be blamed on consumers cutting back spending. The gloomy weather accentuated that.

Today's carwash market is markedly different with the private equity express washes. In order to survive as a carwash flex service or even full service may have to be considered for survival. There very much is a customer desire for either one. I would much rather run a flex than a traditional...

I just sold my Flex Express, and they are more work than you think. I will miss the customers and employees but life changes. Originally it was a standard full service, and when I changed to a flex it was wonderful. I now have other locations which are IBA/ SS. I believe the industry is...

My thoughts are free vac for club members. Currently I drop a vac token on the top wash for all. When I do the club, the free vac would be just for the top club packages. My competition is 4 free vac, or wash club washes within a 5-mile radius and I found out today that a 5th got approval last...

Will having a Club program and Free Vac enable a Touch Free In Bay to compete with surrounding Express washes over 3 miles away. I do not see an alternative.

Have your electrician check the Carwash ground Rod and grounding. Install 3 phase surge suppressor.

Twice in 3o years I have had to go to small claims court for a damage claim. Each time I lost. The odds are stacked are against any carwash. There usually is a settlement conference to speed things along. We the big carwash are seen as hurting the small claimant. If a reasonable settlement can...

Two years ago, I employed a strong local manager who could do carwash mechanical and was paying him about $18 an hour, no benefits. In today's market he would-be worth more. It is going to cost better than mediocre money for good and longevity. It means that you have to gross more and charge...