Car Wash Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
SS to in-bay automatic
- Thread starter gtcoder
- Start date
IBA conversions to SS bays are done fairly often. It's going to require an extension to the length of the existing bay which is probably about 24' to 36'-40' . Electrical service will likely have to be upgraded from a 200Amp service to 400 Amp service. If you get a touch free unit you may have to upgrade incoming water lines to 1-1/2" or 2" service. You also need to figure out whether a front entry or rear entry of the traffic is most practical.
tdlconceptsllc
Well-known member
Has anybody ever seen a very busy self serve only site and the owner spend all the time money and resources for a conversion to a IBA and fail?
Even if they put in a nice one ran correctly everything and still not do as much as expected and they don't admit it and wish they didnt. You never hear anything about those.
Even if they put in a nice one ran correctly everything and still not do as much as expected and they don't admit it and wish they didnt. You never hear anything about those.
Thank you, that's great feedback.
washnshine
Well-known member
I’m sure it has happened but I am guessing it is relatively rare. There is always a segment for automatic users, and even if the wash volume is not as projected in a given location, it still can easily bring in much more revenue than a ss bay.
tdlconceptsllc
Well-known member
I agree 100% I am talking about the guys that buy a new machine upgrade all previous building and utitlitys mentioned spend upwards of 300K and only do additional 60k in sales thats what i am talking about like poor return on investment you never hear anybody in the industry admitting it if it did happen.
washnshine
Well-known member
Definitely a possibility.
cbchevy4x4
Well-known member
Even at 60k an additional sales that would equate out to roughly 40 - 50k in additional profit per year variant on cost vs retail price. Not saying thats great but as a business owner i look at the amount im making before i look at any type of margin, then look at is the juice worth the squeeze or not. Id ideally like to see 100k in additional sales out of that investment. You also need to look at your exit strategy and tax advantages upgrades and updates you do can give you. You are also adding to your cost basis by doing the upgrade and upon the time to sale the business that 60k in additional sales could increase your sale price by 200K+ all while youve taken deductions for depreciation and made an additional 60k annually. I look at the long game and delayed gratification, it may not be as beneficial right now in this moment but you look at the long game and the numbers begin to add up quick.
Roz
Well-known member
I have seen a few SS bay conversions and they never extended the bay. The railings for the TF just extended out the rear exit area. No doors!(in a place that has winters) just a simple TF wash. That said you can find a good lightly used Washworld Razor at a fully depreciated price and see how it goes. Minimal risk and a lot of potential upside. If you go the used route have a manufacturer rep inspect the machine so you can reduce surprises and major repairs to get it to work.
If new equipment fails to provide a reasonably return its usually either the owner knows absolutely nothing and thinks that buying new is going to solve all their problems but dont know how to take care of it and do simple maintenance. Within the first year the decline starts.
Also location is a big deal. Ive seen people install new IBA in a building behind a dollar tree or on a 60 mph road then scratch their head on why they are not making money and compare it to a "performa" written up by the manufacture lol .
I dont think I ever encountered a good hands on veteran owner that was upset with installing new equipment or doing a remodel on a good LOCATION. A lot of them worried about it ALOT before but after few months they would laugh and always say "best thing I ever did". Im guilty my self.
Converting a self serve bay to a IBA is probably the most profitable thing you can do you an all SS car wash short of selling crack out the vending machine or meth depending on the region and hiring strippers to wash your customers cars. If any of you hire strippers to wash customers cars thats gross and SHAME ON YOU and also WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED!
Also location is a big deal. Ive seen people install new IBA in a building behind a dollar tree or on a 60 mph road then scratch their head on why they are not making money and compare it to a "performa" written up by the manufacture lol .
I dont think I ever encountered a good hands on veteran owner that was upset with installing new equipment or doing a remodel on a good LOCATION. A lot of them worried about it ALOT before but after few months they would laugh and always say "best thing I ever did". Im guilty my self.
Converting a self serve bay to a IBA is probably the most profitable thing you can do you an all SS car wash short of selling crack out the vending machine or meth depending on the region and hiring strippers to wash your customers cars. If any of you hire strippers to wash customers cars thats gross and SHAME ON YOU and also WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED!
Last edited:
washnshine
Well-known member
Right on the location. I just saw a Ryko softgloss that was installed 18 months ago in a gas station in really bad part of town. Building was there already - put in a new machine, blower airlift doors, paystation - everything. 18 months later the bay is boarded up and covered with graffiti. Gas station and c store can probably swallow that over time, but still a waste of a few hundred thousand.
I have seen quite a few that produced a mediocre return. The more successful ones do significant site rehabs.
If you just install an automatic in a long term self serve and do nothing to attract attention the people driving down the street may not notice. This reduces your customer base to mainly your existing SS customers. This is my experience in metro area self serves in suburbs. Small Town washes may have better luck.
