Experience and the literature have shown the interval of cost is very broad. Consequently, apple to apple comparisons are difficult.
Consider the operating expenses of these two washes.
Ryko friction: $0.20 chemical, $1.00 utilities and $0.59 maintenance equals $1.79 per car
PDQ touch-less: $0.45 chemical, $0.80 utilities and $0.24 maintenance equals $1.49 per car
However, if we moved the
PDQ unit to where the Ryko is located (high water costs), the
PDQ’s utilities would rise to $1.60 per car or a total cost of $2.29 per car.
Overall, chemical accounts for roughly 4.9 percent of annual industry revenues. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the price of car wash chemicals has increased at an average annual rate of 4 percent between 2004 and 2009.
Overall, the cost of utilities is estimated to account for roughly 12 percent of industry revenue, fresh water consumption is estimated at roughly 7 percent of industry revenue.
Something else to consider in making such comparisons is the cost of obsolescence or depreciation which also varies significantly amongst brands and models.