Hamilton ACW

[Bubbles Galore]

Questions, questions, questions....

I am currently working on getting an auto installed. I am trying to do my due diligence on the ACW's. I have talked to several people at Hamilton who have been very helpful. I really want to hear from some operators.

My competition all run the baseline hamilton goldline. Opinions on this unit?

I like the idea of the goldline plus since I could dispense a vacuum token with my top wash (for examplet). I don't like the fact that I can't accept tokenotes Opinions on this unit?

The HTK is a solid looking unit. I would have to hear some rave reviews to justify the expense of putting this one in. I like the idea of the fleet business, and the other cross marketing tools....but that's a lot of dough. Opinions on this unit?

I know I have been asking a ton of questions lately and really appreciate all the great responses.

Thanks!

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I guess I shouldn't limit it to Hamilton. If you have other units that you use or like, please mention them also.

 

[Mitch]

If you go with Hamilton, GET THE GRAPHIC DISPLAY. It is everything it is cracked up to be. It is not a touchpad, but it is a dang good display that can be seen in direct sunlight. No experience with the Plus but have heard good things about the HTK.

 

[MEP001]

I know someone who is installing the Goldline Plus for the token-dispensing option, and I think it will help business a great deal. People really like a little "extra" the competition doesn't offer.

We run a Goldline, and it's been nearly flawless in over five years. We started out with the HVX validator but changed to Mars when it started getting strung.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Thanks!

I got bad news that they won't offer me financing for the auto that I want to put in

More time to focus on the self serve.

 

[Mitch]

Maic Wand will finance their machines.

 

[mac]

Mitch, you beat me to the punchline. Since I was repremanded recently for NOT saying I sell for Magic Wand in FL, I thought this was a good time to say it. We have two units that are being financed by them.

 

[Waxman]

Bubbles:

I was turned down a few times before securing financing.

The best entrepreneurs I know are tenacious and rarely let roadblocks slow them down when pursuing an idea they know will cash flow.

I'd simply take this as a signal to re-vamp your pro formas for the project, shop around for equipment more as well as banks/financing options.

I don't think it's as much a signal to pull back from the idea as is is to re-formulate and hone the idea. It's what I did and it worked.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

Thanks for the advice Waxman. I actually am looking around for a used machine right now and I am suprised at how many there actually are.

 

[Waxman]

well, if you found a used machine that you could set up properly and have serviced locally or learn yourself I don't see how you'd go wrong. Things to get, IMO: spot free rinse, separate lp pump for presoaks and foam polish, virtual treadle and free standing blowers w/photoeye shutdown option.

New $100k+. Used $18k. Even when you add in transport and install and ancillaries you'd be ahead.

Look at Carwashguy's blog. I think he put in a used Water Wizard with the help of a knowledgeable industry veteran and it looks pretty good to me.

I also have a Hamilton goldline and I accept bills, credit cards, tokens and quarters and give change in quarters. Love this machine.