So, if a customer's not using the blow dryer and is towel-drying their car in the bay, even though other paying customers are waiting, what can you do if they're taking way too long to dry their car? I'd think if they're not using the blow dryer, they should just move to the Walmart parking lot and dry their car there. I had a customer purposely sit in the bay towel-drying their car when it was already dry, just to make the person waiting angry. I offer a blow dryer which the lady was not using The lady in the bay ( CustomerA ) just kept towel-drying her car, and the person waiting ( CustomerB ) was there for about 8 minutes. When watching surveillance i see after 5 min CustomerB asks CustomerA if she could dry her car in Walmart parking lot . CustomerA then purposely takes longer to dry her car so after another 3 min I see CustomerB ask again to CustomerA who then tells CustomerB she is going to kick her you know what then CustomerB gets out of her car telling her to kick her you know what then CustomerA grabs her by the arm and CustomerB ends up kicking and slapping her. How do you handle this when it's busy I got people wanting to wash there car and now fighting
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!
Waxman
Super Moderator
well, I don't really know what to tell you, but I am glad that it's not just the customers at my wash. It's everywhere! people spend five dollars and think they're entitled to use the bay as long as they like without any time left on the meter. signs don't seem to help. asking the customer to dry outside always illicits an excuse or a terrible attitude. It's even harder at my wash because I've only got two bays of self service. I feel your pain, but I don't have a great solution. I'm on site most days and I sure don't want to listen to Neil Diamond. He's got a couple good songs I like, but not enough to last me eight hours.
Last edited:
Earl Weiss
Well-known member
I have found people do not like to be TOLD what to do. Instead I say "Could you please finish up in a couple of minutes so the next customer can use the bay?" Or whatever the issue is. I use the "Ask" "Tell" continuum. Fist ask. politely - after reasonable time for compliance - "Tell".
soapy
Senior Member
I have signs with wash rules posted in my bays. If they are drying in the bay and people are waiting I do go out and ask them to pull there car out so the next person can use the bay. About half the people balk and give their entitled speech. I point out the sign and if they refuse to leave I up the request with telling them I am going to start cleaning the bay 1 minute even if they are still there. If that does not work it is time to call the police and have them trespassed from the property.
WE ARE SELLING TIME, I have no time for people who can't respect other people or myself. I figure the waiting customer who sees you sticking up for them is going to be a lot more loyal than the one who enjoys taking advantage of you. Do you see people go to a cafe and eat and then break out the cards and play a few hands or bring a board game to play. I look at loitering the same way.
WE ARE SELLING TIME, I have no time for people who can't respect other people or myself. I figure the waiting customer who sees you sticking up for them is going to be a lot more loyal than the one who enjoys taking advantage of you. Do you see people go to a cafe and eat and then break out the cards and play a few hands or bring a board game to play. I look at loitering the same way.
