Car Wash Ideas to Help you Get New Business

Here at Turtle Wax Pro, we understand the difficulty in succeeding within the car wash industry, and especially in trying to stand out in the market.

The car wash space has many substitutes available to consumers, ranging from self serve to full automated washes. This creates the need for your wash to stand out in the eye of consumers.

Advertising can be a great way to increase business as your potential audience can be attracted and enticed towards your car wash over another!

By targeting consumers with specific and different forms of ads, businesses can attract new customers and grow their business in ways they could not done before.

Advertisements are not only for gaining new customers, they can be essential for building general brand awareness and improving loyalty for your existing users.

In this article, we'll be walking you through why advertising is important, how you can use advertising to strengthen your business, and how you can start creating impactful advertisements.

The Car Wash market is a multi-billion dollar industry.

There are over 25,000 car washes in the United States alone. The industry employs over 150,000 people and generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.

Even now, growth is still occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, the industry is expected to grow by 3% every year.

This growth is driven by the rise in vehicle ownership, increase in per capita income, and the need for car owners to maintain their vehicles.

With the right car wash advertising strategy, businesses can tap into this growing market and improve their bottom line.

The Car Wash Market

Despite the large size of the market, the car wash industry is very fragmented.

The top 50 companies account for less than 20% of the total market share. This leaves a large opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to increase their market share.

There are many different types of car washes, from self-service to full-service. There are also a variety of different services that you can offer, from express wash to detailing.

No matter what type of car wash you have, there are plenty of things you can do to increase business and market share.

The Car Wash Industry is a Tough Market

If you run a car wash, you know that competition is fierce.

Many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

So how can you make sure that your car wash stays competitive?

Advertising is a way to help ensure that your wash stays competitive and has a consistent flow of customers.

Advertising allows your car wash business to attract new customers, customers from competing businesses and may even stop current customers from going elsewhere. .

Unfortunately, many local businesses are going out of business because they haven’t been able to keep up with the competition as there likely are many car wash options to choose from in any given area.

Standing out is difficult, but is a must to attract customers.

Quality services and reasonable prices are important for success in owning a car wash.

If you want your car wash to be successful, you need to offer quality services at reasonable prices.

Unfortunately, many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.

In a competitive market like the car wash market, there are many substitutions present. That means for customers to choose your wash, you must provide a great wash at a great price.

Advertising a Car Wash

The first step to increasing business is to make sure that customers are aware of your car wash. Advertising can be a great way to do this.

There are many different ways to advertise and utilizing a mix of methods is the best way to ensure results.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

First, businesses should consider what type of ad would be most effective for reaching their market.

The type of car wash will dictate exactly what type of ad to use. For example, a self service car wash may have a different marketing strategy than a full service car wash.

Second, businesses should make sure that their ads are creative and attention-grabbing.

Attractive visuals, key words, free services (or discounted) will all be attention grabbing to your audience.

Finally, businesses should track the results of their car wash advertising campaigns to ensure that they are effective.

Trial and error is sometimes the only way to succeed.

An important thing to remember when it comes to advertising car washes is that not all methods will work for every business. If you want more customers, it is important to experiment with different types of ads and see what works best for your company.

Car Wash Marketing Ideas

There are a variety of different ways to advertise your car wash.

You can use print ads, radio spots, social media campaigns, and outdoor signage, just to name a few.

By using a variety of car wash marketing techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers who will appreciate the convenience and quality of your car wash service.

Print Ads

One way to advertise your car wash is through print ads. You can place ads in newspapers, magazines, or even direct mailers. Make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number so customers can easily find you.

Distributing flyers in the local area is also a great way to promote your car wash.

You can also include a coupon or special offer in your print ad to entice new business to try out your services. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or a free car wash with the purchase of a detailing package.

Radio Spots

Another way to reach customers is through radio spots. You can buy airtime on local radio stations and create ads that will play during drive time.

Like print ads, make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number in your radio spot so customers can easily find you. You can also include a sales promotion within it, to cause more listeners to act.

Social Media Campaigns

In today’s world, social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach customers. Other social media sites such as LinkedIn and TikTok could prove to be useful car wash marketing tools as well.

Social media accounts are crucial for car washes because they provide a way to connect with customers and promote deals or discounts.

When creating social media posts, be sure to use attractive visuals and persuasive copy. You want to grab people’s attention and make them want to learn more about your car wash.

Make sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or showcasing particular services that customers will love to have done to their vehicles.

Outdoor Signage

Another way to reach potential customers is through outdoor signage. You can place banners, signs, and flags around your car wash to grab people’s attention.

Make sure your signage is visible and legible from a distance. You want people to be able to see it and read it easily so they know what your business is and what services you offer.

You can also use outdoor signage to promote special services such as your for top of the line package.

Many companies (including Turtle Wax Pro) have outdoor signages that are very appealing to the eye and showcase a premium nature to them, which cause customers to try them out.

By using a variety of advertising techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers to your car wash which will aid in succeeding even in the most competitive market.

What do you Write in a Car Wash Advertisement?

Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your car wash ad:

• Your business name
• Your logo
• A tagline or slogan
• Attractive visuals
• Information about your location
• Unique Aspects
• What services you offer
• Specials or promotions you are running
• A call to action note that entices consumers

Having a variety of these ideas can help your ad stand out from your competitors and help drive sales.

How to Create a Tagline or Slogan for a Car Wash?

Your tagline or slogan should be easily recognizable, so customers can remember it and associate it with your brand.

It should be reflective of what your company does or what you want your company to be known for. Whether it be affordable rates or the best cleaning job in town.

Also, your tagline or slogan should be reflective of your company’s values. (ex: environmentally focused)

What makes your Business Different?

The aspects that make your car wash different than the one down the road should be included in your advertisements.

You may be a local business, the only one using a specific brand of products, touchless as opposed to using brushes, an established brand, or vastly more experienced.

Small businesses have the opportunity to focus on community service or being more personal with their customers. Thus, many consumers choose to support small businesses over other options.

These are all examples of characteristics that make your car wash business stand out and are potential reasons why customers will choose you over another.

Unique Advertising Ideas for your Car Wash Business

The car wash marketing strategies mentioned before are significant in bringing awareness to your wash. But you might already have the basics covered, or maybe you want to try something different to set your business apart.

If that’s the case, here are some unique advertising ideas for your car wash business:

Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Another Popular Local Attraction

One way to get your car wash’s name out there is by sponsoring a local school sports team or another popular attraction in your area.

This could be anything from Little League to the local school. By having your name on their jerseys or arena, you’ll be getting great exposure to both new customers and existing customers.

Have a Grand Opening Event or Anniversary Event

Another way to advertise your business is by hosting a grand opening event (for a new business) or anniversary event. This is an exciting way to get new customers in the door and try out your car wash for the first time.

At special events, you can offer special pricing, freebies, free food, or other activities to bring in larger crowds. You can also use special events like these as an opportunity to introduce any new services or products you might be offering.

Get Involved in the Community

One way to endear your business to your target audience is by getting involved in the community. This could be anything from sponsoring a charity event to hosting a food drive.

By giving back to the community, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be gaining some good publicity for your business. This is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty among possible customers and your customer base.

Offer Free Washes

Not many people can turn down something free. By giving away a free wash for their first wash, you encourage customers to try out your service.

This way they can compare your car wash to the one they typically use, and if your service is of good quality, consumers will continue for paid washes.

Have a Rewards/Loyalty Program

A rewards program is a great way to encourage current customers to continue using your wash. By offering a discount coupon or freebies after a certain number of visits, you’ll be sure to see customers coming back.

Having a loyalty program is also a great way to upsell customers on other services or products you might offer.

You can promote your loyalty club on your business website, on social media, or through in-store signage. This is a great way to increase your number of returning customers and build customer loyalty.

Thinking outside the box can separate you from the rest of the competition, and get your car wash business out in a way no one else can.

Working with an experienced company like Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro

Implementing a strong marketing strategy to ultimately increase business for you car wash can be difficult.

Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro are not only car wash suppliers, we are companies dedicated in helping your business succeed.

We understand that just owning a car wash is only a small fraction behind operating a car wash, marketing it is a must.

We have decades of experience helping car washes of all types and sizes, and thus, can provide a superior level of guidance that can help your car wash business gain market share and increase customers.

It's obvious how important advertising is to suceeding in the car wash market. By utilizing some of the advertising ideas mentioned, you can increase brand awareness to your car wash and bring in more traffic.

Advertising is an incredible powerful tool that can skyrocket the success of your business. If you believe that your car wash business could improve it's advertising, don't hesitate to get in contact with us! We at Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro can provide some guidance on how to seperate yourself from the rest of the market.

Running a car wash business can be lucrative, but it's important to find the right car wash supplier in order to make your business successful.

There are many different suppliers out there, so it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.

Turtle Wax Pro is a great option to help supply your car wash. We offer the highest quality chemistry on the market, have decades of experience of helping wash businesses succeed, and have strong healthy relationships with our customers.

These are all key factors to look for when searching for a supplier and we believe that Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group can be the best supplier for you.

If you're in the car wash business, then you know that finding the right supplier is essential. Let's go over some key considerations to look for when choosing a supplier.

To Succeed in the Car Wash Business, You Have to be Unique

The car wash industry is a competitive one, so it's important to find a car wash supplier that can give you an edge over your competition. One way to do this is by choosing a supplier that offers unique products or services.

Car washes with no unique selling proposition are very common. You must find things that separate you from other washes if you want to succeed. The right supplier can offer you competitive prices, quality supplies, equipment, support, advice, site signage, marketing help and more that can give you a leg up in business.

Here's What To Avoid In A Car Wash Supplier

1. Avoid suppliers that just need to make a sale and offer no support after your launch.
2. Be wary of a supplier who can't answer questions. This generally means they won't be helpful if any issues arise in the future.
3. Look out for suppliers without local or regional service teams. Depending on your customer volume you may get stuck in a long line waiting for service or repairs.
4. You should also be careful of suppliers who don't have a good reputation. If other car wash owners haven't heard of them or have had bad experiences, it's best to avoid doing business with them.

Looking for a Reputable Supplier

It's also important to choose a supplier that is reputable, has a long track record of industry wins and wants to be a true partner. Businesses succeed when they have long-term relationships with their suppliers. A reputable supplier will be able to more effectively provide you with the resources and support you need to grow your business.

Watch Testimonials

You can learn a lot about a supplier by reading online reviews, case studies and testimonials from other car wash business owners. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews in order to get a well-rounded view of the supplier.

You should also take the time to speak with other wash owners who have used the supplier. They will be able to provide you with first-hand information about their customer experience.

"When I built our first car wash in 1991 I was looking for a chemical company that could provide knowledge, dependability, service, value and high quality safe products. The Turtle Wax Pro team and Transchem delivered and for over 30 years has been our chemical suppler of choice, they've never let us down. When it comes to a soap provider you can count on day in and day out I couldn't think of a better company than Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem." - Mike Black, Founder/Owner at Valet Car Washes 

Consider the Chemistry

The chemicals dictate the final wash product you can offer your customers. The goal of achieving the perfect wash can only be met with high quality chemistry that all works together.

When choosing a car wash supplier, you should consider the quality of the products that they offer. The last thing you want is your customers' cars to be damaged by poor car wash chemicals.

Which Type of Products Does Your Wash Want to Offer?

Every car wash has staple products like presoaks and detergents but car washes can really differentiate themselves by offering unique items like fragrances, ceramics, and tire dressings.

Think about which products in particular you want to offer your customer, that decision may direct you to a particular company that carries specific supplies.

There are so many products to choose from, we recommend getting in contact with a couple of car wash chemical manufacturers before deciding on any products.

Less Is More!

Some companies can have hundreds of SKUs but you'll need to narrow your decision down to between 5 and 15 core chemicals for your wash.

The Turtle Wax Pro lineup offers more than 40 highly diverse chemicals alongside other individual chemical solutions.

This allows us to stay competitive with other industry prices, stock more product, ship faster, provide more in-depth service and streamline our operation to help you clean more cars.

Consider the Car Wash Equipment

The car wash industry is always changing and car wash equipment is becoming more advanced. You'll want to make sure that the supplier you choose offers the latest and greatest in car wash equipment.

This could include pressure washers, car wash pumps or central vacuum systems for detailing services. This will ensure that your customers are getting the best possible car wash experience.

Having to buy new equipment is expensive and time consuming so it's important to get it right the first time.

Maintenance Matters

Maintenance solutions are also important to consider when choosing a supplier. Make sure your supplier has a good relationship with one or more local distributors in your area to service and repair your equipment on a regular basis.

Consider the Extras

It's also important to find a supplier who offers training on how to use the car wash equipment. This will ensure that your team is able to properly operate the car wash equipment and provide a great experience for your customers.

Turtle Wax Pro offers in-depth training on chemistry, installation, service, business operations and more to our partners (the distributors and operators we work with). This should create reliability for you and your employees when it comes to any problems that could arise.

What about...

Perhaps you want to own a truck wash as well? A truck wash will need different equipment than a standard car wash. How easy is it to receive repair parts? How detailed are the product manuals? How quick is installation?

These are all factors you will want to consider when evaluating the right supplier. It can be challenging to know what is the right equipment and we recommend contacting a supplier (like Turtle Wax Pro) before you decide on anything.

Consider your Customer

Last but not least, you should consider your ideal customer experience when choosing a supplier. What type of experience do you want to offer your customers?

Do you want to offer a luxury wash experience or a more basic wash experience? This will help you determine which car wash supplies, equipment and add-ons you'll need to purchase.

What Does a Premium Industry Supplier Offer Their Car Washes?

1. A wide range of chemistry, services, systems and car wash equipment.
2. Advice on how to best position your wash for success. This involves marketing, best use of the products, and a full dedicated hands-on training session with ongoing learning material.
3. Help you find ways on how to reduce costs and optimize your car wash to save time and produce more sales for your site.
4. Lastly, the relationship they maintain with their partners. A top supplier will offer car washes technical support, answer any questions they have, and keep an open dialogue to continuously improve the products and services they offer.

All of these aspects are what separates the industry leaders from the rest.

Choosing Turtle Wax Pro as Your Supplier

Turtle Wax Pro is one of the most trusted car care brands in the world with expertise to drive more sales and gain market share around the world.

We strive to be the best supplier possible to all of our partners, operators and distributors. We do this by offering the best chemistry on the market, high quality car wash equipment, and knowledge from our dedicated sales and service teams.

We Know It's Hard

Picking the right supplier can be a tough process but will prove to be very rewarding if done correctly. We hope that we cleared up some questions you had and have given you a bit of direction on how to choose a high quality partner.

If you have any questions about your car wash regarding anything from products to strategy, don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to discuss how you can find even more success within the car wash industry.

If you're in the car wash business, then you know that choosing the right car wash chemical supplier is essential to your success. There are many different suppliers out there, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

There are many factors you should consider when selecting a car wash supplier and we will help narrow down the decision for you.

What do we mean by a car wash chemical supplier?

A car wash chemical supplier is like a partner in your car wash business endeavors. They supply your business with the car wash products you need to clean, dry, and shine vehicles.

Your supplier will play an instrumental role in your car wash's success as having a strong supplier-operator relationship will keep your business in tip-top operating shape as needs, challenges, and opportunities are always changing in the car wash industry.

What car wash chemicals do you need?

Part of choosing a car wash chemical supplier will involve you having an idea of what type of chemicals your business needs. The chemicals used in car washes vary depending on the situation, with some being common (e.g. soap) while others (detailing supplies, clay bars), or other interior products only being used occasionally.

We will cover some of the more necessary chemical options that any type of car wash will use, whether you are a tunnel wash, truck wash, in-bay automatic, or self serve car wash.

Car Wash Soap

Car wash soap is one of the most important car wash chemicals. These soaps (also called detergents or shampoos) are exterior cleaners, specifically designed to be gentle on car surfaces while still removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This separates them from other industrial cleaners.

Presoaks

Presoak agents are car wash chemicals that are used to loosen dirt, dust and debris before the car is washed.

These car wash chemicals can help to remove stubborn dirt and contaminants that regular car wash soaps may not be able to.

Surface Protectants

Surface protectants are car wash chemicals that help to protect car surfaces from damage and may even offer some shine.

These car wash chemicals can help to keep car surfaces free from light marks, UV rays, and other light damage.

Surface protectants come in various forms such as ceramic coatings, waxes, sealants, and metal polishes. They will vary in the amount of protection and shine they can offer.

Tire Cleaners

Tire cleaners are car wash chemicals that are designed to clean the tires of a car. These car wash chemicals can help to remove dirt, debris, and build-up from car tires. Tire cleaners are often used in conjunction with the more specialty product, tire shine, or tire dressings.

Drying Agents

Drying agents are car wash chemicals that help to dry car surfaces after the car has been washed.

These car wash chemicals can help to reduce water spots and ensure that car surfaces are completely dry by helping water wick off the vehicle's surface.

Specialty Products

Specialty products are products that are used in specific instances. They are not used at every car wash and are formulated to work in less common circumstances such as tar removers.

The Impact of Car Wash Chemistry

Car wash chemistry is what drives the industry! It is what so effectively cleans, shines, and dries cars to look as good as they do, making it a routine service that customers get done for their cars.

However, not all car wash chemicals are created equal. Some are formulated with harsh ingredients that not only will leave you with subpar results but may also be bad for the environment. Quality car wash chemicals will be made up of premium ingredients allowing your car wash to produce some of the cleanest and best-looking vehicles around.

The Secret to Effective Car Cleaning

Any car wash can choose random chemicals and clean vehicles with them. But they will likely be left with poor results as their chemical selection has not tuned for their situation.

The secret to effective car cleaning is optimal chemical selection. Specific chemicals can be selected as they perform well during specific weather conditions in that area with precise amounts of product being used.

Great chemistry will also work synergistically to set up the next chemical stage for better performance.

With all of these aspects chosen correctly, you will be left with fantastic results that will be sure to impress your consumer base.

What else can your car wash supplier do for your business?

Chemistry is not the only thing you can expect out of your car wash supplier. Your supplier can help monitor your results, offer suggestions, aid in problem-solving, help with marketing efforts, equipment-related concerns, and more.

You should see your supplier as a partner in your business and select them accordingly.

It takes a level of trust, dedication, and focus for your car wash business to be successful, and having a supplier you cannot rely on can cause issues down the road.

Product Consistency

The car wash market is a competitive one, and customers will often go to the car washes that offer the best results.

This means that car washes must use car wash chemicals consistently in order for them to produce consistent results.

Car wash chemical suppliers can help car washes ensure product consistency with accurate measurements, reliable formulas.

Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group keep batch samples for a minimum of one year to ensure car washes are getting the same product every time. If there are any issues from operators or distributors, we can look back at the batch samples to ensure the formulation was correct.

Shipping Capabilities

It is important that car wash chemical suppliers have a reliable shipping network so car washes can receive their products in the most efficient manner possible.

Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group have an extensive network of shipping partners to ensure car washes and car wash distributors get their chemistry when they need it. We do our best to keep shipping times in North America under 7 business days from the time of your order.

Customer Service

Finally, having car wash suppliers with great customer service is key.

Your car wash chemical supplier should be there for you when you need them most.

At Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group, we have a team of experienced car wash industry professionals that can answer any questions or help solve car wash issues you may have. We pride ourselves on longstanding relationships with car washes and car wash distributors, allowing us to have a greater understanding of their needs.

Looking for a Car Wash Supplier? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

Turtle Wax Pro is an industry leader in car care products. Turtle Wax has a 97% brand recognition for a reason, they make the best chemistry on the market.

We have decades of experience supporting car wash businesses from tunnel washes to truck washes with chemistry and much more. Our expertise has given us a strong focus on prioritizing relationships within the car wash industry. You can rely on us to help your business stand out from the rest!

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Car washes are an enticing business idea for any entrepreneur. They cater to one of the biggest industries in the world: the automotive industry.

Wondering if owning a car wash is the right idea for you? Today, we'll discuss 7 reasons why owning a car wash business is a great idea! (We will also discuss some potential cons as well.)

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1/ Cars Need Washing

To begin, vehicles are a valuable asset. As cars gather dirt and grime and their owners will want them cleaned. With almost 290 million vehicles in the US alone, that's a high number of potential customers your business can serve! (Onedesk)

We're also seeing many more car owners who will pay to get their cars washed at formal car wash businesses, as opposed to washing their own car themselves (particularly during snowy, salty, cold winter months, when washing a car by hand on a driveway is much less enticing).

74% of consumers said they would be willing to pay to get their vehicles washed, which is a 47% increase from 1994! (CarWashCountry)

As the world gets busier, and customers seek quality results and convenience, it is estimated that this trend in car washing will only continue.

2/ Great Return on Investment with High-Profit Potential

Car washes can be a lucrative business as there are many cost-saving measures one can take such as water reclaim technology and finding chemicals that offer great cost-per-car cleaning. Premium car washes can also charge a good amount of money per wash and serve many customers within a day. This can all add up to your business generating high amounts of revenue and profit.

How profitable exactly will depend on many factors, such as your target market and the type of wash you're offering.

Depending on demographics in the area you are considering, an automatic car wash, self-serve car wash, or tunnel car wash may be more profitable as visitors will be willing to pay different amounts to get their car cleaned (more on car wash types later). Typically, a tunnel car wash in a big city will likely make more money than a self-serve car wash in that same city, as it comes with higher ticket prices and isn't as much effort of using hand wash equipment in self-service bays. That said, know your chosen location, nearby competition, financial strategy and the costs your customers are willing to pay. Check out this article on a car wash business plan to discover many factors that should be considered to start a car wash.

3/ Flexibility and Ability to be Unique

Car washes can come in all different shapes, sizes, and types. They can have a certain theme, be made to serve one car at a time or many, and the manner they wash cars can differ (practical self-serve washes supply customers with all they need, while tunnels often offer an exciting show and convenient, family-fun experience). This flexibility allows you to tailor your business to meet your expectations and be catered appropriately to your market.

A Reminder: What are the Different Basic Types of Car Washes?

Self-Service Car Washes

The first type is the self-service car wash.  

As the name implies, with a self-service car wash, customers clean their cars with the equipment you provide. This type of car wash uses self-serve bays where customers will park their cars and clean their vehicles with the soaps and pressure wash 0equipment provided on a timed-use basis. This often makes self-serve more time consuming than other wash options. It's also generally a cheaper car wash for customers (and owners).

Touchless Car Wash or In-Bay Automatic Car Washes

The second type is the touchless car wash, or in-bay automatic car wash, which automatically washes vehicles either with water and cleaning chemicals (if it is a touch-free car wash) or with additional brushes gently removing dirt. In this wash bay scenario, the vehicle has driven into the wash bay and doesn't move until leaving and being dried. In-bay automatic car wash equipment moves around the vehicle, and the single system applies the various chemicals and rinsing applications. One vehicle may be cleaned at a time.

Tunnel Car Washes

A tunnel wash is similar to a in-bay automatic car wash, as the equipment washes the car automatically (vs. a manual wash, or self-serve wash). That said, the vehicle will likely be on a conveyor system that will draw it through different machinery to apply various chemicals and rinsing applications, and dryers at the end. This wash type is generally the most thrilling for the customer, and tunnel equipment and chemicals can effectively manage a clean car, plus a show! It generally costs more for the experience (and is more expensive to start a car wash of this type). Unlike the in-bay automatic, there is enough room for tunnel washes to wash many vehicles at a time.

Full Service Car Washes

Another type of car washing we'll mention is the full service car wash. Full service car washes not only clean the vehicle exteriors (generally using one of the aforementioned methods), but they also clean the inside of them. A full service car wash details floor mats, seats, and all the difficult to reach areas which makes this service attractive to customers. This is definitely more labor intensive, and more expensive. Some car washes, while not full service, offer similar features like vacuums and towels for customers to do this on their own at the car wash location.

4/ Expand Your Car Wash Business

A great benefit of car washes is that they are scalable both externally and internally. If things are going really well with your car wash business you can always expand it in the future by adding more locations to your existing car wash brand.

You could also grow your existing location to draw more customers (and revenue opportunities) through added features like vacuums or pet washes, or other services like detailing.

The possibilities are endless with what you can do and if things go as planned, then you can continue to scale up your business to even bigger heights!

5/ Remote or Hands-off Ownership

This benefit may not apply to every car wash owner, as some are very hands-on. But if you choose to do so, once your business is established (plus finding the right employees and managers, who are reliable for daily operations) you can watch your business run with minimal day-to-day tasks from yourself. On the other hand, many enjoy being thoroughly involved in this exciting business as an owner and operator.  

6/ Support and Resources to Start a Car Wash

Setting up a car wash can be daunting, but help is out there for entering and thriving in this industry!  If you have the right support, you can navigate the areas of business you may not be familiar or confident in: from fixing water quality to building marketing plans, or optimizing equipment and chemistry. There are many factors that go into starting a car wash which can be difficult to manage, but with the guidance of industry experts (such as Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro, for example), you can get your business off the ground with services and support in place.

7/ The Thriving Car Wash Industry

Great news; it's important to note that the car wash industry is booming!  This industry is growing every year (CarWash News) and it is an excellent opportunity to jump in as an investor or owner-operator!

In fact, the global car wash market is worth more than 29 billion dollars today! (Grand View Research) There is also room for small players and local businesses to join the industry as the largest 50 car wash companies only make up 20% of the market share. (OneDesk)

Other Considerations of Owning a Car Wash

Though there is much good to gain from owning a car wash, it's not always rainbows and sunshine. It would only be fair to discuss some of the cons when it comes to car wash ownership. Here are a few to be aware of:

1/ Seasonal Traffic

Car washing in seasonal climates does have busier and quieter times of year: for those that experience cold winters with snow and salty roads, these conditions create a generally busier time of the year for car washes. Car owners see their cars with snow and salt marks and make a dash for their favorite car wash. And while business might be great for you in the winter season, it might face some slow periods once it becomes warmer or in the rainy season (Sunny, warm weather is an incentive to wash cars at home on the driveway during those nicer months).

Business might slow down in the spring and summer and as a car wash owner that may hurt your profits. However, if you can drive a large portion of customers towards a subscription model, you will have more consistent and reliable income for your business, and customers will be encouraged to continue using your business year-round.

2/ More Than Just Washing Cars

A car wash business faces many other aspects than just washing vehicles well.  You'll also be working with suppliers, hiring employees, training and managing, engaging in customer service, repairing/maintaining equipment, and managing a financial strategy. These are a few examples of other factors that are important to running a successful car wash.

3/ Building and Maintaining your Customer Base

Opening a car wash is one thing but now you will need to get (and keep) customers. You will also have to get your name out there through various marketing strategies and having a brand and plan in place. If you want to learn more about car wash marketing you can read our article on it here!

Once you get a customer, keeping them a customer is another battle (such as navigating customer complaints and negative reviews).

A profitable car wash has great customer service and a good quality wash but they may also use keep their customers coming back with great marketing, subscription programs or rewards.

Questions about Owning a Car Wash?

Reach out to Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro

There's a lot of opportunity and potential profits that comes with owning car wash businesses today.

So whether you are considering opening your car wash, looking for marketing support, or looking for a car wash supplier, feel free to reach out to us!

Why Us?

The Turtle Wax company is an industry leader in the car care industry, and has been for over 75 years. We, Turtle Wax Pro (the professional car wash side of the brand), and our parent company Transchem, offer some of the best car wash chemistry in the market to car wash owners and their businesses all over the world.

Also, we have been supporting car washes in the various challenges they face for decades. Let our experience be an aid in your success.