A car wash business can be lucrative since it lets you have a constant supply of clients. Since there is no shortage of vehicles on roadways, expect that there will be no decrease in demand for car washes.
As a business-oriented person, you might find yourself suddenly imagining setting up your own car wash enthusiastically and thinking, “how hard can it be?” The truth is this industry needs passion, dedication, and persistence. If you are serious about starting this venture, here are some common misconceptions about building a car wash that you should stop believing:
Building a car wash doesn’t cost much
Many aspiring business owners—even those with no car washing experience—think that building a car wash from the ground up doesn’t cost much because they assume they only need soap and water. However, this is a common misconception.
While this kind of business is easy to set up, you have to invest in high-quality car wash equipment, such as a tunnel car wash system, water softeners, vacuum units, and more. This way, you can have a competitive advantage and ensure your clients receive top-notch services.
Clients will come to me as soon as I start my business
You may be expecting that many car owners will come flock to you the moment your business becomes operational. Unfortunately, many business owners make this common mistake. Avoid it by predicting your market potential and carefully conducting demographic studies.
You can also seek help from a reputable car wash supplier to make sure your business operates optimally. Don’t forget to invest in marketing services to promote your services and reach your target audience.
Expanding into multiple locations is easy
Some car wash businesses quickly expand and open multiple locations, leading you to believe that scaling is easy. However, believing you will open your first branch and finance a quick expansion from cash flow can be a costly mistake, especially since it is difficult to replicate a consistent customer experience across various locations. When you’re starting out, it’s best to focus on a single location, then eventually expand your business if you are sure you have enough funds and experience to do so.
Acquiring permits is hassle-free
Believing your car wash business will sail through zoning and permitting without hassle is a misconception that can lead to expensive and unplanned delays. Although a modern car wash is associated with minimal labour and careful water reclamation, many still see this industry as labour-intensive.
A car wash business is ideal for an absentee owner
Building a car wash is more than just investing in a business. It’s about embracing a lifestyle. Therefore, don’t expect to find a manager that has the same passion as you. You also shouldn’t depend too much on your staff to the point that you become an absentee owner. You have to be hands-on with running your business and make quick decisions to capitalize on volume spikes and deliver consistent quality services.
Conclusion
Starting your own car wash business isn’t as easy as you might think, so you have to get ready for the necessary preparations. Make sure to remember the common misconceptions listed above and stop believing in them to stay well-informed about the industry and increase your chances of making your business successful.
If you’re looking for reputable car wash builders, partner with CCWS. We offer complete car wash solutions in Calgary, including the building, setup, equipment, and maintenance. Contact us to learn more about how you can get started in building your own car wash business!
