Finding the right location is one of the most critical aspects of starting a business. This is particularly true in the car wash industry. The area you select can frequently make or break your wash’s success.
It’s vital to remember that not all locations are appropriate for all sorts of businesses. What is appropriate for a high-end restaurant may not be appropriate for a car wash. A perfect location is required to build not only a car wash but also any profitable business.
This article breaks down how to choose a location for your car wash and five simple factors you should consider:
1. Local and State Zoning Laws and Regulations
Checking the zoning laws and regulations in your area is one of the most important aspects of picking a place for your car wash business.
You must determine if your lot is zoned for commercial/business or residential use. Some zoning rules and regulations may impose operational limits on your firm.
As a first step, seek properties that are explicitly classified for commercial use. Otherwise, you may choose a residentially zoned property and find it difficult (or impossible) to rezone it. Each area and state is different, so be sure you do your homework.
2. The Value of Your Property
Obviously, like with any large acquisition for your company, you must assess whether the price of the property is worthwhile to you. Will your investment be profitable?
Fortunately, the ROI for a car wash firm is more likely to be positive than for other entrepreneurial start-ups. Consider the total cost as part of your overall investment, whether you are purchasing or leasing. If the site is a good fit for you and you chose it based on the above factors, your car wash location will likely be successful.
3. Your Neighboring Community
When analyzing the demographics of your potential clients, it’s excellent practice to gauge a 3 to 5-mile radius surrounding the site you’re contemplating. Most clients will not travel far from home to obtain a car wash.
This includes analyzing the people who are more inclined to visit the location, population size, demographics, and nearby retail. Knowing these factors helps you better understand the community’s desire for a vehicle wash.
In addition, a vehicle wash near competitors provides an additional draw for potential clients. Since most car wash clients are merely looking for a quick clean, establishing your wash near quick-stop, large box shops can increase your chances of major customer flow.
4. Volume, Speed, and Density of Traffic
Picking a heavily trafficked area is an excellent practice when it comes to placing your car wash. According to research, car wash stations that see an average of 15,000 to 25,000 autos daily are the best. To pick the optimal site, consider the number of vehicles that pass through the wash and their density and speed.
Consider an area of 45 mph or less so drivers may notice your facility and signage around 40 seconds before passing your wash. And while having a lot of vehicular traffic near your car wash is a great way to get new customers, you should analyze the traffic density around your location, and if it’s conveniently accessible from a heavily populated roadway.
Also, make sure you include adequate room for both entry and exit, and if possible, choose a spot near a turning lane or a traffic light.
5. Possibility of Growth
As a small business owner, particularly in the car wash industry, you’ll want a site with a high potential for expansion.
Growth can now occur in a variety of ways. Whether it’s having a property large enough to accommodate extra services such as a car wash or an entry that allows many vehicles to queue up without having to sit in traffic, make sure your site is large enough to support your business goals.
Conclusion
Building a carwash can be profitable if you know the basic factors that make it a success. According to research, the ideal size for a car wash is one acre. Once you’ve found the ideal site for your car wash business, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride.
Are you in need of car wash builders to start your business? Get in touch with our team at CCW Solutions in Canada. We can build and design car washes for you and provide commercial car wash equipment. We’ll guide you through the entire process of building your dream car wash. Contact us today!
