Most people use cars in their daily lives – be it to drive them to work, explore the open road with wander-lust buddies, or as an investment vehicle. Either way, there will always be drivers swooping past the street, which is why establishing a car wash can be a lucrative business venture today.
Entrepreneurs looking to make a big break as a business owner can find the opportunity in the car wash industry as 90 percent of car washes are run by small-time owners instead of your usual established, corporate conglomerates. While it’s certainly not a pipe dream, there are crucial factors you need to consider when starting a car wash business:
Factor #1: Consider the Type of Car Wash Operations
One of the first steps to making your dream business into reality is to start with the type of car wash you want to operate. Keep in mind that not all car washes provide the same services, so it helps to understand the different choices:
- Full-Service Car Wash – One of the most well-known types of car wash operation, this establishes a business that offers full-services, which includes cleaning the exterior and interior of automobiles.
- Exterior Conveyor Car Wash – Many people know this type of service as it has an iconic set-up, wherein the car is pulled along an automated conveyor while large brushes clean the vehicle’s exterior.
- Self-Serve Car Wash – Leaving the dirty work to the hands of vehicle owners minus the commitment of investing in the right materials, this operation encourages drivers to clean their vehicles themselves.
- In-Bay Automatic Car Washes – Just as the moniker suggests, this type of car wash is typically found situated in gas stations or near convenience stores. It takes up less space compared to bigger car wash formats, making it the kind of place where you can get a quick cleanse for your automobile while on the go.
Factor #2: Consider the Costs of Starting a Car Wash Business
After determining the ideal car wash operation for your new venture, you can move forward by adding up the start-up costs. Some factors to consider when crunching the numbers include land acquisition, construction, and equipment expenses.
Keep in mind that the costs will vary depending on the location and other soft fees involving the architecture, engineering, and more.
Factor #3: Consider the Best Car Wash Contractor
A successful car wash heavily relies on specialized equipment, but sourcing the best tools of the trade can be time-consuming and stressful on your own. With that in mind, hiring a car wash contractor can make your life easier as they can act as a general supplier that can provide all the skills and specialized requirements you need to build your car wash business.
Be sure to consider the best in the industry by looking into the contractor’s experience, reputation, professional support, equipment, permitting, process, license, and the ability to provide insurance or warranty.
The Bottom Line: Start Your Car Wash Business Clean with the Right Contractor
Running a car wash as a first-time entrepreneur is possible, but you need the right car wash contractor to help turn your vision into fruition.
If you’re looking to jumpstart your car wash business, we’re the best car wash contractor in Canada to call! Get in touch with us and see how we can help you design and build the car wash business of your dreams and leave the dirty work to us.
