Our top tips for starting a car wash business

In recent years we’ve seen a growing number of astute investors get excited about the financial returns that can be achieved with a well thought out and located car wash facility.

At Good Sight, we are unique in our expertise in that we can assist in all aspects of setting up a new car wash business. Our services range from concept to completion and ongoing maintanence support.

Whilst starting a new car wash business is an exciting prospect, where do you begin?  Below we’ve put together our top tips to get you on your way with confidence… 

starting a car wash business research

STEP 1

Research

Familiarise yourself with the car wash industry. 

Visit as many car wash facilities as you can. What do you like or dislike about them? What are their customer visitation numbers (visit at different times of the day)? How could you do it better?   

If possible, meet with other car wash business owners and seek their advice. They’ve gone through it and may have tips.

Then prepare a business plan that includes start-up costs and a potential revenue model. 

Need finance? Speak to us about our finance options and packages. 

Take advantage of our expertise.

We can assist with every aspects of your new car wash business including concept drawings, the approval process, land use maximisation, facility design, investment return, finance, equipment supply, installation and ongoing maintenance. 

STEP 2

Site location

The next step is to establish a suitable location.  

A good location depends on a variety of factors:

  • Who is your competition?
  • How is the traffic flow?
  • Who are the potential clients?
  • Is the site easily accessible?
  • Does it have multiple access points?
  • Is the site visible from the street? 

Further reading: The different customer needs of coastal (city) versus country (rural) car washes »

Zoning regulations.

When scouting out a location for your car wash facility it’s paramount you familiarise yourself with zoning regulations. 

It can be helpful to first research the areas that are zoned for car washes and find out if any conditions might stand in your way.

starting a car wash business location

STEP 3

Equipment

Quality equipment will keep customers coming back.

Investing in good equipment up front will help you provide a credible, reliable service and, importantly, exceptional wash results – keeping your customers coming back again and again.

Assuming you’re building from the ground up, your first step is to determine what type of car wash equipment best suits your budget, any site constraints and, importantly, the needs of our customers. Car wash equipment options include:

STEP 4

Supply Partner

Your supply partner’s role is not just to sell you the equipment.

Your supply partner’s role is to work with you throughout the entire set up process and, importantly, support you in the ongoing business operations.

Your car wash equipment supplier should have extensive industry expertise and experience working with architects and designers. Take advantage of their industry knowledge and expertise. It’s one of the best resources you’ll have. 

When you choose Good Sight as your supply partner, we’ll work closely with you to provide assistance and advice on all aspects of the car wash design and construction process.  This includes assessing customer traffic flow, underground works, compliance, and much more. We can work with your builder and any trades to ensure equipment installation progresses smoothly and within budget.

Importantly, your supply partner should be available to support you every step of the way.  This should include availability of consumables and, most importantly, ongoing maintenance and support so you have peace of mind that your facility is in tip-top operational condition at all times. The Good Sight team provide all this and so more!

starting a car wash business supply partner
starting a car wash business marketing

STEP 5

Marketing

Advertise! People won’t come if they don’t know you exist.

Use signage, initiate a mail campaign and use your social media to get the word out.

Social media is a great way to connect with the community before they’ve even crossed your threshold. Post promotions and offer a great incentive, like a free first carwash.

Host a community event, like a BBQ and bring in some family-friendly entertainment to start building a feeling of community.

Further readingTips for running a successful car wash business »