The car wash business is a great way to make extra big money with low investment. Startup costs are low and earning potential is very high. You must be passionate about cars and automobiles to succeed in this business. Creative marketing is the key to achieving success in this business.
Car owners normally depend heavily on cars for communication needs. Most car owners find challenges in having time to clean or maintain them. And here lies the business opportunity.
10 Steps to Start a Car Wash Business
Here are the 10 important steps to follow to launch a profitable car wash business:
1. Get Trained
If you are seriously looking forward to getting into the trade of the car wash service business, having adequate training is a must. You need to learn the appropriate updated skills for cleaning cars and vehicles.
Check local colleges or training institutes and get enrolled for the training. The training generally covers the use of chemicals, the process to clean engines and bodies including interior and exterior, business practices, etc. Normally the duration of the training course is around three months.
2. Gather Experience
It is extremely important to have hands-on experience in practicing the skills learned in the actual field. Before venturing into a real business, it is wise to work under a reputed car wash company before starting your own. It will not only give you confidence but also learn the tricks of the trade and understand customer expectations from a car wash technician.
3. Research the Market
Before starting any business, understanding the local market is a critical step. It holds true for the car wash business too. Go for detailed market research and collect information regarding the market size, types of customers, who are your competitors, services offered by existing and their pricing strategy, the gaps you observe, etc.
4. Naming Your Car Wash Business
Choosing a relevant name for your business is immensely important for the long-term success of any business. Choose a relevant and catchy name in which customers can easily relate to your car wash business. Check this guide to know how to name a business.
5. Create a Business Plan
Based on the information collected, start documenting a detailed business plan. This documentation will remain as a road map for your car wash business in the days to come. Include objectives, an operating plan, a financial plan including pricing strategy, marketing plan in your business plan. If needed take the help of business plan generators for guidance.
6. Register Your Business
If you want to have a hassle-free business, incorporating your venture is a wise thing to do. Every state and country offers different types of legal entities. Check with the local authority and choose the formation which is best for you based on your resources.
If you are from the United States, people have personal assets, and looking for protection of the same, forming an LLC is a preferred option for beginners.
After you incorporate your business, apply for a business bank account for future financial transactions.
7. Licenses & Permits
Check with the local appropriate authority to understand the licenses and permits required to start and run a car wash business. Most states require a business license, operating permit, or tax registration.
It is important to know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics enlists this business in the “Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment” category. Buy business liability insurance after properly negotiating with vendors.
8. Procure Equipment
You will need a garage to clean the vehicles. For a beginner, it is advised to operate more like a mobile car wash technician, where you would go to customers for cleaning their vehicles.
In addition to the space required for the car washing, you’ll need the following bigger ticket items:
- A good shop vac with a long hose.
- Detailing attachments for the shop vac. Click here for the latest price at Amazon.
The basic equipment includes sponges, brushes, cloths, buckets, vacuum and cleaners, and wax. You’ll need to be familiar with car detailing products so you don’t use anything that may cause damage to the car’s finish.
You will also need access to an electrical outlet and water spigot. As your business grows, you may consider buying a portable generator and a large-capacity water tank.
9. Bookkeeping
Simply, bookkeeping for a small business is recording day-to-day business transactions. Choosing proper accounting software is hugely critical in setting up a proper bookkeeping process.
10. Promote Your Business
The promotional strategy of a car wash business should be locally centered. You must not promote your services beyond your operational reach. Create advertisements and place them in local publications, such as small newspapers and community-focused magazines. Place ads on smaller, local television and radio stations, and buy advertising space in local phone books and coupon books.
Strategic partnerships with companies that are not operating in your segment in the local car-care industry can help customer bases to grow your own business. You also need to create a basic website for your business. Promote your car wash business on social media platforms and keep your customers updated regularly about topics related to the car wash.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their business. Our aim is to educate the entrepreneur on the various stages of entrepreneurship.
