10 Things Every Carwash Needs - Blendco Systems Tip of the Month

I recently had the chance to go to a live taping of the David Letterman Show in New York. Whether you’re a fan or not, you have to respect anyone who can produce a one-hour show “night in and night out” for over 26 years. I was impressed with what looked like a pretty lean production team that flew around the stage during commercial breaks keeping everything on track for the show, and I was also impressed with Letterman’s on-air composure coming back from the action packed breaks. When you think about it, there are some parallels between putting on a show and operating a carwash. As a carwash operator, you do your best to open up ready to put out clean cars “car in and car out”, every day possible for as long as you own your wash. When a piece of equipment breaks down, or a towel guy doesn’t show up for work, or your manager quits, you do what it takes to prevent your customers from experiencing a glitch and instead make sure that each time they visit, they get a professional carwash and leave with a clean car. Kudos to you for doing it consistently and well. So, in honor of the Late Show’s tradition of the “Top Ten” list, here’s a list of top ten things every carwash needs:

1. Good Signage. Your signs should be big, visible from a distance, and clearly say “CARWASH”.
2. Easy Access. People like easy. It should be easy to turn into your lot, and easy to merge back into traffic when leaving.
3. An Identity. This could be a theme to the wash, a distinctive logo, or just a well-earned reputation, as in “the folks at that carwash are really helpful and friendly.”
4. A Clean Lot. How else will your customers know, instantly, that you are taking care of your business and are ready to give them a great wash?
5. Equipment That Works. And you have to really keep after it, because hoses start to leak and nozzles start to clog up (it seems) as soon as you take a break from checking them.
6. Customers Who “Get” Your Carwash. You need to market your wash so your customers understand what it is that you’re selling – not just a clean car, but speed and convenience, or a pampering ‘car spa’ experience, or a great value for their dollar.
7. Employees Who Have a Way with People. Good people can make a carwash; bad people can break a carwash. Hire and reward good people.
8. A Complaint System. How else will you know exactly what your customers need for you to take your wash to the next level?
9. A Positive Impact on the Community. Supporting your local scout troop or little league teams with charity carwashes and sponsorships is a good way to become more than just another local business.

And the #1 Thing Every Carwash Needs is ….


10. Consistently Clean Cars. Don’t rest until you achieve this one, because it is what matters most in building a strong long-term business. Use great detergents, get the timing right on all equipment, and make sure the cleaning process really works on a consistent, repeatable, daily basis. As Letterman might say: “On with the Show!”

Laurie Sherman is Co-owner of Blendco Systems, LLC. Blendco manufactures a full line of detergents and waxes for the professional carwash industry. You can contact Blendco at www.blendco.com