Convenience store owners across the country are cleaning up by tapping into the $15 billion car wash industry. With improved support channels and advanced technology, vehicle wash systems have never been more lucrative.
Adding a new car wash or upgrading an existing one can enhance c-stores and boost the bottom line. A car wash is one of the most successful investments on the market today. Here are key tips for ensuring car wash success.
1) Maximize property, maximize profits
Ancillary profit streams can make a retail fueling business. A car wash adds an around-the-clock profit center to any c-store and is one of the best ways to boost the bottom line while offering convenience to customers.
2) Work with a trusted partner
Nothing is more critical to the success of a car wash than an experienced and trusted distributor. Here are the top four areas where a local distributor can help boost uptime and keep the revenue flowing:
- Preventative maintenance support
- Hardware & software expertise
- Access to factory-certified parts
- Flexible training options
3) Make a splash with a grand opening event
Celebrate all the effort and planning that goes into a car wash with a grand opening event. This promotion will allow the community to join the celebration. This not only applies to a new car wash, but also to a retrofit of equipment or any type of site upgrade.
4) Get tactical with marketing
Effective marketing campaigns don’t need big league budgets to reach customers and create buzz. In fact, some of the most effective marketing efforts can be done onsite. Retailers can encourage customers who are already at a location to become repeat visitors by reinforcing their choice. Effective ways to do this include making use of onsite signage and leveraging in-bay wash wall spaces to promote other revenue streams or to sell as advertising space.
Social media can also be a great way to establish a car wash as part of the community. In addition to engaging with organizations through charity fundraising efforts, retailers can serve digital ads to the targeted audiences that matter most, all while building a following.
5) Earn customer loyalty
In the highly competitive vehicle wash business, customer loyalty is the key to a successful car wash operation. PDQ can help build customer loyalty through WALS (Wash Access Loyalty System). Designed specifically for the car wash industry, WALS offers wash operators the flexibility of creating a variety of marketing and loyalty programs to draw in new customers and retain existing ones. Best of all, it lets wash operators implement and manage their loyalty programs online. First, connect with customers. Next, engage them with a loyalty program. Finally, optimize strategies based on the insights gained.
6) Add features to enhance the wash
No two car washes are the same. From location to added features to pricing, every car wash owner has an individual sales strategy. Once a retailer has strategically set a base wash price for the area they serve, they’ll be able to increase revenue per vehicle by upselling features that allow customers to customize their wash experience.
For instance, turn an errand into an experience with the 3X Color Foam System. It’s sure to captivate the audience and any Snapchat user is sure to share the colorful experience with their network. Other enticing features include PDQ’s exclusive Front Bug Prep, Super Sealant System and the TriPlex Wheel Cleaning System.
Drive clean with PDQ
Since 1984, PDQ has defined innovation in the vehicle car wash industry. Now, we’re defining what’s next and invite you to join us. Contact us today for more information on how we can help boost your bottom line with the most innovative car wash solutions on the planet.
This post is sponsored by OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions