Whether you're new to the carwashing industry or you're seeking property for an additional wash, prospecting for a new carwash location can be a lengthy effort.
Without the proper preparation and assistance the chance of failure is high even if you are able to complete your project.
Carwash complications
Jimmy Parker, owner of Finish Line Auto Wash, Milton, DE, understands the trials and time consuming complications of opening a wash in this modern age.
"It's not a cheap adventure anymore," he said. "Anyone wanting to get into the carwash business has to know what they're talking about."
Even after building a previous wash three and a half years ago, it took Parker almost two years to become operational at his new location.
Location concerns
Many small business owners venture into new markets simply to find a business that fits pre-owned properties.
For those searching for new land to purchase with the intent of building a wash, it's important to remember that there are a plethora of considerations and complications that can come to pass.
Ask yourself three questions:
1. What type of area are you prospecting?
Different considerations should be made if your property is in an area of heavy business verses a more residential area.
2. What will business be like in the area?
You've taken the time to scout for new land, but you need to find out if people really need a carwash before investing any more time or capital into your efforts.
Also, find out about your closest competitor — it could make or break the fate of your business.
3. Can you envision the future of your chosen location and its surrounding area?
You don't have to be psychic to know that an area with high crime rates and yearly uninhabitable weather patterns should be avoided.
Find where you fit in
The small, developing town of Milton, DE, had needed a carwash for years but nobody had taken the time to make it all happen.
"There isn't another wash around town, so there's no competition," said Parker. "It's a very fast growing area."
Parker bought the land for his newest location two and a half years ago; since then, there have been a number of changes to the surrounding area.
"I probably would have much rather been on the corner to the shopping center, had I known that was coming in," Parker said. "(But) we're still the only carwash in town."
Floresville, TX, is a big farming and ranching community just outside of San Antonio. That's why Bruce McMillan, operator of the Floresville Laser Car Wash, is confident that the traffic coming in and out of San Antonio provides some very muddy cars for his wash.
Industry professionals will tell you that one of the best things for a new carwash owner to do is to get a feel for the community around the location.
"I joined the chamber of commerce a couple of weeks before we opened," McMillan stated.
By getting involved with the community and running for an open seat on the chamber, McMillan was able to attend community functions and represent his wash to show that he was trying to care and provide a good product for his customers.
Some of the municipal responsibilities operators must face include:
- Department of Transportation;
- Insurance permits;
- Stormwater management permits;
- Fire marshal permits;
- City/town and county permits; and
- Any miscellaneous local variances that might arise.
Dealing with site complications
There may come a time when you need to build a case for your business in order to convince members of your local zoning commission and town board, if you want to see your wash completed.
By checking out Professional Car Care Online for breaking news and figures in the carwashing industry, you can find support for any struggle you may be forced to endure against complaining residents who are trying to stop or shut down your business.
Aside from zoning complications, much time is often wasted on site, despite precautions from operators. McMillan ran into some problems while building, because of a worker who delayed his company for about five weeks.
"We had a problem with the guy doing the metal structure," he said. "We went through three guys before we actually got it done."
Even Parker, who owns his own general contracting company, said building the site can exceed expectations.
"And site work is getting to be expensive," Parker said. "I had $165,000 worth of site work done."
Some simple advice
According to Parker, it takes two years from the time you decide you're going to build a wash to the time you wash your first car.
"It's harder to make it any less than that," said Parker.
Your plans may be delayed due to:
- Bank financing;
- Construction;
- Permits and licenses;
- Purchasing equipment; and
- Employment and management promotions.
When asked about what advice she might have for new carwash prospectors, Susan Quintana, co-owner of The Hub Car Wash and Café, Colorado Springs, CO, said, "They (the prospectors) need to make sure they have visibility, and they need to make sure they get their name out in the market place."
She also urges those who want to start any business to know where your draw is coming from, and what customers are expecting to get from your services.
Remember that when you're starting at square one, trying to find a site for your carwash, a successful business is one that makes people happy.
