What Is an Express Car Wash? Are They a Good Investment?
If you are thinking about starting your own car wash business, you have several options, including full-service washes, self-service washes, and express washes. You need to evaluate each car wash business model’s pros and cons to determine which one is right for you.What is a full-service wash?
A full-service car wash offers a wide range of washing and detailing services. Vehicles are washed in an automatic wash system or by hand. Detailing includes full exterior cleaning and other related services.Among the different car wash models, this type of car wash has the highest upfront costs. They also require a lot of maintenance to keep wash equipment working correctly.
What is a self-service wash?
A self-service car wash is a wash model where customers wash and detail their vehicles themselves. Typically, there are multiple wash bays and vacuums for customers to use.This type of car wash does provide the flexibility of not having to stick to set business hours since customers can wash and detail their vehicles whenever they want. However, they also require a lot of maintenance to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Among the different washes, this model typically has the lowest upfront investment costs.
What is an express wash?
An express car wash is a hybrid between full-service and self-service wash models. The wash is fully automated. Customers choose their wash options and pay using an automated pay machine.An express wash can be an in-bay wash or conveyor-type tunnel wash, depending on the design. In-bay washes are where the customers pull their vehicles into the wash and stop when indicated. The washing mechanism moves around the vehicle during the wash cycle.
A conveyor-type tunnel wash is where the customer pulls their vehicle into the entrance of the bay and places the vehicle into neutral. The conveyor pulls the car through the wash. Other common characteristics of an express wash include:
- Car wash prices have a low pricing point. A basic wash could cost between $3 and $5, with the highest wash packages costing no more than $10 in most cases.
- Vacuums are often offered as a freebie when purchasing a car wash. Many express wash owners provide free vacuums to customers who buy a certain wash package as an added perk.
- Wash cycles are fairly efficient and quick. The average wash cycle for this type of car wash is around six minutes.
- There’s a higher wash output, thanks to automation. An express car wash can handle between 50 and 100+ vehicles per hour. In-bay washes will be on the lower end, while conveyor-type tunnel washes will be on the higher end.
Initial investment costs tend to fall in between a self-service model and a full-service model. Since express washes have higher wash outputs, it is easy to recoup these costs much faster.
The Benefits of Investing in an Express Car Wash Business Model
Besides being able to output more vehicles per hour, other benefits you could gain by investing in an express car wash business model include:- Lower Operational Costs – You do not need to hire employees to operate the car wash. You only need to hire a few car wash maintenance technicians to help keep the car wash in good order.
- Eco-Friendly Options – You can utilize a wash design that recovers and recycles used washed water to reduce your water usage. Furthermore, express wash equipment is available with water-saving features.
- Potential to Be Open 24/7 – Since you do not have employees and the wash is fully automated, you can operate 24/7.
To find car wash supplies, accessories, vending items, and car wash parts at wholesale prices, please feel free to explore our online store or contact Superior Car Wash Supply at 800-554-9274 today!