Do you know that 90% of car wash businesses in the United States are owned by small business owners instead of large corporations? Also, around 40% of these owners started their business less than a decade ago. The car wash and detailing industry is fairly new to the game, but it could be the perfect venture for first-time business owners.
You don’t need much to start a car wash and detailing business. As long as you have a good location and a vehicle repair equipment supplier in Utah or in the city where you will operate the business, you are good to go. If you are located in a prime spot and you have a supplier that can help maintain and repair your car wash and detailing equipment, you might not have to worry about anything else.
Billions Spent on Car Washes
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about $5.8 billion was spent by consumers in car wash services in 2016. There are an estimated eight million vehicles washed daily. These are huge numbers for what used to be such a small market. You can tap into this incredible industry and get a slice of that pie by investing in a car wash and detailing business.
Here’s another statistical figure that you should take note: From 1998 to 2013, the car wash industry grew by 69%. Yes, there are about 69% more car owners who opted to have their cars washed by professionals rather than do it themselves in their own garages. Since then, the industry has only grown faster, and more small business owners have started to look toward this direction.
Requires a Small Upfront
If you don’t have the capital yet to start an in-bay automatic car wash, which is what most people prefer because of the short amount of time they need to spend waiting for their cars to get washed and polished, you can start with manual car washes. Some of the equipment you are going to need for a manual car wash business are pressure washer, chemicals, pressure tanks, blowers, power sprayers, ladders, dryers, vacuums, brushes, towels, hoses, buckets, and payment processing system.
Continuous Growth
The car wash and detailing business will only continue to grow. As people become busier in their personal and professional lives, they are bound to delegate tasks such as cleaning their cars to other people or business. Going to a car wash is convenient, and it saves time, energy, and, even in many instances, money. As a car owner, you won’t have to purchase chemical cleaners and sponges and have your water bill shoot up. A full-service car wash is around $15. Imagine that for $15, and you can have your car washed inside and out. That’s a convenience you simply cannot deny.
Pairs Well with Other Businesses
You can be as creative as you want to be with your car wash business. Instead of simply operating a car wash and detailing business, you can also plan for a small café beside the wash bays. This is where your customers can wait while their cars are being washed. You can pair your car wash business with other ventures such as a laundry business. Your customers will love the idea of being able to hit two birds with one stone—going to one place and being able to do two different tasks.
Being an employee can take its toll on you. There is nothing more stressful than being answerable to a boss. Therefore, if you are passionate and interested in vehicles, the first step toward being financially independent, secure, and hopefully your own boss in the future is to start your own business.
