I heard today from a new prospect who is looking for a location or a type of wash which he called a “laser” while in the same breath he said he didn’t quite understand what that was.  I began to explain the differences between tunnel and in-bay automatic.  This prospect, like many others, doesn’t know where to start and so begins the learning process.  It is imperative that you understand the different processes and equipment available before getting into the car wash business.  Give yourself time and patience. 

For starters,  the in-bay automatic is for the customer who does not want to wash the car manually, but wants it washed quickly for under $10.00.  Usually the price menu is $3, $4, $5, and $6.  Each price step adds options:  presoak, clear coat, tire cleaner, underbody wash, wax, spot free rinse, dryer, and the list goes on. Total cleaning time is under 5 minutes. This facility washes one car at a time with no conveyor.  It is installed in a bay usually 20’ x 40’ with or without garage doors, and uses an auto-activator for cash, credit cards or VIP cards.  They can wash up to 16 cars per hour at an average ticket price of $5.00.  Adding an automatic bay to a self-serve wash will bring in new customers.  Depending on demographics, location, traffic flow, etc. income can increase $3500 to $15,000 per month.

Before investing in wash upgrades, you need to know your customer base.  How much will they use it, and how much will they spend.  Know your location’s demographics.  Also, determine if your water source and sewer capacity are compatible with your plans.  Then you need to decide what friction type of automatic you want:  touchless, hard or combination.  Having the choice between touch free and soft-cloth technology is appealing to a wide range of current customers and is attracting new ones.  Watch for “Car Wash Radio” on this site, we’ll be talking about these questions.

Adding one in-bay will create a new customer base who has little interest in self service.  Convenience is the motivating factor.  The auto customer is on the go, and doesn’t want to waste time, therefore, most washes are open 24/7, 365 days/year.  The largest cost factor will be the building and the property.  You may be able to use an existing wash or convenient store.  In-bay automatics fit nicely on small lots and are well received in small communities.  Wherever you put your automatic, always remember to make it eye-appealing to the customer.  Adding a conveyor tow increases the profits, but you must know if your market will support it.  Just call it another profit center.

The biggest draw back for maxium output of a facility is on-site manpower.  Customers want to have employee assistance to get their service done in a timely fashion.  Not every self-serve operator or operation can support increased maintenance, employees and management.  It depends on your needs, wants, and location demographics.