Staying Ahead of Your Competition - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Staying Ahead of Your Competition

It can seem like a never ending task... it is! Staying ahead of the competition requires work.

LustraBear_TipOfMonth_Banner.jpg

It can seem like a never ending task… it is! Staying ahead of the competition requires work. As owners, car wash operators often times work “in” their businesses, but also need to make the time to work “on” them. Creating a plan to evaluate and monitor the car wash facility from their customer’s point-of-view is important and taking actions and following through with updates and adjustments is vital. This is the extra “support” that an owner can provide.

Getting started in the planning process is often times the hardest part. One “keep it simple” concept is called, Support “4” Your Car Wash. Using this simple outline as an ongoing guide for evaluating your wash as your customer sees it can help you keep your edge on the competition. It can help you focus on some basic, but important, areas of the “consumer car wash experience” that you provide.

Support “4” Your Car Wash
#1 Focus on your car wash’s overall appearance to the public.

  • Clean = Clean. Wash bays and surrounding areas won’t clean themselves.
  • Attractive landscaping and bright lighting adds to the experience.
  • Open and inviting. Don’t let your lot get cluttered.

#2 Implement a marketing program to inform, educate, and excite consumers. Highlight extra services!

  • CAR WASH   CAR WASH   CAR WASH… Make sure your site signage is clear.
  • Provide menus that are easy to follow. Consumers should be able to make purchase decisions in 15 seconds or less.
  • Explain features and benefits in snippets: “Best Value” “Get Glossy” “Protect & Shine”.
  • Offer the best super-sealant in the top package, or ala’ carte, and use Logos or bright colors to make it jump off the menu.
  • Create limited-time specials on tire-shine treatments or bug removal packages to get customers involved and satisfied.

#3 Develop a car wash team that displays the same commitment to your customer’s satisfaction as you have.

  • Observe and evaluate the little things they do, or don’t do, to please customers and improve your wash site or business process.
  • Know your team. Interact regularly to understand more than their strengths or weaknesses. Knowing what drives people helps you lead them effectively.
  • Tune them in to the company vision and mission. Make them feel a part of the company’s goals and aspirations. This will encourage them to take ownership and perform as a team.
  • Make it fun, because happy employees are productive employees. Also, your customers will sense the positive energy that motivated and energized employees exude.

#4 Monitor the overall effectiveness of changes or promotions and continuously look for areas of improvement.

  • Keep accurate records of the car wash’s sales performance as changes are made or promotions are run.
  • Watch your competitors for their responses to your promotions.
  • Speak with vendors regarding promotional ideas they have seen work effectively. Suppliers can be a great resource for new ideas. Keep things fresh!
  • Be part of a positive, pleasant team of car wash professionals.

In the end… well, it never really ends! Working “on” your business should be a part of your regular, ongoing activities as a successful car wash owner. If you’re not evaluating your business as your customer sees it and making improvements to meet their needs, you will never gain or maintain the competitive advantage that allows your business to thrive.

Using a simple tool like Support “4” Your Car Wash might be a good step towards Staying Ahead of Your Competition!

By: Doug Marquis, Vice President, Lustra Car Care Products

For more information go to Lustrabear.com.

You May Also Like

Hired up

Amid turnover challenges, Soapy Joe’s finds its “most dedicated employees” in people with disabilities.

Carwash company finds “most dedicated employees” in an unlikely place — PRIDE Industries’ clients. 

Like many carwash businesses, Soapy Joe’s — with 20 locations in San Diego County — has focused on hiring and retaining workers amid the pandemic, the great resignation and racing inflation. The company recently partnered with PRIDE Industries, which is the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, and found a reliable pipeline of stellar employees.

Politeness in peril

Tactical tips for constructive conversations in a world struggling with listening.

Mentoring through a changing workforce 

How carwash operators and detailers can overcome a changing workforce with mentoring.

Get the most from your RO membranes

Maintain these critical components to improve performance and lower cost of ownership.

New innovations on display

Operators find virtual solutions at 2023 The Car Wash Show™.

Other Posts

PRT launches 30 new products on Complete Strut Assemblies

BUFORD, Ga. — The new items represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage and come to expand the PRT portfolio in the North American aftermarket.

PRT launches 30 New Products on Complete Strut Assemblies
Soapy Joe’s to celebrate ninth Soapy Joe’s Day

SAN DIEGO — Soapy Joe’s celebration also includes sign-ups for free Magic Joe carwashes and trying to break a world record.

Soapy Joe's to celebrate ninth Soapy Joe's Day
Carwash celebrates six decades serving city

TORRINGTON, Conn. — Russell Speeder’s acquired the site, formerly named Olympic Car Wash, in June 2023.

PRT introduces 22 new Complete Strut Assemblies products

The new items come to expand the PRT portfolio in the North American market and represents more than 12 million vehicles in new coverage.