Popular Posts Owning versus leasing property Quick Quack Car Wash announces acquisition of Gorilla Car Wash Setting realistic goals for your carwash WhiteWater Express Car Wash completes 4 acquistions Tire Discounters expands services with carwash acquisition Connect with us advertise with us
Quick Quack Car Wash announces acquisition of Gorilla Car Wash
Setting realistic goals for your carwash
WhiteWater Express Car Wash completes 4 acquistions
Tire Discounters expands services with carwash acquisition
Popular Posts Owning versus leasing property Quick Quack Car Wash announces acquisition of Gorilla Car Wash Setting realistic goals for your carwash WhiteWater Express Car Wash completes 4 acquistions Tire Discounters expands services with carwash acquisition Connect with us advertise with us
Quick Quack Car Wash announces acquisition of Gorilla Car Wash
Setting realistic goals for your carwash
WhiteWater Express Car Wash completes 4 acquistions
Tire Discounters expands services with carwash acquisition
Customers are enjoying the freebie, but are operators and shareholders?
The research to validate the information and compile the 2022 list has commenced.
The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.
The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.
Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-Serve EquipmentSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners
Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-Serve EquipmentSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners
Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.
Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.
Clayton Clark, Miron Briley and Richard Terry from WhiteWater Express Car Wash discuss leadership, respect and communication's impact on employee productivity and morale.
Click here to view past issues.
Self service and automatic washes work together at this Oklahoma-based carwash.
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Professional Carwashing & Detailing is excited to offer you our research results on the professional carwash industry.
Amid rising costs, we wondered if free vacs for customers has a substantial ROI.
Insights from CEO Jose Costa about what drives success for the leading carwash brand.
The co-chairman of the 2022 Northeast Regional Carwash Convention give us a look into the upcoming event.
Customers are enjoying the freebie, but are operators and shareholders?
Rich DiPaolo is the Associate Publisher – Editorial of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine.
These days in America, everyone is feeling the crunch of higher costs. As many operators, especially the operators offering express exterior carwashing, stand on their lots trying to expand profits in an economy that is constricted, overhead hangs a 4-foot reminder that they are giving something away for nothing. The sign reads, “Free vacuums.”
Of course, nothing is “free,” considering the operator must purchase and install the vacuums, power the equipment, and maintain the equipment’s maintenance schedule with expensive labor and replacement parts. So, what are they getting out of these expenses while the customer enjoys a “free” ride?
The strategy is to sell memberships and loyalty programs and free vacs have become a fixture of doing business in express exterior conveyor carwashing as a way to lure customers in. Just like any popular trend, once a few operators had success with the scheme decades ago, many others followed.
According to Wes Taggart, vice president of sales for Sonny’s CarWash Vacuums by AutoVac, the reason free vacuums are a fixture in the express exterior space is quite obvious. “Everybody’s doing it,” he proclaims. “Free vacuums are no longer a debate on whether to do so or not … free vacuum is the norm across America for the express carwash model. Just about two decades ago, the advent of the express carwash gave its customers the opportunity to vacuum their own vehicles with free vacs, and then it was the customers excited about free vacuums that taught the industry it was now a necessity and expected feature of the express carwash marketplace.”
And, the data supports the claim. According to the Professional Carwashing Industry Report: Second edition, which was released in 2019, 66% of express exterior conveyor operators offered self-serve vacuums. In our report’s fourth edition, released in 2021, that number jumped to 77%. And, as investors continue to flood the market and double-down on their carwash investments, more new builds will be erected and more renovations will commence; both options will build on the popularity of the express conveyor model — and with it, free vacs. As a result, we expect the number of operators offering self-serve vacuums, widely at no charge to the customer, to continue climbing.
Industry insiders support that conclusion, signaling free vacuums are not just a short-term trend.
“I think it is here to stay,” confirms Kraig Snyder, national sales manager at J.E. Adams Industries.
If your wash’s free vacuums are not helping to increase traffic on your site as well as elevate membership sales, you might want to speak with either a consultant, distributor or manufacturer for some advice and suggestions. We drew on Taggart and Snyder’s experiences in the field when speaking with their operator customers and the reaction of offering free vacuums continues to be widely positive.
“Our understanding is operators are offering the free vacs to draw more business to their washes,” states Snyder. “Many times we see washes that do not have the free vacs gated off in any way and allow customers, that aren’t even paying for a wash, to vacuum for free. We also hear from distributors that carwashes are increasing business when they offer vacuums for free.”
The power of free vacuums also passes the eye test. A busy lot often breeds more activity and more activity can lead to loyalty and membership.
“The best case study available is standing right in front of you … literally,” points out Taggart. “Witnessing the number of customers in any local area by comparing a carwash offering free vacuums with a nearby carwash lacking free vacuums is clear. On any given day, there will be a line waiting to enter the free vac site and employees just standing around at the site without free vacuums.”
The offering of free vacuums is so immense that Taggart calls it “probably the greatest draw into the site.” That draw of free vacuums can also be augmented by LEDs, attractive and practical canopies, mat holders, towel bins, trash receptacles, windshield cleaners, vending, and more. Vacs and their components, including hoses and nozzles, can even be coordinated with the wash’s colors to create universal branding.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is highly applicable in this professional carwash market segment, according to Taggart.
“If the carwash across the street has free vacuums, so must you (and vice versa). If free vacuums weren’t probably the greatest attraction of the carwash, it wouldn’t command over 50% of the footprint and garner excitable customer participation,” he concludes.
While free vac offering operators feeling the crunch today might not have a line item to quantify their vacuums’ profits and losses, market insiders suggest focusing on the only line that matters — the one leading into the tunnel.
Listen to an audio reading of this article on Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast!
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