Are you thinking of starting a car wash business? Have you discovered a place or a busy highway where you can set up your car wash business? Just like any other business, the car wash business has its own challenges but if well managed, it is a very profitable business with a potential to grow and expand.
According to the department of transport in the UK, there were 38.2 million licensed vehicles in Great Britain at the end of 2018. This means that there are more than 38.2 million vehicles that need to be washed in the UK. So, if you want to start a car wash business, then, there is a ready market in the country.
Investing in any business is not that easy as you need to do thorough to determine if the business is viable or not. Also, you need to find out if the business will succeed in the area that you want to set up or not. When it comes to car wash business, you need to go through the advantages and disadvantages before making a final decision.
In this post, we’re going to talk about the pros and cons of car wash business and whether or not is a car wash a good investment. So, brace yourself!
Advantages of car wash business
- Easy to start
Starting a car wash business is easy. It is even easier if you want to open a simple car wash business or mobile car wash. All you need is capital, equipment, and license to operate. Furthermore, you will have to look at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for information about recycling wastewater from the car wash.
- Demand for car washes
With more than 38.2 million car owners in the UK, many people will need car wash services once in a while. As a result, investing in a car wash business is good, especially if you find an ideal location where many cars pass. Besides, many people are very busy and have no time to wash their cars. This is also one of the reasons as to why the mobile car wash business is doing good.
- Being your own boss
Starting your own car wash business will allow you to be your own boss and grow your business. So, if you love cars and feel that you can take car washing to the next level above your competitors, then this is a great opportunity to be free and do your own thing. However, the business needs dedication and discipline if you are to succeed.
- Easy to operate
Running a car wash business is simple as long as you have a clear plan. Decide on the services that you are going to offer and at what price. Most car wash businesses start with one, two, or a few workers as it grows. Also, it is easy to keep customers record and the overall records of the business.
- Profitable business
With a good plan and steady growth, making a profit is easy with a car wash business as the overhead costs are not many. As noted earlier, you can start with a few workers and only offer services that you think are profitable for you at the moment. Later, you can expand and increase your profits as the customer base increases.
Disadvantages of car wash business
- Seasonal business in most places
Even though the car wash business is very lucrative, you need to know the low and boom seasons. In some places, climate affects car wash business such as in winter or when it’s rainy. Therefore, the car wash owner has to plan and project profits according to different seasons of the year and know how to survive when the business is at its low.
- Complex business
This business is very complex as there are lots of equipment that you need and products to use. For instance, you will have to buy cleaning tools, generator, water tank, and cleaning products. Also, regular maintenance of tools is vital as you wouldn’t want then damaging the client’s vehicle. As an owner, you will have to keep some savings just in case the tools fail or need maintenance.
- Incompetent staff
If you hire the wrong staff, they will make your business bad instead of bettering it. This is very important and more so if you will be away for some time and have to leave the business in the hands of your staff. Employ people that are friendly with good customer services as this is what car wash is all about.
- Long work hours
At the beginning of this business, you will have to work for longer hours and this might drain you. But that’s one of the prices that you will have to pay in order to succeed.
- Stiff competition
Since this business is easy to start, you will find that the competition is stiff and there have been reports of pricing dropping. In some cases, it is believed that some car washing businesses are charging as little as £5, which is below average. To stand out from the competition, you need to provide great services and affordable prices.
Is a Car Wash a Good Investment?
After looking at the pros and cons of the car wash business, it is clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. All you need to do is come up with a good plan and execute it. Since there is a high demand for car wash in the UK, your business should flourish if you strategize and position it rightly.
You don’t need a lot of capital to start a car wash business and there is a wide range of services to offer. Also, little maintenance is required and it is not very costly, especially if you’re running a hand car wash business or mobile car wash.
As a matter of fact, the most profitable car wash business is not one that charges most, but a business that offers the best services and is located in an ideal location. So, choose the location of your car wash business wisely as it will play a huge part in your success.
Conclusion:
With the detailed information about is a car wash a good business or not, i hope you’ve been informed and can now make up your mind quickly. A car wash is a lucrative business if well managed.
Take your time and research before opening a car wash in any area. Know your competition and what they are offering and also, market yourself! But just like any other business, be ready for challenges which you will overcome as you become experienced in the game.
Generally, a car wash business is a good investment if the right plan is put in place and executed. As you start, you will need to be patient and stay focused. But with time, profits will start flowing and you will expand your business.