As an editor of this carwash publication, I often get grilled by potential new investors — as well as casually asked by friends and family — about the state of our industry and the prominent shifts and trends taking place in the market today.
“What type of wash should I build?” they plea; “What are the costs to building and starting a carwash?” they wonder; “Should I purchase an existing wash, or should I start new construction?” they ponder; “How much money can I make?” they question; “What’s that carwash called … where I pull in and stay parked and the machine rotates around me?” they ask.
Related: Buying versus building a carwash
And, I’m sure that many professional carwash manufacturers, distributors, associations and consultants, especially over the past few years, have become accustomed to these question and answer sessions with potential new investors and those fascinated with carwashing. While I cannot speak for all of those in the professional carwash community who are having these conversations, I will say that I enjoy them very much.
Over the past few years, we have seen growth in so many areas in this industry and, along with new faces entering it, a renewed sense of energy and excitement has reached many corners of this market. So, quite frankly, there’s a lot of good news to share with the folks on the outside who are looking in.
Plus, carwashing is fun, and those who do it best convey that enthusiasm to us during every conversation. More people are leaving driveway and parking lot washing behind and opting for professional carwash services instead. Many successful carwashes are turning these occasional customers into loyal ones with technology and wash club programs.
The Car Wash Show™ 2018, which was held last month in Las Vegas, catered in many ways to advancing attendees’ industry knowledge — a perfect opportunity for interested new investors.
If you are a new investor or operator and you missed the show, there are plenty of opportunities still left in 2018. Be sure to check out Carwash.com’s Events page for upcoming shows and events.
Also, if you see Professional Carwashing & Detailing at these events, let’s have a conversation about the industry.