Modern washes have learned how technology can help them run smoother and more efficiently while remaining profitable. Advances in lighting, equipment and chemistry have all helped to streamline the carwash process and make it easier and even more fun for customers.
As every operator knows, seemingly small problems can have major impacts on the operations of a business. Some of these problems, like weather, can be outside a carwash’s control. However, many problems can be prevented or easily and quickly fixed if an operator is prepared. Technology-dependent carwashes have their own set of unique problems that can affect profits.
One issue carwashes face is a choking, slow flow causing a line of vehicles out to the street, shares John Pinson, director of operations for the Palms Car Wash.
“I truly believe that ‘Your Line is Your Sign.’ So if you have a line out to the street then you are not going to stack business. You are actually choking your business,” he states.
To prevent this problem, Pinson says managing throughput is key. “You have to establish a culture that breeds how to hustle. There [was] a sportscaster one Sunday that I heard say ‘it doesn’t take talent to hustle.’ There is a lot of truth to that. If you hustle and want your people to hustle, they will,” he shares.
Pinson continues that it takes everyone to keep vehicles from stacking. Specific problems that must be addressed are:
- Pay stations working efficiently.
- Preppers communicating clearly with customers to load the tunnel safely.
- Chain speed and equipment functioning properly.
- Towel dryers not stopping the conveyor, constricting flow.
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