Last month in this space, we covered the impact of how increasing minimum wages across the country are forcing many professional carwash operators and detailers to rethink their business’ labor needs and level of automation.

This month’s cover story showcases one example of how technology and advanced equipment in 2019 can help to overcome challenging labor costs that were prevalent in past decades.

Today, carwashes are able to accept payment in numerous ways, and person-to-person cash transactions, which are still available at many carwashes across the U.S., are decreasing.

In place of these transactions are high-tech, processing equipment — systems that can accept a wide variety of payments, including credit card and mobile — and advanced technologies, such as license plate readers and RFID.

These quick and easy payments are appealing to all customer types and bases. And, while yesteryear’s pay stations and point-of-sale (POS) systems dutifully performed their functions, modern POS and pay station equipment can help to upsell your wash packages — with customer experience features built in — and include loads more features and options with visual, audio as well as security enhancements.

The author of this month’s cover story reached out to some of the most respected and leading experts in these product categories. See what new options are available to help move your business forward without losing that personal brand touch.

When combined with a fully functional website, digital marketing campaigns and a social media presence to extend your brand’s “personality,” operators can effectively leverage technology to go beyond the points of sale and connect with customers in new ways that will create loyalty.

On another note, time is running out to make your travel arrangements for The Car Wash Show™ 2019, which will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, from May 13-15. This annual convention is a must-attend event for any professional carwash operator or detailer looking to elevate his or her business.

While late planners will likely not have a chance to book one of the “show hotel” rooms, as blocks go fast for this event since demand and interest are heavy, there are still plenty of great hotels and lodging options available to consider.