How much money do you need to open a car wash. How to open a car wash from scratch: a business plan with calculations, documents, profitability. Mobile car wash complexes

The opinion that we have two troubles in our country, and one of them repairs the other, exists to this day. The result of this situation is the relevance of car washes. After all, broken roads not only spoil the condition of cars, but also actively pollute them.

Despite the rather high level of competition, it is profitable to open a car wash today, with proper organization business processes, you can quickly recoup your investment and get a stable profit.

How to open a self-service car wash from scratch: a business plan

According to experienced players in the car wash business, despite a large number of sinks, this niche cannot be called oversaturated. If you choose a favorable location, you can get a regular flow of customers. The problem lies in the human factor: the staff that performs car washing becomes the main cost item for a businessman. Washers' salaries affect the cost of the services provided, but due to the large number of competitors, prices cannot always be raised. It turns out that the staff is a waste of money that could be spent on business development. Many entrepreneurs have solved this problem by opening a self-service car wash.

A business plan for opening a car wash should include the following sections:

  1. choosing a concept and building a development strategy;
  2. choice of location;
  3. collection of permits;
  4. construction organization;
  5. ordering equipment;
  6. hiring employees to control the work process;
  7. financial calculations;
  8. marketing plan.

At first glance, it seems that opening a self-service car wash is not difficult. But difficulties can arise already at the start. For normal operation, you need great amount permits, and finding a suitable place is not easy at all.

Personnel and marketing policy

Although washers are not needed, one person who will control the smooth operation of the car wash is still needed. As a rule, this is shift work. If you are going to open a self-service car wash that will work around the clock, you need to hire three people who can work in shifts. The main responsibility of the administrator is simply to follow the process, to help clients in choosing a program. One week is enough for each employee to complete training and internships, since special skills and specific qualifications are not required.

Advertising is an important aspect of opening a self-service car wash. The most effective method is outdoor advertising. Take care of signs that will lead a potential client to a car wash. If the budget allows, the opening can be announced on radio and local television.

It is more economical, but no less effective, to leave business cards at service stations and gas stations.

Self-service car wash project

A standard car wash consists of a box, a pressure washer and people who wash vehicles. Opening a self-service car wash is a complex technological process that requires a complex construction, but also equipment for accurate uninterrupted operation.

The minimum basic set of equipment for a car wash includes:

  • Control block;
  • a set of pumps;
  • highway;
  • dispensers;
  • console;
  • pistols.

The design itself seems simple enough, but the establishment of all technological processes- an important aspect on which the work of the company will depend. Since there are no workers in it, all the work falls on the shoulders of technologists.

The car wash complex is designed to determine the program, control functions and pay for the service provided. The case is made of strong metal with illuminated buttons that can function even in high humidity. A coin acceptor is built into the device (it can work with special plastic cards). The panel is equipped with an internal heating system for operation in cold weather. The main functions that the car wash complex performs:

  • water + foam;
  • hot water (temperature +40ºС, pressure - 140 bar);
  • cold water (pressure - 140 bar);
  • wax;
  • osmosis;
  • stop.

In order to open a full-fledged self-service car wash, it is necessary to equip a staff room in it. This will be a small room for one administrator per shift to change and store their belongings.

Also, if desired, you can install tire inflation systems, vacuum cleaners for the cabin and more.

If there is enough investment, a small cafe can be equipped on the territory, but this is as an additional source of income, and this does not apply to the opening of a self-service car wash.

How much does it cost to open a self-service car wash?

Opening a self-service car wash is a rather expensive project. But with the proper organization of all business processes, you can reach the break-even point in a short time.

How much does it cost to open a self-service car wash with 6 posts? An entrepreneur needs to count on investments of 7-8 million rubles. Consider approximate calculations for the Russian market:

  • development and execution of project documentation - 500,000 rubles;
  • purchase of equipment and installation - 3,500,000 rubles;
  • construction of the building - 2500000 rubles;
  • installation of pointers, starting costs for marketing - 300,000 rubles.

You can start construction when the entrepreneur has:

  • land plot (leased or own);
  • a finished project, which is agreed with government agencies;
  • building permit.

How much does a car wash cost per month?

  • utility and tax payments - 35 thousand rubles;
  • lease payments - 40 thousand rubles;
  • wage personnel (technologist) - 40 thousand rubles;
  • services of an accountant and a cleaner - 25 thousand rubles.

To calculate profit, you need to know how much the service costs. Average prices in Russia are 300 rubles. Approximate calculations:

  • number of boxes - 6;
  • the cost of the service is 300 rubles;
  • revenue per day - 36,000 rubles;
  • variable costs per car wash - 30 rubles;
  • income - 32400 rubles;
  • income per month - 972,000 rubles.
  • The monthly profit will be 832,000 rubles (972,000 - 35,000 - 40,000 - 40,000 - 25,000).

    As can be seen from the calculations, recoup this project and you can reach the break-even point on the 9th month of work. Given the additional costs, on average, you can pay back a car wash after a year of work.

    Advice: if the starting capital is not enough to open a self-service car wash, you can draw up detailed business plan and look for investors. This project is quite promising and may be of interest to those who are looking for profitable investment options.

    How does a self-service car wash work?

    Self-service car washes in their work are based on the laws of physics about kinetic energy, according to which energy increases in proportion to the square of speed. At a car wash, the speed of water flows when it enters the car is reduced, and the energy released as a result of this process is directed to active components that are associated with water at the molecular level. As a result, the surface is maximally cleaned of dust and dirt of varying degrees.

    After selecting a program and pressing start, the time begins to count down, which will not stop until the entire procedure is completed. At any time, at will, the client can change the program by adding tokens or money to increase the use of the car wash.

    The first program involves mixing hot water (temperature from 40 to 60ºС) and powder, then applying it to the car surface under high pressure. This method makes it possible to get rid of even complex contaminants, while it is safe for the paintwork.

    The second program provides cold water flushing of foam and residual dirt. The third program uses hot wax, which is applied to the entire surface and provides not only a great look of the car, but also a reliable protective layer. The last program dries the car, avoiding streaks or stains.

    How to open a self-service car wash: a budget option

    There are more simplified options for self-service car washes, which allow you to open it 1.5-2 times cheaper.

    Budget options are modular compact designs. They are often used by owners of service stations, gas stations as an additional installation for business expansion.

    Combined designs are also becoming popular, which combine the work of a tunnel or an automatic portal and self-service car washes. In the domestic market, there is an increased demand for such structures. Such popularity is due to seasonality - in summer, motorists can wash their cars on their own, and in winter use the services of car washes.

    A budget car wash can be installed with your own hands as an open area with a canopy. Partitions and walls are made of more economical materials, the equipment used is of economy class. Built-in water circulation protection makes it possible to minimize the cost of laying the foundation.

    Save the article in 2 clicks:

    Opening a self-service car wash is a profitable business, quite new for the domestic market. Like any other type of business, this direction is not without risks. In order to open a car wash, you need a plot of land with utilities, a project agreed with a number of government agencies, a development strategy and start-up capital. By connecting all the tools correctly, you can build stable business which will pay for itself after a year of work.

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    The number of cars in our country is growing even despite the outbreak of the crisis. This means that any business related to cars will be guaranteed to generate good profits. One such type of business is a car wash. Let's figure it out how to open a car wash from scratch, what is needed for this and what is its profitability.

    Introduction

    A car wash is a profitable and stable business that brings a steady income. In order to organize it, you do not need experience or any skills. The car wash is not seasonal business, although some decrease in the number of customers can be observed in the summer. In summer, customers often order expensive procedures (cleaning the interior, engine), so the total amount of income does not fall.

    Car wash is a profitable and promising business

    How to start?

    The first step is to study the market in your city and make at least exemplary business plan. It should take into account the following factors:

    1. Location.
    2. Studying the demand for services.
    3. The average income level of prospective clients.
    4. The total cost of renting the site and building.
    5. The cost of building a car wash in the absence of an alternative.
    6. Equipment purchase costs.
    7. Mandatory monthly expenses (wages, utility bills, taxes).

    Based on this information, it is already possible to make some calculations and think about opening.

    Registration

    Now let's list what documents are needed to open a car wash In your city. First of all, you will need to register with the nearest tax office. You can become an individual entrepreneur or open an LLC. There is no particular difference between these forms of ownership, except that as the owner of an LLC, you will be able to sign a contract for servicing the fleet of other companies.

    Then you will need:

    1. Contact the city council and get permission from them to open a car wash.
    2. In the case of a new building, you will need to contact the local design organization, which will create an appropriate project for you, taking into account the requirements of the law.
    3. Issue permits to open at the sanitary station and fire inspection.
    4. Obtain permits from the security department environment.
    5. Get an act on the ground.

    Market research

    After the business plan is drawn up, it is necessary to assess the level of competition and find a good place to open a car wash. Find out if there are car washes in the area, what services they provide, what price range they offer. Try to identify their shortcomings and think about what you would add or change in the work.

    Fast car wash great alternative stationary

    Think over your list of services. The competition in this market is quite strong, so you need to somehow stand out from the crowd. Offer your customers not only washing the body, but also the engine, dry cleaning the interior, polishing, grouting scratches. Be sure to equip a rest room where the visitor can drink coffee or watch TV while washing.

    Note:car washes that allow the driver to wash the car himself have proven themselves well. The client pays for the time spent in the box and for the expense detergents while using your equipment.

    The location for washing is best chosen in the following places:

    1. In a sleeping area.
    2. In the business center of the city (near offices).
    3. Near major highways with high traffic.
    4. Close to service stations, gas stations, car parks.

    Build or rent?

    If you have enough start-up capital to build, then it is better to build a building than to rent it and remodel it. Now many construction companies offer ready-made solutions from metal structures and sandwiches at quite reasonable prices. But What does it take to open a car wash? by building it from scratch? You will have to take the land on a long-term lease and obtain a building permit. Of the pluses - free architecture (you can choose the right number and size of utility rooms yourself), as well as the absence of rent.

    If the starting capital is not enough for the construction, then rent the building. This will significantly reduce the level of investment, but you will have to pay 50-70 thousand rubles per room per month.

    Types of car washes

    Washers are automatic and “manual”. The most promising are precisely automatic car washes, which allow servicing a large number of cars in a minimum time. Automatic car washes are divided into two types:

    1. Tunnel.
    2. Portal.

    Portal car wash - a practical and inexpensive solution

    In a tunnel car wash, the car is installed on a special conveyor belt and automatically moves around the box, leaving the other side completely washed. In a portal car wash, the car is driven into the box and washed with three brushes: two vertical and one horizontal. Brushes move in space, qualitatively washing all the dirt. The portal sink is very compact - it fits well into any room. The washing process in automatic car washes is usually 2-3 times faster than in manual car washes, so you can serve more customers in a working day and save on staff.

    Note:modern automatic car washes are completely safe for the car. But it is necessary to monitor the condition of the equipment and service it in time.

    The most practical is considered a portal sink. Its advantages:

    1. Mobile sizes.
    2. Absolute versatility.
    3. The speed of work is 12 cars per hour.
    4. Minimum staffing.

    Modern portal car wash can be contactless - all dirt is removed not with brushes, but with special nozzles through which water is supplied under high pressure.

    Tunnel car washes require a “tunnel” up to 35 meters long. It is capable of processing up to 20 cars per hour - as soon as the first car moves 4-5 meters deep, you can drive the second one onto the belt.

    Building types

    Car washes can be divided into stationary and prefabricated. Stationary car washes are usually attached to complexes: service stations, spare parts stores, tire fitting. All necessary communications are brought to them and a building permit is obtained.

    Car wash goes well with tire fitting and service stations

    Prefabricated will require a permit from the Department of Architecture. To do this, you will need to provide:

    1. Patent IP or LLC.
    2. Certificate or lease agreement for the land.
    3. Car wash project with its appearance.

    You will also need to connect the building to engineering networks and get permission to open with firefighters.

    If you do not know how to open a car wash yet, this article will help you in this matter. Here we will try to consider in detail how much it costs to open a car wash, where to start and what you need.

    Every motorist knows that the cleanliness of the car is an important condition for its operation. Given the growth in the number of vehicles on the roads, it is not difficult to guess that the car wash business is one of the most profitable and promising directions. But still, for its prosperity, it is better to arm yourself with a car wash business plan, with which the number of errors will be minimized and profits will be significantly increased.

    How much does it cost to open a car wash?

    We will not consider the premises here, because. the prices for its rent and construction in each city are different. Therefore, considering the question of how much it costs to open a car wash, we better pay attention to the equipment for it.

    Here are approximate prices for washing and cleaning equipment:

    • Compressor - $ 200-250;
    • Washing vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner - from $ 400;
    • Used water purification system - from $ 4,500 (although not all car washes will need it);
    • High-pressure apparatus with heated water - from $ 1500;
    • High-pressure apparatus for supplying water to one post - from $ 500.

    Usually all this equipment for car washes is foreign. The most commonly used brand is Karcher, because. It is this company that produces a huge amount of various special equipment for cleaning and washing.

    Where to begin

    As you can see, the cost items for the main technical equipment are not that big. In order for us to open a car wash, we need to know where to start this business.

    1. We decide on the type of future car wash. Only two options need to be considered: the first is a high-capacity washer with a minimum range of services; the second is a car wash with high quality and a wide range of services provided. It is in the second form that they provide such services as tire blackening, naturik and interior polishing, its dry cleaning, and engine washing.
    2. Deciding on the equipment. It was listed above, so here we will additionally consider other brands of equipment. In addition to Karcher, there are also Carebridge (UK), Comet (Italy), Ceccato, California Kleindiest (Germania) and Wesumat, Wedner, WAP and Islobal from Spain.
    3. We select a room. One of the best options would be if you decide to open a car wash in a garage located in the building of some large shopping center where there is a parking lot. Then your potential clients they will be literally a step away from you. Gas stations and boxes located next to a busy highway are also suitable for this.
    4. We draw up a business plan. In it, we consider all the items of expenses associated with the first two points, we study the market in our city, competition, and calculate the approximate profit from our activities.

    Opening plan example

    Keep in mind that this is just an example of a plan to open a car wash from scratch. in your case, all data may be different.

    Review department

    The main goal of the project is to open an enterprise for the provision of manual car washing services. The company is registered in the name individual entrepreneur and carries out its activities on its behalf.

    The main condition for success this business depends on the location of the car wash, and this condition requires special attention. It is better to be located near a parking lot, a car service, on a busy road and a highway, or near shopping or business centers.

    Description of the car wash

    This plan provides for the use of two posts for washing cars, with a daily, round-the-clock operation, without days off. The list of services includes a direct car wash, washing engines, dry, wet and dry cleaning of the interior, as well as polishing the body. Car washing is carried out by one worker with specialized equipment.

    For activities, they use a rented premises, which they receive when concluding a long-term lease agreement. It is very difficult to build a car wash from scratch, this requires special permits and approvals.

    Description of enterprise services

    The car wash will provide a full range of car washing, cleaning and dry cleaning services. The mode of operation is round-the-clock, without days off and breaks.

    Analysis of the market for these services

    This line of business in the service market has quite a lot of competition, taking into account the increase in the number of cars. Drivers increasingly prefer a professional car wash, choosing from a variety of one. Therefore, when developing a car wash business plan, this condition must be taken into account and it will not be superfluous to resort to marketing “tricks”. You can practice various promotions, discounts, bonuses for regular customers. For example, you can sell subscriptions at a discount, make the 10th wash free, offer a free interior cleaning, or other services with which you can win your market share. Therefore, before opening a sink from scratch, you need to clearly know competitive advantages your enterprise.

    Enterprise production plan

    There should be two boxes in the car wash room, directly for washing cars. The complex should have a room for electrical equipment, a room in which washing equipment is stored. Personnel must be provided with a separate room with a toilet and shower. Mandatory availability of a room for clients.

    Such a car wash is equipped with two hand washes, two vacuum cleaners, a water treatment system, a car vacuum cleaner, a compressor, a foam kit, a speakerphone, video surveillance and a high-pressure machine. The staff consists of 11 people.

    car wash financial plan

    When developing a plan for opening a car wash, it is imperative to take into account the revenue and expenditure side.

    Expenses

    To estimate the cost of opening a car wash, you need to divide them into 2 parts, one of which will be general capital expenses, and the other monthly expenses. General capital expenses usually amount to 830,000 rubles, monthly - 485,000 rubles.

    Income

    • Average daily check - 300 rubles;
    • The number of cars serviced per day is 100.

    The total income of the car wash: 900,000 rubles.

    A lot of Russians these days are looking for an acceptable way to generate a reliable income, and the thought of organizing own business increasingly dominates the minds of fellow citizens. Where, in what area is it relatively easy to earn money? Where to go if you do not have huge funds to organize a serious business or buy a new business? And what to do if absolutely all niches have been occupied for a long time, and inventing something new is still the same task?

    What is beneficial?

    Let's not reinvent the wheel and today we'll talk about one of the classic, well-established types of business, the opening of which, although it requires quite serious investments, is still quite a real task.

    It's about washing cars. How to open a car wash from scratch? What is needed for this, and how to properly organize a business in order to have a guarantee of profit, not losses? In this article, we will tell you how to properly open a car wash, and explain some important nuances.

    How relevant is this?

    Why a car wash? The relevance of this business in modern urban conditions has been proven by life itself. Judge for yourself: car washes are in demand absolutely everywhere - from a metropolis to a small town, and people use their services in any season.

    In winter, every driver needs to visit a car wash to wash off salt, sand and reagents. In spring and autumn, you have to look there at least once every 2-3 days due to constant mud and puddles on domestic roads. In the summer, among car owners, it is customary to carefully rub the cars to a full shine. And today we will talk about how to open a car wash from scratch.

    This business (according to professionals) has a fairly high profitability (30-40%), that is, it is one of the profitable enterprises. We can talk about full payback after about 12-16 months after the opening of the business, of course, subject to its successful formulation and promotion. If we are talking about a portal, more expensive option, then this period is extended, and it will be possible to calculate net profits in a year or two.

    How to open a car wash from scratch: a business plan

    2. Seek permission from the government of the area where your business will be located, as well as obtain conclusions from the Fire Service, Moskompriroda, MP Mosvodostok and Gossanepidnadzor.

    3. building plan coordinate in the Moscow Committee for Architecture.

    What else needs to be agreed

    In addition, the Moscow government will require you to provide contracts for the lease of a site, cleaning of the adjacent territory with the removal of solid waste, with the boundaries of your site and a document indicating that your cash register equipment is registered.

    Before opening a car wash from scratch, information about the proposed construction of the facility will need to be submitted to the Communications and Transport Administration. To obtain a free economic zone and approve the project, you will have to contact Rospotrebnadzor (its territorial department).

    We select a place and premises for our car wash

    The payback rate and, as a result, the profitability of this business project are directly related to the location of the car wash. An almost ideal place for this is the sides of the central city avenues, also pay attention to the busiest highways.

    Often car washes are organized at the entrance to the city, next to the customs or border post. But, being in the area of ​​a major transport hub, drivers most often give up the idea of ​​using the services of a car wash because of the increased fuss and flea market. It will be more profitable to offer your services near gas stations and maintenance stations.

    Rent - cheaper

    How to open a car wash from scratch when building your own building for it is unbearable for you financial task? In this case, renting premises at the ATP, suitable in all respects, may become good option. In addition, you will have to draw up much less documents. Motorists, as a rule, are familiar with all such enterprises in their city.

    The type and volume of services provided depends on the parameters of the premises. For example, if you are thinking about how to open a truck wash from scratch, there are a number of additional factors to consider, starting with the height of the ceilings.

    Do not forget about the need for an auxiliary area on which you will store consumables.

    Water treatment at a car wash

    In connection with the growth of serious environmental problems, the owners of car washes are putting forward requirements that you will certainly have to take into account when opening. For example, a cleaning system will be required without fail, the filters of which will remove fats, oil products and other chemicals. Wastewater.

    Such equipment is quite compact and belongs to transportable units. The procedure for water purification itself is carried out in stages. The existing circulation tank allows you to clean the liquid using a reverse cycle. Thus, circulating several times in a row along the circuit, the water remains practically free of impurities.

    Since the operation of the treatment equipment is provided for at temperatures above +5 °C, it should be installed in a heated room.

    What's next?

    At the opening of the sink, a commission of representatives of the administration, firefighters, traffic police and other services should be present. They will sign your object.

    Advertising on billboards located in the immediate vicinity of your point of sale will be very effective if you indicate in a short form the location, hours of operation, discounts, basic services and important bonuses.

    We select personnel

    Having overcome bureaucratic obstacles, engage in the selection of suitable personnel. What should it be? The main requirements for applicants for employees are the ability to understand cars of the category that is supposed to be serviced in your case, contact (to form a list regular customers) and courtesy.

    In order not to lose consumers of services, it is desirable for the car wash to operate around the clock - such a schedule is optimal for it. In this case, you will have to hire 5 or 6 washers and one foreman.

    Higher education is not required for your employees; students can also be employed. They should be paid according to the amount of work done. Employees should be motivated by additional financial incentives, and stylish work overalls with a company logo will help to raise the image of a car wash as a reputable enterprise.

    Let's calculate the cost of the project

    When calculating mandatory expenses, proceed from the cost of rent. This amount will vary depending on the premises and the area where it is located. The investment in the purchase of equipment should be added to the lease.

    A hot water pressure washer will set you back $1,800 to $3,000. The device that supplies water to 1 post - at 500-1300 c.u. e. Compressor - 200-250 dollars. Washing vacuum cleaner (or vacuum cleaner) - 400-550 dollars. - at 4800-6600 dollars.

    Most car wash owners prefer to purchase imported equipment. In this market segment, 80% of sales belong to the German company Karcher. In addition, Italian and Danish equipment is appreciated. Russian manufacturers usually buy water purification devices.

    The list of basic materials related to consumables consists of a car shampoo, a polishing agent, products used for dry cleaning, cleaning of wheel rims, engine, bumpers. Monthly expenses for them will be about 300 dollars, provided that 30-40 cars are serviced by a car wash daily.

    In summer, the flow of customers, as a rule, dries up. Washing services are mainly used by those who want to wax the car. What should a businessman do in order not to lose profit? The only way out here is to slightly lower prices while expanding the range of services. Second, try to offer customers additional reasons to visit your outlet. For example, set up a small tent with tables next to the establishment, where those who wish can relax and have a bite to eat (for example, barbecue). During the holidays, someone will definitely want to wash the car.

    Great solution - a mini market with groceries or small shop Parts dealer within walking distance.

    What to do if there are not enough funds

    Perhaps you want to spend as little money as possible and are thinking, for example, how to open a self-service car wash. Well, this option is quite possible. Its advantages are that savings on staff salaries are achieved. Of course, this type of service has individual characteristics that must be taken into account when drawing up a business plan.

    If you came up with the idea of ​​​​how to open a car wash in the garage, it is better to immediately abandon it. In addition to the need to settle issues with the management in full growth, the problem of water supply, a "busy" place and the installation of all the expensive equipment mentioned above arises.

    The main point, due to which this project can be considered unviable, is the inability to connect to water supply and sewerage networks. Even if there is one, you will be required to build a wastewater treatment system. In a word, this idea is not very successful.

    How to open a self-service car wash from scratch: a few tips

    Suppose you want to get a sink of this type. You already know how to open a car wash from scratch. The business plan in this case should only be slightly adjusted to the specifics of such a service.

    As you know, car washing services are portal and tunnel, in which washing is carried out in an absolutely automated way, manual (washing of cars is carried out by personnel) and open - based on the principle of self-service.

    In the latter case, the drivers themselves wash their cars with the provided products. Such a sink consists of a set of equipment with a set of necessary materials. All equipment (pistols for water supply, vacuum cleaners, dryers) is as simple and clear as possible. Customers use the services of such a car wash much more willingly because of the opportunity to save money.

    The list of services provided includes washing with warm water and powder (removing dirt), rinsing off the foam with cold water, waxing the car, curing to eliminate drips.

    The main problem when arranging such a car wash is what to do with freezing liquids in winter? There is a solution, and it consists in a device under the floor heating using a pipe system with circulating running hot water. Water heating in the system is provided by automatic switching on right time gas or diesel boiler. Equipment should also be selected with continuous fluid circulation, such as pressurized water guns.

    Friends, hello!

    The then owner of the business shared a lot with me - thoughts on the location of the car wash, ways to promote and improve the quality of the staff, which allowed our car wash to attract dozens of regular customers every day.

    To open a car wash business, you should think about the targeted spending of investments, drawing up a competent business plan and carefully studying the demand in the automotive services market. Well, if you still don't know how to open a car wash, then this guide will serve you well.

    My car wash story

    Before I started the daily rental business, I had to get wet at the car wash almost every day.

    The car wash belonged to the father of one of my comrades, which promised me a good job when I got a job. career in this direction - the administrator of the car wash, and then possibly the manager of the network of car washes (the owner had several objects).

    Therefore, initially I planned to firmly establish myself in this area in order to be able to live in a big way during my entire studies at the university.

    I worked with my classmate. The working day usually began at 16:00 and ended at midnight.

    We did a good job, as youngsters do, trying to stand out from the crowd and prove themselves to the leadership in order to win favor and take a more significant position.

    We did our job as smoothly as possible. While one was vacuuming and dusting the inside, the other was applying and washing off the washing foam outside. Then we wiped the car dry together, and when the happy client drove out of the box in his clean car, we immediately took on the next car.

    That's how they worked - sometimes they stayed late, the sleepy ones came to classes and reluctantly got ready for work. After some time, my classmate could not stand it and left, and I was left to work alone.

    He quickly found a replacement in the person of Uncle Tolik. But either because of the conflict of generations, or my apathy, but we did not succeed in working together with Tolik. So I filed a letter of resignation and went with him to the office, where I had a serious conversation with the owner.

    Although the staff turnover in the car wash business is normal, however, they didn’t want to let me go just like that. Due to the fact that the previous administrator quit, I, as a young person who knows all the intricacies of work, was offered to take his place and try my hand at managing a car wash.

    The next working day was the first for me as the head of a (albeit small) enterprise. The duties were simple - keep an eye on the cash register, print checks and drink coffee from the machine. The story is, well!

    However, soon I was no longer just sitting at the table with a bored look, but began to be interested in how to transfer the income from the car wash to new level. First of all, I created a site on the wix platform for active engagement traffic from social networks and ordered advertising in thematic groups in Vkontakte (fans of a car, show, etc.).

    My efforts were not in vain, and after a few days the influx of people wishing to wash their cars increased slightly. So I asked management for funding to run a larger PR campaign.

    The idea was to print promotional materials (leaflets) and distribute them to all cars within a radius of several kilometers, so that using them people could get a discount on their car wash services.

    I had to walk around the district and put leaflets under the wipers after work (on the evening shift), and therefore it happened that until the morning I wandered through the alleys of the city so that those who were awake could come to class and fall asleep on the last desk 🙂

    The number of clients increased with each of my outings, and at some point I even started to like it. You walk calmly around the city, and around you there is calmness, silence, and only the dead with braids stand ...

    Time passed, and every day I managed a car wash, I learned all the new subtleties of this business. I talked a lot with the owner about how and what could be improved, and at one time I dreamed of opening my own car wash.

    Therefore, I developed a business plan in which I put all my experience and knowledge gained from the owner of a car wash chain. And now I will introduce you to him.

    How to open a car wash from scratch: what needs to be done for this? Part 1

    1. Study what How does a car wash business work?, and the market in which you plan to sell your services. Is it possible in your case to use new technologies or provide additional services to attract as many customers as possible?

    What you need to know before opening a car wash:

    • People use the services of car washes when the country's economy is developing, not stagnating. The demand for cars also plays an important role in the development of the car wash business.

      The higher the demand for buying cars in the country, the more developed the industry for their maintenance will be. Statistics on car sales in the region where you plan to open a business will help you understand whether it is worth starting to move in this direction at all.

    • Owners of car washes, workers, suppliers of consumables (foam, wax, etc.), equipment manufacturers (Karcher, cylinders for foam and water, etc.) can tell how the business works.

      The industry does not stand still. Therefore, read the relevant reports and publications in order to use the latest scientific developments in your work (environmentally friendly consumables, less energy-consuming types of equipment, etc.)

    2. Research competition in the region. To make your car wash competitive, do your research on other people's car washes. This is especially useful when opening a car wash in a big city.

    If you have already chosen the location of your future object, find out everything about the work of competitors within a radius of 5 km. What services do they provide? What is their average check? How are they progressing?

    As you research, take notes in a notebook so you can refer back to your notes as you write your business plan.

    Pay attention to the work of other businesses located in the neighborhood (hypermarkets, parking lots, tire shops, service stations, etc.). Ask yourself - what factors contributed to the fact that the car wash you are researching has a large flow of customers? Maybe it's located near a mall or a freeway?

    3. Draw up a detailed business plan. The main goal of writing a business plan is to obtain funding for opening a car wash, as well as a complete picture of doing business.

    Business plan structure:

    1. Introduction (3-5 pages)
    2. Market analysis (pp. 9-22)
    3. Company description (1-2 pages)
    4. Organization and management (3-5 pages)
    5. Marketing and sales strategy (4-6 pages)
    6. Product or service (8-10 pages)
    7. Investments and payback (2-4 pages)
    8. Financial information (12-25 pages)

    Introduction— title page, content, brief overview.

    In chapter market analysis should contain information about the results of your research: concept, portrait of your customers, their preferences, risks, weak spots, car wash profitability.

    Company Description should reflect your business model and why it will be successful.

    Organization and management will help you understand the structure of your company, as well as hire qualified employees and managers.

    Chapter marketing and strategy will answer the question: “how and where to get new customers?”.

    In point product or service it is worth describing all the advantages of your car wash. How will you capture the market and what is the feature of your business? Why should people use your car wash and not any other?

    Investment and payback will make a complete picture of the financial resources that will be required to open a car wash.

    The most important section is financial information. To write it correctly, you can seek the advice of an auditor. This should include details of your current financial situation, third party businesses, debt, as well as a 5-year projected income level and confirmation that this section has been approved by an independent person (auditor).

    4. Find capital to open a car wash. To find financing, you can contact the bank or directly to private investors. The better you present your business plan to potential investors, the sooner you will receive funds to implement it. In addition, you will need to invest your own savings to ensure the safety of other people's money.

    Any bank loan requires a security of at least 25% of the total investment amount. That is, you can count on getting a loan of 75% of the amount prescribed in the business plan.

    How much does it cost to open a car wash? The cost of opening a car wash largely depends on the region and concept, and can range from 2 to 5 million rubles.

    5. Choose the location of the future car wash. Location plays a key role for a car service business (washes, workshops, tire shops, etc.). Therefore, the wrong choice of location can hinder business development even at the initial stages.

    A great option might be a location close to a mall, freeway, or densely populated residential areas. In addition, the car wash should be visible and accessible.

    Don't forget what you need extra bed for customers waiting in line, as well as at some point space to expand the business.

    • Your car wash sign must be visible to drivers for at least 40 seconds. When traffic moves at a speed of 60-70 km / h, drivers will have enough time to decide to call in and wash their car at your place.
    • There should be enough space in the car wash to accommodate several cars, vacuum and drying zones, an office, as well as a guest room.
    • Before buying or renting land for a car wash, you should obtain the appropriate permit from the local government.
    • When choosing a place for your business, it is very useful to use the services of a real estate agency, builders, lawyers and auditors in order to obtain more favorable conditions for the operation of the land.

    How to open a car wash from scratch? Part 2

    1. Legalize business. What documents are needed to open a car wash? To open a car washing business, it is not enough to register with the tax office as an individual entrepreneur. You must also enter into an agreement with municipal service water and sewer economy.

    The volume of wastewater entering the sewer must not exceed the established norms. The same applies to the content of substances harmful to the environment.

    2. Buy equipment. The purchase of equipment depends entirely on the format of the future car wash. This can be a car wash with a full or partial list of services (self-service, process automation, etc.)

    What equipment is needed for a car wash:

    • power frame
    • Control terminal
    • Guns for water, foam
    • Gun holders
    • High pressure hoses
    • Electric motor, water pump
    • Foam injector and dispenser

    To save on distributor fees, contact suppliers directly. It is better to buy chemicals and consumables in large stores, because they are often diluted. Top equipment manufacturers: Ryko, Hannah Industries, Belanger, Karcher and WashTec.

    3. Conduct a PR campaign. It is necessary to use as many advertising channels as possible to attract the first customers. It can be both leaflets and customization contextual advertising in Google or Yandex. Bright signboard, coupons, promotions, discounts for regular customers, loyalty system, Business Cards and many many others.

    To promote on the Internet, you can use your own website or groups in in social networks. Also draw target audience You can place an advertisement on the radio stations of the city.

    4. Hire workers. The turnover in the car wash business is high, and finding a qualified labor force very hard. Therefore, when hiring staff, you need to pay more attention to the experience of your future employees.

    The most important thing is to ensure best quality service. Don't be afraid to overpay your employees for their work. At first, especially focus on providing the best possible service.

    With the emergence of regular customers and reputation, the car wash will begin to bring good income. First we work for the name, and then the name works for us.

    5. Secure cash flow. Before hosting a grand opening and inviting guests, try testing how your business works. Take part in the washing process yourself, observe the work of your administrator and washers, and control your income.

    This necessary condition in order to understand at what point the administrator will agree with the washers, and they will cheerfully start pulling money out of your cash register. For example, a person will come and order a complex wash, and the administrator will take and write down the technical one. The difference will be divided between the washers and the administrator, and you will find yourself in the cold.

    6. Add a list of additional services. To increase the profitability of the business, stand out from the crowd and thereby attract new customers, the list of services can be constantly supplemented.

    It can be express car treatment for longer maintenance appearance- wax, sealant, carpet shampoo, etc.

    Train employees to handle vehicles quickly (maximum 30 minutes for all extras). Install low prices for wiping, waxing, blackening tires, etc.

    The waiting room can be equipped with a massage chair, coffee machine, TV, Wi-Fi, so that the client feels comfortable and wants to return to your car wash again.

    Car wash as a business - pros and cons

    1. Easy to manage
    2. Liquidity
    3. High level of profitability
    4. Scalability
    5. Relatively fast start
    1. Staff turnover
    2. seasonality
    3. Land registration
    4. High level of competition

    Conclusion

    Summing up, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that there may be more subtleties when opening a car wash than it seems at first glance. Therefore, I recommend a conscious approach to the issue of opening a car service business.

    I hope that the article helped you understand in detail how a car wash works, and you will be able to draw up a business plan and open your own car wash in the near future.

    Well, that's all for me.