4 Tips for Running a Car Wash Franchise

Sophie Cole, writer

Published at 22/09/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

4 Tips for Running a Car Wash Franchise — Photo © 4-Tips-for-Running-a-Car-Wash-Franchise.jpg

Like the sound of starting a car wash franchise? We’ve put together a selection of our top tips that will help you make your business a success. Here’s why running a car wash through a franchise is a great idea, and tips on how you can set yourself up for profitability.

Car wash franchises are a mainstay of most British towns, cities and service stations. Previously, we’ve highlighted the 5 advantages of running a car wash franchise, which may have sold you on the idea even more. But how do you make sure that your car wash business reaches its full profit potential?

There’s a lot to consider when starting up your very own car wash franchise, from location, to your staff, to how you market your business. Here are four of our top tips that will help you boost your chances of success.

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Why start a car wash franchise

If you’re looking to start a business that will never go out of fashion, a car wash franchise could be just what you’re looking for. There are more than 31.5 million cars on the road in Great Britain and this figure has risen by 42.5% in the last 25 years. The average household in the UK has 1.21 cars and, across England, this figure has risen by 12% since 2003. In some areas it has increased even more dramatically, with the number of cars in the North East increasing by 28% in the same period.

The UK’s car wash industry is estimated to contribute around £1 billion to the economy every year and it’s adapting to changing customer requirements. Some businesses are adapting to offer more eco-friendly services, while others are offering minor repair services to maximise their profit potential. So, if you’re interested in starting your very own car wash franchise, there’s never been a better time to do so.

How to run a successful car wash franchise

1. Find the right products and equipment

To maximise how many customers you can offer your services to per day, you’ll need to invest in tools that make the car cleaning process more efficient. And if you want people to leave great reviews and come back for more, you should also use high-quality products to make each vehicle sparkle and shine.

Joining a reputable franchise means you won’t have to worry about either issue, as they will have already developed a range of tools and cleaning products for you to use. Other franchisees will have worked through teething problems and can recommend the most effective ways to work and products to use. And when you need to reorder supplies, you might also be able to access discounted rates through the franchisor’s existing suppliers.

2. Build a reliable team

As your business grows, you’ll need to recruit a team of hard-working individuals to help you provide your services. You may also choose to do this from the start if, rather than completing jobs, you’d prefer to take a management role and focus on winning clients and promoting the business.

Your team will set you apart from automated car washes and they could be the difference between loyal, repeat customers and disgruntled ones who run back to machines. Look for people with skills and qualities like:

Great customer service
A friendly demeanor
Willingness to work hard in all weather conditions
Attention to detail

3. Select a good location

One of the most important aspects of running a successful car wash franchise is a great location. You’ll want to select a space that benefits from lots of through traffic, and is in a space where people are likely to have the time to stop. For example, a great choice is a site that’s close to a retail park, where people generally visit on evenings, weekends, or during their time off. And if it’s located in the suburbs, most people will have driven to get there.

It’s also worth making sure that you’ve got plenty of space to work on larger vehicles and have enough room for a number of clients at a time. To reduce road congestion around your site, try and find locations that have parking bays where people can wait, rather than queueing along the road.

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4. Never stop learning

You might think that there isn’t much to learn in a straightforward sector like car washing - but you’d be wrong. One of the biggest perks of joining a franchise is that you have access to a network of franchisees and franchise support staff who have loads of sector-specific knowledge.

Try and regularly refresh your knowledge of key topics like marketing, sales, and employee management by referring back to your franchisor’s guidance manuals. Take proactive steps to keep your business thriving, and don’t wait until there’s a problem that sends you rushing back to your franchisor. It’s also a great idea to speak to your fellow franchisees, as you may pick up tips that take your business to the next level.

Join a car wash franchise today

As you can see, there are lots of ways to make sure your car wash franchise is the best it can be. If you’re willing to put in the work, and can find a franchisor who supports you every step of the way, you’ll build a thriving business in no time at all.

Need a little more guidance before you jump in? Check out how to start your own car wash franchise for lots more handy hints and tips. And if you’re searching for the ideal opportunity, check out our car wash franchise opportunities, or browse our UK franchise directory for even more inspiration.