5 Advantages of Running a Car Wash Franchise

Elliott Fudge, writer

Published at 14/09/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

5 Advantages of Running a Car Wash Franchise — Photo © 5-Advantages-of-Running-a-Car-Wash-Franchise.jpg

When it comes to running a franchise business, there are a huge range of general and specific benefits to each sector. If you’re wondering what the advantages to running a car wash franchise are, this is the perfect article for you.

With millions of cars already on the roads in the UK, it goes without saying that there are equal levels of demand for cleaning services. Whether you would prefer to clean the outside, inside, or all sides of a car, running a car washing franchise can be a profitable choice to make.

And don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a static industry. There are plenty of new technologies changing the way franchisees work, so if you want to discover the advantages of running your own car wash franchise, here’s what you need to know.

Why start a car wash franchise in 2021?

Many industries have been struggling to survive the effects of the pandemic, but this absolutely isn’t the case for the car wash sector. There are already more than 38 million vehicles registered in the UK [Sectors Donut], so it’s clear that there is a huge, addressable market to be tapped here.

And that’s not all. Running a franchise is one of the most satisfying and rewarding ways to run your own business. Only one percent of closing franchises cited commercial failure as the reason for the business closing [British Franchise Association], making franchise businesses a rare example of a secure business in a difficult time.

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Advantages of running a car wash franchise

1. New technology

Drive through any big city in the UK and you’ll likely pass several car washing services, the majority of which are still administered by hand. Despite our increasingly automated lives and a shift toward greater sustainability in the car industry more broadly, car washing has experienced very little innovation. - Dana Leigh, TechRound

It’s well documented that many car washing companies have used potentially corrosive materials when cleaning cars. And, although the overwhelming majority of car washing franchises have long since moved past this, there is still a way to go before many franchises operate solely with sustainable ways of working.

When you work as a car wash franchisee, you’ll be able to test and embrace all the new technology that the industry is using. Whether it’s using new automated tools, or new, waterless solutions to car washing, you’ll be on the frontline of a very innovative industry.

No-H2O is a waterless solution to car washing. No-H2O uses only 4 ounces of water per wash using our unique formula, in comparison to a drive-through car wash which uses an incredible 35 gallons of water - No-H2O

2. Job Satisfaction

As well as the new technology in this industry, you’ll almost certainly love the job satisfaction that comes with franchising. When it comes to running your own business, there are a few different business models that you could choose. But starting a business always brings challenges, and as an independent or smaller business, you could find overcoming these challenges harder than it seems.

But as a franchisee, not only will you have the support of a network of fellow franchisees, you’ll have extensive training and support throughout your franchising experience - both before and after you open.

As part of the package, you can also look forward to:
A pre-existing brand name and reputation
A customer base that already likes your business
Being your own boss, so no more long hours for other people
Support and training on everything from marketing and recruitment, to finding the right premises
Competitive financial rates

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3. No two days will ever be the same

When you’re working as a franchisee, every day is different. Each client or customer you work with will have their own specific needs, and you’ll need to be just as capable of matching the needs of the most routine clients as the more complex ones.

You’ll have a full range of powerful and effective tools at your disposal to help you get the job done, and you can expect to be using them on a daily basis. In short, this is a busy, diverse and competitive area to work in, so you’ll need to be up for the challenge every day.

4. There’s plenty of room to specialise

The car washing industry is broad. There are a wide range of opportunities, in both the car washing industry and others, where your skills will be in demand. This means that there are a huge range of specialisms and niches to make your own. With the support and training of your franchisor, you could find yourself going any number of different ways in the future.

5. Networks

It’s often said that a strong network is the key to finding future roles and opportunities. As a car wash franchisee, you’ll be hard-pushed to find another sector more customer-facing than yours. You’ll be in regular contact with customers from the public, and clients from the private sector, on a regular basis, and these contacts could come in very useful in the future.

Not only that, you’ll also be on very good terms with your franchise network and your suppliers. You’ll have a great network of contacts and support to carry you along the journey.

Become a car wash franchisee today

Becoming a franchisee for a car washing franchise is a great way to make this profitable sector your own. There are numerous advantages - only some of which are listed above - and for the right franchisee, there are some big profits to be made.

If this isn’t quite the right opportunity for you though: don’t panic! You can see a complete list of other franchising opportunities on the UK franchise directory. If running a franchise business and being your own boss sounds ideal for you, you’re sure to find some other great options in another sector.