The other day, I was talking with a start-up entrepreneur considering doing some sort of mobile auto business - you know, something like mobile auto detailing, restoration, repair, or maybe oil changing. There are a ton of interesting business models out there, some franchises some not. Let's talk about this, because I've been involved in car detailing, mobile car washing, and mobile oil changing business models as a franchisor before retirement.
We got onto the subject of fleet services versus personal car services. In auto detailing they call it "retail detail" for personal car owners, and "wholesale detailing" for fleets, car lots, auto auctions, rental car companies, or fleet contracting. I became convinced early on that his main focus being a mechanic was to do some sort of on-site repair, preferably something simple like oil changing. We then talked about fleet vehicles all in a row - production like oil changes versus going to office buildings and doing personal cars.
He agreed with me after I explained the efficiencies of the fleet side of the business and duly noted; "Fleet vehicles definitely appear to be the apex of the industry as far as eliminating potential issues from almost every angle and also in retaining the customer base... 1 customer per fleet vs. 1 per car. There seems to be quite a few decent hurdles to get over to enter into the private sector as a mainstay."
Sure there are ways to overcome hurdles, for instance have a list of customers in advance, know their cars and filters, pick them up at 7AM at NAPA auto parts on the way to your first job - thus, no inventory, if you get walk-ups put them at the end of the line of customers and call NAPA on your smart phone to deliver to the parking lot.
Of course, not everyone who works in an office building wants their oil changed by a mobile oil changing company, and it can be a challenge logistically keeping track of that many customers, or potential customers rather. Generally, only 8% of the people will want their oil changed.
A percentage of people will, a percentage of people will not, but with our current government leadership in office, I'd say the percentage of "nots" is increasing not decreasing, consumer confident issues. One big plus is that the oil change industry tracks new car sales, and lots of cars are being sold today (minus the large numbers of repos due to too easy credit), those new car buyers are more likely during the first 3-years of ownership to make sure they get an oil change. Please consider all this and think on it.
Kamis, 24 Agustus 2017
Minggu, 13 Agustus 2017
Implementing a Waterless Car Wash in Your Detailing Business
Starting a detailing business isn't quite as simple as it used to be. Increased environmental regulations are forcing old methods of washing vehicles into decline. No longer can a detailer take out a pressure washer with soap and blast away at a car. In fact, many newcomers to the industry learn the hard way when local authorities impose hefty fines when caught cleaning a car without water reclamation mats.
Thankfully, the car care industry has made major improvements in its product offerings which is allowing detailers to stay in compliance. One major advancement is the introduction of Waterless Car Wash products. These formulas allow a detailer to safely clean and protect a vehicle without allowing a drop of water to reach the ground. For obvious reasons this is of great benefit to the environment. In the past detailers would simply let their wastewater flow directly into the environment. Brake dust, phosphates, oils and other contaminants quickly polluted local waterways and wreaked havoc on aquatic life. However, these products don't just save the planet, but they also make a detailer's life easier in other ways.
A Waterless Car Wash frees the detailer from having to haul around a large water tank. This in turn also improves gas mileage and allows them to maneuver around their local city much more freely. Previously, detailer's would find a local source of distilled or deionized water and fill up every morning. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it actually costs money to buy this type of water.
In addition, many of today's Waterless Car Wash products integrate synthetic or natural protective agents such as polymers or carnauba wax, which will give customer's cars a slick and shiny finish from just the wash.
Implementing a Waterless Car Wash into a detailing business is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to find the product that works best for you. Many leading manufacturers offer their products in a concentrated form which yields a greater cost savings over the RTU (ready-to-use) product. You'll also want to have a large stock of microfiber towels as these are a necessity for properly using a waterless product.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly is the fact that the term 'waterless' is foreign to many consumers and they need education on how the products actually work. For example, show them a demonstration in advance so that they properly understand that the products won't harm the vehicle's finish. Show them some past clients cars you have done or offer up testimonials. As time progresses, the waterless concept will surely become the norm. However, until then you'll need to do a lot of handholding with the consumer to get their acceptance.
As you can see a Waterless Car Wash offers up many advantages over traditional pressure washing. As the next generation of detailers come into the industry we will surely see a shift to this method of car cleaning.
Thankfully, the car care industry has made major improvements in its product offerings which is allowing detailers to stay in compliance. One major advancement is the introduction of Waterless Car Wash products. These formulas allow a detailer to safely clean and protect a vehicle without allowing a drop of water to reach the ground. For obvious reasons this is of great benefit to the environment. In the past detailers would simply let their wastewater flow directly into the environment. Brake dust, phosphates, oils and other contaminants quickly polluted local waterways and wreaked havoc on aquatic life. However, these products don't just save the planet, but they also make a detailer's life easier in other ways.
A Waterless Car Wash frees the detailer from having to haul around a large water tank. This in turn also improves gas mileage and allows them to maneuver around their local city much more freely. Previously, detailer's would find a local source of distilled or deionized water and fill up every morning. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it actually costs money to buy this type of water.
In addition, many of today's Waterless Car Wash products integrate synthetic or natural protective agents such as polymers or carnauba wax, which will give customer's cars a slick and shiny finish from just the wash.
Implementing a Waterless Car Wash into a detailing business is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to find the product that works best for you. Many leading manufacturers offer their products in a concentrated form which yields a greater cost savings over the RTU (ready-to-use) product. You'll also want to have a large stock of microfiber towels as these are a necessity for properly using a waterless product.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly is the fact that the term 'waterless' is foreign to many consumers and they need education on how the products actually work. For example, show them a demonstration in advance so that they properly understand that the products won't harm the vehicle's finish. Show them some past clients cars you have done or offer up testimonials. As time progresses, the waterless concept will surely become the norm. However, until then you'll need to do a lot of handholding with the consumer to get their acceptance.
As you can see a Waterless Car Wash offers up many advantages over traditional pressure washing. As the next generation of detailers come into the industry we will surely see a shift to this method of car cleaning.
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