Conquer Your Competitors: 12 ways to be the car wash of choice

In an ever-evolving industry, competition is fierce. It can be difficult to differentiate and establish your brand’s identity to become the car wash of choice. Difficult, but certainly possible. When running a successful car wash, it is often the finer details that make all the difference.

Let’s look at 12 ways to help your site stand out from the crowd, attracting new customers whilst simultaneously building trust and loyalty with your existing clientele.

Provide a superior wash experience

Focus on offering both value and speed. Customers utilising automatic washes seek to have their car sufficiently cleaned in the shortest time possible. However, speed should never sacrifice quality. Balance between an expedient, yet thorough wash service is key.

Never compromise on wash quality to save $

Quality is crucial; therefore, a consistent clean, and efficient wash-cycle is vital. Frequent servicing, coupled with titration testing, greatly reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and downtime.

Ensure easy wash access and exit

A well-designed car wash is a successful car wash. Customers want an easy, stress-free experience. If something is confusing or intimidating, chances are, your customers won’t return. We highly recommend using a specialist who can custom tailor your design & manage the architecture, civil, hydraulics, traffic & acoustic planning for you.

Manage car wash traffic on busy days

Don’t let long wait times drive your customers directly to your competition. Not only can excessive wait times create discontent among customers, but they also cost the business through lost revenue and ROI.

Be a stickler for cleanliness

The presentation of your car wash is paramount, It directly represents your brand. To ensure you have the car wash of choice, your facility should present as clean as possible, demonstrating your pride in both the car wash and industry itself. This means no chipped paint, no broken equipment and certainly no buildup of dirt, sludge, or mould…your customers will appreciate it.

Avoid mixed messaging

Simplicity is key. Communicate your offer, value, and promotions with clear, and concise language.
Your signage needs to convey both the value and price of your offer(s), with efficiency and ease.

Look at things from your customers perspective

Whilst you have sound understanding and experience with the equipment, presume your customers do not. Take a step back and observe. Examine if your systems run as smoothly as planned and make subsequent user-friendly changes where necessary (e.g. hard to access wash bays, inconsistent or over-stimulating signage).

Be active on social media to connect with your local community to become the car wash of choice in your area.

When it comes to online content, freshness matters. Social media being no exemption.
Be sure to regularly share updates, promotions and run customer-led competitions. Have some fun with your page(s); set up a catchy company description, and connect with your local community. Social media is the perfect breeding ground to create a sense of community and credibility for your brand. Your customers want to know what’s new, so tell them.

Check out our social media resources

Greet customers with a smile on arrival, and a thank you on departure

It’s not enough to just have an attendant on site. It’s crucial to actively interact with your customers. Show them how to get the best out of the equipment, learn your regular’s names and thank them for visiting.

A simple smile and enthusiasm go a surprisingly long way. Warmer tones are often mirrored by your customers. Creating a memorable experience, and direct reflection on your brand.

Staff should be well presented

Just as the presentation of your site is imperative, so too is the appearance of your staff.
As champions of your brand, your team should present in a clean, professional, and easy-to-identify uniform.

Be consistent

Great wash quality and value for money will ensure your customers are satisfied, building trust and loyalty in your brand. Whilst a singular positive experience may not produce immediate brand advocacy, negative encounters will result in immediate critiques.

Identify your point of difference and advertise it

Competition is fierce within the carwash market. Own your brand and pinpoint your competitive edge. Example: “Hot water in self-serve bays”. It is essential to tout your values, cement them in the community’s mind. Increase your perceived value with your strong branding and advertising.