How to Fundraise with a Car Wash

Car washes are easy, popular methods of raising money for any cause. While they do take quite a bit of prior planning to be a success, car washes are still a simple alternative to more complicated fund raising activities. A few simple steps should ensure that your car wash is a success.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Consider the date carefully. Check the dates of local sporting events and festivals. A big event in your area can funnel potential customers away from your fund raiser (or, if location is planned right, can bring customers right to you).
2. Recruit volunteers ahead of time. Whether adults or youngsters staff your fund raiser, signing volunteers up in advance will ensure a full staff. The more people there are washing cars, the more money you will make and the more visibility your event will command.
3. Choose a prime location. As they say in real estate, "location, location, location." Without a visible location, your car wash is far less likely to attract customers. People generally avoid going out of their way, so be visible. If you can have your car wash close to a well attended event, you might gain more customers from the event's overflow of patrons.
4. Create an easy flow of traffic. The last thing drivers want to do on a hot day is stand by and wait for their car to be washed. Create a drive through lane where customers pull up to have their car washed and then pull aside to have it dried.
5. Decide on a price. It is important to know ahead of time if you will charge a set price or rely only on donations. Consider your money making goals and volunteers' skills at handling money carefully when pricing your fund raiser.
6. Make your cause your focal point. People are much more likely to take part in your fund raiser or make hefty donations if they know what it benefits. Clearly display signs that alert people to your purpose in holding the car wash.