How to Start a Self Car Wash Business
Cars get dirty even if they are just parked. Since people need to clean their cars, it can be very convenient to start a self car wash business where people drive in to wash their cars and drive them out. Starting a self car wash business is similar to starting any other kind of business. You need a good location, a good marketing plan and solid business operation skills.
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Instructions
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Decide if you would prefer to start an independent business or you would prefer to start a franchise of a chain.
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Make a business plan as this will be essential to plan out all the short and long term needs of the business and will help in smooth operations.
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Find a location. Look for a location where a self car wash service is needed. Choose a busy intersection such as a main street which is visible to more people. More automobile visibility will increase business.
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Contact your courthouse. Request an application to register a car wash business through the courthouse, which issues business licenses in most states.Learn the requirements. There might be some restrictions such as schedule of operation and number of cars allowed in the lot. You most likely need business insurance, too. Check with your local public transportation department and business license division for specific requirements and regulations.
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Learn the requirements. There might be some restrictions such as schedule of operation and number of cars allowed in the lot. You most likely need business insurance, too. Check with your local public transportation department and business license division for specific requirements and regulations.
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Get a permit--a wholesale permit if it is needed by the franchise tax board. Having a wholesale permit can help you purchase equipment for the business at a lower cost and sometimes without paying sales taxes.Research profitable extra services. There are different kinds of services such as additional waxing or self vacuuming you can offer.
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Research profitable extra services. There are different kinds of services such as additional waxing or self vacuuming you can offer.
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Get adequate finances for the business and advertise the business by using creative and tested promotional methods such as fliers and referral coupons. According to entrepreneur.com, start-up costs for a self service car wash business run between $50,000 and $100,000 (as of July 2010).
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Tips & Warnings
There are certain seasons, such as winter, where the need for self car wash services increase. Check for service trends by analyzing other established businesses.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit car wash image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
