Finishing Line

Survey results are no longer needed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the auto-services business. Besides loss of sales volumes, revenues, and market value,  »

Machine-to-machine communication (M2M) is machines connecting with other machines to exchange information in real-time without human interface or interaction. »

As the car wash industry continues to converge on express exterior washing, it is moving rapidly toward an industrialized model. »

According to an article in Forbes, the subscription e-commerce market has grown by more than 100 percent a year over the past several years. »

The use of smartphones is so prevalent today there are laws on the books in many states prohibiting their use while a person operates a car.  »

Economists rely on gaming theory and statistical models to predict how companies may respond to their competitors’ prices. However, if there isn’t an economist on the payroll, how does one go about setting pricing strategies or... »

From time to time, I get inquires from car wash operators looking for ways to defend their turf from someone building a new car wash in their backyard. »

Writing in a print medium about an event that is developing and changing as rapidly as the Coronavirus outbreak presents the inevitable danger of being irrelevant by the time the article comes off the presses. »

Pursuing thousands of unlimited members and recurring monthly income requires a commitment. This means dealing with recruitment, promotion, turnover rate, credit and debit card issues, and keeping up with industry best practices,... »

Early in my career, my mentor advised me about the importance of the P.T. Barnum aspect of the car wash industry. Barnum was an American showman remembered for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. »

Car washing can be divided into three elements: point-of-sale system, wash-bay or tunnel, and a mechanical room that contains support equipment and inventory. »

Physical location is often thought of as the single most important factor for retail success, but other factors must also be considered when selecting a site for a new wash. »

Historically, the car wash industry has been an equipment-driven business, but its future will most likely be determined by people. »

Arguably, the photo above is not an image that most developers who invested $4 million in a new express wash would relish seeing anytime soon. However, more and more low-priced express washes are popping up. »

According to industry surveys, the average crew size for a full-service conveyor wash in 1991 was four off-line positions (two managers, two clerks) and 23 on-line positions (13 full-time, 10 part-time). »