Features

Last month I wrote about a Midwest dealership’s detail shop for which I was asked to provide training and consultation. They were struggling in many of the areas that are typical for such an operation. »

As the years begin to mount, even the most devoted detailers begin to lose enthusiasm for their work. Not Michael Pena. Despite 30 years in the retail trenches, the detail veteran is more committed than ever and still gets joy... »

What can lead to a slow and steady, or sudden and unexpected, loss of business that is not weather-related? »

After a run of 33 years, the Western Car Wash Show comes to an end as a separate event. Beginning in 2015, the show will be folded into The Car Wash Show, which is presented annually by the International Carwash Association. »

In last month’s issue of Auto Laundry News, we discussed five security issues, each of which can contribute to the creation of a safer, more secure self-service wash: »

Social media is a leading industry tool to bring brand awareness to the forefront of markets. More than ever, your business’ online reputation weighs heavily on your success due to the unlimited availability of content published... »

One of the most meaningful bits of advice you can get when working with employees is this: You can help make individuals more of what they are, but you cannot make them something they are not. There are critical success factors... »

I was recently asked to provide training and consultation for a Midwest auto dealership’s detail shop. Initial observations yielded many classic signs of a struggling operation. It’s not important to call out this dealership by... »

I’m guilty — albeit less often as I get older and wiser. Whereas most of us would never assume we know, or could easily learn, as much about brain surgery as a brain surgeon, when it comes to other areas of our lives and... »

Car wash formats come in and out of style, but quality service stands the test of time.

For nearly 40 years Shammy Shine Car Wash has been servicing Western New Jersey and Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania, evolving with the times... »

Future discounting is the rate at which someone is willing to trade something now for something in the future. For example, my wife buys a new car, usually cash, and holds on to it for a very long time. I can’t resist leasing and... »

Whether to buy or lease is a question facing many car wash businesses, even as credit becomes more readily available. While there is no one correct answer that fits neither every situation, nor every car care services business,... »

If you are reading this article, you may be looking to purchase or build a car wash, or perhaps to upgrade or refinance a car wash you already own. If you have not talked to a bank lately, you will likely be surprised at how... »

Buying a car wash is easy. It’s buying the right one, under acceptable conditions, with an exit strategy in place when you close escrow that’s tricky. All the instructions for a buying a basic business can be collected off the... »

Self-service car washes are by their very nature particularly vulnerable to crime. Most operate 24/7, are unattended for at least some part of the day, and feature cash accepting units such as bill changers and vending machines... »