The car wash industry is changing fast. In order for your car wash business to succeed now and in the future, you have to understand just how the industry is changing. That being said, here are the five main trends shaping the future of the car wash industry:
1. The Industry is Growing Fast
Professional car washing is a multi-billion dollar industry that has grown by 2.5% in the last year. This rapid growth means that there will be more opportunities for you to expand your own business.
2. More Demand for Vehicle Detailing
Technology is allowing people to see the importance of a good car wash. As a result, more people want to ensure that their car washes are done right and that they last longer. This leads to an increasing demand for higher end detailing services.
For businesses in the car wash industry, this will mean increased margins and ultimately more profits.
3. Lower Gas Prices Are Resulting in More Driving
After years of heavy increases, gas prices are plummeting to levels not seen since the beginning of the century. In response, people are driving more often. This means two things:
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Cars are getting dirtier, faster
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People want to look good riding around more often
Both of these factors signal a higher demand for car washing.
4. Small Car Wash Companies Are Becoming More Prominent
According to an industry report by IBIS World, the top four companies in the industry, which once had a virtual oligopoly, only account for 6% of the entire industry’s revenue.
In fact, most of the growth of large car wash companies has come from acquisitions of smaller car washes, as opposed to regular business productivity. This means that there are more opportunities than ever for small to medium sized car washes such as yours to thrive.
5. More Competition
The rapid growth of the car wash industry and the increased competitiveness of smaller car washes are turning more than a few heads. Many new entrants into the industry are starting new car washes. In order to stay ahead of this competition, you must prepare for success.
As Greg Swett, president of Classic Appreciation World Class Auto Detailing noted in a recent interview with CarWash.com, you can do this by preparing “to provide service to many different people, each with different reasons and expectations.”
This will require you to consider the following:
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How to optimize your pricing strategy for all of your services
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How to implement better training programs that allow your car wash team to clean more effectively
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How to prepare your car wash for rapid growth
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What tools you need to ensure consistent efficiency year-round
Preparing for the Car Wash Industry Boom Starts Right Now
In order for your car wash to achieve maximum success, you need to use the best technology and business plan possible. MacNeil Wash Systems has assisted new car wash business owners to enter the market and become successful, while providing the same quality products and services to current car wash businesses who want to remain competitive.
To learn more about what you need to thrive in the modern car wash industry, contact MacNeil to see the equipment that’s trending right now, and get a no-obligation quote to get your business ready for the future.