• 84% of respondents were WCA members.
• 61.8% saw a drop in volume in 2008. Of this 61.8%, 18% saw a 10-20% decrease.
• Number one issue presenting the greatest business challenge is competition/overbuilding, followed closely by prices and management/operations.
• The number one aspect that sets businesses apart from the competition is location followed by management/operations, equipment and employees.
• In response to "What have you done to overcome the economic challenges" question, most mentioned either keeping prices the same, lowering prices or offering discounts.

Bill Watch

H.R. 1409 [111^th Congress] Employee Free Choice Act of 2009

 

  CARWASHES CAN PROSPER WHILE USING 50% LESS WATER AND PRODUCE THE SAME HIGH QUALITY WASH 

The typical automatic or tunnel wash without a water reclaim system can use 120 gallons or more of fresh water per wash, even more if a salt-based water softener and a standard reverse osmosis is part of the process.
 
Besides adjusting the carwash spray tips for volume, pressure and time, there are three unmistakable ways to make sizeable reductions in water purchases and discharge. 

• Water reclaim
• Salt-free hard water treatment
• Efficient reverse osmosis system

Consider putting into practice any one or all of these water and money saving choices to make your business more profitable.
 
Water Reclaim: A modern water reclaim system will reduce water and sewer costs by 50% to 80% with no reduction in wash quality or service.  Contemporary water recycle/reclaim systems clean 100% of dirty carwash water and one can reuse up to 80% for all rinsing requirements, except final rinses and RO feedstock.  The final rinse and RO feedstock should be fresh water.  This freshwater replenishes the reclaim water and helps make up for evaporation losses and drive-off water.
 
Salt-free hard water treatment: If you are using a salt-based water softener to protect your reverse osmosis machine (spot free) water, then you are absolutely wasting thousands of gallons of water each month in the backwashing process and contaminating the sewer with brine water.  This outdated process will soon be illegal in many areas anyway, so what are your options?
 
Replace your old water softener with a salt-free Hard Water Treatment System.   This process requires no electricity, no backwashing, and no salt.  The treatment media permanently changes the properties of calcium and magnesium in such a way that these minerals cannot and does not attach, block or adhere to RO membranes, plumbing lines, heater or boiler lines.  There are no harmful effects to this process.
 
Efficient Reverse Osmosis machine:  Want to save 7 to 10 gallons on every wash?  Install a super efficient Reverse Osmosis system that has a 75% efficiency rating. 
 
That means that you will buy 10 gallons of water to produce 7 gallons of spot free water instead of the industry average of 20 gallons of water to produce 7 gallons of spot free water.  
 
Saving 10 gallons per car may seem insignificant until you multiply that by 100,000 cars washed per year - that's a million gallons of water not wasted or paid for.
 
These technologies are reliable, effective and affordable. 
 
Just as important is the bottom line, before implementing any of them, you can accurately predict what your investment payback will be and when it will happen, based on your water/sewer rates and carwash volume.
 
Some carwashes will have a payback on investment in one to two years, but hardly any will be longer than five years.
 
Implement any one of these ideas and you will make more money while going green!
 
Alex Ryan is President of Ryan Technology, a WCA member, located in Grand Prairie, Texas. Ryan Technology is a company specializing in water reclaim systems for car, truck and bus washes, super efficient reverse osmosis systems and salt-free hard water treatment media systems serving the United States and Canada.  Alex can be contacted at 972-641-7771 or alex@ryan-technology.com or visit www.ryan-technology.com for more information.

Member Testimonial:
"I have installed all 3 systems that has been described in the article with excellent results. Not only does it save on water and potential sewer costs, but with water being the main ingredient in the wash process; it produces a higher quality finished wash product. All of my on line chemical uses are reduced and provide enhanced quality over what we previously had. Great system! It has truly helped me."  Randy Cressall, Owner, Valencia Chevron Auto Spa

1. To help prevent corrosion on metal parts and make disassembly of nuts and bolts easier use an Anti-Seize compound commonly found in auto parts stores. This is especially helpful for In-Bay Automatics.
2. Help prevent electrical shorts by using Die-electric grease on those electrical connections that are exposed to water.
3. Keep your dollar bill verifiers operating properly by performing monthly maintenance. Clean the rollers and sensors with compressed air to blow away dust, dirt and shredded bill parts from the inside of your bill verifier. A small cosmetic brush works great for cleaning those sensors. Check with your bill verifier manufacturer to see what type of cleaner to use on the rollers and belts so you won't damage the equipment.
4. In the summertime and in drought stricken areas to conserve water reduce your pump pressures to 1000 psi, change out your spray nozzles, and also use a smaller nozzle to reduce water consumption.
5. Can't see those jammed coins in your coin mechanism? Buy a small pocket mirror to reflect the backside of the coin mechanism so you can see how to un-jam the coins.
6. Keep an inventory of at least one part of everything for the machines that may breakdown on a busy day so that you are prepared to get it fixed and not lose any revenues.
7. Notch out the tips of vacuum nozzles so that your vacuums may operate more efficiently for the customer.
8. Organize your maintenance responsibilities by making a maintenance checklist for your Car Wash. A maintenance checklist is available from the WCA office.
9. Develop a refund policy so when you do have equipment failures the customer can call and report the faulty equipment and request a refund. Post signs around your car wash with your telephone number on it for customers to report equipment problems. This is a perfect time to turn an un-satisfactory experience into an opportunity by sending the customer complementary tokens, air fresheners, or gift card and establishing a database of names and addresses. The customer soon realizes how professional and attentive you were to their problem by promptly sending them their refund plus.
10. Consider switching to 1/4" high pressure hose instead of 3/8" high pressure hose so it will be lighter and easier for your customers to handle.
11. Clean your pits with the "Handi Clam" from Haines Mfg. in Marion, Ohio. This piece of equipment is like a clam shovel and works really well for cleaning your pits and troughs.
12. Tired of finding your equipment room flooding because a float valve in your rinse tank stuck open? Try putting a solenoid valve on your water line and have it open only when the pumps are working. You can activate it through your motor contactors whenever the high pressure pumps turn on. That way you have complete shut off when your system is not being used, and it takes the pressure off the float valve.
13. Refinishing your stainless steel changers can be a real chore. Here are several methods to try with good results.
    A.  Use an auto body variable speed buffer with a stainless steel cleaning compound and buff out the scratches.
    B.    On a brushed finish stainless steel, using 400 grit sand paper and sand carefully with the grain by hand. Follow up with the buffing procedure.
14. Engrave serial numbers on your vacuums or engrave some other type of your identification number so that only you can identify your equipment. Examples would be like the address of your car wash, or your car wash phone number and hide the numbers in a discreet location of the piece of equipment.
15. Consider anchoring your vacuum from the inside also so as to make it harder for a thief to steal the vacuum.
16. Install video cameras to help deter vandalism and bogus slip and fall, and property damage claims against the business owner. Cameras that are visible with signage saying that the property is under surveillance will more often than not deter criminal activity. Proper placement of covert and overt cameras is the best solution to the protection of your business.
17. Post a mission statement by your changers so that it may be visible for your customers to read and see what your car wash has  to offer and what the rules are at your car wash business.
18. Protect your coin vaults by alarming and installing a protective cover door that would sound an alarm so if a thief penetrates the cover door the alarm will sound before they get into your vaults. This also works well for your back door by installing a iron gate security door and alarming it with an audible alarm.
19. Control in bay litter by installing a litter container or basket on the wall.  Instead of the customer throwing their trash on the bay floor, make it easy and convenient for them to deposit their trash in the litter basket. Most baskets have a hinged bottom for fast and easy dumping.

In evaluating candidates for board membership, the following criteria are to be considered. Although candidates are not expected to meet all the criteria, these criteria along with consideration of Board diversity are to be given weight when identifying candidates:

• Team player
• Results oriented
• Open minded
• Strong ethics
• Integrity
• Proactive
• Creative thinker
• Proven leadership experience
• Strategic thinking/planning skills
• Strong problem solving skills
• Strong decision-making skills
• Interest in advancing the industry
• Capability to participate and commit time
• Visionary - can identify and articulate opportunity
• Interest in advancing the WCA mission and purpose
• Ability and willingness to support Association programs
• Recognition of fiduciary responsibility to the Association
• Individual's values are consistent with WCA values: integrity, social responsibility, and ethical.

Serving the WCA as a non-profit volunteer or Director is one of the best ways you have to make a difference in our association, industry and in our communities. If you decide to answer the call and submit a nomination application for consideration of being selected, you will receive the indescribable benefits of serving your fellow WCA members, your industry and public.

• Community Service Award
• Distinguished Service Award
• Hall of Fame Award
• John M Shea Award
• Special Service Award
• Rookie of the Year Award
• Manager of the Year Award
• Most Innovative Operator Award

WCA Member Spotlight

James Moore, WCA member, was featured in a Vallejo-Times Herald article March 10, 2009, for the water recycling and energy conservation at his facility. Way to go James! Thank you for being a great representative of our industry!

Water-saving AmCan car wash going up

By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer 

AMERICAN CANYON -- At first glance, the third year of a drought might not seem the best time to open a car wash, but a Vallejo man says a good look reveals it's actually the perfect time.

A former real estate investor and semi-conductor salesman, James Moore of Vallejo is building the Big Easy Car Wash in American Canyon. He said he expects the New Orleans-themed business to be up and running by May near Highway 29 and American Canyon Road.

The 37-year-old Richmond native and San Jose State University graduate said the Big Easy Car Wash will actually save water compared to washing a car in the driveway.

"Before they would even consider allowing me to build this, I had to assure city officials that we'd have zero impact on the city's water demand, that the business wouldn't draw more than its share of water," Moore said. "Seventy-five percent of the water we'll be using will be recaptured and treated on site."

Moore is building three 4,500-gallon water reclamation tanks, and plans to use potable water only for rinsing, and only at first. Eventually, a dedicated pipe being installed will allow the rinse water to be treated by the city -- using a process that produces cleaner water than Big Easy's treatment process -- and then all the water used will be reclaimed, he said.

And using recycled water isn't the only "green" aspect of the Big Easy Car Wash, Moore said.

"We're installing a canopy area for future installation of solar panels. We'll be using

energy-saving electrical sources and mini water heaters for inside the building that produce instantly hot water, thereby saving water and energy," he said.

A professional car wash uses about 50 gallons of water per car, compared to 100 to 200 gallons when washing by hose, Moore said. Plus, all that untreated, soapy water runs into the gutter and into the bay, he said. The new car wash will recapture, clean and reuse the water, he added.

And if the city of American Canyon is forced to implement mandatory water conservation measures, or raise water rates, a car wash like the Big Easy could be a money-saving option, as well, Moore said.

Wash packages at the Big Easy Car Wash, which will employ between 15 and 30 people, will cost between $7 and $40. Detailing packages will set you back between $120 to $250, Moore said.

And the Big Easy Car Wash won't be just your average car wash, either, he said.

"The Big Easy is another name for New Orleans, and we've incorporated the New Orleans style, creating a New Orleans feel to the place," Moore said.

"The logo incorporates a trumpet. There will be New Orleans jazz playing, and instruments hanging from the ceiling."

Also, the wash and detail packages are named for jazz greats, he said. "There's the Miles Davis Wash 'N Go, the Louis Armstrong Detail Center, which will feature the Hello Dolly package and an Ol' Satchmo package," Moore said.

"The gift store inside will also have a New Orleans theme. We'll have a Mardi Gras next February. We'll have free concerts in the grassy, fountain area when the weather's nice."

When Moore and his wife Tamara were considering going into the car wash business, they brainstormed theme ideas and decided the New Orleans jazz concept appealed to them most, Moore said. But he said he also considered the sensibilities of his friend and business advisor Jack Anthony, longtime owner of Seven Flags Car Wash. Anthony owns and operates three car washes in Solano County, including one in Vallejo.

But Anthony says he's fine with it. "Generally, a market area is about three miles, so he's far enough away to be out of my market area," Anthony said. "He's a nice young man, and I hope he does well."

It's a good thing, too, because that would have been a deal killer, Moore said.

"I told him, Jack, it's three miles from you. If you tell me no, I won't do it, and he said 'We'll love to have you as our neighbor,' so that's why I'm building here today," Moore said.

WHAT PRICE DETAILING SERVICES?

Bud Abraham, Cuzzin's Car Wash, Portland, Oregon

They do this because they have no clear idea of their costs of operation, and their pricing becomes a disaster for their business. For a freestanding detail operator or a mobile detail business without a fix on their operational costs they sell themselves into bankruptcy.

For the car wash operator the detail operation either makes little or no profit, or the operator leaves a lot of money on the table by pricing too low. On the other side, if an operator over-prices their detail services they will turn the customer away, never to return again because they felt they were being "ripped off."

Price Formula

The most sensible approach to pricing detail services is to determine costs of operation and attempt to determine a reasonable hourly rate for your detail work. Then calculate the time required for each service offered and price accordingly.

To price using competitors pricing can be very dangerous, because your costs of operation may be far greater than theirs, or they might be lower.

Certainly market demands can play a role in detail service pricing, but should only be considered after knowing your costs of operation.

Wholesale vs. Retail Pricing

Keep in mind that detailing has been a wholesale service, done for auto dealers to get used cars ready for resale. Because they give a detailer big volumes of vehicles they believe they are entitled to discounts, and some detailer operators are willing to do their work at extremely low prices believing that volume makes up the difference. However, this is faulty thinking because unless volume can reduce the time to do the work (which it can't) you can lose a lot of money on every wholesale vehicle you do.

For example, if you calculate your hourly rate to be $40 per hour and it takes you 2.5 hours to complete a wholesale detail that would be $100. But if the dealer only pays you $80.00 you are losing $20.00 per vehicle.

Assuming that you operate a legitimate detail business, your costs of operation will definitely be too high to allow you to price your services based on what the dealer is willing to pay you. As they say "some business is bad business," and this is a classic example.

What needs to be realized is that you are selling a legitimate automotive service whether to a dealer or a retail customer. You are providing value and quality in exchange for a reasonable price, and your price is based on what it costs you to operate the business.

So you must price your detail services as any other retail business would price.

Again, consider what competition is charging in the area, but keep in mind their pricing may be based on seat-of-the-pants estimates or their operational costs may be lower than yours.

Detail Pricing

If you plan to do dealer work you will find it difficult to justify charging more than a dealer is willing to pay because there are so many "back alley" detail operations that will take the work at "any price."

Often you can sell a dealer on your prices because you are a legitimate business, have insurance, and are dependable and reliable and do good work. Things that most "back alley" detailers do not provide.

At the retail level, hourly rate aside, there are some typical prices charged around the country for the following services (based on passenger cars only - Vans, SUV's, etc. more)

Packages:

COMPLETGE EXTERIOR DETAIL - $75.00 -$150.00 Including:  

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