I’m currently in an area of Georgia that’s experiencing rapid growth, particularly in construction. While there’s one full-service car wash about a mile away, it’s not well-recommended by the community and doesn’t show up on maps.
I’m part of a community of car enthusiasts who prefer touchless car washes, self-service bays, etc., and there’s a lack of options within a 15-20 minute radius. My background is in tech and cybersecurity, and I have the capital to invest, but limited time to manage a car wash venture.
I’m seeking advice on where to begin in this industry. I’ve researched the founders of the nearby car wash, who were former GMs of car washes, which intrigued me. I’ve done some groundwork, but I feel like I might be missing crucial insights.
Here are a couple of questions I have:

  1. Is it a viable strategy to partner with someone who has the time and skills but lacks capital in the car wash industry?
  2. What’s the recommended approach for someone like me, considering buying an existing car wash or starting one from scratch?

I’d greatly appreciate any tips or feedback. I’m open to answering any questions to provide more context if needed. Thank you for your input!

  • newbizhigh@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    You can only clean through two forms of action, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical being touching car washes. Chemical being touch-less. The only way to clean stuff chemically is to use harsher, more acidic, chemicals. Touch-less car washes are what lead to paints drying out and cracking with time. This is why your largest clientele will be people who dont really care for the condition of their vehicle, meaning they are just going through out of convenience. They will not be nice car owners from any car community. People who are into show cars/highline cars will either do it themselves or have a detailer they use. Not to say very nice cars dont go through tunnels, but in all my years(16) of experience, those are generally very cheap owners who dont actually keep great condition of their vehicles.

    Also my reference to Sky Car Wash that use to be next to Ferrari of Atlanta is to show you even a high end tunnel system couldnt make it sitting on Hwy 9 in Alpharetta next to a Ferrari dealership. I know a second company came in after Sky and didnt last but a few months. Automated car washes/tunnel systems are extremely hit and miss.