Entry into the self-service wash system business

Whether a single-space system or a car wash park, investing in a self-service wash system requires good planning, from choosing the right site and calculating the costs to the size and equipment of the facility. The following contains an overview of the factors that operators should take into consideration in order to find a profitable solution for their requirements.

Anyone planning to enter the self-service wash system business should obtain an overview of the site, costs andprofitability beforehand. Experienced system operators are available to advise investors during the planning phase.

Compact self-service wash systems where space is limited

Limited space: Compact self-service wash systems

For sites with limited space available, compact and individually configurable one- or two-bay wash systems are suitable. They allow the installation of a complete self-service wash system on minimum space. For service stations, such facilities provide a profitable secondary business.

Program selection for a self-service wash system

Selecting a programme

The number of expected washes depends on various factors. An important influencing factor is the programme selection available to the car wash customers. In the case of self-service wash systems, numerous programmes can usually be offered – in addition to pre-spray programmes for wheel rims or insects, the high-pressure cleaning and the area of the wash brush are a must. In addition, there are programmes for rinsing with osmosis water, which allow stain-free drying. A practical arrangement of the programmes on the control terminal and suggestions for the step-by-step sequence of exclusive and premium washes additionally help car wash customers and facilitate the operation.

Time and prices for a self-service wash system

Timing and pricing

Beside the programme selection, timing and costs for the individual wash programmes must also be specified so that they are profitable for the operator. For high-pressure cleaning and brush washing, a time cycle of 120 seconds is recommended. For programmes such as rim cleaning, 60 seconds is sufficient.

Payment systems for self-service wash systems

Payment system: From coins to contactless payments

There are various possibilities and systems for paying for vehicle washes in self-service wash bays: Coins, card payment, wash cards from companies or mobile phones. However, the use of cashless solutions as an appropriate payment method is clearly the trend. External payment systems can therefore also usually be connected, in addition to coin solutions. Payment via RFID (customer cards) or with EC/credit cards is thus possible. Systems that allow cashless payment can often also be retrofitted.

Benefits of cashless payment systems:

Operators benefit from the digital systems, which compile more information on customers' washing behaviour. The evaluation of central key figures also provides a good overview of the capacity utilisation and economic viability of individual service locations. Cashless systems also reduce the risk of theft. For customers, the advantages are clear. The payment process becomes significantly quicker and more convenient, as no small change is required and no money needs changing.

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