Entrepreneurship refers to starting up and operating of your own business. This is a professional endeavor that requires independence, creativity, hard work and risk taking. However, if you combine these attributes with careful planning, your ability to succeed increases dramatically. Successful entrepreneurs are pioneers who have taken risks that paid off. They know how to take a dream and make it a reality!
2. Expert Advice
Not only does Magic Wand stay on top of industry trends, we have sold thousand of car washes around the world. Magic Wand’s local representatives and management are able to meet with you to discuss your current needs as well as your long range plans. We will provide a strategic and tactical review of your business plan to maximize the potential of your success. Our investment ensures that the growth you anticipate tomorrow is considered in the design of the car wash system you purchase today.
3. Great Location
The key to great location is a steady flow of slow traffic created by other businesses, offices, residential neighborhoods and schools. Think in term of traffic density and convenient access, meaning the more cars that can easily enter and exit the location, the more opportunities for potential customers to visit your carwash. Also, remember to consider how many bays will fit on a site and the orientation of your carwash (e.g. facing the street directly or angled).
4. Detailed Business Plan
Can you imagine building a house without a blueprint? Likewise, you should never start building a business without a detailed business plan. The business plan forces you to think through strategy and answer all the tough questions before you have to face them in reality. While all aspects of a business plan are important, it is critical that you have a realistic sales and profit forecast. An unrealistically optimistic sales forecast will most likely lead your business into trouble.
5. Careful Site Planning
An efficient, customer friendly location is the goal of careful site planning. However, in addition to the building location, you must consider numerous aspects for the site to be optimally laid-out and legal. A professional site layout includes ample space around the entire building, straightforward car flow, and sufficient waiting, drying and vacuuming areas. Additionally you will need to understand zoning and easement requirements.
6. Quality Equipment
The way to make money in the carwash business is to have your operation up-and- running as often as possible. Magic Wand’s primary design focus is high reliability and durability, while some car wash equipment looks flashy. Magic Wand’s equipment is built for performance starting with a heavy grade stainless steal frame, then integrating quality components, such as CAT Pumps, Emerson or Reliance Motors, Asco Solenoid Valves, and finally prewiring the ETL/UL approved system.
7. Creative Marketing
Once you open your carwash, you need to work on marketing and advertising programs that will bring in customers. These programs don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to be creative. Advertise your new business with on-site signage. Try distributing coupons, adding a frequent-washer program, and/or partnering with local car dealerships. The important thing is to experiment with a few marketing programs until you find the ones that work for your carwash.
8. Pleasant and Clean Facility
Once you have customers coming to your carwash, it’s important that they have a good experience. First and foremost, their car must be cleaned well – so be sure all of your equipment is functioning properly and all of the chemicals are topped-up. Second, your carwash should be clean and tidy, so customers have a pleasant experience and are happy to return. Always consider your customers' total experience when they visit your location.
9. Preventive Maintenance
The best way to ensure uptime on your carwash is to complete preventive maintenance on your equipment. There is nothing more frustrating than having an unexpected shutdown due to an equipment problem, especially on a busy Saturday. Planning for preventive maintenance allows you to maintain equipment during non-peak times. Remember the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"
10. Dedicated Industry Partners
The more people that want to help your carwash be successful, the better. Your local Magic Wand representatives, along with everyone at the Magic Wand headquarters, are there to help you in any way they can. At Magic Wand, we believe in one guiding principal: do whatever it takes to help owners of Magic Wand equipment be successful. By ensuring that you are successful, we build a lifetime business relationship that benefits everyone.
Answers provided by Magic Wand Car Wash Systems
