1. Analysis of Competition
Naturally, the competitive environment within which you locate your car wash site is also a very important factor. One of the best ways to evaluate your local competition is to determine the total number of bays in your market area (including your proposed wash) with regard to recommended population as outlined above. Evaluate the available car wash services in and around your selected site area. Check for the quality of overall car wash performance, water pressure, chemical quality and cycle time versus costs. Observe the cleanliness of the facility and the access to an attendant for assistance. Are vacuums effective? Does it have ice-free floors in winter? Are there spray wax cycles, foaming brushes and floor mat hangers? Are there appropriate and easily accessed vending products at your disposal? These and other general observations will give you a good perspective on the current availability of car wash services with whom you will be competing for potential customers. 2. Size of the lot
Lot dimensions can vary according to the design of the carwash and the lay of the land. Many car washes have been built on lots smaller than the industry averages and have been very successful, but there are some standard guidelines on which you should base your initial site analysis. For example, a four bay wash would require a minimum site measuring approximately 100ft in width by 115ft in depth. A six bay wash would generally require a lot sized 122ft by 115ft. You should also consider that an ideal dimensional lot plan should accommodate three or more waiting vehicles per bay depending on your cities regulatory guidelines and your planned lot size. Ease of entry and exit are also important to a car wash operation. Industry averages suggest that you should allot approximately 3,000 square feet for this requirement. 3. Traffic Count
Traffic Count One of the most valuable statistical measurements you will make in performing your site feasibility studies is a trafficcount in front of your proposed site. In the car wash industry, a 1,000 vehicle count during a 24 hour period is a standard for each wash bay, Again, Pro recommends doubling these averages for maximum profit potential. Traffic count information is available from the highway department and is one of the keys in determining and preparing projections of income and volume at your car wash. But remember, a location which is traffic "jammed" may be a deterrent to your site accessibility. So evaluate this information carefully. 4. Speed of Traffic
A speed of 35 miles per hour in front of your car wash is most desirable. High speed, limited access streets of primarily to-and-from work traffic is least desirable. 5. Utilities
The availability of the required utilities is also a factor which should be researched and evaluated. Check with the various local utilities to determine whether the necessary services (electricity, storm sewer, water, natural gas, sewers, etc.) are within access of your proposed site. | 6. Social/Economic Factors
Studies by industry experts have shown that the majority of car wash users are skilled blue collar workers and professional people. Given these considerations, ideally your site should be located in a general business area surrounded by residential complexes and apartments. These types of areas will avail you of people who highly value their private transportation. However the availability of Pro's friction-free automatic bays allow you to draw customers from the entire social spectrum. This no-labor, no-touch wash operation offers females, affluent individuals and older citizens a car wash option that does not necessitate leaving their car, thereby opening up your customer base beyond the self-serve options you will have in place. 7. Setbacks and Estimates
Before you make any final decision about lot placement, be sure you obtain a survey indicating the overall property dimensions and any existing property line setbacks or easements to aid in building placement and general site specifications. The omission of this important phase of your plan could cause serious problems in your commercial location if not taken into consideration early in your site planning. 8. Zoning
Before progressing too far with your site plans, check with your city's zoning department to assure that your selected site is properly zoned for a Pro car wash. 9. Property Costs
Certainly the cost of the property on which you build your Pro car wash is a major consideration. Although a Pro car wash will generate an excellent income, it does not have the ability to support any property investment, regardless of cost. A conservative formula for calculating the cost of affordable property is 15% of the projected monthly gross income. You should remember that good commercial property is a finite commodity. Consequently, the property will probably appreciate faster than the wash itself. Another consideration relative to the cost of the land should bethe possibility of installing Pro's friction-free automatic bay. Our marketing studies have indicated that our automatic bays will generate 3-5 times more volume than that of a self service bay. It is not unreasonable to assume that additional land expense can be allowed for this additional income. This means that four self-service bays and two automatic bays can equal a six-bay building but ten bays to 12 bays of normal self-service income. As you are probably now well aware, there are a number of variables in the selection of a good site for your future Pro car wash. But don't be overwhelmed with the length and depth of the necessary analysis. Your Pro Equipment Co. representative will be more than happy to aid you in all phases of your site selection and planning so that you can feel secure in your choice of the proper car wash location and your successful ownership of a pro car wash.
 |
