todayâ€™s modern car wash - automate usa

While many businesses pro-duce profits, the self-servicecar wash business can be a

highly profitable business. The carwash industry is a unique one. Itoffers high income potential by allowing for low labor cost and inventory. Owning a car wash can beexpanded into related areas such asfull service, exterior automatic anddetail centers.

Today’s Modern Car WashIn the beginning, self-service carwashes offered limited services whichwere simply high pressure wash andrinse with vacuums for the inside ofthe vehicle. Today, the car wash facility has developed into a completecar care center with a wide range of

services andincome produc-

ing options thatare available.

Today’s consumer islooking for value and

quality service for theircar cleaning needs.The self-service carwash provides themwith just that.

In-Bay AutomaticWith today’sdemands on timeand convenience,an in-bay auto-matic proves to be

an essential compo-nent for successful

modern car washes. It is convenientand takes less time than self-servewashing. Over 43% of self-servelocations have an in-bay automaticwash. One in-bay automatic typicallygenerates the income of 3-5 self-serve bays. With that kind of incomepotential in a single bay, selecting theright in-bay automatic is very impor-tant.

When considering an in-bay automat-ic, it is important to understand thedifferent types. In-bay automatics areclassified into two categories:touch-free or friction.

Touch-Free AutomaticA touch-free automatic uses high-pressure passes and cleaning agents

to clean the vehicle. No equipmentcomes into contact with the vehicle ina touch-free automatic. Touch-freeautomatics provide a high qualitywash in little time. A typical washtakes on average between 2 and 5minutes depending on the optionsthat were selected. With that conven-ience, customers are able to get inand out and be on their way.

Friction AutomaticsFriction automatic utilizes top andside brushes that rotate and makecontact with the vehicle in order toclean it. Friction automatics can alsoutilize high-pressure passes andcleaning agents in combination withthe brushes to aid in the cleaningprocess.

One in-bay automatic typically generates theincome of 3-5 self-servebays.

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Both friction andtouch-free auto-matics have lowoperating costs,are easy to oper-ate, convenient forcustomers and canbe operated with-out an on-siteattendant.

To maximize yourcarwash potential, itis important to

choose an automaticthat is loaded with features

and options that customerscan choose from. Features that,

not only provide a clean vehicle,but also, put on a good show,making the car wash a fun

experience!

Features like:

• Hot Foamy Presoak• Tire Cleaner Applicators On-Board• Undercarriage Wash• Scrubbing Action Oscillating

High Pressure Wash and Rinse• Soft Touch Brushes• Rocker Panel Sprayers• Wheel Brushes• Triple Shine Foaming Conditioner• Sizes the Vehicle - Length and

Height• Spot-Free Rinse• On-Board Blowers• Rollover Design for Faster Wash

Cycle

Entrance ControllersOffering an automatic entrance controller at an automatic bay compliments the entire package. Itwelcomes customers with a vibrantgreeting and gives them instructionsand options. With an automaticentrance controller, the customer isgiven several payment options andthe average per wash income is

increased when customers can paywith credit cards, coins, bills, usercodes or any combination of thereof.

All components needed to create aunique wash experience that willkeep them coming back.

It’s true! The self-service car washbusiness can be very profitable. Ofcourse, profitability depends on a fewcontributing factors.

Location, competition, equipment,services, appearance and manage-ment are just some of the factors thatlead to a profitable location.Many ask how the self-service carwash business can be so profitable.Here’s how:• Low labor cost...typically

only one part- time employee• Low direct operating cost• Cash only...coin/token/credit

card operated machines means no account receivables and no personal checks

• Customer provides labor• Inventory is small• Open 24 hours a day• You control prices for special

promotions• Not just a seasonal business....car

washes are used year round• Broad target market....anyone

who owns a vehicle, regardless of age, income or gender

• Fixed costs such as bookkeep-ing and insurance are minimal

Why do so many people invest in theself-serve car wash business?• High rate of return on initial

investment• Easy management• Minimal labor issues• No cash flow or inventory

control problems• Cash business - no accounts

receivable

• 15.3 years old• 5 self-serve bays• 6 vacuums• 7.5 mile estimated

market radius• Serves an estimated

market population of 64,588

• Competes against 3.3 other self-serve bays

• Charges 36.0 cents per minute

• 38% Average operating expense(excluding debt service)

• 62% Average net income

Choose an automatic thatis loaded with featuresand options that cus-tomers can choose from.

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• Tax incentives• Expansion Opportunities

The Price is RightThe cost of owning a self-service carwash system can vary, depending onland, number of bays, building struc-ture and a few other factors. You mayalready own land, if not, purchasingor leasing property will be added toyour cost of investment. Buildingstructure, of course, will vary becauseof local building codes which mayrequire you to use certain materials.You should consult with your equip-ment supplier regarding constructioncost and what material you shoulduse. In addition to the car wash baysthemselves, you should always installthe maximum number of income pro-ducing equipment the property willallow. With the best locations bring-ing a premium price you will want to

get income from as many sources aspossible.

Keep an Eye on CompetitionThe competition plays an importantrole in your marketing plans whenoperating a self-service car wash.

Evaluate other car washes. What doyou think attracts customers to theother sites? What do you think mayturn away customers? Most impor-tantly, what can you do to make yourcar wash better?

Appearance is important. You mayhave the best equipment that theindustry offers, but if you keep a dirtyplace and muddy floors, chances arethat you could lose business.Good service, a well-maintained site,and quality equipment will keep cus-tomers coming to your car wash

Legal & Accounting 1.12%Advertising 1.12%Supplies 10.50%Maintenance & Repairs .99%Gas 2.19%Electricity 4.19%Water 4.14%Insurance 1.60%Trash .70%Taxes 2.20%Pit Service 1.12%Telephone .87%Labor 8.14%Total% of Operating Expense 39.6%

Expenses will vary depending on climate, area,cost of utilities, cost of taxes, cost of labor, etc.

Get income from as manysources as possible.

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and quality equipment will keep cus-tomers coming to your car washrather than the competitors.Our suggestion is to test your compe-tition using all of their services. Thenevaluate each of them by answeringthe following questions:• Is your vehicle clean and free of

dirt?• Are the painted surfaces film-free?• Are your whitewalls white.....are

tires clean?• Are your chrome and bumpers

shining bright?• Was the vacuum’s suction strong

enough to pick up all carpet dirt?• Was the site free of trash and mud?• Do they offer fragrance, shampoo

ers and other value added services?

Make Your Services the BestYou must keep old customers as wellas make new customers, so yourphysical appearance is very impor-tant. Keep your exterior signagemaintained and keep your site trash-free. An attractive car wash will bringin customers.

Your easy-to-read in-bay instructionalsignage will also help keep cus-tomers coming back. When the sig-nage begins to fade, rust, chip orscratch, they become hard to read.

Replacing them and keeping themclean and up to date will ensurerepeat business.

The bay marketing meter, like therest of the signs, should be clean andattractive. The decals on the baymeter should be colorful and easy toread. The countdown display timer isplaced on the face of the bay meterindicating the amount of time remain-ing. These countdown timers arealso accumulative timers allowing thecustomer to add coins during thecycle. It should include the price andtime of the cycle and the servicesthat are offered in regard to eachcycle.

Methods of Payment With electronic coin acceptors andbill acceptors at each bay, vacuum orvendor, customers can pay for timeand services with different coin typesor bills.

Just as pay-at-the-pump is a must atconvenience stores, credit cardacceptance at self-service car wash-es is another added feature that cantake your wash to the next level.Customers typically spend an addi-tional 25% when paying with creditcard. Whether you’re using a centralcredit card acceptor like JCC’sSwipe-N-Clean or the Swipe at theBay system, you’ve now made it veryeasy for customers to spend moremoney at your site.

The bay marketing meters appear-ance and ease of instruction shouldnot be overlooked. It should be as it’sname implies….marketing your serv-ices.

Space Allocation on the PropertyWhen laying out the wash on apotential site, there are a few factorsto consider.• Stack up space. There should be

An attractive appearance,quality washing and avariety of services all cre-ate a high performancecar wash business thatwill rise above the com-petition.

Some owners incorporate a theme intotheir site for creative marketing.

Swipe-At-The Bay Meter accepts cashand credit cards.

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enough stacking room for at least twovehicles for each bay.• Turning radius. Allow adequateturning radius area at the entranceand exit of the wash bay.• Vacuum area. Vacuums are bestutilized when located in a highly visi-ble area such as along the front of theproperty. Allow room for at least 11/2 vacuums per bay.The typical wash bay is 16’ wide and12’ in height. Length will varydepending on the type of automaticand whether the dryers are on-boardor free standing. Work with your distributor if you have smaller dimen-sions. How the complete wash ispositioned on your property is a keyfactor for maximizing your incomepotential. (Ask for our SITE PLANSCD.) Please allow Jim ColemanCompany or a member of our distrib-utor family to assist you in thisprocess. Provide us with a copy ofyour property survey, and we will

work with you to get the most out ofyour site.

Let’s BuildYour self-service car wash should bedesigned to be a permanent struc-ture....one that enhances the sur-rounding architecture....a building thatstands out among the crowd andinvites you in. It should be builtstrong and durable to handle localweather conditions outside while pro-tecting itself from the harsh environ-ment inside the wash bay.

StyleThe building design of your self-servecar wash can reflect your personality.In today’s market, some washes takeon a theme. This will definitely setyou apart from your competition.Whether its ‘50’s sock hop, amedieval castle, a lighthouse orsomething of your own creation, mar-keting your wash using a unique

Not including setbacks and easements.

4 Bays w/1 Automatic = 16,500 sq. ft.(110’ Frontage x 150” Deep)







Customers typically spendan additional 25% whenpaying with credit card.

Electronic vending islands add an oppor-tunity for another profit center.

Colorful awnings can help attract busi-ness and brighten up your site.

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theme can be very effective at bring-ing in customers. The additionalbuilding costs involved in constructionmust be factored in to your return oninvestment estimates.

WallsCommon wall construction methodsinclude brick, block, or ceramic-facedblock. These products offer the dura-bility mentioned above and come in avariety of textures and colors. Someoperators choose to build with stan-dard concrete masonry units (CMU’s)and apply a fiberglass panel or sprayon coating on the interior bay walls.The exterior is often a different prod-uct that expresses the overall lookyou desire for your wash.

RoofLocal building codes, area weatherconditions and the overall look of yourwash will dictate the roof systemdesign. Designs can include decora-tive fascia and backlit awnings thatsurround the building. These areideal for marketing your wash.

Your design may include a gable roofsystem, which is great for colderweather climates. They allow for acrawl space that can house hoses

and cables needed for each bay. Thecrawl space keeps you out of in-cli-mate weather if service is needed inthat area. Jim Coleman Companyand your local distributor can provideyou with building plan options andideas. They will work with you toinsure your structure meets localbuilding codes and equipmentrequirements. Refer to Jim ColemanCompany’s “Car Washes Around theWorld” for a variety of design ideas.

Steps to Building a Car WashThe following is a list of the typicalsteps you will follow when building aself-serve car wash. (Proper zoning isassumed.)1) Estimate cost of construction at$75-90,000.00 per self-serve bayand $150-210,000.00 per automaticbay (includes equipment) and com-plete site analysis questionnaire forreturn on investment estimates.2) Obtain a water, sewer, electric andgas availability letter from local utilityauthorities.3) Select equipment supplier.4) Work with local architect/engineerand equipment supplier to discusslocal building codes and necessaryutility requirements.5) Architect/engineer draws completeset of building plans.6) Submit plans to city for permittingand to potential contractors for con-struction bidding.7) Finalize equipment order and selectbuilding contractor.8) Obtain building permit and startconstruction9) Make application for utilities...gas,electric and water/sewer.10) Complete construction and installcar wash equipment.11) Utilities turned on and car washequipment started up.12) Obtain occupancy permit andopen your car wash for business!

A well-groomed site is a must for a suc-cessful car wash.

Placing vacuums near the front of thewash help when promoting your vacs.

Clean bay walls as well as instructionalboards aid in the overall appearance ofyour site.

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Other Factors to ConsiderZoningYour selected site should be properlyzoned. Legalities in zoning ordi-nances should be reviewed.Speed LimitsA high-speed traffic area may not bethe place for a car wash because itmay be difficult to enter and exit thewash. The ideal speed limit is 25-35mph.TrafficThough a high traffic area may beideal, a very heavy traffic in urbanareas may not, especially near inter-sections.Property CostsYou may buy or lease your property.Usually, a property purchase is a goodinvestment. However, leasing com-mercial property is an alternativechoice if you have limited capitalresources.Commercial property prices vary fromcity to city and street to street.Because the property itself mayappreciate rapidly, it maybe wise to purchase amore expensivelot in

order to get that “perfect location.”Of course, you must justify the prop-erty cost with your gross income.Lot SizingTo calculate the number of bays yourcar wash will have, you must considerthe size of your lot and the demo-graphics. Lot sizes must factor insetbacks and easements. See chartfor estimated property sizes (page 5).

Turn on the LightSince car washes operate 24 hours aday, good lighting is important to gen-erate attention at night and to makecustomers feel safe.There are two basic types of lightingused in a car wash. Fluorescentlighting is the most economical butmust be protected by some type ofenclosure due to the overspray fromthe car wash. The other type of light-ing is HID (high intensity light dis-charge). If you choose to use HIDlighting, the best choice will be themetal halide type because of thewhite light it emits. These lights maybe used in the wash bay and are rec-ommended to be used as flood andarea lights.Whichever lighting you choose toinstall, a minimum of 450 watts is

sufficient, however, we recom-mend between 600-900 watts oflights per bay.

Show Me the WayEasy to read, graphically attractive

signage contribute to the success ofa car wash. Instructional and promo-tional signage, especially on theinside of the bay, is extremely impor-tant. Directional signs on the outsideof the bay are also important so thatthe customer knows where to enterand exit or where each service islocated. For added attraction, somecar wash owners have installed largeilluminated signs in front. It is com-mon for a city to have limits onsquare footage of signage allowed.

Good lighting is important togenerate attention at nightand to to make customers

feel safe.

Lighted awnings help customers withinterior cleaning at nighttime use.

Overall lighting at your carwash addssafety for your customers.

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Check with your city before purchas-ing signs.Illuminated signs will create attractionand help business during the eveningand night hours. Also, a reader boardsign allows you to promote wash“specials” and other activities. Theyprovide the opportunity to pass on amessage to potential customers. Anumber of car wash operators usethe reader board as a sort of commu-nity bulletin board. Members of thecommunity are then continuallydrawn to your wash to see “what’shappening.” Attractive landscapingenhances the appearance and curbappeal of your car wash.

Marketing Your Car WashMarketing is an essential part of thesuccess of your car wash. It distin-guishes you from the next car wash.So, how do you create an image foryour site? Just follow the “4 P’s:”product, promotion, price and place.

PRODUCT: Know and define yourproduct, which are vehicle washingservices. By offering as many in-bayservices as you can, you not only givethe customer choices, you give thema complete car wash package.Specialty finishes like TripleShineFoaming Conditioner and Spot-FreeRinse give a customer the ultimatefinish in car care. Don’t just put vacu-ums at your site, install combinationvacuums and fragrance machines orcarpet shampooers. Therefore, youcan market your car wash with awide selection of services.

PROMOTION: A full time promotion-al program will allow you to continuethe flow of new customers to yourwash. Jim Coleman Company’sSwipe-N-Clean credit card accept-ance system and Mail-A-Card orPromo Card programs are excellentprograms for promoting grand open-ings, seasonal promotions and dis-

counted wash incentives. The systemwill create a database of customerswho have used your wash with acredit card, codes or a pre-paidaccount. Ask your JCC distributorabout the dozens of ways to marketyour wash with Swipe-N-Clean.

PRICE: In the car wash industry,prices are normally stable. However,you may have some competition onthe price alone. If this is the case,visit your “lower price” competitorand see what their customers aregetting for their money. It could bedeceiving. Adjusting your time withthe turn-on price can sometimesmarket your car wash in the rightdirection.

PLACE: It cannot be said enough: thethree most important factors in a carwash site are location, location andlocation. Though you may not have tobe located on “Main Street,” a mainstreet can be the key to success. Youmust be seen.

What is a good location?

• A location that can be seen bythe motoring public.

• Close to neighborhoods since people usually wash their vehicles close to their home.

• Near apartments, town homes and condominiums because of multiple families.

• High traffic areas such as shopping areas and restaurants.

• Have good ingress and egress.

These suggestions are all importantwhen evaluating a car wash site.However, they are all not mandatoryto ensure a successful business,especially in smaller communities.Your marketing strategy depends onyour services and equipment, yourcompetition, your location, and yourcommunity. Once you have analyzed

Using colored tile in your architecture canadd uniqueness to your wash.

Awnings over vending area help promoteand advertise your products.

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these, it makes the marketing andpromoting much easier.

Sell More, Make MoreWhat must you offer to totally satisfyyour customers’ demands? Today ittakes more than soap and water.They are there to clean their vehicle,inside and out, and you are there tooffer them the highest level of per-formance available in a self-servicecar wash. Call them accessories orcall them necessities.... this is whatthe modern, high quality self-servicecar wash is offering today. Featuressuch as:

Water SoftenerDepending on water conditions inyour area, some locations require awater softener. A water softeningsystem will remove damagingminerals from the water, enhancingthe cleaning ability of detergents andincreasing the life of water heatersand pumps.

Water HeatersDepending on local climate condi-tions, water heaters may be required.They provide hot water which greatlyimproves the performance of alldetergents.

Countdown Display TimersThe timer shows the customer howmuch time he or she received at thepoint the equipment starts to operate.With one minute remaining, a hornsounds while the digital display flash-es, thus allowing the customer todeposit additional coins before thetime expires.

Foaming Tire CleanerClean tires are just as important asclean cars. This cycle will clean tireswith a foaming chemical that pene-trates the tires to loosen up roadgrime.

Foaming Engine CleanerThis speaks for itself. This especiallydesigned emulsifying chemical ispurely for cleaning the grease andgrime that has accumulated on avehicle’s engine.

Bug RemoverThis cycle loosens bugs’ bodies andbird droppings. Without this,a car’s paint can be seriously dam-aged from the acids that exist indecaying bugs.

Pre-Soak CyclePre-soak is a concentrated detergentsolution. It is used to loosen dirt andbreak down road film. It is the mostimportant ingredient on the road to aclean vehicle.

High Pressure SoapPresent from the beginning of selfserve car washing, high-pressuresoap is still used at every self-servicecar wash. Even with the popularity ofthe foaming brush, high-pressuresoap is used everywhere on the vehi-cle from tires to engines. High-pres-sure soap is widely used on trailers,boats and motorcycles.

Foaming BrushesWhat an invention! The foamingbrush is one of the greatest money-makers in the self-serve car washbusiness. Customers love it becausewith very little soap, cold water andcompressed air, we can create all thesuds a customer needs to scrub theirvehicle. The operators love it becauseit increases gross income, and itbrings back more customers.Triple-Color Foam BrushThe Triple-Color Foam Brush Systemfor the self-service bays combinesthree bright and attractive coloreddetergents with a patented applica-tion device. Customers love the rain-bow of colors created by the swirlingof the brush.

Tire Cleaner helps in getting rid of roadgrime.

Foaming Brush is a great money makerin the self-serve bay.

Select-N-Touch Bay Meters are easy touse and add color to the bay.

Foaming Conditioner helps guard againstnature’s elements.

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High Pressure RinseThis cycle is also a basic service.Whether a foaming brush or high-pressure soap is used, every cus-tomer will use high-pressure cleanrinse. Because cold water is recom-mended, this will save energy.

Foaming ConditionerThis cycle conditions the vehicleguarding against nature’s elements.It is delivered through a speciallydesigned wand meant only for foaming conditioner.

TripleShine®This foaming conditioner createsthree bright colors of foam and theresult is one deep, long lasting pro-tective shine. This unique formula ofconditioner helps in removing stub-born road grime and guards againstU.V. rays. The 3 colors, red, blue andgold, put on a dazzling show thatentertains all age customers whileperforming its designed use.

Clear Coat ProtectantThis feature gives the vehicle a“coat” of protection sealing in theconditioner. It adds protective shineas well.

High Pressure WaxApproximately one-fifth of the cus-tomers use high-pressure wax,increasing the average income pervehicle.

Spot-Free RinseDue to dissolved solids in the water,Spotting may occur after washing andrinsing. To eliminate spotting, spot-free rinse can be applied. The spot-free rinse uses pure water at low ormedium pressure. The water in thiscycle is put through a reverse osmosis water purification system,removing the dissolved solids, thussolving the problem of spotting.

VacuumsVacuums have proven to be a veryprofitable source of income and arewidely used in today’s car wash. Apowerful vacuum cleaner will cleanthe interior of a vehicle with ease.

Fragrance MachinesFragrance machines are widely usedin today’s car washes. Applying afragrance in the car will make it smellas clean as it looks. Having thesemachines in your car wash will pro-vide an excellent source of profit.

Carpet ShampooersA modern car wash should not bewithout a carpet shampooer. Thecarpet shampooer machine dispensesa hot, thick shampoo from a brush tothoroughly clean carpets and car inte-riors. With the customer payingaround two dollars to shampoo hiscar, the owner’s cost is about tencents, making the shampooer one ofthe most profitable machines in a carwash. Trash can covers with matclamps on them work great for cus-tomers shampooing their mats.

Vacuum Combination Units - EarnEven More!To get the maximum return on vacu-ums, fragrance machine and sham-pooers you should use combinationunits. For example a vacuum/fra-grance or vacuum/shampooer combi-nation unit usually will return approxi-mately 15-20% more revenue thanwhen installed as separate pieces ofequipment. This is due to moreimpulse buying by the customerwhen both services are available inone location.

VendingVending machines selling productssuch as fragrance, window cleaner,Armor All® and towels are anotherway to increase revenue in yourself-service car wash. For the

Signage on the bay walls help in promot-ing the products.

Offering High Pressure Wax can add prof-its to your site.

Spot-Free Rinse uses pure water to helpin eliminating spots.

Powerful vacuums have proven to be avery profitable for your car wash.

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The concept of the self serve carwash has been around for years sothat customers can choose the cycles of the wash and spend asmuch time as needed to clean their vehicle. Today’s self servewash has as many options such as TripleShine, Bug Remover, ClearCoat Protectant and Spot-Free Rinse. Vacuum Islands add a greatearning potential as well as vending islands for interior cleaning.Some sites also include an automatic bay giving the site even moreattraction and income earnings.

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Having an automatic-only car wash oradding an automatic bay to your self-servewash attracts a different kind of customer,one that wants a clean car fast withoutgetting out of the car, saving time andoffering convenience to your customer.Automatic bays typically generate 3-5times the amount of income as comparedto a self-serve bay. Entrance controllers complimen your car wash bygreeting and guiding your customer to asuccessful and pleasing wash experience.

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Combination washes are the latest and greatest on themarket today. Why? Because your customer has a choicebetween a friction wash or a touchless automatic wash,and customers love choices. The combination wash offersthe best of both worlds with either high pressure washingwithout the brushes or high powered cleaning of rotatingbrushes. With low operating costs and ease of operation,the combination wash system is a great choice for themodern car wash site.

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Friction-only wash systems arealso low in operating costs andeasy to operate. These systemsgive customers the effectivecleaning using speciallydesigned brushes that glideover the vehicle’s surface,enhancing their gloss and luster.Like the touchless automaticand the combination units, thefriction unit offers performanceoptions such as high pressurewash, hot wax, TripleShine and

Spot-Free Rinse. These units areprogrammable to fit your washneeds and to maximize profits.Many features and options areavailable in a friction wash, sooffering the best and the mostwill only increase your incomepotential. Some popular choicesare Wheel Brush System, HighPressure Wash, Undercarriage,and Foaming Tire CleanerApplicator.

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innovative owner, electronic vendingislands offer the customer one pointof payment for up to 10 differentproducts. Through electronic vending,the customer can now pay with multi-ple types of coins, bills or use theSwipe-N-Clean or Swipe at the Bay topurchase vending items with a creditcard.

Bill ChangerBill changers are a must at any self-serve car wash. Customers needchange most of the time. Having areliable bill changer will bring cus-tomers back and new customers in ifthey know they can easily obtainchange for their bills. We suggest abill changer dispensing quarters anddollar coins as well as a bill-to-billchanger. Bill to bill lets the customerexchange a 10 or 20-dollar bill tosmaller denomination bills.

Swipe-N-Clean® Credit CardServiceOffering credit card at your car washnot only gives your customer a choiceof payment, but also increases busi-ness. Credit card customers will buymore services and spend moreon those services than typical cashcustomers. The credit card capabilitygives your car wash the image ofinnovation.

Swipe at the BayCard acceptors at each bay, vacuumor vendor gives customers the inde-pendence and simplicity to purchaseyour products and services using theircredit card. Practically guaranteeingan increase in usage and income.

Entry Wizard and Entry Wizard 2.0The Entry Wizards are entrance con-trollers for automatic car washes.Both units feature and ergonomicallydesigned face panel that is inviting,easy to use and provides the cus-tomer with a pleasant payment expe-

rience. The units offer the customerthe option to pay with their choice ofcredit card, coins, bills, codes or anycombination thereof. In addition, thesystem allows you to promote otherproducts and services your site has tooffer such as Fleet Accounts, PrePayAccounts, and Gift Certificates. Thecode ability allows you to market yourcarwash using Direct Mail, PromoCards and Coupons. Offering anentrance control at a location meansa faster return for the investor.

Water Wizard 2.0 In-Bay Touch-Free AutomaticMotorists looking to clean their vehi-cle quickly and with minimal effortare another group of customers. Yourself-serve car wash can attract thesecustomers if your wash has an in-baytouch-free automatic. In just a fewshort minutes, customers can have aclean vehicle and be on their waywithout ever having to get out of theircar. Though, most in-bay automat-ics do

notrequire anattendant, we recom-mend having the automatic bayattended, especially during busytimes.

FusionX and eFusion SparklesoftSystemsThe FusionX Combination WashSystem includes the tremendous

Offering credit card services gives customers a choice of payment.

Electronic Vending Islands dispense interior cleaning products.

Bill acceptors help increase revenue.

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cleaning ability of the Water Wizard2.0 Touch-free unit with the additionalcleaning power of a three-brushdesign soft touch wash including ourunique SparkleSoft material.Customers have the choice of a softtouch brush wash, touch-free washonly or a combination of both.The eFusion uses the sameSparkleSoft brushes to effectivelyclean a vehicle. SparkleSoft is astrong, hushed and delicate productthat glides over the vehicle’s surface,enhancing its gloss and luster, washafter wash. The system is extremelyversatile with many performanceoptions. The eFusion is programma-ble to fit all of your wash needs andto maximize your profits.

The Advantage of anAttendantA car wash should be attended toevery day. Some car washes may need only a part-time attendant whileothers may need a full-time atten-dant. Whatever your needs, a goodattendant is responsible for keepingthe car wash clean and free of trash,maintaining equipment, keep changein the bill changer, and assist cus-

tomers if they need help.Every car wash needs an attendant,this will help in maintaining an attrac-tive, quality service car wash.Customers are more comfortableknowing an attendant is there.Consequently they will use the washmore often increasing your income.

Are You Ready?Now that you are armed with basicinformation about self-serve carwashing, you are ready to get startedon the road to owning a successfulcar wash. The Jim ColemanCompany has been involved in everyaspect of this industry for over 40years. We have the personnel andthe experience to assist you.For the name of a distributor nearyou, please contact us by phone, e-mail or come by and see us at ouroffice in Houston, TX. We would loveto have you. Check us out on theweb at www.jcolemanco.com. Ourstaff stands ready to work with you todevelop a successful wash. From thesite analysis to turning on the equip-ment, we’re there to help.

How Does Your PropertyMeasure UpUse the following worksheet to evalu-ate you car wash property. Pleaseuse correct, factual data whenanswering the population and trafficcounts questions. Proper manage-ment of a location can influence thesuccess of a location tremendously.If you need help in answering thequestions on this survey, do not hesti-tate to ask Jim Coleman Company.Note that this is only an estimatedfigure to help you in planning, andin no way is a guarantee of actualperformance.

Water Wizard 2.0 Touchless Automatic

eFusion in-by automatic uses brushes foroptimal cleaning.

FusionX is a combination wash wherethe customer can choose between touchless and friction/brushes.

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LOCATION/SITE ANALYSIS SELF-SERVE/HAND BAYS

CUSTOMER: LOCATION:ADDRESS: DATE:Location Analysis calculations are based on national averages. It is merely intended as a guideline and is not a guarantee ofsuccess. Many factors can influence the success of a location that are not mentioned or questioned in this analysis. For themost accurate analysis, please obtain true and correct traffic and population counts. If you need assitance with this, pleasecall Jim Coleman Company or your local JCC distributor. No guarantee of income, expenses, or profit is made or implied byJim Coleman Company.

Traffic Count (Choose One)1,000 cars per day per bay 101,500 cars per day per bay 152,000 cars per day per bay 202,500 cars per day per bay 253,000 cars per day per bay 303,500 cars per day per bay 35Commuter or tourist traffic -10

Total Traffic Count Points

Speed Limit (Choose One)25-35 mph 1035-40 mph 5Over 40 mph 0Over 40 mph w/turning lane 5

Total Speed Limit Points

Customer Access (Mark all that apply)Property on corner lot 5Traffic light stop sign within one block 5Traffic light or stop sign more than one block -3One curbcut used for both entrance and exit -3One entrance and one exit 3Property has two entrances and two exits 7Property on divided street -3Blvd. - no cross access -20Blvd. - w/cross access at site 10Traffic has turning lane from both directions 5Property has two car stack-up room 5

Total Customer Access Points

Visibility (Mark all that apply)Sign visible both direction 500 feet 5Sign visible both directions 300 feet 3Bays facing street entrance 10Bays perpendicular to street -2Drive-in and back out-bays -15Lot uphill or downhill from street -5

Total Visibility Points

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Neighborhood shopping strip (within sight of location) 5Multiply # of franchise store by 2 (within sight of location)Lot located on large shopping mall 5

Total Local Business Factors Points

Competition (Choose One)If modern, up-to-date S/S car wash within 2 mile radius,deduct 1 point per bayEnter number of competing bays within 1 mile (deduct 2 points per bay)If no competing bays within 2 miles, add 10 points 10

Total Competition Points

Community Population (Choose One)1,000 per bay in 3-mile radius 51,500 per bay in 3-mile radius 102,000 per bay in 3-mile radius 152,500 per bay in 3-mile radius 203,000 per bay in 3-mile radius 253,500 per bay in 3-mile radius 30

Total Community Population Points

Community Growth (Choose One)Growth prevalent 5Community stable 3Community changing-declining area -5

Total Community Growth Points

Community Profile (Mark all that apply)Apartments nearby 5Small single family housing 3Street parking 2Middle to lower income area 3Upper income area 5Dirt roads in area 7Potholes and broken pavement 4Good roads -3Winter salt on streets 5Heavy seasonal rainfalls -5

Total Community Profile Points

TOTAL POINTS

SCOREYOURSITE

120+Build It!

100-119Very Good

80-99Good

70-79Fair

69 and below

Poor

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Traffic Count5,000 vehicles per day 37,500 vehicles per day 610,000 vehicles per day 912,500 vehicles per day 1215,000 vehicles per day 1517,500 vehicles per day 1820,000 vehicles per day 2122,500 vehicles per day 2425,000 vehicles per day 27

Site InformationCommuter or Tourist Traffic -18Traffic Speed 35 and Under 3Traffic Speed Over 35 - 3Automatic Attended Everyday 5Automatic Attended Weekends Only 2Stack Up Space 1-2 Vehicles - 2Stack Up Space 3-4 Vehicles 3Stack Up Space 5 or More Vehicles 5Left Hand Turn Bay Entry 1Entrance Controller Accepts Credit Cards 3Entrance Controller Accepts Fleet Account Codes 2Ongoing Marketing Program 2

Total Site Information Points

Competing BaysCompeting Touchless Bays Within 1 Mile (deduct 3 points per bay)Competing Friction Bays Within 2 Mile (deduct 1 point per bay)

TOTAL LOCATION FACTOR POINTS

SCORE YOUR SITE..........

40-50 POINTS BUILD IT!30-39 POINTS VERY GOOD20-29 POINTS GOOD10-19 POINTS FAIR

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Over the past few years, the car wash industry has evolved and changed. Today’s car wash offers moreservices and options to suite a wide range of customers. Self-serve car washes are open 24 hours,used throughout the year and are popular across the country. Customers see value in a self-serve carwash, which keeps them coming back for more and in turn, keeps operators in business.

The following information is courtesy of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s 2007 Self-ServeCarwashing Benchmarking Survey and may be helpful as a new investor to the business.

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Self-Serve PricingMost Common price/time combinationsCombination % of respondents

$1.50/4 minutes 13.8%

$2.00/4 minutes 14.9%

$1.00/4 minutes 5.3%

$1.00/2 minutes 5.3%

$0.25/<2 minutes 5.3%

$1.00/3.5 minutes 4.3%

How many vending machines does this carwash have?None 6.4%

One 13.8%

Two 17.0%

Three 11.7%

Four 19.1%

More than Five 31.9%

Year carwash was constructed1975 or before 19.1%

1976-1980 7.4%

1981-1985 11.7%

1986-1990 10.6%

1991-1995 10.6%

1996-2000 12.8%

2001-2006 27.7%

Locations OwnedOne 61.7%

Two 21.3%

Three 7.4%

Four 2.1%

Five or More 7.4%

Vending RevenueAverage monthly gross revenue

from all vending machines: $453.81

Upper quartile: $600.00

Lower quartile: $100.00

Vacuum RevenueAverage monthly revenue

per vacuum: $207.18

Upper quartile: $294.50

Lower quartile $100.00

Vacuum PricingMost common price/time combinationsCombination % of respondents

$1.00/4 minutes 25.5%

$0.75/3 minutes 10.6%

$0.50/2 minutes 8.5%

$0.75/4 minutes 7.4%

$1.00/5 minutes 5.3$

Distance to nearest self-serve competitorLess than .5 mile 8.5%

.5 to 1 mile 18.1%

1.1 to 2 miles 31.9%

2.1 to 5 miles 25.5%

5.1 to 10 miles 7.4%

More than 10 miles 8.5%

What do you consider your biggest competitor?Another self-serve 46.7%

An in bay automatic carwash 23.9%

An express exterior conveyor 13.0%

A full-serve conveyor 7.6%

Other 8.7%

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todayâ€™s modern car wash - automate usa

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