Sign up for the monthly Turtle Wax Pro Sparkle Newsletter for the latest updates and tools from Turtle Wax Pro to make your profit shine. You'll also receive access to our exclusive guide for small car wash businesses.
Lookout for our next newsletter in your inbox soon!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Alberta's Most Trusted Car Wash Supplier - Transchem Group
business owner
car wash supplier
investing
car wash
At Turtle Wax Pro, and our parent company, Transchem Group, we are proud to support the local economy in Alberta.
We have over 75 years of experience in the car wash industry, which allows us to ensure that your dream car wash can come true in Western Canada's fast-growing market.
We believe Transchem Group offers many key benefits that set us apart as a supplier. Our state-of-the-art facility in Alberta, premium Turtle Wax Pro car wash chemicals, top-tier customer service and direct-to-market pricing, keeps your business cost-effective.
A Brief History of Transchem Group
Transchem Group was founded in 1974 by Murray Ewing, as a mobile truck cleaning company. Over the next decade, with strong success, Transchem transformed into a chemical manufacturer and sold products directly to businesses.
The company has continued to grow, and has now arrived where we are today: one of the most prominent options in the car wash industry, anywhere in Alberta, Canada or even North America.
The brand's new objective, as a result of its many years of experience supporting all types of wash businesses, is to aid the Alberta car wash industry. This includes chemistry, equipment, service, and anything else required to run a car wash!
A Brief History of Turtle Wax
Turtle Wax Pro is the commercial car wash arm of the world-renowned vehicle care brand, Turtle Wax. For over 75 years, we've been producing some of the most innovative car care products on the market.
Innovation has always been at the forefront of our business and we continue to lead the way with cutting edge technology and car cleaning solutions.
We are proud to be a part of the Turtle Wax family and to offer our premium car care products to the Alberta market.
If you're looking for a trusted and experienced car wash supplier in Alberta, look no further than Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group. We are your one-stop shop for all your car wash needs.
The Importance of your Supplier
As a business in the wash industry, your supplier will be one of the most significant factors in your success. Quality of products, quantity of products, knowledge, training, advertising help and car wash services are just a few of the many tools a good supplier should offer.
It's important to pick your supplier wisely, as that choice could determine your business' future. If you want to learn more about the role a supplier plays in your wash, check out our blog about how to choose a car wash supplier which features all of the vital factors in your decision.
Why Transchem Group?
There are numerous aspects that we believe set us apart as a supplier in the car wash industry. We believe our products, service, and support are the best you can find anywhere in Alberta car wash market.
Our Facility
Our new state-of-the-art facility in Calgary, Alberta, is one of the largest car wash supplier facilities in Western Canada. The location is thousands of square feet of space and is equipped with the latest in car wash technology. All chemicals and equipment are housed on-site, and your important support contacts all operate out of this building.
This means whether you need new stock, marketing materials, or need an in person meeting, we're only a quick drive away.
Our Equipment
Transchem carries equipment for all wash types, from self service car wash to tunnel washes.
High-quality equipment is something you want to feel confident in when opening up your wash business. High-grade equipment achieves better washes, offers easier maintenance, and provides increased durability, all of which lead to higher margins and more money.
Our Chemistry
Here at Transchem, we are happy to say that not only do we have industry leading chemistry to suit every budget and business need, but we also have custom blending options that accompany our ready to use professional product lineups.
Custom blending is exciting program where we bring your dream products to life. We collaborate with you to develop one-of-a-kind items that will set your business apart and help you achieve the best results.
We also offer Turtle Wax Pro's full chemistry lineup and marketing power, which is universally recognizable by vehicle owners and achieves some of the best car washing possible!
Our Support
At Transchem Group and Turtle Wax Pro, we have decades of experience bringing new washes to the market, and supporting them through their journey from inception to millions of washed cars.
We believe in strong key principles of trust and integrity, and we want to make certain that all of our clients receive the finest service so they can succeed in the car wash industry.
This means we supply more than just chemicals and equipment. We offer advice on how to keep costs low, ever-changing chemical combinations to help you improve your service, mobile app technology, marketing support and regulatory support.
Contact us with your Car Wash Vision!
If opening a car wash in Alberta is something you're considering, do not hesitate to reach out! We would love to hear from you and help you walk through some of the aspects and challenges of opening a wash and make the process as smooth as possible!
These are all key factors to look for when searching for a supplier and we believe that Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group can be the best supplier for you.
If you're in the car wash business, then you know that finding the right supplier is essential. Let's go over some key considerations to look for when choosing a supplier.
To Succeed in the Car Wash Business, You Have to be Unique
The car wash industry is a competitive one, so it's important to find a car wash supplier that can give you an edge over your competition. One way to do this is by choosing a supplier that offers unique products or services.
Car washes with no unique selling proposition are very common. You must find things that separate you from other washes if you want to succeed. The right supplier can offer you competitive prices, quality supplies, equipment, support, advice, site signage, marketing help and more that can give you a leg up in business.
Here's What To Avoid In A Car Wash Supplier
Avoid suppliers that just need to make a sale and offer no support after your launch.
Be wary of a supplier who can't answer questions. This generally means they won't be helpful if any issues arise in the future.
Look out for suppliers without local or regional service teams. Depending on your customer volume you may get stuck in a long line waiting for service or repairs.
You should also be careful of suppliers who don't have a good reputation. If other car wash owners haven't heard of them or have had bad experiences, it's best to avoid doing business with them.
Looking for a Reputable Supplier
It's also important to choose a supplier that is reputable, has a long track record of industry wins and wants to be a true partner. Businesses succeed when they have long-term relationships with their suppliers. A reputable supplier will be able to more effectively provide you with the resources and support you need to grow your business.
Watch Testimonials
You can learn a lot about a supplier by reading online reviews, case studies and testimonials from other car wash business owners. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews in order to get a well-rounded view of the supplier.
You should also take the time to speak with other wash owners who have used the supplier. They will be able to provide you with first-hand information about their customer experience.
"When I built our first car wash in 1991 I was looking for a chemical company that could provide knowledge, dependability, service, value and high quality safe products. The Turtle Wax Pro team and Transchem delivered and for over 30 years has been our chemical suppler of choice, they've never let us down. When it comes to a soap provider you can count on day in and day out I couldn't think of a better company than Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem." - Mike Black, Founder/Owner at Valet Car Washes
Consider the Chemistry
The chemicals dictate the final wash product you can offer your customers. The goal of achieving the perfect wash can only be met with high quality chemistry that all works together.
When choosing a car wash supplier, you should consider the quality of the products that they offer. The last thing you want is your customers' cars to be damaged by poor car wash chemicals.
Which Type of Products Does Your Wash Want to Offer?
Every car wash has staple products like presoaks and detergents but car washes can really differentiate themselves by offering unique items like fragrances, ceramics, and tire dressings.
Think about which products in particular you want to offer your customer, that decision may direct you to a particular company that carries specific supplies.
There are so many products to choose from, we recommend getting in contact with a couple of car wash chemical manufacturers before deciding on any products.
Less Is More!
Some companies can have hundreds of SKUs but you'll need to narrow your decision down to between 5 and 15 core chemicals for your wash.
The Turtle Wax Pro lineup offers more than 40 highly diverse chemicals alongside other individual chemical solutions.
This allows us to stay competitive with other industry prices, stock more product, ship faster, provide more in-depth service and streamline our operation to help you clean more cars.
Consider the Car Wash Equipment
The car wash industry is always changing and car wash equipment is becoming more advanced. You'll want to make sure that the supplier you choose offers the latest and greatest in car wash equipment.
This could include pressure washers, car wash pumps or central vacuum systems for detailing services. This will ensure that your customers are getting the best possible car wash experience.
Having to buy new equipment is expensive and time consuming so it's important to get it right the first time.
Maintenance Matters
Maintenance solutions are also important to consider when choosing a supplier. Make sure your supplier has a good relationship with one or more local distributors in your area to service and repair your equipment on a regular basis.
Consider the Extras
It's also important to find a supplier who offers training on how to use the car wash equipment. This will ensure that your team is able to properly operate the car wash equipment and provide a great experience for your customers.
Turtle Wax Pro offers in-depth training on chemistry, installation, service, business operations and more to our partners (the distributors and operators we work with). This should create reliability for you and your employees when it comes to any problems that could arise.
What about...
Perhaps you want to own a truck wash as well? A truck wash will need different equipment than a standard car wash. How easy is it to receive repair parts? How detailed are the product manuals? How quick is installation?
These are all factors you will want to consider when evaluating the right supplier. It can be challenging to know what is the right equipment and we recommend contacting a supplier (like Turtle Wax Pro) before you decide on anything.
Consider your Customer
Last but not least, you should consider your ideal customer experience when choosing a supplier. What type of experience do you want to offer your customers?
Do you want to offer a luxury wash experience or a more basic wash experience? This will help you determine which car wash supplies, equipment and add-ons you'll need to purchase.
What Does a Premium Industry Supplier Offer Their Car Washes?
A wide range of chemistry, services, systems and car wash equipment.
Advice on how to best position your wash for success. This involves marketing, best use of the products, and a full dedicated hands-on training session with ongoing learning material.
Help you find ways on how to reduce costs and optimize your car wash to save time and produce more sales for your site.
Lastly, the relationship they maintain with their partners. A top supplier will offer car washes technical support, answer any questions they have, and keep an open dialogue to continuously improve the products and services they offer.
All of these aspects are what separates the industry leaders from the rest.
Choosing Turtle Wax Pro as Your Supplier
Turtle Wax Pro is one of the most trusted car care brands in the world with expertise to drive more sales and gain market share around the world.
We strive to be the best supplier possible to all of our partners, operators and distributors. We do this by offering the best chemistry on the market, high quality car wash equipment, and knowledge from our dedicated sales and service teams.
We Know It's Hard
Picking the right supplier can be a tough process but will prove to be very rewarding if done correctly. We hope that we cleared up some questions you had and have given you a bit of direction on how to choose a high quality partner.
If you have any questions about your car wash regarding anything from products to strategy, don't hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to discuss how you can find even more success within the car wash industry.
6
May
Car Wash Technology
•
0 min read
Eco-Friendly Car Wash Chemicals: The Turtle Wax Pro Commitment
car wash soap
car wash
eco friendly
green
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
One of the core values of Turtle Wax Pro is environmental protection. We not only develop products that clean, protect and beautify your cars, but we also work to find ways to reduce our environmental impact.
Our eco friendly car wash chemicals are just one example. Our products are just as effective as products containing hydrofluoric acid, phosphates and other harsh chemicals, but without the environmental damage.
We are also constantly working on ways to reduce our water usage. We do this by using hyper concentrated chemistry, which allows us to do more with less. This means that we ship less water and reduce our plastic packaging waste.
We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the environment, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact. We hope that you'll join us in this effort!
In this article, we will share some tips on how you can make your car wash more eco friendly.
What Does Being Eco-Friendly Mean?
When we talk about being eco-friendly or sustainable, we mean reducing our impact on the planet. This can be done in a number of ways, but one way is to use products that are less harmful to the environment.
Environmentally friendly car wash soap is made from sustainable materials and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute surrounding ecosystems or harm wildlife.
Using a sustainable detergent is a great way to become more green while still keeping a vehicle clean of dirt and grime.
The Benefits of Using an Eco-Friendly Car Wash Soap
There are many benefits to using biodegradable cleaning products.
It’s better for the planet
As we mentioned before, sustainable products are made from sustainable materials (ex: phosphate free) and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute the environment or harm wildlife over the long term.
'Green' detergents are gentle on paint, won’t strip away wax or polish and will still clean cars. This is important because a good paint job is key to making a car look its best.
It’s affordable
Biodegradable detergents are just as affordable as regular detergents. This is because they are often made from sustainable materials that can be less expensive to produce.
Turtle Wax Pro works extremely hard to produce chemistry that performs competitively when using a cost-per-car analysis.
It protects your equipment
Many chemical companies produce cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid. This is a corrosive chemical that can damage your equipment and cost over $100,000 through early replacement.
Turtle Wax Pro products don’t contain any hydrofluoric acid or other harmful chemicals, so they won’t damage your equipment or lower its life span. HF is also just one of many dangerous chemicals that can lead to long term severe health problems for you or your employees. It can also cause acute issues including skin burns, eye irritation and inhalation of toxic fumes.
The Importance of Being Eco Conscious As a Commercial Car Wash Owner
As a business, it’s important to be eco-conscious for many reasons.
Not only is it the right thing to do for your local ecosystem, but it can also save you money in the long run. You can go beyond biodegradable products by using water reclaim systems or hyper concentrated chemistry to save on water costs.
Additionally, being eco-conscious can be used as a great marketing tool for commercial car washes. Customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are more likely to do business with a company that shares their values.
Choosing an Environmentally Conscious Brand like Turtle Wax Pro
Making a choice on car wash chemistry is the most important decision in producing clean cars.
The things to consider are quality of products, quality of service, and working with a company that fits your needs.
We work with many companies who have an environmental focus and help them establish a much stronger eco presence.
If your business has any concerns about their considerable environmental impact, we would be happy to discuss aspects on how you can improve your strategy.
How to Make your Car Wash Eco Friendly?
There are many easy ways to make your commercial car wash more eco-friendly.
Using eco-friendly products
As we’ve already discussed, using eco-friendly car wash chemicals is a great way to be more eco-conscious. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also just as effective as regular car wash soap.
Installing energy-efficient equipment
Another great way to be more eco-conscious is to install energy-efficient equipment in your car wash. This can include things like LED lighting, high-efficiency pumps and solar panels.
Recycle materials
Using recycled materials is a great way to reduce waste and cut costs. Some examples of recycled materials that can be used in a car wash are recycled soap dispensers, signage and hoses.
Recycling water is a great idea for your business to reuse its biggest resource, cut costs, and perhaps even save the local sewer systems. Water reclaim systems recycle the water used in the car wash by filtering out dirt, grime and chemicals so it can be reused again.
Be careful when selecting a system as some types can lead to a not-so-great smell when water is reused.
Save water from running off into storm drains
Water is one of the most important aspects within a car wash. Many car washes waste a large amount of water each day.
It is very important for a car wash to have a system in place to not violate various storm sewer laws and contribute to water wastage. Contaminating storm drains with soapy water is a big problem as it can find its way to local waterways and harm wildlife or aquatic life.
The best way to accomplish this is to have a water reclaim system that collects the water run-off and recycles it back into the car wash. This will save a large amount of water and money over time. This is true for all car wash types, from self serve to tunnel washes.
Washing Wisely for the Home Car Washer
There are many ways the home car washer can practice sustainable behaviour as well. By following a few tips, you can minimize your environmental impact and save money at the same time.
Limit your water usage
One of the easiest ways to be more environmentally conscious when washing your car is to use less water.
You can do this by using a bucket instead of a hose or by using a waterless car wash product.
Waterless car wash products are good for small jobs and a great way to conserve water when washing your car. They work by using a special cleaning solution that is sprayed onto the car surfaces and then wiped off with a cloth. This solution is designed to remove dirt, grime, road film, brake dust and other debris from the surface of the entire car.
While not truly a 'waterless wash' these products will use less water than a traditional soap or detergent and still make the car clean.
Use biodegradable products, avoid dish soap and other household cleaners
Using biodegradable soap is a great way to be more sustainable when washing your car in the driveway.
As a helpful additional tip, do not use liquid dishwashing detergent to wash your entire car.
The temptation for many to fill a bucket with water and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to create lots of suds is strong, but dish washing liquid is too strong and formulated for an entirely different purpose. It is not the right choice to wash your vehicle.
Other products like a spray bottle of Simple Green or other all-purpose cleaners are also not a great choice as they aren't formulated to cut through road film, large dirt or other tough stains. Simple Green does make a car wash specific product, always look for a product that is made specifically for cars.
Try to control where dirty water flows
After washing your vehicle. Do your best to contain the water to your own driveway or lawn and allow it to seep into the ground, rather than flowing straight towards the storm drain.
Toxic wastewater can enter the water system and cause problems, both legal and environmental.
Lastly, visit a commercial car wash
If you are looking for the most sustainable way to wash your car, visit a commercial car wash. At a professional facility, water is filtered and reused multiple times before being released into the sewer system.
While there are many sustainable car wash practices, these are just a few tips to get you started. By making even a small change, you can have a big impact on the environment. So when it comes to choosing your car wash chemistry and equipment, it's time to make the greenest choice. It’s good for business and good for the planet.
6
May
Car Wash Marketing
•
0 min read
Advertising A Car Wash: How to Succeed in a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
car wash
business owner
advertising
marketing
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Here at Turtle Wax Pro, we understand the difficulty in succeeding within the car wash industry, and especially in trying to stand out in the market.
The car wash space has many substitutes available to consumers, ranging from self serve to full automated washes. This creates the need for your wash to stand out in the eye of consumers.
Advertising can be a great way to increase business as your potential audience can be attracted and enticed towards your car wash over another!
By targeting consumers with specific and different forms of ads, businesses can attract new customers and grow their business in ways they could not done before.
Advertisements are not only for gaining new customers, they can be essential for building general brand awareness and improving loyalty for your existing users.
In this article, we'll be walking you through why advertising is important, how you can use advertising to strengthen your business, and how you can start creating impactful advertisements.
The Car Wash market is a multi-billion dollar industry.
There are over 25,000 car washes in the United States alone. The industry employs over 150,000 people and generates over $9 billion in annual revenue.
Even now, growth is still occurring at a rapid pace. In fact, the industry is expected to grow by 3% every year.
This growth is driven by the rise in vehicle ownership, increase in per capita income, and the need for car owners to maintain their vehicles.
With the right car wash advertising strategy, businesses can tap into this growing market and improve their bottom line.
The Car Wash Market
Despite the large size of the market, the car wash industry is very fragmented.
The top 50 companies account for less than 20% of the total market share. This leaves a large opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to increase their market share.
There are many different types of car washes, from self-service to full-service. There are also a variety of different services that you can offer, from express wash to detailing.
No matter what type of car wash you have, there are plenty of things you can do to increase business and market share.
The Car Wash Industry is a Tough Market
If you run a car wash, you know that competition is fierce.
Many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.
So how can you make sure that your car wash stays competitive?
Advertising is a way to help ensure that your wash stays competitive and has a consistent flow of customers.
Advertising allows your car wash business to attract new customers, customers from competing businesses and may even stop current customers from going elsewhere. .
Unfortunately, many local businesses are going out of business because they haven’t been able to keep up with the competition as there likely are many car wash options to choose from in any given area.
Standing out is difficult, but is a must to attract customers.
Quality services and reasonable prices are important for success in owning a car wash.
If you want your car wash to be successful, you need to offer quality services at reasonable prices.
Unfortunately, many car washes are going out of business because they can’t keep up with the competition and provide quality services at reasonable prices.
In a competitive market like the car wash market, there are many substitutions present. That means for customers to choose your wash, you must provide a great wash at a great price.
Advertising a Car Wash
The first step to increasing business is to make sure that customers are aware of your car wash. Advertising can be a great way to do this.
There are many different ways to advertise and utilizing a mix of methods is the best way to ensure results.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, businesses should consider what type of ad would be most effective for reaching their market.
The type of car wash will dictate exactly what type of ad to use. For example, a self service car wash may have a different marketing strategy than a full service car wash.
Second, businesses should make sure that their ads are creative and attention-grabbing.
Attractive visuals, key words, free services (or discounted) will all be attention grabbing to your audience.
Finally, businesses should track the results of their car wash advertising campaigns to ensure that they are effective.
Trial and error is sometimes the only way to succeed.
An important thing to remember when it comes to advertising car washes is that not all methods will work for every business. If you want more customers, it is important to experiment with different types of ads and see what works best for your company.
Car Wash Marketing Ideas
There are a variety of different ways to advertise your car wash.
You can use print ads, radio spots, social media campaigns, and outdoor signage, just to name a few.
By using a variety of car wash marketing techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers who will appreciate the convenience and quality of your car wash service.
Print Ads
One way to advertise your car wash is through print ads. You can place ads in newspapers, magazines, or even direct mailers. Make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number so customers can easily find you.
Distributing flyers in the local area is also a great way to promote your car wash.
You can also include a coupon or special offer in your print ad to entice new business to try out your services. For example, you could offer a discount for first-time customers or a free car wash with the purchase of a detailing package.
Radio Spots
Another way to reach customers is through radio spots. You can buy airtime on local radio stations and create ads that will play during drive time.
Like print ads, make sure to include your car wash’s name, address, and phone number in your radio spot so customers can easily find you. You can also include a sales promotion within it, to cause more listeners to act.
Social Media Campaigns
In today’s world, social media is a powerful marketing tool. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to reach customers. Other social media sites such as LinkedIn and TikTok could prove to be useful car wash marketing tools as well.
Social media accounts are crucial for car washes because they provide a way to connect with customers and promote deals or discounts.
When creating social media posts, be sure to use attractive visuals and persuasive copy. You want to grab people’s attention and make them want to learn more about your car wash.
Make sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “Visit our website to learn more” or showcasing particular services that customers will love to have done to their vehicles.
Outdoor Signage
Another way to reach potential customers is through outdoor signage. You can place banners, signs, and flags around your car wash to grab people’s attention.
Make sure your signage is visible and legible from a distance. You want people to be able to see it and read it easily so they know what your business is and what services you offer.
You can also use outdoor signage to promote special services such as your for top of the line package.
Many companies (including Turtle Wax Pro) have outdoor signages that are very appealing to the eye and showcase a premium nature to them, which cause customers to try them out.
By using a variety of advertising techniques, you can reach a wider audience and bring in more customers to your car wash which will aid in succeeding even in the most competitive market.
What do you Write in a Car Wash Advertisement?
Here are a few ideas of what you can include in your car wash ad:
Your business name
Your logo
A tagline or slogan
Attractive visuals
Information about your location
Unique Aspects
What services you offer
Specials or promotions you are running
A call to action note that entices consumers
Having a variety of these ideas can help your ad stand out from your competitors and help drive sales.
How to Create a Tagline or Slogan for a Car Wash?
Your tagline or slogan should be easily recognizable, so customers can remember it and associate it with your brand.
It should be reflective of what your company does or what you want your company to be known for. Whether it be affordable rates or the best cleaning job in town.
Also, your tagline or slogan should be reflective of your company’s values. (ex: environmentally focused)
What makes your Business Different?
The aspects that make your car wash different than the one down the road should be included in your advertisements.
You may be a local business, the only one using a specific brand of products, touchless as opposed to using brushes, an established brand, or vastly more experienced.
Small businesses have the opportunity to focus on community service or being more personal with their customers. Thus, many consumers choose to support small businesses over other options.
These are all examples of characteristics that make your car wash business stand out and are potential reasons why customers will choose you over another.
Unique Advertising Ideas for your Car Wash Business
The car wash marketing strategies mentioned before are significant in bringing awareness to your wash. But you might already have the basics covered, or maybe you want to try something different to set your business apart.
If that’s the case, here are some unique advertising ideas for your car wash business:
Sponsor a Local Sports Team or Another Popular Local Attraction
One way to get your car wash’s name out there is by sponsoring a local school sports team or another popular attraction in your area.
This could be anything from Little League to the local school. By having your name on their jerseys or arena, you’ll be getting great exposure to both new customers and existing customers.
Have a Grand Opening Event or Anniversary Event
Another way to advertise your business is by hosting a grand opening event (for a new business) or anniversary event. This is an exciting way to get new customers in the door and try out your car wash for the first time.
At special events, you can offer special pricing, freebies, free food, or other activities to bring in larger crowds. You can also use special events like these as an opportunity to introduce any new services or products you might be offering.
Get Involved in the Community
One way to endear your business to your target audience is by getting involved in the community. This could be anything from sponsoring a charity event to hosting a food drive.
By giving back to the community, you’ll not only be helping others, but you’ll also be gaining some good publicity for your business. This is a great way to build brand awareness and loyalty among possible customers and your customer base.
Offer Free Washes
Not many people can turn down something free. By giving away a free wash for their first wash, you encourage customers to try out your service.
This way they can compare your car wash to the one they typically use, and if your service is of good quality, consumers will continue for paid washes.
A rewards program is a great way to encourage current customers to continue using your wash. By offering a discount coupon or freebies after a certain number of visits, you’ll be sure to see customers coming back.
Having a loyalty program is also a great way to upsell customers on other services or products you might offer.
You can promote your loyalty club on your business website, on social media, or through in-store signage. This is a great way to increase your number of returning customers and build customer loyalty.
Thinking outside the box can separate you from the rest of the competition, and get your car wash business out in a way no one else can.
Working with an experienced company like Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro
Implementing a strong marketing strategy to ultimately increase business for you car wash can be difficult.
Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro are not only car wash suppliers, we are companies dedicated in helping your business succeed.
We understand that just owning a car wash is only a small fraction behind operating a car wash, marketing it is a must.
We have decades of experience helping car washes of all types and sizes, and thus, can provide a superior level of guidance that can help your car wash business gain market share and increase customers.
It's obvious how important advertising is to suceeding in the car wash market. By utilizing some of the advertising ideas mentioned, you can increase brand awareness to your car wash and bring in more traffic.
Advertising is an incredible powerful tool that can skyrocket the success of your business. If you believe that your car wash business could improve it's advertising, don't hesitate to get in contact with us! We at Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro can provide some guidance on how to seperate yourself from the rest of the market.
9
Jun
Car Wash Investments
•
0 min read
Touchless Car Washing: The Future of Car Cleaning?
business owner
investing
car wash
touchless
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
The popularity of touchless car washes is on the rise. This has led many individuals to be curious about whether they are the future of vehicle cleaning.
There are several benefits to a touchless car wash for both customers and owners.
Touchless washes, as the name implies, never make direct contact with the car's surface. A major reassurance to certain car owners.
In addition, with the right chemistry, touch free washes can perform just as well as friction washes in most scenarios. This could make switching to a touchless car wash a no brainer.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of a touchless automatic car wash and help you decide if owning one is the right decision for you!
What is a Touchless Car Wash?
A touchless car wash is a type of automatic car wash where the vehicle is cleaned without any physical contact.
The car is washed using increased water pressure and detergents specifically designed to work without friction.
Touchless car washes are faster than traditional car washes, and they typically use less water. While the most common type of touchless car wash is an in bay automatic car wash, touchless tunnel car washes are also found in lower quantities.
How Does a Touchless Car Wash Work?
Most of the car wash process is the same between a traditional automatic car wash and a touchless car wash.
The car is given a rinse or a presoak treatment to loosen any dirt or grime that is on the surface.
After the pre-wash, high water pressure nozzles direct streams of water and detergent at the car. The detergent breaks down any remaining dirt, and the high-pressure water blasts it away.
The final step is to rinse off all of the soap layers and dirt.
Optionally, a surface protectant or ceramic coating can be applied to the vehicle's exterior.
The excess moisture is then dried using high powered dryers, or left to air dry.
As you can see, the biggest difference is the fact that pressure washing systems are used in replace of rotating brushes and other physical systems.
Is Touchless Car Washing the Future of the Car Wash Industry?
Touchless washes carry some unique benefits that a traditional automatic car wash cannot provide.
This leads some to believe that this style of washing vehicles is the future of the industry.
No Physical Contact
The fact that there is no physical contact to anyone's vehicle is the main advantage to using this type of wash.
Most vehicle owners are wary of automated washes because they fear their vehicles will not be properly cleaned without causing harm. However, with a touchless wash, there is no worry that the car will be scratched or damaged in any way.
This gives many people confidence to use an automated car wash when they otherwise would not.
Advances in Chemistry
The detergents and soaps used in touchless car washes are specially designed to work well without physical contact.
If a touchless car wash can produce the same level of clean as a friction one, then the need for friction washes depletes. As this technology continues to develop, it is likely that touchless car washes will become even more of a staple.
While a touchless car wash will never be able to achieve 100% of the results from a friction wash, it can come pretty close. The final product is a car that looks great to the naked eye and was cleaned without any risk of damage!
Benefits of Touchless Car Washes
There are many benefits to using touchless car washes. Let's go through them.
24/7/365 and Less Labor
Touchless car washes can be operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with little to no labor.
This means that you can generate revenue around the clock without having to pay employees!
In addition, touchless car washes are less labor intensive than friction car washes. This is because there are no brushes or other moving parts that need to be monitored and maintained.
Less Water Usage
Touchless car washes use less water for every car washed, compared to other car wash options.
This is good news for the environment and can save you money on your water bill!
Less Risk of Damage
There is also less risk of damage to vehicles with a touchless car wash.
Though friction washes are completely safe for vehicles, even the small risk of paint damage can be negated by not having to touch a vehicle's surface.
Lower Money Spent on Repairs
Another benefit of touchless automatic car washes is that they have lower maintenance costs.
This is because there are no spinning brushes, cloth strips or other moving parts that can break down over time. This means that a touchless wash will last longer and need less repairs than other automated car washes.
Disadvantages of Touchless Washes
Though there are many benefits to a touchless system, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered.
Potential Lack of Cleaning Power
Some tough marks, grime and bird droppings may not be removed as effectively with a touchless wash.
This is because there is no physical contact to help break down and remove dirt. This can be an issue for those who want their car to be absolutely spotless or are trying to wash an especially dirty vehicle.
Some customers may be slightly dissatisfied, but touchless does an excellent job of cleaning cars in general.
In order to clean effectively in this environment you'll need great chemicals. That's where Turtle Wax Pro can help. We offer a variety of products that can be used in touchless car washes to help you get the best clean possible.
Turtle Wax Pro has everything you need to make sure your automated car wash is operating at its best! We have a wide selection of cleaning solutions, soaps, detergents, waxes and polishes that are designed to work well in a touchless environment.
How does a Friction Based Automated Car Washes Compare to Touchless Systems?
A friction based automatic car wash uses spinning brushes or cloth strips to clean a vehicle's surface.
This can provide a more thorough cleaning than a touchless wash but can also be more labor intensive and water consumptive.
Touchless car washes, on the other hand, use high-pressure jets of water and detergent to clean a vehicle's surface.
This can be just as effective as a friction wash but doesn't run the risk of scratching the paint or clear coat during cleaning.
So, which is better? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a thorough cleaning with no risk of damage, then touchless is the way to go. If you don't mind more maintenance and a little bit of risk in exchange for the best clean then you are better off with a friction wash.
Are Touchless Car Washes Safe?
Are touchless car washes safe? The whole idea behind touchless is safety.
With no brushes or other moving parts, there is less risk of breakdowns causing damage to your car. In addition, the high-pressure jets used in automatic car washes are less likely to cause scratches than traditional brushes.
Keep in mind that when it comes to all of these safety conversations we are talking about the difference between a 99.5% expectation of safety with a 99.9% expectation of safety.
You are far more likely to scratch or damage your car hand washing it at home in the driveway than in a commercial car wash situation.
Should I Wash My Car At Home Or At A Commercial Car Wash?
An automated car wash is going to be much better than a hand car wash for many reasons.
Speed
In the time that it takes you to get your car washed at home, a commercial car wash can clean upwards of 60 to 100 cars. Why waste an hour at home with a hand wash and when you could go buy gas and get an automatic wash in less than 10 minutes. Much less time consuming.
Damage
The most important part of keeping your car looking like new is the car's finish. A hand car wash at home means you assume your own risks.
Hand washes also usually aren't done with the right soap which can lead to paint damage long term.
Effectiveness
Without fully understanding the process of how to wash a car you are much less likely to remove all the dirt, grime and remove contaminants that could be embedded in the clear coat.
A touchless car wash or any other automatic wash is designed to get your car clean every time, hundreds of times per day.
Your clean car or truck might look clean after a hand wash but take it to a commercial car wash and you'll see the difference.
Thinking about Opening an Automatic Car Wash? Use a Trusted Car Wash Supplier like Turtle Wax Pro
If you're thinking about opening a touchless car wash, be sure to use a trusted car wash chemistry provider like Turtle Wax Pro.
The chemistry your wash uses will make or break your success. Touchless washes, in particular, where the more powerful chemicals tackle all the washing jobs without assistance from physical agitators, are a challenge to get right.
Turtle Wax Pro is a leading provider of car care chemistry and we strive to help car care businesses succeed within the industry.
We work with many touch free washes, setting them up with the right chemistry needed to tackle any situation and stand out within the market.
If you have any thoughts about opening your own touchless car wash, get in touch with us today as Turtle Wax Pro can ensure you start off on the right foot!
If you have any questions about anything we discussed, reach out anytime. We are always excited to chat with people who are thinking about entering the car wash space. Happy car washing!