When it comes to running a business, location is crucial. This implies that, for car washes, in particular, choosing the best site is among the most important decisions you will make. However, finding the ideal site for your company can be difficult.
The term location refers to more than just the actual place. For instance, your location will also play a role in the exact amount you pay if you decide you get car wash insurance. However, keep in mind that regardless of the location, purchasing a proper car wash insurance policy is essential. It protects you from out-of-pocket expenses related to injuries, accidents, legal fees, and damaged vehicles at your car wash. Luckily, you can purchase it online in a matter of minutes.
The best location takes into consideration a variety of factors such as traffic, visibility, and demographics. Here are 6 things to think about when picking a location for your car wash business.
1. Demographics
Review the present demographics of a one-mile, three-mile, and five-mile radius of the property you’re considering. In order to establish a large enough client base, you’ll need a consistent stream of traffic. Other demographic characteristics to take into consideration include the population breakdown, number of cars in the area, average household income, etc.
2. Traffic
When it comes to choosing a location for your car wash, selecting a high-traffic area is obviously the best practice. According to research, car washes with about 15k to 25k vehicles per day are the best. Besides the number of cars that pass through your car wash, you should also consider the speed at which these cars are driving when determining the optimal location. When traffic is moving at 50 mph or more, cars are frequently too quick to see the facility or signage. Look for an area where the speed limit is less than 45 miles per hour.
3. Accessibility
You’ll want to ensure that your car wash is conveniently accessible from a busy street. Imagine a line of vehicles forming outside your car wash. You don’t want to be stuck in a location that doesn’t have enough space on your busiest days. If at all feasible, choose a spot near a traffic light or turning lane. Consider how a car would get to your car wash. There should be adequate space for both an exit and an entrance.
4. Visibility
Another thing you need to think about is whether your car wash and any accompanying signage are visible from the street well in advance, which is related to selecting a site based on the accessibility. If potential clients only have around 40 seconds to see your facility and decide on a whim, you’ll want to make the most of it. Potential clients will have more time to consider whether they want to use your services if your facility is more visible.
5. Cost
Whatever site you choose, the costs associated with it must be financially sustainable in order for your business to prosper. In addition to the initial expenses, you must consider the ongoing expenditures associated with your location and building. Health and safety jurisdictions and local councils will hold you accountable at every turn, and equipment will need to be replaced and repaired. There will also be council tax, ground rent, company tax, as well as other expenses like labor and energy to account for. Having this in mind, a top location or huge forecourt may seem quite appealing, but can you afford them in the short and long term?
6. Competition
Finally, you should check the area to make sure that there are no competing car wash businesses within a 3-mile radius. If there are, but you still don’t want to pass up on a great location, take a look at what your competitors are up to. Compare and contrast your own business to figure out how you can make it stand out. You should make sure you provide the same (if not better) services as any other similar business in the area.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best location is one of the most critical aspects when starting a business. This is especially true when it comes to the car wash sector. The location you choose for your car wash business can make or break its success. The six tips provided in this article should help you pick a site that will help you to establish a car wash that has the potential to turn into a profitable business.
