Creating the Ultimate Car Wash Business Plan

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.

Have a Rewards/Loyalty Program

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.

Car wash chemistry is what drives our industry. It's what gets cars cleaned, dry, and beautifully shiny. And it cannot be talked about enough!

But, it can get a little confusing with all the different types of car wash chemicals, so we're here to talk you through the different options and what you should be looking out for when picking chemistry.

What are car wash chemicals

Commercial car wash chemicals are specially formulated cleaners that are designed to remove dirt and stains from a car's surface. This chemistry usually comes in concentrated form, and must be diluted with water before use. There are many different types of car wash chemistry on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, there are degreasers that are designed to break down and remove grease and oil stains, as well as wheel & tire cleaners that are formulated to remove brake dust and grime from your wheels and tires.

Different Types of Car Wash Chemicals

There are many different types of commercial car wash chemicals available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. This is not an exhaustive list as car wash chemicals can get pretty niche. But these are some of the most popular car wash chemistry and their uses:

Presoaks

Also known as traffic film removers (TFRs), presoaks are designed to loosen and remove heavy build-up on your car's surface.

Presoaks are usually applied at the start of the wash to allow them time to work before the main wash. Presoaks as used as the "heavy lifters" in the wash process and are typically high alkaline (pH 11-14) or low acid (pH 0-3).

Presoaks can differ in pH level and surfactant type, so be sure to ask your car wash chemical supplier which one is best for your needs.

As a general thought, high pH presoaks are better at removing organic materials (like road film, bugs, and sap) while low pH presoaks are better at removing inorganic materials (like brake dust and road salt).

Car Wash Soap, Shampoo, and Detergents

Soap, shampoo or detergent is designed to remove light dirt and dust.

These products are applied to vehicles and then rinsed off to clean off vehicles and get them ready for the next stage.

Soaps can differ in many ways but a popular option for both its cleaning effectiveness and visual prowess are triple foams. Triple foams are designed to create thick suds that both look good and help remove dirt from surfaces, in a layered (or triple) effect.

The best car wash detergent on the market (in our opinion) is from Turtle Wax Pro. We have a variety of detergents that are designed to work in any situation your wash may need.

Finishing Products

After your car has been washed and rinsed, you'll want to apply a finishing product to provide a protective barrier against UV rays and other damage on your car's paint and clear coat.

There are many different types of protection products available, from simple waxes to more complex sealants. We have existing blogs explaining the differences between carnauba wax, ceramic coatings, and sealants.

Another type of finishing product is drying agents.

Drying agents help to remove water from your car's surface by making the surface hydrophobic. This helps cars dry faster and hold onto less water. If you want to learn more about drying agents, check out our guide to drying agents.

Wheel & Tire Cleaners

As the name suggests, tire and wheel cleaners are designed to clean your wheels and tires.

After wheel cleaners have been applied, it should be rinsed off to avoid damage to your car's paint job.

Tire Dressings

Tire dressings or tire shine products are designed to give your tires a shiny, new look.

Tire dressings and tire cleaners are not essential to the wash process but are an extra step to ensure spectacular results and make your commercial car wash stand out from the rest.

Specialty Chemistry

Specialty chemistry can be chemicals with various desired effects. These products are used for specific instances and are not necessarily needed for every wash. But using specialty chemicals is a great way to set your wash apart from the rest in the car wash industry.

Some examples are:

• Bug Removers
• Manual Cleaners
• Presoak Boosts
• Rust Inhibitors

Detailing Products

Detailing products are slightly different chemistry used by detailing professionals to achieve specific results on a car's surface, usually through manual applications.

However, some of these products (like glass cleaners and bug removers) can be used in the regular wash process as well.

Eco Friendly Chemical for Car Wash

There are many different types of commercial car wash chemicals on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. However, not all wash chemistry are created equal. Some of these cleaners can be quite harsh and damaging to your car's paint or even strip the finish off altogether!

One type of chemical that is becoming increasingly popular is eco-friendly or "green" cleaners.

Hyper Concentrates

Hyper concentrates are products that are designed to be diluted with water when they are in use.

The advantage of hyper concentrates is that they are very economical and can last a long time.

With hyper concentrates, you pay for the actual chemical not a drum mostly made up of water. This means you'll save money on your chemistry, and save money on shipping as you'll need less product.

But the advantages don't stop there, you'll be able to wash more cars with your chemistry, making you do more with less.

If you want to learn more about hyper concentrates, we have a video explaining the process in detail here.

Are car wash chemicals safe?

As with any cleaning product, it is important to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.

Car wash chemicals are safe to be used for their intended purpose, but perhaps not for other uses. They may be toxic, corrosive, or even flammable.

Follow the instructions and directions indicated by the manufacturer. It is also vital to keep safety data sheets, or SDSs, on hand in case of an accident.

Car Wash Chemistry Ingredients: What to Look Out For

The exact ingredients that make up commercial car wash chemicals differ for an infinite number of reasons.

But there are a few things you will want to prioritize and avoid.

We recommend looking for products that have ingredients that meet environmental regulations and all municipal, provincial/state and federal sewer-use by-laws.

Chemicals to Avoid

• Phosphates
• Ammonium Bifluoride (ABF)
• Hydrofluoric acid (HF)

What kind of chemistry do Touchless car washes use?

Touchless car washes use chemicals, just like any other wash, but they are typically formulated to work independently without the help of brushes or cloths.

Friction helps products do their job and deal with tough grease and marks, but without that aid, the chemicals themselves must be able to perform by themselves.

If you're running a touchless wash, contact your suppliers to ensure your chemistry is ready to work in a touchless environment.

Chemistry is important, car wash equipment matters too!

The quality of your wash will also depend on the quality of your equipment. Old equipment may not be able to effectively operate and use high quality chemistry. It may even break down more often, causing more downtime for your business.

Subpar machinery may struggle in its important tasks: removing dirt, applying even coats of chemical and having an accurate water pressure.

We'd recommend updating your existing wash equipment if it is getting old, and be sure to purchase the right kind of equipment to match the chemistry you plan to use.

Chemistry Concerns? Ask Us - Turtle Wax Pro

We have over 75 years of car care, chemistry knowledge, and decades of supporting car wash businesses of all types. Turtle Wax Pro and our parent company, Transchem Group have seen it all.

The chemistry your wash uses must be unique to your situation, your location, your car wash and your desired finished product. An experienced supplier like Turtle Wax Pro, will ensure exceptional results with cutting edge chemistry, while being cost effective, to keep your business washing for years to come.

We also have numerous other product lines such as our full Line of AutoLux products, for more conservative pricing options or private labeling, to truly make your wash unique.

If you have any questions about car wash chemistry in general, or any specific supplier or chemical inquires, contact us anytime. We love to chat about anything in the car wash industry, and that includes chemistry!

‍

An important factor for any type of car wash business is equipment. Whether it's big commercial machinery, a pressure washer, or even just drying towels, equipment is what helps us clean and dry cars.

But there is a lot of equipment on the market, most of which is not necessary for every car wash. However, as a car wash business owner, how can you decide on which equipment you need, or which you don't need.

That is exactly why we're here to walk you through car wash equipment, with the goal of leaving you more confident in deciding what equipment you should be purchasing for your car wash.

Equipment For a Car Wash: What Every Wash Can Use

When you first think about car wash equipment, you may think of conveyor belts, huge dryers, and moving water pressures systems that automatic car washes use. While that is important, it does not stop there, there are other less flashy types of equipment that should be used in a car wash business.

Reverse Osmosis System or Water Softener

This type of system is used to remove impurities from water before it even enters the car wash. This ensures that your car wash equipment doesn't get gunked up with minerals and other particles that can cause damage. Water with lots of minerals, or hard water, can even interfere with the car wash process itself, leaving a poor result. We have a blog detailing all the effects about hard water. In order to get a spot free rinse a reverse osmosis system is required.

Water Reclaim System

A water reclaim system is used to recycle water from the car wash. This helps to cut down on water usage, as well as sewage fees, because less water is being sent down the drain.

These systems turn dirty, used water, into clean water that can be used again. ClearTech specializes in water recycling and you can check them out if you're interested.

Types of car wash equipment for an automatic wash

Brushes

Some automatic car washes use brushes that will rotate and scrub off dirt, grime, and marks off of vehicles. These brushes are large, and vary in abrasive level. Automatic washes won't always use brushes, but it's a common method for those that do.

Conveyors

A conveyor carries the vehicle through the car wash. Not all automatic washes use a conveyor system.

If they do use one, it is typically for a tunnel car wash, where the vehicle is carried through a long tunnel. With each section being a different stage of the car wash that cleans all those painted surfaces, windows, and wheels of a car.

Dryers

After a vehicle is washed, it needs to be dried off before the residual water evaporates and leaves water marks. Automatic car washes typically have very large and strong dryers that will quickly and efficiently dry off the vehicle.

High Pressure Water Systems

Automatic car washes have high pressure washers that do an excellent job at quickly and efficiently washing and rinsing vehicles.

These are especially important in touchless car washes, where no friction is used, and will need an precise amount of water pressure to leave a spot free rinse!

Wheel Cleaners

Some automatic car washes have wheel cleaners. These are special machines that will quickly and easily clean the wheels of a vehicle. Situated before the dryers, the wheel cleaner cleans off any residual water and brake dust that may be on the wheels.

Chemical applicators

Automatic car washes typically have chemical applicators that will apply presoaks, soaps, detergents, waxes, and other chemicals to the vehicle during the wash process. Often these applicators can be embedded within arches for additional show.

Types of Equipment for a Self Service Car Wash

Self Serve Systems

Self serve washes need much less individual equipment to operate. These types of car washes commonly have an all-in-one system that is multi purpose and has all the features that customers need to wash their vehicles.

These systems can apply presoaks, triple foam detergents, wax, tire cleaner, drying agents and more. This way, you can save room and money, while keeping everything in one area for people to use in washing their cars. They typically have a spray gun or brush that customers use to apply the solutions themselves.

Extras

These help the job, like a tire scrubbing brush, or microfiber towels or microfiber cloths. These are pieces that can make the process quicker or easier, but typically aren't necessary to get the job done.

Types of Equipment for a Full Service Car Wash

All in One Systems

Since full service washes also wash cars by hand, it would make sense that they also use a similar type of car wash system as a self service car wash. The employees would use a system that can apply presoaks, soap, wax, and other chemicals to the vehicles, and clean them for customers.

Extras

These are small extras such as drying towels, microfiber cloths, and other related tools that help the employees clean and dry cars effectively.

Central Vacuum Systems

A central vacuum system is a very important piece of equipment for full service car washes. This is because it allows the employees to quickly and easily clean the inside of customer's vehicles without having to lug around a heavy and inconvenient vacuum cleaner. Central vacuum systems may be available at automatic and self serve washes but since those business' are catered towards cleaning only the exterior of vehicles, it is more of a priority for full service car washes.

Types of Equipment for a Truck Wash

Since trucks are so large in size and sometimes have a challenging shape to clean, there are specially designed equipment to tackle their wash.

These systems are usually sold together in two varieties:

Drive Through Truck Wash

Almost like an in bay automatic wash, but with a twist of tunnel washes, trucks drive through a wash bay where stages of equipment will clean the truck as it drives through.

Roll Over Truck Wash

In this system, trucks go into a wash bay and stop while equipment goes around the truck and washes it. The advantage of this type is that it can clean more effectively for trucks with unique shapes.

How to choose the right car wash equipment for your business

When starting a car wash business, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right car wash equipment.

There are many factors to consider, including the type of vehicle you will be washing, the climate in your area, and your budget. For example, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you will need equipment that can withstand freezing temperatures.

Alternatively, if you plan to wash high-end vehicles, you will need equipment that can provide a gentle clean.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to narrow down your options and choose the car wash equipment that is right for your business. With the right equipment, you will be able to provide an excellent wash for your customers and build a successful car wash business.

Maintenance and cleaning tips for car wash equipment

As anyone who has ever operated a car wash knows, keeping the equipment clean and well-maintained is essential for proper functioning. Not only does this help to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, but it can also extend the life of the equipment and prevent costly repairs.

Here are some tips for keeping your car wash equipment in top condition:

• Inspect the equipment regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• Make sure all moving parts are properly lubricated.
• Keep the exterior of the equipment clean and free of debris.
• Periodically check hoses and other plumbing components for leaks.

By following these simple maintenance tips, whether you have one location or many. you can keep your car wash equipment running smoothly for years to come.

How much should you pay for car wash equipment?

The exact amount you pay for your car wash equipment will dependent on any number amount of factors. But whether you buy the cheapest equipment you can find, or the most state of the art, can impact your car wash business in many ways.

Car wash equipment is expensive and you will need to account for it when deciding to buy or replace your business' equipment. But buying the cheapest equipment on the market can leave you with lackluster results, on top of potentially breaking down sooner.

On the other hand, buying the latest and greatest thing can leave your business in a such a large financial hole, you may not be able to allocate the funds necessary for all the other aspects of your car wash business, such as staffing, training, chemical selection, or marketing.

Be sure to do your research on the specific pieces of equipment you are looking at. We highly recommend Washworld Inc.'s equipment as they are some of the best pieces you can buy but still for a realistic price. You can view their featured products.

Still unsure of your equipment choices? Contact Us - Turtle Wax Pro

The world of car wash equipment is vast, and it's tough to confidently know where to turn on your own. That is why you should rely on your car wash supplier for advice, at the end of the day, the equipment has to synergize well with your chemical selection.

Turtle Wax Pro is one of the industry leaders in car care, and have been for over 75 years. We know car wash chemicals and how to best position them for success, and that includes what equipment you should use. You can count on us to help guide you through that process.

‍

Running a car wash business can be lucrative, but it's important to find the right car wash supplier in order to make your business successful.

There are many different suppliers out there, so it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you.

Turtle Wax Pro is a great option to help supply your car wash. We offer the highest quality chemistry on the market, have decades of experience of helping wash businesses succeed, and have strong healthy relationships with our customers.

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

1. Avoid suppliers that just need to make a sale and offer no support after your launch.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?

1. A wide range of chemistry, services, systems and car wash equipment.
2. 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.
3. Help you find ways on how to reduce costs and optimize your car wash to save time and produce more sales for your site.
4. 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.