Anyone own a car wash?

[xtac]

Beginning the preliminary due diligence in acquiring one and or building one. I see many are for sale, would love to gather some input from those with experience.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

you shoulda call walter white aka Heisenberg and skylar. they know everything about car washes

[kprocivic]

I was looking into getting one 2 years ago. It all depends on county and how much water costs there. After learning that it didn't make since for me.

[Housekeeping]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

I was looking into getting one 2 years ago. It all depends on county and how much water costs there. After learning that it didn't make since for me.

Isn’t are large percentage recycled/filtered?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

Isn’t are large percentage recycled/filtered?

recycle filtering still require a supply of fresh water - water recovery isn't high enough to offset water as a major expense.

[Mark M]

Use to work at a high end wash in younger days putting myself through college. epa has huge regulations on the industry. Limiting chemicals you can use etc

[B58 parts]

[xtac]

Originally Posted by kprocivic

I was looking into getting one 2 years ago. It all depends on county and how much water costs there. After learning that it didn't make since for me.

What are we talking? Numbers wise.

[allinon72]

Don't own one but in the industry. Booming right now, but I'll caution you, it is the complete opposite of a "build it, sit back and watch the checks roll in" type of investment. It is perhaps the most involved and frustrating retail businesses to be in. Lots of moving parts, literally and figuratively. 100s of stories of successful guys begging to get out because of the constant nuisance.

[kprocivic]

Originally Posted by xtac

What are we talking? Numbers wise.

The one I was looking at was all manual washers no automatic.

I don't remember clear cut numbers. I was breaking even with water and sewage. Only profits were coming from vaccums, and shammys from coin op machines. The older car washes need about 50k in renovation to make use of new tech whether that be auto washers or better recyc systems.

profits avg 600-1000.

For you look at how much water per car is used to see how many gallons of water are used, then multiply that by your county's water and sewage costs.

[allinon72]

The money is in manned express tunnels with high volume and light detailing. You can make money in self serve bays pending the location but you'll hit a ceiling.