JimmyJaffa
Member
You are absolutely right, we have been doing it wrong for so long, it is amazing. Of course with MacNeil equipment we do not get the litter of broken parts that you mentioned, maybe that is the difference. or is it the soap?
Are you implying they are busier because of the larger staff? Or could it be that they simply need more employees to handle a higher volume of customers?The more successful c-store/gas chains today are those with highest numbers of associates per shift.
http://giphy.com/gifs/funny-snl-yes-w2UtIGtEpuR9uI have no bullet proof vest, so I’ll pass on Chicago till current events get better up there.
My discussion assumes markets where washes have normal and above normal profits.
Washes in markets where $3.00 base price, low average sales predominates typically have below normal profits. Who wants a wash like that?
For example, I’m use to seeing unit variable cost of between $2.00 and $2.50 not one dollar, average sales $10 or more.
Surprisingly, operators contact me occasionally wanting to know how to exploit washes that compete on basis of low price.
When the supply side prices like a commodity (i.e. gasoline), retailers tend to market stuff that has a robust margin.
Otherwise, there would not be sufficient gross sales to provide adequate management and staff to ensure customer-centric operation without cutting corners like the example $3.00 carwash.
The more successful c-store/gas chains today are those with highest numbers of associates per shift.
I’ve seen my share of $3.00 washes with low averages and most aren’t friendly. It’s all about getting them through the tunnel. Most don’t even try to sell you anything.
Of course, if $3.00 is all I could get for a carwash, I guess I might not be very friendly either.
On other hand, most of the operators I know that average $10 or more seem pretty happy.
Considering the number of $3.00 washes built in the last 17 years and the fact that no one has asked for you to consult on one in 17n years can mean a lot of different things...........................
I’ve been consulting about 17 years. Since the express boom, I can honestly say no developer has ever come to me and asked how to go about building a $3.00 wash.
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Congrats. You have now set yourself up to be called as an "Expert" witness in any case there is an issue where 2 people were not on duty, or perhaps when 2 were not in the loading area because you supposedly know ""Industry Best Practice". You of course will have to define what is a "Low" volume, and the Car Wash may be forced to hire an expert to refute your rash generalizations based on limited observation. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3exqfNxeOY Busy time - one loader, $6.00 Base price. Many like this.Industry best practice for staffing an exterior express conveyor is two persons per shift, two seven-hour shifts. One person would be sufficient for “low” hourly volumes.
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IMO you have avoided the issue.Best practice is a method that consistently shows results superior to those achieved with other means that is used as a benchmark.
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Most washes with two persons, two seven-hour shifts and manager have superior results.
This is why it’s considered best practice.
If the wash doesn’t make enough money to support best practice, don’t follow it.
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