Self-service car wash business plan for starting your own business

A self-service car wash business runs itself with minimal resources. You set up the bay and car wash machines, while car owners pay to use the machine. It is a good source of passive income; that is a means of income where you can be away and still make money. If you plan to set up a business in this industry, you need to have a comprehensive business plan for a self service car wash that helps develop strategies to establish a startup. 

Given the dynamics of a self-service car wash business, it requires an operational strategy business plan. If you are unclear about how to start a car washing business, you can refer to this business plan devised for Auto Paradise. Auto Paradise got this business plan for cleaning services written by a business consultancy firm.

Executive Summary

2.1 The Business

Mr. Jackson owns Auto Paradise, which offers a self-service car wash facility in New Jersey. Auto Paradise is a dynamic car wash self service company that requires $934,100 to establish a four-bay self-serve car wash to provide exceptional car care services to the members of the New Jersey community.  Quality services that exceed expectations will establish Auto Paradise as the premiere car wash service in New Jersey, New York.

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2.2 Management of self-service car wash business

In your self-service car wash business plan, you should evaluate the technical, financial, and human resources you have at your disposal. And then construct a way to utilize and manage these resources in the best way possible.

A self-service car wash business model would be somewhat similar to a business plan for real estate. However, for specific guidance, you should analyze a business plan for a pressure washing. You can also go through the blogs on do it your self car wash tips, to learn how the operations can be effectively managed.

2.3 Customers of self-service car wash business

The primary customer groups of self-service car wash centers are defined as the following:

  • College Students
  • Senior Citizens
  • Working Professionals
  • Tourists 

2.4 Business Target

Our target is to become the best car wash service in town. Auto Paradise plans on using topnotch car wash equipment self service for environment-friendly and technologically advanced operations. Our financial targets to meet for the first three years of our launch are demonstrated below:

Self Service Car Wash - 3 Years Profit Forecast
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Company Summary

3.1 Company Owner

Mr. Jackson will be the owner of Auto Paradise. Mr. Jackson has strong leadership and organizational skills that he acquired while working in the automobile industry for the last seven years. 

3.2 Why the self-service car wash business is being started

Mr. Jackson plans on using innovative means of providing car wash services that are time-saving and cost-minimizing. Due to his exclusive ideas, he decided to step into this venture.

3.3 How the self-service car wash business will be started

This self service car wash business plan will help you out if you are thinking of building a self service car wash center like Mr. Jackson. Unlike a business plan for janitorial services, a business plan for a self-service car wash is complex. You can only make an accurate plan if you follow the proper stepwise procedure.

Step1: Plan Everything

The first step before starting a business is to develop a business plan. Auto Paradise used a comprehensive window cleaning business plan to outline its business strategy. You must plan everything ahead of time with proper contingency plans, as it helps organize resources in the longer run. 

Step2: Define the Brand

The next step is to be recognized by defining your business’s services and values. During this time, you will have to develop and brand your policies so that your customers can identify your unique selling point and choose you over your competitors. You can define and position your brand in the market through various marketing strategies. 

Step3: Establish Your Corporate Office 

Auto Paradise’s corporate office is based in New York, whereas the self serve car wash franchise is based in New Jersey. This is because Mr. Jackson and the senior management officials reside in New York.

Step4: Establish a Web Presence

Since digitalization and online marketing are integral to a business’s success, your self-service car wash business must have a web presence. Through it, you can let your customers look at the services offered by you and schedule their car washes. Furthermore, the website should contain a manual on how to use a self serve car wash so that the customers who are using the self-service for the first time are assisted.

Step5: Promote and Market

The last step is developing and executing a marketing plan to promote your services. Efficient marketing and promotion can help you position your business in a better position in the marketplace.

Self Service Car Wash - Startup Cost
Start-up Expenses 
Legal$188,300
Consultants$0
Insurance$23,000
Rent$38,800
Research and Development$10,000
Expensed Equipment$56,000
Signs$3,400
TOTAL START-UP EXPENSES$319,500
Start-up Assets$249,800
Cash Required$209,000
Start-up Inventory$39,000
Other Current Assets$288,000
Long-term Assets$287,000
TOTAL ASSETS$1,072,800
Total Requirements$1,392,300
START-UP FUNDING 
Start-up Expenses to Fund$319,500
Start-up Assets to Fund$1,072,800
TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED$1,392,300
Assets 
Non-cash Assets from Start-up$1,361,600
Cash Requirements from Start-up$188,000
Additional Cash Raised$50,000
Cash Balance on Starting Date$35,000
TOTAL ASSETS$1,634,600
Liabilities and Capital 
Liabilities$18,000
Current Borrowing$0
Long-term Liabilities$0
Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)$78,000
Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)$0
TOTAL LIABILITIES$96,000
Capital 
Planned Investment$1,392,300
Investor 1$0
Investor 2$0
Other$0
Additional Investment Requirement$0
TOTAL PLANNED INVESTMENT$1,392,300
Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)$146,300
TOTAL CAPITAL$1,538,600
TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES$1,634,600
Total Funding$1,392,300
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    Services of self-service car wash business

    Before starting a self service car wash, you must decide what services you want to offer. Auto Paradise will establish itself as the premier car wash facility in New Jersey by providing quality service for a competitive price. Deciding on the services earlier helps to focus the staff and resources. As per our self serve car wash business plan, we will offer the following services:

    • Laser “touch-free and spot-free”

    It uses laser-guided technology to lift away dirt, grime, dust, muck, and mud to revamp your car’s appearance to what it once was.

    • Four “self-serve” bays

    Auto Paradise will have fully functional bays with facilities such as wheel & tire cleaner, foam brushes, and spot-free rinses. These functions offer the best experience to new users of the car wash as well as regulars.

    • Car wash vending services

    Car wash manufacturers notice an increase in earnings when you provide a fully stocked vending machine with a wide range of products, such as wipes, little tree air fresheners, and glass cleaners. Therefore, we will provide this service as well.

    • Vacuuming and disinfection of cars

    Be it a central system or canister style, vacuums are an integral component of a professional carwash. It helps deep clean the car and disinfect it simultaneously.

    The costs for setting up a self-service car wash are similar to that of a business plan for a roofing.

    If you are thinking of how to open a self serve car wash, this business plan can provide you with thorough guidance.

    Marketing Analysis of self-service car wash business

    You must have an in-depth knowledge of your target market before opening a self serve car wash. The ideal way of knowing your customers and competitors is to do the market analysis in your business plan for a car wash business.

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    If you don’t know how to start a self service car wash business, you can take help from this car wash self-service business plan written for Auto Paradise.

    5.1 Market Trends

    Small-scale, self-service car washes have been noted to average just over $40,000 per year in profit. On their part, more extensive luxury car washes are known to generate more than $500,000 per year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it reports that consumers spend an estimated $5.8 billion at car wash businesses annually. All these stats show that the business is promising to step in.

    5.2 Marketing Segmentation

    As per this business plan for Auto Paradise, self service car wash manufacturers will be targeting the following customer groups:

    Self Service Car Wash - Marketing Segmentation

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    5.2.1 College Students

    Due to Auto Paradise being the best self wash car wash in town, and that too at low prices, college students will be the most recurring customers of Auto Paradise.

    5.2.2 Senior Citizens

    Since automated car washes are complicated for senior citizens in the vicinity, Auto Paradise offers easy-to-use self-service car wash services. This will make them regulars at the shop.

    5.2.3 Working professionals

    Due to hectic work schedules, professional employees are expected to visit Auto Paradise over the weekends to get their cars washed. That’s why they will be the third target group of customers for the car wash.

    5.2.4 Tourists

    Domestic and foreign tourists exploring New Jersey on the road will stop by Auto Paradise to wash their cars before hitting the roads again. 

    Market Analysis       
    Potential CustomersGrowthYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5CAGR
    College Students25%26,50031,80038,16045,79254,95010.00%
    Senior Citizens26%27,50033,00039,60047,52057,02410.00%
    Working Professionals27%28,60034,32041,18449,42159,30510.00%
    Tourists22%24,50029,40035,28042,33650,80311.00%
    Total100%107,100128,520154,224185,069222,08310%

    5.3 Business Target

    • Have a market share of 30% in New Jersey within the first three years of operations.
    • Have average monthly sales worth $28,000.
    • Provide initial investors a 33% distribution each of the first three years to recover the initial investment.
    • Open a second franchise within one year after the inauguration of the first one.

    5.4 Product Pricing

    Given that the industry is quite competitive, the initial pricing strategy would be predatory.

    Marketing Strategy of self-service car wash business

    To become prominent amidst competition, you need to develop an interesting, unique selling point. Moreover, you also need to develop a strong marketing strategy so that more and more people recognize you. You can learn a lot from this marketing plan car wash designed for Auto Paradise.

    Following strategies can be used to kick start your self serve hand car wash business:

    6.1 Competitive Analysis

    • We have excellent customer care service. We will record customers’ feedback to improve their services every time they hire us.
    • Our customers would be able to schedule their car wash online through our website.
    • Newer self service car wash systems help reduce water wastage.
    • Discounts will be offered to new customers, which will help acquire a more significant market share.

    6.2 Sales Strategy

    • We will advertise our services through Google Local ads service and social media.
    • We will make our car wash facility visible on Google Maps.
    • We will use Email Marketing for greater reach.
    • Introductory packages and incentives will be provided to new customers.

    6.3 Sales Monthly

    Self Service Car Wash - Sales Monthly

    6.4 Sales Yearly

    Self Service Car Wash - Sales Yearly

    6.5 Sales Forecast

    Self Service Car Wash - Unit Sales
    Sales Forecast   
    Unit SalesYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Laser touch and spot free5,5005,8306,180
    Self Serve bays7,5007,9508,427
    Car wash vending6,6006,9967,416
    Vacuuming and disinfection5,4005,7246,067
    TOTAL UNIT SALES25,00026,50028,090
    Unit PricesYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Laser touch and spot free$75.00$87.00$100.92
    Self Serve bays$50.00$58.00$67.28
    Car wash vending$45.00$52.20$60.55
    Vacuuming and disinfection$80.00$92.80$107.65
    Sales   
    Laser touch and spot free$412,500.00 $507,210.00 $623,665.42
    Self Serve bays$375,000.00 $461,100.00 $566,968.56
    Car wash vending$297,000.00 $365,191.20 $449,039.10
    Vacuuming and disinfection$432,000.00 $531,187.20 $653,147.78
    TOTAL SALES$1,516,500.00 $1,864,688.40 $2,292,820.86
    Direct Unit CostsYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Laser touch and spot free$30.00$33.00$34.65
    Self Serve bays$25.00$27.50$28.88
    Car wash vending$20.00$22.00$23.10
    Vacuuming and disinfection$25.00$27.50$28.88
    Direct Cost of Sales   
    Laser touch and spot free$165,000.00 $192,390.00 $214,130.07
    Self Serve bays$187,500.00 $218,625.00 $243,329.63
    Car wash vending$132,000.00 $153,912.00 $171,304.06
    Vacuuming and disinfection$135,000.00 $157,410.00 $175,197.33
    Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales$619,500.00 $722,337.00 $803,961.08

    Personnel plan of self-service car wash business

    To run your self-service car wash business, you would require professionals with technological expertise and management skills. While setting up the business, you should make a list of required employees along with average salaries. It will also help you in evaluating cost of self service car wash startup.

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    7.1 Company Staff

    Auto Paradise’ self service car wash business will hire employees for the following positions:

    • 1 General Manager
    • 2 Technical Engineers
    • 1 Accountant
    • 2 General Employees
    • 2 Guards

    Every other self serve car wash business has more or less the same organizational structure.

    7.2  Average Salary of Employees

     Personnel Plan   
     Year 1Year 2Year 3
    General Manager$45,000$49,500$54,450
    Technical Engineers$82,000$90,200$99,220
    Accountant$34,000$37,400$41,140
    General Employees$68,500$75,350$82,885
    Guards$56,000$61,600$67,760
    Total Salaries$285,500 $314,050 $345,455

    Financial Plan of self-service car wash business

    A sole focus on increasing sales cannot ensure success and profits. Instead, an accurate financial plan is a tool you can use to realize your business targets. It can help you assess how much a self serve car wash makes and how much a self service car wash costs. This would clearly outline the potential profit margins of your business.

    In your financial plan, you must identify when and how you’ll be able to cover your investment amount with the earned profits. Moreover, it would help to analyze your yearly expenses to find out the possibilities of reaching an economy of scale. It is always better to hire a professional financial analyst to evaluate self service car wash price and make a financial plan for your business.

    Here we’re providing a business plan used by Auto Paradise for you to use as a reference.

    8.1 Important Assumptions

     General Assumptions   
     Year 1Year 2Year 3
    Plan Month123
    Current Interest Rate8.12%8.20%8.26%
    Long-term Interest Rate8.40%8.44%8.47%
    Tax Rate24.03%24.21%24.60%
    Other000

    8.2 Break-even Analysis

    Self Service Car Wash - Break-even Analysis
     Break-Even Analysis 
    Monthly Units Break-even5340
    Monthly Revenue Break-even$132,500
    Assumptions: 
    Average Per-Unit Revenue$231.00
    Average Per-Unit Variable Cost$0.62
    Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost$163,800

    8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

     Pro Forma Profit And Loss  
     Year 1Year 2Year 3
    Sales$1,516,500 $1,864,688 $2,292,821
    Direct Cost of Sales$619,500 $722,337 $803,961
    Other$0$0$0
    TOTAL COST OF SALES$619,500 $722,337 $803,961
    Gross Margin$897,000 $1,142,351 $1,488,860
    Gross Margin %59.15%61.26%64.94%
    Expenses   
    Payroll$285,500$314,050$345,455
    Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses$145,000$148,000$156,000
    Depreciation$2,300$2,350$2,500
    Leased Equipment$0$0$0
    Utilities$2,900$3,000$3,100
    Insurance$2,100$2,100$2,100
    Rent$2,900$3,000$3,200
    Payroll Taxes$24,000$25,000$27,000
    Other$0$0$0
    Total Operating Expenses$464,700 $497,500 $539,355
    Profit Before Interest and Taxes$432,300$644,851$949,505
    EBITDA$432,300$644,851$949,505
    Interest Expense$0$0$0
    Taxes Incurred$86,460$128,970$189,901
    Net Profit$345,840$515,881$759,604
    Net Profit/Sales22.81%27.67%33.13%
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    8.3.1 Profit Monthly

    Self Service Car Wash - Profit Monthly

    8.3.2 Profit Yearly

    Self Service Car Wash - Profit Yearly

    8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

    Self Service Car Wash - Gross Margin Monthly

    8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

    Self Service Car Wash - Gross Margin Yearly

    8.4 Projected Cash Flow

    Self Service Car Wash - Projected Cash Flow
     Pro Forma Cash Flow   
    Cash ReceivedYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Cash from Operations   
    Cash Sales$51,000$55,080$59,486
    Cash from Receivables$22,000$23,760$25,661
    SUBTOTAL CASH FROM OPERATIONS$73,000 $79,570 $85,936
    Additional Cash Received   
    Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received$0$0$0
    New Current Borrowing$0$0$0
    New Other Liabilities (interest-free)$0$0$0
    New Long-term Liabilities$0$0$0
    Sales of Other Current Assets$0$0$0
    Sales of Long-term Assets$0$0$0
    New Investment Received$0$0$0
    SUBTOTAL CASH RECEIVED$74,000 $79,000 $85,000
    ExpendituresYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Expenditures from Operations  
    Cash Spending$42,000$42,000$45,000
    Bill Payments$27,000$28,000$31,000
    SUBTOTAL SPENT ON OPERATIONS$69,000 $70,000 $76,000
    Additional Cash Spent   
    Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out$0$0$0
    Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing$0$0$0
    Other Liabilities Principal Repayment$0$0$0
    Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment$0$0$0
    Purchase Other Current Assets$0$0$0
    Purchase Long-term Assets$0$0$0
    Dividends$0$0$0
    SUBTOTAL CASH SPENT$69,000 $74,520 $80,482
    Net Cash Flow$21,000$23,000$25,000
    Cash Balance$27,000$30,000$33,000

    8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

     Pro Forma Balance Sheet  
    AssetsYear 1Year 2Year 3
    Current Assets   
    Cash$275,000$308,000$338,800
    Accounts Receivable$24,000$26,880$30,213
    Inventory$4,300$4,816$4,900
    Other Current Assets$1,000$1,000$1,000
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS$282,000 $315,840 $355,004
    Long-term Assets   
    Long-term Assets$10,000$10,000$10,000
    Accumulated Depreciation$19,400$21,728$24,444
    TOTAL LONG-TERM ASSETS$24,400 $27,328 $30,744
    TOTAL ASSETS$294,000 $329,280 $370,440
    Liabilities and CapitalYear 4Year 5Year 6
    Current Liabilities   
    Accounts Payable$18,700$20,944$23,541
    Current Borrowing$0$0$0
    Other Current Liabilities$0$0$0
    SUBTOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES$19,000 $21,280 $23,919
    Long-term Liabilities$0$0$0
    TOTAL LIABILITIES$15,000 $16,800 $18,883
    Paid-in Capital$30,000$30,000$31,000
    Retained Earnings$53,000$57,770$63,547
    Earnings$193,400$210,806$231,887
    TOTAL CAPITAL$285,000 $310,650 $341,715
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL$300,000 $329,280 $370,440
    Net Worth$293,400$319,806$351,787

    8.6 Business Ratios

     Ratio Analysis    
     Year 1Year 2Year 3INDUSTRY PROFILE
    Sales Growth7.25%8.03%8.90%3.00%
    Percent of Total Assets    
    Accounts Receivable9.21%10.20%11.31%9.80%
    Inventory5.39%5.97%6.62%9.90%
    Other Current Assets2.11%2.34%2.59%2.40%
    Total Current Assets149.80%151.00%152.00%158.00%
    Long-term Assets11.55%11.60%11.64%12.00%
    TOTAL ASSETS100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%
    Current Liabilities4.90%4.94%4.98%4.34%
    Long-term Liabilities0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%
    Total Liabilities7.59%7.65%7.72%7.38%
    NET WORTH100.45%101.25%102.19%110.00%
    Percent of Sales    
    Sales100.00%100.00%100.00%100.00%
    Gross Margin94.60%97.15%99.87%99.00%
    Selling, General & Administrative Expenses93.56%96.09%98.78%97.80%
    Advertising Expenses1.52%1.56%1.60%1.40%
    Profit Before Interest and Taxes41.50%42.62%43.81%33.90%
    Main Ratios    
    Current34353632
    Quick3333.834.64533
    Total Debt to Total Assets0.18%0.18%0.17%0.40%
    Pre-tax Return on Net Worth74.08%74.89%75.00%75.00%
    Pre-tax Return on Assets96.30%101.12%106.17%111.30%
    Additional RatiosYear 1Year 2Year 3 
    Net Profit Margin33.56%34.60%35.67%N.A.
    Return on Equity55.80%57.53%59.31%N.A.
    Activity Ratios    
    Accounts Receivable Turnover7.77.87.8N.A.
    Collection Days100100100N.A.
    Inventory Turnover32.434.0235N.A.
    Accounts Payable Turnover15.61616.3N.A.
    Payment Days272727N.A.
    Total Asset Turnover2.52.52.6N.A.
    Debt Ratios    
    Debt to Net Worth-0.04-0.03-0.04N.A.
    Current Liab. to Liab.111N.A.
    Liquidity Ratios    
    Net Working Capital$244,000$257,664$272,093N.A.
    Interest Coverage000N.A.
    Additional Ratios    
    Assets to Sales0.850.870.89N.A.
    Current Debt/Total Assets1%0%0%N.A.
    Acid Test2929.1229.16N.A.
    Sales/Net Worth2.12.22.2N.A.
    Dividend Payout000N.A.

    FAQ

    • How profitable is a self-service car wash?

    Is owning a car wash profitable? Yes! According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average monthly revenue generated per bay in a self-serve car wash is nearly $1,500. Small-scale, self-service car washes average just over $40,000 per year in profit, while larger luxury car washes can net owners more than $500,000 per year.

    • Is a self car wash a good business?

    Yes, the self service car wash for sale is high in demand. It is because people do not have the time and space to wash their cars at home.

    • How much does a self-wash car wash cost?

    Each type of car wash will have different equipment and land requirements and, hence, a unique automated car wash systems cost. With self-serve bays, depending on your local climate, equipment will cost approximately $15,000 to $25,000. Building costs vary, but the most straightforward structures will start at around $25,000. The prices are similar to those in a carpet cleaning business plan.

    • How much does the equipment cost for a car wash?

    While figuring out what is a good price for a car wash, you need to understand the equipment costs the business is incurring. Different types of car wash systems need different equipment. Self-serve car wash equipment costs $8,000-$10,000 per bay. 

    Download Self Service Car Wash Business Plan Template in pdf

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