ThEsE Rough EConoMIC TIMEs, ThE
Tough gET CREaTIvE.
The current economic downturn, with
its trail of layoffs, closed businesses and
downsized government spending, has
taken a toll on carwash owners, too.
To survive, and even thrive, owners and
service companies who work with the
owners, are devising strategies and tactics
to circumvent the worst effects of the
recession and ensure cash flow continuity
for their businesses.
atlantic Carwash association and owner
of virginia Car Wash Industries, Inc.,
based in Toms Brook, virginia, also owns a
coin-operated laundry business. While the
businesses are not at the same location,
ashley explains the benefits of owning
laundries are two separate organizations,
built within sight of each other in Mt.
Jackson, virginia. The town is located
between Winchester and harrisonburg in
the northwestern part of the state. People
often drop their laundry off and go wash
their cars."
he pointed out the two businesses also
have the same logo, so people are visually
aware the companies are intertwined.
"We get a great rate on propane using
both washes together; the employees are
cross-trained so they work at both shops.
The major savings we've found is in the
gas consumption. We also get a better
rate on insurance as we have a blanket
rate for both businesses."
he is planning, eventually, to use the
same token coins in both washes. It will
be a universal token with the company
logo embossed on its face.
"at our other location in Mt. Jackson,
restaurant and people go among all three
businessthey'll put their laundry in the
machine and either order a meal or wash
their car while waiting for the spin cycle to
end. The restaurant is nestled between the
carwash and the laundry," he noted.
"at another laundry, in Woodstock,
virginia, we have an insurance business
and a check-cashing business attached
to the laundry." he added that the
check-cashing service mixes better with
the laundry than the other businesses.
The carwashes and the laundries are,
essentially, unattended, self-serve
businesses.
This concept is not new. since 1985,
the nice Day Laundry in sanford, Florida,
which services customers with rock-
bottom prices, has also been providing a
self-service carwash next door. on its Web
site, the company suggests that customers
can wash their car while waiting for the