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Entrepreneur: Start & Grow Your Business

Startup Idea - Self Service Car Wash


Set up a spot where clients can wash their own cars and watch the profits flow in.

Business At A Glance

Startup Costs: $50,000 - $100,000
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? No
Online Operation? No

Business Overview

When most people think of a car wash, they tend to think of an exterior-conveyor wash. There are other types of washes, though, including self-service car washes. Most self-service car washes are coin-operated brush-and-hose combinations that the driver uses to dispense soap, wash the card and rinse it off.

The Market

The self-service car wash patron is typically a renter. Since they don't own a home and may have little space to wash a car where they live, a professional facility is a necessity. They're also a bit more cost-conscious than those who frequent full-service or exterior-conveyor washes, and tend to have slightly lower incomes. Men tend to use self-serves more than women, according to industry research.

Needed Equipment

You need the wash unit, vacuums and water systems for your car wash.

Related Business Ideas

Related Franchises

Cactus Car Wash
Full-service car wash

Spot-Not Car Washes
Automatic & self-serve car wash

Super Wash
Coin-operated self-serve/brushless automatic car washes