Car wash business is a lucrative venture that can give you good returns if well managed. This is one business that has caught the eye of many Kenyans. If you walk in any business street in the suburbs or estates in Nairobi, you won’t miss a car wash yard stationed somewhere.
We have over 2.5 million vehicles on the Kenyan roads according Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis. This should be good news for car wash business owners. A car owner was asked how often he takes his car to the car wash and he proudly said that as long as he feels his cars needs to be clean, he will definitely go to the car wash. Stating that he at least does it once in a week, this means that his car needs to be cleaned at least 4 times a month.
So, what do you really need to venture into this business?
The first thing you need to do is to
- Conduct A Market Research.
By doing a market research, you should touch on the following key points
- Get some info from an existing car wash business on how they operate
- Define the kind of customers you would like to serve
- Find an ideal location which is accessible and has some good traffic of vehicles
- Define a distinguishing factor that will make your customers comeback
2. Get the necessary business permit
It’s a requirement by law in Kenya to get business permit for running any kind of business. The cost of business permit depends on the county that you are operating the business
You will be required to acquire clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) if you are running a big car wash.
3. Location
Dont ignore the fact that location is a very important factor to consider when opening any business. The location you choose depends a lot on your target customers.
Car wash business in Kenya tend to thrive near busy petrol stations , Nyama choma grills , mechanics shops or even in middle class estates with a good chunk of car owners.
As the car was business owner, ensure your car wash yard is easily accessible and well kept to attract customers. Cementing the yard to avoid mud from the running water can really help keep the yard looking good. Ensure you have uninterrupted water supply and back up water tanks for water storage.
4. Necessary Equipment’s
Once everything is ready to implement this business, you need to acquire some equipment’s. They include washing, drying towels, sprays, detergents and blowers.
This equipment’s can be bought on various shops in the country. When making the purchase, make sure to get the best make and model which will fit your business operation needs. Some of the common services you will provide include
- Upholstery
- Interior cleaning
- Under wash
- Waxing
- Dusting
- Buffing
- Carpet Cleaning
- Engine wash
- Body wash