Parking Business, the Details on Increasing Lot Revenue

If you are in the parking business and own or manage parking lots you may want to think on some additional concepts to increase lot revenues. Whether you are looking to add value for your customers, expand your customer base, or simply increase your revenue, the addition of a car wash and/or detailing service to your parking facility may be the answer. There are many options available to you if you want to provide these services. You can contract with a local independent company in your area with a good reputation, co-market with a detail shop nearby who will service your lot, buy your own unit and run it in-house or purchase a franchise name and equipment from a national company.

INCREASED REVENUE

Whichever route you choose, it is possible to increase daily income, if you hire the labor or contract out. "Car washing and detailing not only provide value for your customers, but also maximize the per space value of your lot," commented Philip Hutcheson, owner of The Car Wash Guys franchise in Nashville, Tennessee, who currently had Central Parking in Nashville as a client. "It's all about convenience and saving customers time. We're only washing their cars, but that can give them time to do other things they want to do," said Hutcheson.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

If you choose to hire a local company to handle the job, then try to be respectful of their time. You may wish to start out one day a week. For example - Wednesday is car wash day. You collect the money and park the cars in car wash row. The local company arrives at the desired time and washes, waxes and details the cars and returns the keys to you. Make sure the mobile operator is licensed, insured, maintains quality employees, shows up on time and has some sort of re-claim device for wastewater.

To reach your revenue goal, increase services to more days and more hours a day as the work catches on. It will build slowly, but will give you an edge and higher average ticket charge per car. A typical financial arrangement with a detail service can net you $2 to $5 per car for a wash and wax and as high as $15 per car for a full detail.

A WIN-WIN-WIN

Here's an example of how a parking facility can partner with a detail service. Tim Morse, co-owner of The Car Wash Guys franchise in Oklahoma City, washed and detailed cars for SunPark, a private parking facility near Oklahoma International Airport. He washed their shuttle buses for free in exchange for use of a storage room to keep supplies in for his mobile detailing service. SunPark receives a percentage of each car washed and detailed. This relationship provides a win-win-win - for the customers and both businesses involved.

SunPark was bought by new owners in 1998. The previous owners had offered a basic wash and wax as an added service, explained Manager Larry DeLuca. "We took it a step further. We now also offer car detailing and oil change which have been well received by our customers. Our agreement with The Car Wash Guys allows us to offer detailing at a competitive rate to what our customers could find elsewhere in the city, just with the convenience of having it done while they're away," he explained. When travelers arrive, they are given a card inviting them to select additional services besides parking during their trip. They indicate their return date and if they desire a detail or car wash. Their cars are prepared the day before they return, waiting for them all shiny and clean. "The word of mouth about the additional services that you don't receive at the airport has helped increase our business as a parking option of choice," commented DeLuca.

With Hutcheson's work in Nashville, for the monthly tenants, the cost of a wash or detail is added to their monthly fee as an ongoing service. Washes can also be used as an incentive to customers, i.e. two free car washes a month. A lot owner can mark up contracted services for additional profit or add them as an incentive to retain long-term customers.

For a parking company in Tucson, Arizona, The Car Wash Guys team washed every car in the structure once a month and extends a special group rate of $4.00 per car to the lot owner. The customers were so happy to have the added "free" service that when the lot owner recently raised monthly rates there was only one complaint about the free increase.

BUYING A FRANCHISE

You can also buy a franchise if you're serious about adding detailing as a permanent source of revenue. One type of company which lends itself well to a model for your operations is the Detail Guys based in Reno, Nevada offers mobile detail units, training, marketing and computerized software in one complete package. Each unit has a re-claim device, central vacuum system and enclosed lockable trailer. Visit their web site at; www.detailguys.com. The Detail Guys and "brother" company The Car Wash Guys set up franchises in 23 states to serve 110 markets nationwide.

DOING IT YOURSELF

If you opt for the do-it-yourself route, following are some suggestions regarding equipment. You'll need a pressure washer with cold and hot water, hot if you also want to occasionally wash down the lot or parking structure. For cars you need 1800 psi that will take an 8hp motor with a belt driven pump. (We do not recommend direct drive.) Ask for a cat pump, operators say they have nine lives. You'll also need at least 50 feet of non-maring 3000 psi single braided hose or a reel and a wand. Always operate a wand of less than 24 inches - less chance to ding a car, which is parked too close or over spray cars already washed or cars you are not washing. You need a 200-gallon water tank. All this can be mounted on an industrial Cushman cart. Make sure the cart has four wheels, since water moves and weights 8.2 pounds per gallon. That's 1,640 lbs! Insurance is not only an important factor to look at when hiring a contractor, it's essential if you plan to run the operation yourself. You'll want to get a liability policy of at least $1 to $2 million.

HIRING EMPLOYEES

You will need to hire experienced labor or your employees will need some type of formal training. A company called Detail Plus in Portland, Oregon offers training courses at your place of business and videotapes and manuals. For more information, visit www.detailplus.com. With professional training and profit incentive bonuses of 10-15% for employees, you may be able to put together an excellent crew.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

You'll also need to learn a little about car wash wastewater. Even if you are hiring a company on contract, you should at least be aware of the environmental laws pertaining to waste water. The basic law is this: do not allow wash water run-off to enter a storm drain. Block off storm drains and vacuum unevaporated water into a holding tank for proper discharge into the sanitary sewer. You or your contractor will need to locate a drain which is connected to the sewer treatment plan within your property or drive the waste to a nearby gas station, for example, to put in their R.V. dump. This BMP-Best Management Practice is consistent with nearly all NPDES-National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems permits. For additional information, visit www.epa.gov and search under water pollution.

CO-MARKETING/NETWORK OF SERVICES

If you utilize the services of a gas station, this will also be an excellent opportunity to co-market with another business, perhaps even help send them business. It pays to have a network of local businesses such as lock-out specialists, tow companies, or maintenance services. Remember you are in the automotive business even though you just park them.

A NATIONWIDE RESOURCE

The Car Wash Guys is currently working with numerous parking garages around the country. We'd be happy to talk with you if you are interested in adding services to your facility. We can also serve as a resource to help locate an independent detailing contractor or a franchisee if one is located in your area. The Car Wash Guys set up training centers for their franchisees in Columbus, OH; Nashville, TN; Orlando, FL; San Antonio, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; Overland Park, KS; Denver, CO; Palm Desert, CA; Sacramento, CA; Bozeman, MT; Portland, OR; Lewiston, ID; Reno, NV; and Scottsdale, AZ. The Car Wash Guys was founded in 1979 and now washes just about everything from cars, trucks, boats and aircraft to windows, buildings, graffiti removal and more.

Best wishes on your plans to maximize revenue as a parking professional. Just remember, success can be found in the details! Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.worldthinktank.net/wttbbs

executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car
In The News:

Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.
An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.
The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.
Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.
Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.
A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.
Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.
Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.
Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.
Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.
UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.
Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.

Scheduling of Additional Auto Detailing or Mobile Car Wash Units

If you own a mobile car wash business or auto... Read More

Cost-cutting Essential to Maintaining Profits

Why cut costs now? Efforts are multiplying to cut costs... Read More

Dayton, OH; Why your Company needs to expand there

In Ohio: besides the 3-Cs you should look at Akron,... Read More

Is Your Company Growing Fast Enough for You?

Are you frustrated by the lack of growth in your... Read More

Business Problem Solving

Is there really anything as a problem? Does chaos or... Read More

Hunters and Gatherers - Are You Serving Both Their Needs?

The University of Exeter in the United Kingdom recently published... Read More

Turning On The Lights

Fun From The StartFor those with the will to start... Read More

How Good Is a Business Plan To Your Business?

You know you need a business plan. You probably realize... Read More

More Uses for Your Business Plan

You have invested a lot of time and energy on... Read More

Mobile Franchise Business Expansion Strategy

If you own a mobile franchise business and wish to... Read More

Top Ten Reasons To Create A One Page Business Plan

There is a story, about a business owner who wasn't... Read More

Advice To Manufacturers Creating A Business Plan

If you are a manufacturer wanting to use your business... Read More

3 Ps of Planning - Prepare, Personalize, Pilot

Here's a really simple way to make sure your plans... Read More

19 Questions to Supercharge Your Business Plan

Whether you are seeking capital for your company or are... Read More

Parking Business, the Details on Increasing Lot Revenue

If you are in the parking business and own or... Read More

Succession Planning: Problems Getting Started

A survey released by the American Institute of Certified Public... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains in Aerospace & Defense industries ? implementation & customization highlights

Microsoft Great Plains fits horizontal markets clientele and in case... Read More

3 Undercover Ways to Make Big Profits from Your Competition

You have heard that there is extra money on the... Read More

Innovators Role at Hard Times

One Research Scientist at the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Imaging Systems laboratory... Read More

Vendor Relations Strategies Sample Outline

One of the quintessential parts to any business is your... Read More

A Rough Cut on Feasibility

A piano tuner recently moved to Buffalo, NY, and would... Read More

10 Critical Facts to Put On the Cover of Your Business Plan...

In most business plans, no matter how striking the idea,... Read More

The 7 Critical Steps to Formulating Your Annual Strategic Business Plan

Businesses tend to avoid doing their annual business plan thinking... Read More

Take A Systems View To Ensure Your Business Stays Healthy

How are you feeling today? Good, not so good, great?... Read More

How to Write a Business Plan in Five Steps

People often ask "What makes a good business plan? Or,... Read More

O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..