Is Car Washing a Reliable Side Hustle?
Working at a car service station or establishing your own business has several benefits, including the ongoing demand and lucrative pay rates. There are drawbacks, too, such as slowdowns during the off-season, but you can make a good amount working at a service station. Before committing to work in a car wash service, properly investigate the market in which you intend to work to assess if it’s a better alternative as compared to other options.
PROS AND CONS OF CAR WASHING BUSINESS
Pro: There is always a need for car washes
Despite claims that people are purchasing fewer vehicles nowadays, still, there’s a massive number of cars on motorways. Because you can’t outsource car washing, there’s a huge potential for the car washing business.
You should work in a car service station in a busy town, or do your research to know how many customers it gets every week. And if you’re thinking of setting up your own business, you should get an online site to run marketing campaigns to attract more customers.
Pro: Car washes are lucrative
One of the many benefits of working at a car wash is the amount of money you can make. While bigger luxury vehicle wash services can bring in owners more than $500,000 annually, smaller self-service car washes typically turn a profit of just over $40,000. Whether you plan to work at a car service station or start a side business, you can expect a good return.
Con: Most car washes are seasonal
Car service is a seasonal industry in most countries of the world. People in snowy areas will have their cars washed more regularly to get rid of salt stains. Because rain washes dirt and debris off of car exteriors, car service stations in humid regions have significantly less business during the monsoon season than during the summer months. Car owners in cold regions typically don’t wash their cars as much in the winter. People who want to work part-time at a car service station should know this information.
You must look at it from a different angle if you plan to start your own business. The extent to which the weather can affect a car wash business’ revenues is one of the most significant drawbacks that potential owners must consider. The spring season with lots of pollen is beneficial and brings in more customers, while several weeks of wet weather can result in a significant drop in customers. A profitable car wash service has to be able to predict income according to yearly weather trends, and have a financial plan that prevents the business from getting into debt during lean times.
WHICH PRODUCTS TO USE TO WASH AND DRY CARS
Car washing shampoo
You should get a good-quality car washing detergent or shampoo that can take the dirt off without leaving any scratches. Never use regular shampoo or liquid dish soap because they contain chemicals that can cause fading. Always search for a pH-neutral formula that’s safe for all surfaces of your car.
A wash mitt or glove
You should get a soft microfiber glove or mitt to clean your car scraping off its paint. Always look for an extra-plush, absorbent, and soft microfiber material that’s easier to use.
Microfiber car drying towels
Microfiber car drying towels not only absorb any surplus water but also clean up any grease or grime after a wash. Your clients will be happy with their automobiles if you use the proper drying product and nothing can beat the results of a microfiber car drying towel.
A microfiber car drying towel can absorb water seven times its weight, making it much easier to quickly dry a car. By accelerating your car wash operations, you’ll be able to serve more vehicles each day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Should you begin marketing yourself as a “car washer” to get some extra cash? There are several options for making money from a side hustle. If you want to work as a freelancer, you should at least have a high-quality car washing detergent, washing cloth, and car drying towel. Just learn some techniques of car washing and you can start earning a reasonable amount from this side hustle.