SERIES 2
Summer is Here! But Are You and Your Site Summer Ready?
And just like that, it is Summer already!
But what does summer mean for you and your site? If you’re in Queensland, Summer for your site most probably means two things, school holidays and maintenance! If you’re in Victoria, you’re most probably preparing for full wash bays and massive line ups! But are you and your site Summer ready, despite what it may mean to you?
Discover our ‘Summer Must-Dos,’ featuring insights from some of ACWA’s longest-serving and most respected members to help you keep your car wash thriving this summer.
For The Sites Where Summer is Wet and Slow
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance!!
Although maintenance at a car wash site is something that is performed all year long, why not use the quieter months attending to those not so urgent jobs that you have been putting off all year. Maybe it’s replacing worn-out parts, nozzles and hoses in your wash systems, changing the oil and filters in one of your hydraulic or pump systems, or giving your wash tunnel or bays a deep clean. Use this time wisely and get your site ready for those busy months ahead!
Perform Preventative Maintenance ready for the wetter months. Clean your gutters ready for those down pours and ensure good drainage in your wash areas to prevent water accumulation.
Ensure the Workplace Health and Safety at your site is up to date. Is your site slip proof with adequate signage and safety hazards? Do your staff understand the chemicals they are handling and what safety precautions they must take? ACWA Members can Log-In to gain access to the WHS Manual and Templates as well as the contact details for our Free Helpline for Workplace Health and Safety, so why not get in touch with them if you have any questions?
Understand and prepare for what type of wash or service your customers are going to need in the rainy months and market your services to suit. Rain can leave water spots and streaks on vehicles, so you may have an increase in customers looking for a quick wash. Rain can also cause lots of mud and puddles on the road, so special attention and services may be needed to remove excess mud and splatters.
Go Social! Ramp up your social media and run specials to get more customers in your bays! Remember, social media is FREE advertising!! And why not offer your members a sneaky mid-week special, who doesn’t love a ‘Cheap Tuesday!’!
Adjusting Your Staffing Levels.
To save your business some expense, why not look at your staffing levels and reduce them or your staffed hours while your site is quieter? Save your money now and use it later when its needed.
Give Your Site a Makeover!
There’s no better time to jazz up your site and get it looking fresh for the busier months!
- Power wash your walls and/or give them a fresh paint
- Clean sidewalks, remove trash and weeds
- Update and or replace any damaged or out of date signage
- Check all your lighting is working properly and replace where needed
- Reseal driveway and pavements to get them looking fresh again
Spend Some Time with Your Employees!
Ensure they are up to date on all training and products and maybe do some team building activities!
Spend That Extra Time with Your Loyal Customers! We don’t always have the extra time to talk with each customer, but when it’s not as busy, this is your chance to build those relationships, thank your customers for their continued support and ask if they have any feedback.
Try Out New or Grow Existing Marketing Initiatives. Thinking of introducing a ‘Wash Club’ or ‘Monthly Pass’? Now is the time to put in the works and make it happen. Use your time wisely!
Give Back to the Community! Host a fundraising event or sponsor a local sporting event. Any publicity is good publicity!
For The Sites Where Summer is Dry and Busy
Have you got adequate staff trained and ready to serve the crowds? Start hiring and training those extra staff members if you know you are going to need them in the coming weeks! ACWA Members can Log-In to gain access to the contact details for our Free Helpline for Industrial Relations/Wages if you have any employment questions along the way!
Understand and prepare for what type of wash or service your customers are going to need in the hotter months. Hot weather often also means an increase in bug splats on windscreens that may require special attention. Hot weather can also lead to faster evaporation, which can leave water spots on vehicles, so offering a drying service may prevent this issue.
Are your vending machines full and is your site well-equipped. Stock up and be prepared for an increase in traffic, and an increase in products used.
Have You Performed a Full Maintenance Service at Your Site?
Although it may already be busy and sometimes maintenance feels like a never-ending topic, try and find the time to perform a full maintenance to avoid a breakdown on a busy sunny weekend or a major leak during peak times. Attend to things like performing a titration of soaps and a water quality check and changing your HP hoses.
For All Sites in Summer
Although the summer months can sometimes be unpredictable, one thing we do know is that whether it’s your busy or your quiet time, summer still means the following for all sites!!
Ensure you order ahead and consider your suppliers Christmas closures.
Update your customers with any changes to your site’s hours over the Christmas break, you don’t want them being disappointed.
Keep Your Site Clean! Who wants to come and wash their car clean at a dirty site! No matter how busy it is, always find time to clean your site and have it ready for your next customer!
Information included in this article was correct at the time of publishing. All members are encouraged to perform their own diligence before actioning and to follow all environmental and government laws. ACWA accepts no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.
