Car Wash Franchise: Top 11+ Picks for 2023

The industry encompassing local and automatic car washes is worth billions of dollars. They offer a service that is consistently sought after by customers. In addition, the labor and other expenses are, on average, relatively low. This means that it is an excellent opportunity for aspiring business owners to enter the competitive business world. However, you primarily have two options for carrying this out. You can operate a car wash all by yourself if you so choose. You can also purchase a car wash franchise, which will allow you to obtain supplies and any other pertinent services from an existing company.

Investing in a car wash franchise gives you access to a tried-and-true business model and a well-known brand name. You simply have to look for the right opportunity. The following is a list of the best car wash franchises you should consider owning if you are considering taking this route.

Overview

Numerous concepts make up the car wash franchise industry. There are water-based, waterless, touchless, automatic, mobile, self-service, steam, and mechanized car washes. In the United States, an entrepreneur can invest in a national or domestic car cleaning company for sale.

Additionally, you can choose between eco-friendly, technologically advanced, or conventional car wash businesses. But what is the best franchise for a car wash?

For starters, consider several factors when selecting the business that will meet your needs and expectations. Regardless of the franchisor’s concepts, they must have a reputable reputation, customer loyalty, and a tested business model. The company should also provide you with proper training and assistance. And finally, you must have sufficient funds to cover initial and ongoing car wash franchise costs. We have compiled a list of brands with an impeccable reputations, extensive training programs, knowledgeable support staff, and reasonable costs and fees.

The Top Car Wash Franchise

Here are 15 franchise opportunities for car washing:

Mr. Clean

One of the most well-known brand names on the list is Mr. Clean. Franchisees receive assistance with everything from site selection and training to advertising and supplies. The company is also well-known for its cutting-edge facilities and various profit centers. The first franchise fee is $35,000.00. The total investment is expected to be between $2.3 and $3.2 million.

Tommy’s Express

Tommy’s Express has been providing car washing services for over 50 years. To ensure that every detail is covered during franchise development, the company employs a more than 300-point process. The company not only assists franchisees with innovation, operations, and marketing, but it also hosts ongoing events and training. The franchise fee is $50,000 at the outset. In addition, a total net worth of $2 million is required, with at least $1 million in liquid capital.

Prime Car Wash

Prime Car Wash offers a more comprehensive experience than many other franchises. In addition to the self-service features found in other franchises, Prime has an interior lounge with coffee and snacks. Customers can also expect personalized service from team members. The franchise fee is $50,000 at the outset. According to the company, the total investment is expected to be between $3.5 and $6 million. Franchisees must also have at least $1 million in net worth and between $300,000 and $500,000 in liquid capital.

Oasis Car Wash Systems

Oasis Car Wash Systems sells car washing equipment. There is no startup fee because it is not a traditional franchise program. Furthermore, business owners do not receive the level of support and training that they would with other options. However, the company offers ROI analysis and resources to investors interested in the car wash industry. And their products, which range from touchless to self-service, can assist you in getting up and running quickly.

Fleet Clean

Fleet Clean is a truck and fleet vehicle washing service that comes to you. Unlike many other car washing businesses, this franchise’s target customer is other businesses. However, this can make the income more stable and recession-proof. It also does not necessitate a specific location. As a result, the entry barrier is relatively low. The initial franchise fee ranges between $30,000 and USD 75,000. However, the total initial investment ranges between $158,375 and $321,375.

DetailXperts

DetailXperts is an eco-friendly car and truck detailing franchise. The company uses steam cleaning to clean vehicles without the use of harsh chemicals. They provide detail shops as well as mobile units. As a result, franchisees have a variety of business options to consider. The franchise fee is 35,000 dollars. The initial investment ranges from $88,500 to $195,000. A net worth of at least $300,000 is required for franchisees.

D&S Car Wash Systems

D&S Car Wash Systems is a supplier of car wash equipment and materials. As a result, there are no traditional franchise fees, to begin with. However, the company offers a variety of options to those looking to start a car wash business. They also help those already owning a car wash with site selection, financing, graphics, and rehabbing.

Green Shine Waterless

Green Shine Waterless offers an environmentally friendly franchise car washing solution. The company uses cutting-edge technology to clean vehicles without the use of water. The company provides two business models: one mobile and one set up in a specific location, such as a parking lot. As a result, costs are typically low. The initial franchise fee is $19,900. The total cost can range between $22,000 and $50,000.

Ziebart

Detailing, paint correction, rust protection, and undercoating are just a few of the services provided by Ziebart. This usually means more personnel. However, it also includes a variety of profit opportunities. The company has been in business for 60 years and has over 1,200 locations worldwide. The franchise fee is not listed on the company’s website. However, the total investment is estimated to be around $350,000.

Superior Wash

Superior Wash is an industry leader, washing over 80,000 vehicles per week nationwide. The company provides mobile truck washing, a reasonably consistent and recession-proof business. The initial franchise fee is $15,500. In addition, the company will need $10,000 to $20,000 in working capital to get started.

Monkey Shine

The popular oil and lube franchise Grease Monkey has partnered with Monkey Shine. It’s available as an add-on for Grease Monkey franchises. Automatic wash bays are used in these establishments. As a result, businesses can reduce labor costs while earning money around the clock. The addition does not require a franchise fee. You only need a net worth of at least $250,000 and liquid assets ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 to qualify.

Sonny’s

Sonny’s provides car washing equipment. However, the company also offers resources to those who want to start their car wash businesses. This includes a carwash training program, investment guides, signage, and consulting. The costs of starting a car wash vary depending on the equipment and resources you use. However, there is no standard franchise fee.

Nanotek

Nanotek is a carwash franchise opportunity based in Australia with international locations. Previously known as eco-wash mobile, the company offers eco-friendly mobile services. The website does not provide franchise fees or financial information. However, you can contact the company to inquire.

Cactus Car Wash

Cactus Car Wash currently has multiple franchise locations in Georgia and North Carolina. The company works with franchisees at every stage of the development process and after the business is established. The franchise fee is 45,000 dollars. Startup costs range from $2.3 million to $3.8 million.

No H2O

No H2O bills itself as the Uber of car washing services. To systemize the delivery of car washing services, the franchise provides on-demand service via a mobile app. Because it is a mobile business, it offers flexibility and low operating costs. The franchise fee can range between $40,000 and $50,000. And the total initial investment ranges between $150,000 and $200,000.

What Is the Cost of a Car Wash Franchise?

A car wash can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $3.5 million to build. Mobile businesses that require only trucks rather than a dedicated location, such as an automatic car wash franchise, are at the lower end of the spectrum. Those with large equipment and real estate typically have a $2 to $3 million budget.

How Lucrative Is a Car Wash?

A car wash franchise can be highly lucrative. Labor costs are typically relatively low. And if you provide automatic service, you can make money 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Traditional models will pay between $1,200 and $1,500 monthly for each bay. Depending on the size and location of the carwash, this can result in annual profits ranging from $80,000 to $800,000.

How Do You Begin a Car Wash Business?

You must do the following if you want to learn how to start a car wash business:

Discover more about the car wash industry.
Conduct market research to determine the size of the local opportunity.
Create a business plan.
Determine and purchase the car wash equipment and technology you will require.
Find a location and construct or remodel a structure.
Promote your company

These procedures are complex and time-consuming. That is why many aspiring business owners turn to franchises. With the foundational elements listed above, a franchise can give you a head start.

A franchise investment is similar to purchasing a “business in a box.” You will have a lot of work to do as the franchisee / business owner to make the business successful. However, with the franchisor’s assistance, you can get up and running quickly and move on to providing a great car wash experience for customers.

How to Invest in a Car Wash Franchise

If you decide to invest in a car wash franchise, you will most likely want to buy one with a well-known name and a good reputation. Purchasing a franchise is a good way to start your own business, but it requires significant time and money. Before buying, ensure you understand what you’re getting for your money.

Decide How You Will Fund Your Company

Determine how you will pay for a franchise. Consider how much money you have to invest and how much you can afford to lose. You should also consider how to obtain financing if necessary and survive financially while your car wash is established.

The cost will vary depending on location and franchise type, but the average franchise will set you back around $275,000 to get started. Mobile car wash franchises are less expensive, typically ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.

Learn the Required Skills

Make sure you have the necessary skills to run a car wash. Ideally, it would be best if you had previously worked in a car wash to ensure you understand the day-to-day operations. If you have no prior experience with car washes, ensure that the training you receive when you purchase the franchise covers the business’s fundamentals. You must also understand how to manage the company’s finances and hire and manage employees for your franchise.

If you lack these skills, you should consider either working with a partner who does or enrolling in classes that will teach you business management. Most local community colleges offer these classes, as do online business schools.

Consider Car Wash Franchise Options

Examine the various car wash franchise opportunities available to you. Systems range from single-person operations in which you drive to your customer’s location in a van and provide on-the-spot service to large, multi-million dollar setups that handle hundreds of cars per day. Attending a franchise exposition is the best way to learn about the various car wash franchise opportunities. This event allows you to speak with representatives from various companies and gather information about each. This will help you evaluate and compare the various car wash franchises to determine which is best for you.

Research Thoroughly

When looking for the right franchise opportunity, make sure to research all of the franchises thoroughly. Examine their operations by thoroughly reviewing all of the company information provided to you. The Federal Trade Commission requires written proof of any public earnings claims made by the company. This can include income statements for individual franchisees or audited and documented earnings statements for the company.

Request more information if the income documentation includes average or gross income amounts. Averages can be misleading if a few franchises outperform the rest, and gross income figures do not account for the overhead cost. A high gross does not always translate into a high profit. You must understand the operating costs of your business.

Examine the Disclosure Data

Examine the company’s disclosure information, which it is required to provide you with before purchasing a franchise. These documents contain specific details about the company and its operations. They should also include itemized lists of everything you will receive as a franchisee and how much you can expect to spend to open your new car wash franchise. You’ll want to know which non-refundable expenses and other costs, such as business licenses or facility construction.

The disclosure information will also tell you how much business experience the company’s executives have and whether or not the company has been involved in any litigation, bankruptcies, or foreclosures. Examine carefully to see how much training is included. Find out where that training will take place and how much assistance you can expect to receive once your initial training period is over.

Ideally, the company has a representative you can contact for assistance with problems as you start your business. This is especially true during your first year in business. Having a lawyer review the franchise documents with you is also beneficial.

Consult With Current and Former Franchise Owners

By speaking with a few, please find out how current and former franchise owners feel about the company. Inquire about the benefits of owning the franchise, but also about the disadvantages. Inquire whether they have any regrets about purchasing the franchise. If the franchise system has serious flaws, you should look for a different company to work with.

Get a Car Wash Franchise

Fill out the company’s application and pay the required deposit to apply for a car wash franchise. Take this step only if you are confident that you can handle the car wash and will get good value for your money. Each company has its process for processing and screening franchise buyers, so you must follow whatever the franchiser requests. Proof of financial stability and worth, references, a business plan, or other types of documentation may be required.

Consult an Attorney and an Accountant Before Signing

Sign any final paperwork the company provides once you have been accepted as a franchisee. Pay the applicable fees. Please read everything carefully to ensure that it is precisely what you expect and that no changes to the amounts or terms of the agreement have been made.

Before purchasing a franchise, ensure that car wash services are required in your area. If not, you may want to consider relocating before purchasing a franchise.