Keep Up With Your Normal Marketing Activities
Even if business is slow, this isn't the time to cut back on marketing. Ensure your website is up to date, send out your regular customer emails and continue to post on all your usual social media channels. It's more important than ever to keep your name in front of customers and prospects. You never know when someone will turn to you for a summer car wash instead of opting to hand wash their car themselves.
Test Car Wash Specials and Promotions
The global car wash market is worth more than $12.8 billion, and you need to be proactive to claim your share of the pie. An effective way to do that is to try out different car wash promotions and specials during the summer slump.
Instead of offering straight-up car wash discounts or free washes, try other marketing ideas like an early bird special or happy hour promotion that targets specific hours of the day. You might find car wash specials that you'll want to use year-round. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to deal with the extra business — you don't want people waiting in line for your services and getting frustrated that they can't take advantage of your great deals.
Try a Car Wash Fundraiser
A car wash fundraiser is a staple of the hot summer months. School groups and other organizations rely on these as a revenue source, but some states and cities have banned parking lot car washes. You can drum up additional business and strengthen community ties by offering to host car washes for groups in your area. It's a fantastic way to get your name out.
Start Car Wash Training and Hiring
You don't want to wait for the busy season only to find yourself short-handed. This is the perfect time to bring on new help and provide them with the car washing training they need to deliver the excellent service that your customers expect from your operation. Summer is also when you want to cross-train existing employees. They'll benefit from learning other tasks, and it will help your shop become more efficient.
Amp Up Car Wash Maintenance
The summer slump is a great time to catch up with car wash maintenance. Wash equipment, clean out bays and repair anything that's broken. Check for areas that need sprucing up, like windows that need cleaning or areas that should be repainted. Give everything a good once-over to ensure all your equipment and components are in tip-top shape. You can also develop a maintenance plan to help you keep up with tasks throughout the year.
Check Your Inventories
The busy season is not the time to find out you're low on supplies. Check your shelves and see what you need to stock up on now. An essential checklist of car care supplies should include:
Let Ralph Brothers Help You Through the Summer Car Wash Slump
Ralph Brothers can help you beat the heat. We have all the supplies you need to keep your operation humming during the summer car wash slump — and throughout the rest of the year. You can rely on the superior quality and unparalleled customer service that Ralph Brothers is known for. Start shopping now for the products you need.
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