Purchasing a car wash franchise grants the advantage of operating under a proven business model and leveraging a recognizable and trusted brand name. This alleviates much of the uncertainty associated with starting a business from scratch.
Local and automatic car washes form a significant segment of a sprawling multi-billion dollar industry. Their role cannot be underestimated as they provide a service that’s perpetually in demand, irrespective of the time or season.
The appeal of this industry is heightened by the fact that labor costs and other associated expenses tend to be relatively low.
These two factors contribute to make it a lucrative venture, presenting an attractive and low-risk revenue model for potential investors.
This fusion of consistent demand and low overhead expenses makes the car wash industry a perfect opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark in the business world.
However, when it comes to making a foray into this industry, there are two principal options available. The first involves establishing a car wash business completely on your own. This route entails acquiring the necessary equipment, scouting for an ideal location, and managing operations independently.
The alternative is to franchise a car wash. This means you’ll be purchasing supplies, getting access to sophisticated machinery, and availing other essential services from an already established and successful business.
The key is to identify the right franchising opportunity that aligns with your business goals and financial capabilities.
If you’re interested in adopting the franchising route and looking to make a strategic entry into this industry, the following section presents some of the best car wash franchises to consider owning. 
Best Car Wash Franchise Opportunities
Here are 15 car washing franchise opportunities; each of these franchises brings its unique benefits and potential for growth and profitability.
| Franchise Name | Franchise Fee | Total Investment / Capital Requirement | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Clean Car Wash | $35,000 | $2.3 to $3.2 million | State of the art facilities and diverse profit centers |
| Tommy's Express | $50,000 | $2 million (net worth), $1 million (liquid capital) | 300 point process for franchise development |
| Prime Car Wash | $50,000 | $3.5 to $6 million, $1 million (net worth), $300,000 to $500,000 (liquid capital) | Interior lounge with coffee and snacks |
| Oasis Car Wash Systems | None | Varies | Supplier of car washing equipment |
| Fleet Clean USA | $30,000 to $75,000 | $158,375 to $321,375 | Mobile truck and fleet vehicle washing service |
| DetailXperts | $35,000 | $88,500 to $195,000, $300,000 (net worth) | Eco-friendly steam cleaning |
| D&S Car Wash Systems | None | Varies | Supplier of equipment and materials |
| Green Shine Waterless | $19,900 | $22,000 to $50,000 | Waterless car washing solution |
| Ziebart | Not listed | $350,000 | Wide array of services including detailing, paint correction, rust protection, and undercoating |
| Superior Wash | $15,500 | $10,000 to $20,000 (working capital) | Mobile truck washing |
| Monkey Shine | None | $250,000 (net worth), $60,000 to $75,000 (liquid assets) | Partner company for Grease Monkey |
| Sonny's The CarWash Factory | None | Varies | Supplier of car washing equipment |
| Nanotek | Not listed | Not listed | Eco-friendly mobile service |
| Cactus Car Wash | $45,000 | $2.3 to $3.8 million | Supports franchisees through every step of the process |
| No H2O | Up to $40,000 | $150,000 to $200,000 | Mobile on-demand service |
1. Mr. Clean Car Wash
Mr. Clean is one of the most commonly known brand names on the list. Franchisees also benefit from support for everything from site selection and training to advertising and supplies. The company is also known for its state of the art facilities and diverse profit centers. The initial franchise fee is $35,000. And the full investment is estimated between $2.3 and $3.2 million.
2. Tommy’s Express
Tommy’s Express has been in the car washing business for more than 50 years. The company utilizes a more than 300 point process to ensure every detail is covered during franchise development. In addition to helping franchisees with innovation, operations, and marketing, the company also hosts ongoing events and training. The initial franchise fee is $50,000. And the total net worth requirement is $2 million, with at least $1 million in liquid capital.
3. Prime Car Wash
Prime Car Wash provides a more thorough experience than many other franchises. In addition to the self-serve features of other franchises, Prime also offers an interior lounge with coffee and snacks. And customers can even enjoy personal service from team members. The initial franchise fee is $50,000. And the company estimates the total investment between $3.5 and $6 million. Franchisees are also required to have at least a $1 million net worth, with between $300,000 and $500,000 in liquid capital.
4. Oasis Car Wash Systems
Oasis Car Wash Systems is a supplier of car washing equipment. Since it’s not a traditional franchise program, there’s no specific fee to get started. And business owners don’t receive the depth of support and training they might get with other options. However, the company does provide ROI analysis and resources to investors who are considering the car wash industry. And their products, which feature everything from touchless to self-serve systems, can help you get up and running quickly.
5. Fleet Clean USA
Fleet Clean is a mobile truck and fleet vehicle washing service. Unlike many other car washing businesses, the target customer for this franchise is other businesses. But that can make the income even more stable and recession proof. It also doesn’t require a dedicated location. So the barrier for entry is fairly low. The initial franchise fee ranges from $30,000 to $75,000. But the total initial investment ranges from $158,375 to $321,375.
6. DetailXperts
DetailXperts is a car and truck detailing franchise with an eco-friendly twist. The company uses steam cleaning to get vehicles sparkling clean without tons of chemicals. They offer detail shops and mobile units. So there are flexible business options for franchisees to consider. The franchise fee is $35,000. And the total upfront investment ranges from $88,500 to $195,000. Franchisees need a net worth of at least $300,000.
7. D&S Car Wash Systems
D&S Car Wash Systems is a supplier of equipment and materials for car washes. As such, there are no traditional franchise fees to get started. However, the company provides a wide array of options to help those who want to open car wash businesses. They also offer assistance for things like site selection, financing, graphics, and rehabbing for those who already own a car wash.
8. Green Shine Waterless
Green Shine Waterless provides an eco-friendly franchise car washing solution. The company utilizes innovative technology to clean vehicles without water. The company offers two business models — one mobile, and the other set up in a specific location like a parking lot. As such, costs tend to be pretty low. The franchise fee is $19,900. And the total costs can range from $22,000 to $50,000.
9. Ziebart
Ziebart offers a wide array of services, including detailing, paint correction, rust protection, and undercoating. This usually means more staffing. But it also includes diversified profit opportunities. The company has been around for 60 years and has more than 1,200 units around the world. The company does not list a franchise fee on its website. But it estimates the total investment at around $350,000.
10. Superior Wash
Superior Wash is one of the industry leaders, with more than 80,000 vehicles washed each week throughout the country. The company offers mobile truck washing, which is a fairly steady and recession proof business. The franchise fee is $15,500. And the company also has a working capital requirement of $10,000 to $20,000 when getting started.
11. Monkey Shine
Monkey Shine is a partner company for Grease Monkey, the popular oil and lube franchise. It is offered as an add-on to Grease Monkey franchises. These stores utilize automatic wash bays. So businesses can keep labor costs down and earn money 24/7. There’s no franchise fee associated with the addition. You just need to have a net worth of at least $250,000 and $60,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets.
12. Sonny’s The CarWash Factory
Sonny’s is a supplier of car washing equipment. But the company also provides resources for those interested in opening car wash businesses. This includes a carwash college, investment guides, signage, and consulting. The car wash startup costs vary depending on the equipment and resources you choose. But there’s no traditional franchise fee.
13. Nanotek
Nanotek is an Australian based carwash franchise opportunity that also has locations internationally. Formerly ecowash mobile, the company provides mobile service that’s known for being eco-friendly. The website does not provide fees or financial information about franchises. But you can reach out to the company to inquire.
14. Cactus Car Wash
Cactus Car Wash currently operates multiple franchises throughout Georgia and North Carolina. The company works with franchisees throughout every step of the development process and once the business is set up. The franchise fee is $45,000. And startup costs range from $2.3 to $3.8 million.
15. No H2O
No H2O describes itself as the Uber of car washing. The franchise offers on demand service through a mobile app to systemize the delivery of car washing service. Since it’s a mobile business, it also comes with flexibility and low operating costs. The franchise fee is up to $40,000. And the total upfront investment ranges from about $150,000 to $200,000.
How Much is a Car Wash Franchise?
The investment necessary to set up a car wash business varies greatly and can range anywhere from a modest $50,000 to a whopping $3.5 million.
The scale of this investment primarily depends on the specific business model chosen.
For instance, Mobile businesses, which merely require trucks and portable equipment instead of a dedicated, static location like an automatic car wash franchise, tend to fall on the lower end of the cost spectrum.
However, if you’re eyeing a more elaborate setup involving large-scale equipment, land procurement or leasing, and potentially even building a custom facility, you’re looking at expenses in the $2 to $3 million ballpark.
How Profitable is a Car Wash?
The profitability of a car wash franchise can be quite impressive. One of the driving factors behind this is the generally low labor costs associated with the operation of these businesses.
Further, the potential for constant revenue generation is substantial if you opt for an automatic service model, allowing you to bring in money round the clock.
In the context of more traditional car wash models, the earnings can range between $1,200 and $1,500 per month for each bay.
Taking into account factors such as the size of the car wash facility and its location, these earnings could translate to annual profits anywhere between about $80,000 and $800,000.
How Do You Start a Car Wash?
If you want to know how to start a car wash business, you must do the following:
- Learn about the car wash industry
- Conduct market research to size the local opportunity
- Develop a business plan
- Identify and acquire the car wash equipment and technology you will need
- Find a location, and build or remodel a structure
- Market your business
Starting a car wash franchise, like any business venture, involves various intricate steps that can consume a considerable amount of time.
Owing to this complexity, many aspiring owners opt for a franchise model. Engaging with a franchisor provides you with a significant head start, aiding you with the foundational elements that are critical to the successful establishment of a business.
Investing in a franchise can be likened to acquiring a “business in a box”. As the franchisee or business owner, you will undoubtedly have a significant amount of work to do to ensure the business thrives.
However, with the robust support provided by the franchisor, you can hit the ground running.
This allows you to shift your focus more rapidly towards crafting an exceptional car wash experience for your customers, enhancing customer satisfaction, and thereby accelerating the growth of your business.
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This article, "15 Best Car Wash Franchises" was first published on Small Business Trends