Clean brushes don't scratch vehicles!For over 30 years, the foam brush handle has been both a blessing and a curse. It allows the customer to scrub the dirt off of their vehicle, thereby giving them the tool they need to clean their vehicle. But it also is a tool that can be used without the need to pay for it. It is the only fee based tool we have on a car wash lot that does not require payment.
The problem is this. When a customer uses the foam brush without foam flowing, the brush collects dirt, grease, grime and debris. When the next customer goes to use the brush, that built up debris can scratch their vehicle. Some customers then look to the owner for compensation for the damage. We then point to the sign, that no one reads, that says to pre-wash the brush before use. This gets the owner off the hook, but leaves the customer with a damaged vehicle and a bad experience. |
Increases revenue by over 5%!At $150 per unit, the Wobblehead usually evokes a bit of sticker shock. After all, a standard handle cost about 10 bucks. So, let's answer 2 questions.
What is the hidden cost of a $10 handle? Depending on the location, 25% to 50% of foam brush user cheat. At a minimum, that is a loss of $50 a month per bay. That means that a $10 handle costs you an additional $600+ every year to own. That's per bay. There is also the risk of damage to a customers vehicle, loss due to customers using time in a bay without paying for it, and our personal frustration of watching a customer cheat. |