FACTOID: The Wobblehead gives the quickest return on investment of any piece of car wash equipment you can invest in.
The Wobblehead accomplishes 2 things
The Benefit for the CustomerClean 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. The Wobblehead only works when the foam is flushing out the debris. This leaves a clean brush head for the next customer. No dirt, no scratches. After installing the Wobbleheads, the conversation to have with your customers is that the new handles are designed to protect the finish of their vehicle. Whenever we have this conversation with a customer, they always say thank you. We understand that customers have been used to using the foam brush for free at times. Customers using the brush for free are not concerned with the damage a dirty brush can cause the next guy. We consider the Wobblehead to be good customer service that we can provide every customer. As car wash owners, this is what we should be doing. |
The Benefit for the Car Wash OwnerIncreases 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. What is the payoff of having a Wobblehead? The Wobblehead increases revenue by at least $50 a month. That means a $150 investment gives a Return On Investment of three months. Of all fee-based pieces of equipment, this is the quickest return. After one year, a Wobblehead will generate an additional $600+ in revenue. That's per bay. The Wobblehead doesn't cost you, it pays you! There is also the piece of mind that you are getting paid every time someone is using your foam brush. The frustration goes away. The risk of a customer scratching their vehicle is reduced to almost nil. |