Thursday, December 1, 2011

Developing a Vehicle Wash Organization Strategy

Before embarking on writing a business plan for starting a car wash, a definition of what a business plan is in order. The old saying that “those who fail to plan, plan to fail” is very relevant when talking about starting a business. Getting Started The first step in creating a business plan is just getting started. The Business Description of a business plan is aimed at painting a picture of your business and why this business will be successful. Last financial projections show in numbers what you explained in the business plan for the sales and expenses.
  • Executive Summary

  • Business Description

  • Marketing

  • Managers ; Employees

  • Operations ; Location

  • Financial ProjectionsIn addition to these sections, a business plan should also have a cover, title page and table of contents.How Long Should Your Business Plan Be?The answer that nobody liked in school applies to a business plan which is, “as long as it needs to be”. An average car wash business plan narrative should be 4-15 pages plus financials and appendix items. Business Plan OutlineExecutive SummaryThe executive summary is the first part of the business plan but is the last to be written.
  • Explain the condensed version of the business concept

  • Product description or service proposition


  • The demographics of your market

  • The Management team

  • When the anticipated start date is

  • Your equity position

  • You will go into more detail later in the business plan. Business DescriptionThe purpose of the business description is to objectively describe the car wash business details and future potential include:
  • Mission

  • What the business does

  • Description of products and/or services

  • Industry information

  • Business Organization

  • Status of the business (start-up, expansion or purchasing)

  • Current and future goalsAny facts or figures should be noted and sources included in the business plan. MarketingA very important part of your business plan is the marketing section.
  • Industry journals

  • Trade groups

  • Car washes in similar demographic areas

  • Industry experts




  • What positions need to be filled

  • Board of directors

  • Consultants

  • Accountants

  • Attorneys

  • Bankers

  • MentorsOperations ; Location The operations and location section of the plan illustrates how you are going to make or acquire your product and information about your business location.

  • Building description

  • What is the size

  • Where is it located

  • Specific reasons for this property

  • Zoning

  • Add pictures to the appendix

  • Add a floor plan to the appendix

  • Purchase price or monthly rent/lease

  • Include sales/rent/lease agreement in appendix

  • The information already provided in the narrative portion of the business plan must match the financial projections. Notes ; Assumptions to Financial ProjectionsLoans
  • Break out each loan (building, equipment, inventory)

  • Amount

  • Interest rate

  • LengthAnd any monthly costs not discussed in business plan narrative

  • Cost of goods/inventory

  • Advertising

  • Employee wages

  • Insurance

  • License ; fees

  • Miscellaneous

  • Professional fees

  • Rent/property taxes

  • Repairs ; maintenance

  • Supplies

  • Telephone

  • Utilities

  • Vehicle expense

  • Etc.

  • Cash Flows - The cash-flow statement is one of the most important pieces of your business plan. Include details and studies used in your business plan; for example:
  • Quotes for items over $500

  • Resumes of the management team

  • Industry research

  • Demographic data and trends

  • Maps/floorplans/blueprints of location

  • Leases and contracts

  • Letters of supportThere is a lot to creating your business plan but will definitely make your business stronger. You can use these to help get started creating your business plan and then modify it for your car wash business.

  • Additionally, business plan help can be found at;

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