Automatic CarWash Vs Conventional in Lahore

[mesumjanjua]

I am looking to open Car Wash in Lahore.
My friend imports auto car wash plant from China which he sells for 60Lac but for me he will give me for 50Lac without taking profit.
Whereas a conventional Car Wash equipment costs around 10Lac.
What do you guys suggest, is it worth going for Automatic Car wash. Would people pay more for an Auto Wash in which imported shampoos are used or conventional wash with bonus surf in cheap is what majority of people are attracted to more.
Suggestions will be appreciated and if someone is running this business can guide me about running costs and profits?

[flyingfeather]

I suppose auto plant doesnt have interior/matt cleaning or diesel spray underneath the car option.
I am a big fan of auto car wash primarily because its a hassle free and time saving wash technique. But what i have observed is that desi people are not satisfied with a car wash unless they have blown air in the interior or gotten the diesel sprayed underneath the car. A very few people like me dont believe in these, but a majority do. If you want to attract a specific group of clients only then import such a plant. Obviously profit margin will be less in this case.

[flyingfeather]

If you want to increase your sale / profit margin strict to the desi method. This is my honest opinion

[Baleno1300]

I have seen 3 auto car washes open in Karachi and fail.
Our public is not satisfied unless a man touches your car, even if he has dirty hands.

The public wants manual hand scrubbing and then manual cleaning.

Don't waste money on an auto car wash, instead make a manual car wash with high end products and a clean uniformed staff.

[alam2632]

If you go for 'Conventional' one then also consider getting big enough area not only for the allocated staff to wash the cars but a separate area for the customers who want to wash themselves just provide them enough equipment and allocated time to wash their cars like it usually happens in some foreign countries, they name it 'coin car wash' and obviously this method should be cost-friendly for customers.
Yes, there will be issues regarding the safety of equipment you will provide them but I'm sure no one will ruin it on purpose.
Something like this:

[sfjsag]

Well auto car washes are a good fancy kind of option but they wont be cost effective as there will be alot more engineering involved there which would ask for alot of timely maintenance. Besides the auto cleaner equipment also damages the paint and clear coat by introducing scratches and deep swirls as you dont change rollers or scrubbers for every car. Plus the power issue will also be there.
Better go for conventional wash unit, using decent quality products, finishing off every job with spray wax and offering interior detail as well as home wash solutions with pressure washers.

[mesumjanjua]

Thanks everyone Your suggestions are appreciated.