Car valet
Introduction
So you've decided you want to run a car valeting business. Maybe you've recently completed a relevant training course, or perhaps you've been working for someone else and feel the time is right to go it alone. Whatever the reason, this guide will take you through the issues you need to consider and give you practical pointers on getting started.
Sector trends
The amount of money that people spend on their cars is linked to the state of the economy. At times when the economy is strong people have more money to spend on things like keeping their car spotless - and they're more inclined to pay someone else to do it than to do it themselves. They also change their cars more frequently, and people often valet their car just before they sell it or just after they buy it. The motor industry tends to be busiest when the economy is strong too, meaning that there's more work for valeters from business customers like car dealers.
The economy stayed strong during the early and mid 2000s, and the whole of the motor industry benefited. Unfortunately, the 'credit crunch' and the downturn which began in 2008 hit the motor industry hard. People began spending less on buying and maintaining cars, and non-essentials like valeting were among the first things that motorists on a budget cut back on. The motor trade sold fewer vehicles too, meaning that there was less demand for valeting services from dealers. The economy stayed very weak throughout 2009 and the early 2010s.
Some of the people who lost their jobs as a result of the downturn turned to the valeting trade to set up new businesses, and hand car washes seemed to spring up everywhere - often on old disused petrol station sites. In some cases, eastern European migrants set up car washing businesses when work from other sources dried up. As a result, prices have become very competitive in many areas.
It's not all doom and gloom - there should always be work for a good, reliable valeter. One upside of an economic downturn is that many people hold on to their cars longer rather than replacing them. This can mean making more effort to keep the car in good condition. But it's more important than ever to offer good value and the highest possible standards to attract new and repeat business.
1.1 Other developments
Developments in 'SMART' repairs (small to medium area repair techniques) offer valeting firms the opportunity to expand their range of services to include minor cosmetic repairs. Minor damage such as chipped paintwork, small windscreen cracks, bumper scuffs, dashboard and upholstery damage can be repaired quickly and effectively without the need for replacement parts. Portable equipment is used, so repairs can be carried out from a van or small workshop. Tools, materials and initial training are needed, but the market for SMART repairs is growing and this can be a valuable addition to a valeting firm's range of services.
1.2 Keeping up to date with developments
Joining a trade association is an excellent way of keeping up with developments in your industry. There is no trade association specifically for car valeting businesses, but some firms are members of the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS). The Institute operates a car valeting certificate scheme for employees and can help to keep members informed about developments in the sector.
The Car Wash Association represents the car wash industry and focuses on forecourt carwash machines. However, their website includes industry news and other potentially useful information for valeters.
