For ‘young’ people, starting your very own business and becoming self employed is the most suitable alternative to the ever growing hard to get 9 to 5 jobs. Starting a business is always the best alternative to the ever elusive jobs.
A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that seven (7) million Kenyans are unemployed. An additional figure of over 1.4 million are actively looking for employment. With those figures, it is easy to see why more and more people are looking for alternatives.
Because we know very many business ventures require huge amounts of capital to get started, this new How To series will only show you how to start and execute several small business that require capital from as little as 5,000 Kenyan Shillings. Thus giving you the keys to the kingdom of starting a profitable business with little or no capital.
If you are also just looking for a side hustle to maybe supplement your 9 to 5 or full time job, this is for you.
All that you need to thrive in these businesses besides capital, is good customer service of course, great managerial skills, a suitable business location, and a clear cut vision.
Today’s article will show you how to start a Car Wash business in Kenya. While this not exactly a 5,000 Kenyan Shillings capital business, I am sure you would agree that this is also a very viable option.
The car wash business is one of the most lucrative and successful entrepreneurial businesses in Kenya. From the posh suburbs, to the lower income areas, it is so lucrative that you almost cannot go to any major highway, main road or even estate (in some cases), without finding a car wash close by.
This is of course as a result of the need to meet the growing demand by the ever growing number of car owners in the country. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis says that there are at least 2.5 million vehicles on Kenyan roads. This is 15 times more than the cars on Uganda roads and 21 times more than the cars on Tanzanian roads.
What’s more, is that there is also an expected annual growth of 11 percent (which is 5 million more cars), by 2030.
How To Start A Car Wash Business In Kenya
To start a Car wash business in Kenya you will need:
- To Know The Exact Services You will be offering at your Car wash. This will help you know the kinds or types of equipment that you would need at your car wash. It will also help you know the particular services that will guarantee that you have a very steady flow of customers. Some popular car wash services are upholstery, under wash, body wash, interior cleaning, buffing, cleaning of the car carpets, waxing, dusting, and engine wash.
- To Conduct A Market Research. As is the case with every other business venture, you will need to do your homework which is in this case, conducting a market research. You will need to know your target market, learn from other car wash establishments and of course find out what will distinguish yours from the rest and make your customers stay with you.
- A Business Permit. It is mandatory that you make sure you secure the correct certifications before you start any kind of business. The car wash business is not exempt. In Kenya, you are required to have a single business permit before running a car wash business. Please keep in mind that the cost of business permits differ from county to county. What this means essentially, is that the charges acquiring business permits might be higher in counties like Nairobi or Mombasa for example.
You will need to seek an additional clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), if you are looking to open a larger car wash.
4. A Location. As with most businesses, a good location is one of the major factors that determine whether or not your car wash business will succeed. For example, car wash businesses have been known to flourish close to bars, busy shopping centers, fuel stations, restaurants, mechanic workshops, hotels, churches, mosques, busy roads, bus parks, even bus stations and other public facilities. This is due largely to accessibility as the said locations provide maximum exposure to potential customers.
In addition, please make sure that the location is far away from electricity poles, and areas with a large population of trees.
5. Good Water Supply. Make sure that the location you choose, is an area with very good water supply. Especially like an already dug up borehole. What is a car wash without water right?
6. Water Tank(s). If the water supply in the location where your car wash is situated is not all that constant, getting one or two water tanks will be best. You can also still get them even if the water supply is constant. Just to be safe. Water tanks come in various sizes that range from 1,000 liters to 10,000 liters. It however goes without saying that the bigger the tank, the better.
7. To renovate. Rehabilitate the location of your car wash. Fence the area, level up the ground if need be and add security features.
8. Commercial vacuum cleaners. Emphasis here, is on the word ‘commercial’. This is because a vacuum cleaner for a car wash business is very different from the vacuum cleaners that are found in homes. When shopping, please ask to be taken to the areas for commercial vacuum cleaners. These vacuum cleaners are equipped with a lot more features and are not made for limited usage unlike their counterparts.
9. Scrubbing brushes.
10. Buckets.
11. Squeezers.
12. Towels.
13. Constant supply of electricity. If the area where your car wash is situated has issues with power supply, you should consider purchasing you a petrol or diesel powered generator.
14. Detergents. Please make sure that you do not buy detergents for your car wash business at your local shop or supermarket. This is because there are specialized detergents which are intended for washing vehicles. While these specialized detergents can be found in some local stores, not all offer them. Specialized detergents, are perfumed and can enable your car wash, stand out from the competition. This will also enable score high points with customers. Please bear in mind however, that customers might be allergic to strong smells. As a precaution, find out from your customers if they are, and have a variety of specialized detergent options that are mild or not strong smelling.
15. A Car Wash Machine. I’m sure you have seen cars in Hollywood movies, drive into a setup that washes said cars without the drivers ever having to leave the car. These setups are pressurized washing machines. Car Wash machines come in various capacities, and are offered by a number of brands including reliable names like Honda and Karcher. While they can be brand new or fairly used, purchasing one should be determined by the estimated number of cars that will patronize your car wash on a daily basis. If you are on a budget, a low capacity car wash machine will suffice. At least until your car wash business brings in enough money for an upgrade. Some brands include features like specific pressure options, a spray gun, anti-twist systems, weight, and dust blasting, among other things. Keep in mind that the more features your car wash machine has, the higher your chances are of improving service for your car wash business’ customers.
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