Car Wash Business Plan

Today, many drivers don’t want to wait in long lines or deal with slow service just to get their cars cleaned. People want a fast, reliable express car wash where they can be in and out in minutes.

If you’re planning to open an equipment-heavy express car wash, the equipment and construction are important, but the business plan matters just as much. A solid plan helps you get funding from lenders, banks, and investors because it shows how the business will work and why it can succeed.

This sample business plan presents the upcoming PrimeWash Express, led by Victor Ramirez and Nina Alvarez in East Las Vegas. They created this plan to secure $2.1 million in financing and to show how the wash will grow into a steady, profitable operation.

If you’re writing your own car wash business plan, this example can help you organize your ideas, explain your numbers, and show your vision in a clear and simple way.

Car Wash Business Plan (PrimeWash Express)

1. Executive Summary

Cars in Las Vegas get dusty fast due to its desert environment, traffic never slows down, and drivers want a quick, reliable wash they can count on. That’s why we’re opening PrimeWash Express, an equipment-heavy express car wash designed to deliver a 3-minute tunnel wash with free vacuums, simple pricing, and a smooth customer experience. To make this project possible, we are seeking financing through an SBA 504 loan, supported by a Wells Fargo first-lien loan and a CDC second-lien loan through the Nevada State Development Corporation.

The car wash industry is growing steadily. The U.S. car wash services market was valued at $14.74 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at 2.1% from 2025 to 2030. This growth, combined with Las Vegas’ high car usage and dusty conditions, makes this a strong location for an express wash.

Our target customers include everyday drivers, residents living within a two-mile radius, rideshare drivers, and small business fleet vehicles that need regular cleaning. These groups value speed, convenience, and predictable pricing—exactly what PrimeWash Express provides through our membership plans, license-plate recognition system, and modern wash tunnel.

Our mission is to provide a clean, fast, and reliable express car wash experience with simple pricing, friendly service, and excellent customer service. And our vision is to become a trusted neighborhood express wash brand built on modern equipment, consistent quality, and a smooth customer experience.

Moving into the financial side, the total startup cost for the project is $2,185,000. Costs are high because we are building a modern express tunnel with advanced equipment that will last many years. The project will be funded through:

• $218,500 in owner equity
• $1,325,000 Wells Fargo loan (20-year, 7.75%)
• $641,500 CDC second-lien loan (25-year, 6.22%)

We expect $870,000 in revenue in Year 1, reaching $1,345,000 by Year 3.

Our break-even point is approximately $71,000 per month, which is achievable based on traffic counts and membership interest in this area.

Behind the project are owners with deep industry and financial experience. Victor Ramirez brings over 10 years of experience in managing express wash locations across Nevada, with expertise in tunnel operations, safety, equipment maintenance, and staff development. Nina Alvarez contributes her financial management background, overseeing budgeting, payroll, insurance, administration, and cost control systems.

Together, their experience, hands-on approach, and operations-driven mindset position PrimeWash Express as a low-risk, well-planned SBA 504 project—one designed to meet growing market demand and serve the Las Vegas community with a reliable, modern express wash experience.

2. Business Overview

• Business name: PrimeWash Express
• Address: 1784 Chandler Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV

We chose an LLC structure because it protects the owners, keeps reporting simple, and gives lenders a clear, organized business setup.

The surrounding neighborhood is the East Las Vegas commercial corridor near Boulder Highway, an area known for steady traffic, daily activity, and a high number of drivers. Many commuters, rideshare drivers, and work vehicles pass through this corridor all day. Since the climate is dry and dusty, cars get dirty quickly, which creates a steady demand for a fast and reliable express wash.

Location Advantage

This site works well for an express wash because it offers:

• Easy access from the main road
• Strong visibility for passing drivers
• Enough space for a one-way traffic flow and vacuum bays
• A convenient spot within a high-traffic corridor
• No direct express tunnel competitor on the same block

These advantages help us attract regular customers and support consistent daily volume.

Site and Civil Work Requirements

Before equipment installation, the location will undergo important site and civil work to support long-term efficiency, smooth traffic flow, and compliance with local codes.

This includes leveling the ground for the tunnel, shaping the entry and exit lanes for easy one-way traffic, and pouring concrete pads for the free vacuum stations. We also need to improve drainage so water is handled properly, and add trenches for electrical and plumbing lines. The site will be set up to meet all water reuse and environmental requirements.

The site layout is designed to support a single-direction flow:

Entry → Pay Station/RFID → Tunnel → Exit Lanes → Free Vacuums

This helps avoid traffic build-up and keeps cars moving efficiently through the wash.

Business Model

We are building a modern express car wash that focuses on speed, convenience, and predictable monthly revenue. Our income will come from:

• Unlimited monthly memberships
• Single-wash purchases
• Fleet accounts for rideshare drivers and small businesses
• Multiple wash packages with different protection levels

Our wash tunnel completes a wash in about 3 minutes, and automated systems like pay stations and license-plate recognition help us operate smoothly without a large staff. Free vacuum stations add extra value and help attract regular customers.

Ownership and Management

PrimeWash Express will be managed directly by the two owners:

Business Goals

Our main goals for the business are:

• Build a strong and stable membership base
• Keep the wash clean, fast, and consistent every day
• Reach break-even by Q3 2027
• Provide excellent customer service to everyone who visits
• Maintain equipment on a strict schedule to avoid downtime
• Generate about $134,000 in net income in the first year

3. Market Research

Cars are everywhere, and keeping them clean is becoming a regular part of life. Globally, the car wash industry is booming, valued at $34.31 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $49.06 billion by 2030, growing at 6.2% annually. This shows a clear trend: people want fast, professional, and reliable car cleaning.

In the United States, there are 96,901,563 vehicles on the road, and 91.5% of households own at least one vehicle.

(Source)

On average, Americans wash their cars 13 times per year, highlighting that this is not an occasional service—it’s a frequent, recurring need. The U.S. car wash market alone was worth $14.74 billion in 2024 and is projected to continue growing.

(Source)

Locally, Las Vegas, Nevada, presents a perfect opportunity. Nevada has almost 990,801 registered vehicles, and the city’s median household income of $75,065 shows people can afford it. East Las Vegas, where our location is, is a busy area near Boulder Highway with lots of traffic. Dusty roads, commuters, rideshare drivers, and small business fleets all create steady demand for a fast, convenient, and reliable express car wash.

All of these data points to a clear market opportunity: with high vehicle ownership, frequent car cleaning habits, and strong local demand, a modern, fast, and reliable express car wash like ours is well-positioned to attract a steady stream of customers.

Target Market

Our wash is built for everyday drivers who want something quick and easy. Most of our customers live within two miles. We also get steady traffic from commuters who use Chandler Boulevard and Boulder Highway to get to work.

A big part of our customer base will be rideshare and delivery drivers who wash their cars often and need something fast. We also serve small business fleets (contractors, service vans, and real estate teams) who want simple monthly billing and Radio-frequency identification (RFID) entry. Overall, our ideal customers are people who want a clean car without waiting or dealing with complicated pricing.

Market Trends

The car wash industry is moving toward faster service, automation, and eco-friendly operations. These trends are shaping what customers expect from modern express washes.

• More demand for quick, 3–4 minute express tunnel washes
• Growing popularity of monthly memberships and unlimited plans
• Increased use of automated technology like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and cashless pay stations
• Higher focus on water-saving, reclaim systems, and environmental compliance
• Customers prefer clean layouts, easy traffic flow, and short wait times
• More interest in simple, contactless service with no pressure or delays

PrimeWash Express is built to meet all these market trends and deliver a smooth, modern customer experience.

Local Competition

East Las Vegas has a few car wash choices, but many are older hand-wash shops or big chains that sit a few miles away. Our spot on Chandler Boulevard gives us strong visibility and steady traffic. Most nearby competitors don’t offer the same mix of fast service, new technology, and free vacuums that PrimeWash Express provides.

Indirect Competitors

We also compete in a smaller way with gas-station washes, mobile detailing vans, and self-serve bays. These options can work for budget-friendly or do-it-yourself customers, but they are not as fast or consistent. Gas-station washes are basic, mobile detailers take longer and cost more, and self-serve bays require customers to do the cleaning themselves. These services are part of the market, but they don’t offer the same kind of quick express wash we provide.

Competitive Advantage

PrimeWash Express offers features that make the customer experience faster, easier, and more reliable than other washes in the area.

• 3-minute tunnel wash that keeps wait times low.
• Water reclaim technology to reduce waste and support smooth operations.
• License plate recognition for members for quick, automatic entry.
• Free vacuum bays that add extra value to every visit.
• Clear, simple pricing packages so customers can choose without confusion.
• A fleet billing platform that makes it easy for local businesses to manage multiple vehicles.

4. Services Offering

At PrimeWash Express, we believe cleaning your car should be fast, easy, and high-quality. Our goal is to give every customer a smooth experience, whether they stop by for a quick wash or sign up for a membership. We offer a range of services to meet different needs and budgets.

Wash Menu

We offer several express wash options, all completed in about 3 minutes, so customers can get in and out without waiting:

Membership Plans (Unlimited)

We offer monthly plans for people who wash their cars often and want it to be easy. You can choose: Basic Unlimited ($22/month), Shine Unlimited ($32/month), and Ceramic Unlimited ($44/month). Families can add extra cars for $12 each.

Why our membership plans are great:

• Wash anytime: Come as often as you want without paying each time.
• Save money: Cheaper than buying single washes if you wash often.
• Quick and easy: Members get fast entry with license plate recognition and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.
• Simple cost: One monthly fee makes budgeting easy.
• Always clean: Keeps your car looking good all month.

These plans are perfect for busy people, rideshare drivers, and small business fleets who want a fast, simple, and reliable wash.

Fleet Services

We also offer services for small business fleets and rideshare drivers. With our fleet program, businesses can easily manage multiple vehicles through monthly billing, which keeps payments simple and predictable. Each vehicle gets an RFID windshield tag for quick, automatic entry into the tunnel, saving time and making the process smooth. Prices range from $40 to $60 per vehicle, depending on the type of wash selected. This makes it easy for companies and drivers to keep their vehicles clean regularly without any hassle.

Equipment & Suppliers

We use top-quality equipment and trusted suppliers for reliable service:

With fast service, easy options, and modern equipment, we make sure every car leaves clean, and every customer leaves happy.

5. Operations Plan

Our operations plan explains how we run the car wash every day to keep things fast, smooth, and reliable. All systems, from the tunnel to the vacuums and water reclaim, work together to give customers a seamless experience.

• Daily working hours: 8 AM to 8 PM (all year)

Operational Workflow

Each day starts with a 7:30 AM test-run of all equipment to make sure everything is working properly. We check the chemical tanks daily to keep washes consistent and safe. The vacuum areas are cleaned every two hours, so customers always have a tidy space to use.

Once a week, we flush the water reclaim system to keep it running efficiently. Every month, we do a safety calibration to ensure all equipment is operating correctly. Membership billing is handled on the first of each month, so our members are charged smoothly and on time.

Vacuum Area Operations

Our vacuum bays are a key part of the customer experience. To keep them clean, safe, and ready for use, we focus on:

• Removing debris every 2 hours to keep the area tidy
• Checking filters regularly for proper airflow
• Ensuring hoses are working well and replacing them when needed
• Keeping the space clean and organized as it’s a key spot to convert visitors into members

Chemical Management

At PrimeWash, we use Diamond Shine chemicals for every wash level to make sure every car gets a clean, shiny finish. Each day, we check chemical levels at the start of operations and adjust dosing as needed.

We also track usage to manage inventory and ensure the chemicals work perfectly with our Sonny’s equipment. Proper chemical management is key to keeping wash quality high, making customers happy, and encouraging members to come back again and again.

Compliance Requirements

To keep PrimeWash running safely and within the law, we follow all required rules and maintain proper documentation. This helps protect the business, our customers, and our team. Our compliance responsibilities include:

• Keeping an active city business license so we can operate legally
• Following all environmental rules for water discharge and filtration
• Making sure our team completes OSHA safety and equipment training
• Maintaining workers’ compensation coverage for employee protection
• Having insurance that covers equipment breakdowns and unexpected issues
• Staying updated on any new regulations that affect car wash operations

6. Marketing Strategy

We want people to notice us easily and choose us without overthinking. Since many drivers pass through East Las Vegas every day, we use a mix of online ads and local outreach to reach them right where they are.

Marketing Channel Mix

1. Digital Marketing

These channels help us connect with people online the moment they’re looking for a wash or scrolling on their phones.

Google Local & PPC (40%)

Helps us appear at the top when someone searches “car wash near me” or anything similar. This brings in people who are ready to wash their car right away.

Instagram & TikTok Ads (25%)

Short videos, photos, and simple offers that grab attention. This helps us stay visible to local drivers and build steady brand awareness.

2. Community & Direct Outreach

These channels help us reach people who drive through the area often or use their cars for work.

Billboards & Roadside Signs (15%)

Placed along Chandler Boulevard and Boulder Highway, these signs remind drivers that a quick wash is just minutes away. Great for daily commuters.

Rideshare Driver Program (10%)

Special pricing and membership offers for Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers who need frequent washes to keep their cars clean.

Fleet Outreach (10%)

We reach out to local businesses, like contractors, real estate teams, and service vans, to offer simple monthly billing and quick entry for all their vehicles.

Our monthly marketing budget is $8,500.

Customer Acquisition Plan

We bring in new customers by staying easy to find, offering simple deals, and making the first visit feel quick and stress-free. Our goal is to get people to try the wash once and then keep coming back.

• First-month membership discount to encourage quick sign-ups and let drivers test the service at a low cost.
• Make our Google Maps listing clear so new customers can find us.
• Partnerships with nearby apartments to give residents special offers and bring in steady local traffic.
• On-site membership sign-ups in the vacuum area, where customers already spend a few minutes and are more open to joining.
• Local radio ads to reach commuters, weekend drivers, and people who may not see online ads.

Launch Promotions

To build excitement and bring in a large number of first-time customers, we’re starting with strong introductory offers. For the first three days, we’ll give free washes to everyone, which helps us create buzz and get people familiar with our service.

We’re also offering the first 500 memberships for just $9.99 for the first month, making it easy for customers to sign up without overthinking the cost. Along with this, we’re giving special discounts to rideshare and delivery drivers, since they wash their cars more often and can quickly become loyal customers.

These launch promotions help us create fast traffic, strong word-of-mouth, and steady membership growth right from the start.

Referral Program

At PrimeWash Express, every satisfied customer becomes a small marketing engine on their own. People naturally talk about things that save time and make life easier, so we make it even simpler for them to share.

Here’s how we encourage it:

• A customer can send a quick referral link or QR code to a friend.
• When the friend signs up for a membership, both get a small reward, such as a discount on their next month.
• Drivers using our vacuum area often chat with each other, so we place small “Invite a Friend” cards where they can easily grab one.

Instead of a complicated reward system, the idea is simple: if you like the wash, tell someone—and you both win.

7. Staffing Plan

Our staffing plan is made to keep the car wash running well every day. Each person has a clear job, and the focus is to keep the wash clean, safe, and ready for customers at all times.

PrimeWash Express will be owned by Victor Ramirez and Nina Alvarez. Victor will guide the operations, and Nina will handle the financial side of the business.

With the owners providing direction and the team handling the daily work, here is the full staffing plan:

If the car wash grows and customer traffic increases, we will also hire 2 more tunnel attendants in the future to keep the service fast and smooth.

8. Financial Projections

PrimeWash Express is an express exterior tunnel car wash focused on speed, convenience, and membership growth. The financial plan reflects an equipment-heavy buildout financed through an SBA 504 loan, with a conservative approach to operating costs, realistic revenue assumptions, and steady growth.

Startup Costs

The total project cost of $2,185,000 includes equipment, construction, and working capital.

Key Financial Assumptions

Revenue Forecast

Monthly Projections (Year 1)

Projected Profit and Loss Statement (3 Years)

Projected Balance Sheet (3 Years)

Projected Cash Flow (3 Years)

Break-Even Analysis

Business Ratios

9. Funding Requirement & Loan Repayment

PrimeWash Express requires $2,185,000 in total project funding to complete the new express tunnel car wash development, secure all equipment, and provide adequate working capital for the first operating cycle. The project is structured using an SBA 504 loan, with contributions from both a bank lender and the Certified Development Company (CDC), along with the required owner equity injection.

Both loans are secured by the car wash equipment, vacuum units, POS system, and leasehold improvements.

Loan Repayment

1. Wells Fargo First Lien Loan (20 Years, 7.75%)

• Loan Amount: $1,325,000
• Term: 20 years

2. CDC Second Lien Loan (25 Years, 6.22%)

• Loan Amount: $641,500
• Term: 25 years

Download a Free Car Wash Business Plan Template

Ready to start writing your car wash business plan, but want a bit of help? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Download our free car wash business plan template (PDF) and start shaping your plan today.

This easy-to-use template involves simple prompts and real-life examples to help you write a solid business plan. You can also customize it to fit your goals, services, and location.

Conclusion

After going through this PrimeWash Express business plan sample, now you have a good idea of how to create a plan for your own car wash business.

For an even quicker option, consider using an AI business plan generator. It streamlines the process and helps you create a full, investor-ready plan in minutes. Just answer a few basic questions about your business, and your plan is ready to go!