Mobile Car Washes and Shoe Policies

Mobile carwashing is hard work, it is tough on the your body and it pays to have athletic type shoes that do not get wet easily. Sometimes rapid pace car washing in parking lots can be a lot like playing basketball, except you are on a slippery and uneven surface. Here is some advice after 27 years in the business of twisted ankles and soggy socks.

Don't wear blowouts. If you have a favorite pair of shoes and they have rips in them, buy some 'Shoe Goo'. It's a rubbery substance that bonds and dries clear. It's available at Sports Chalet and Big Five Sporting Goods. Sometimes you can find it at Foot Locker.

Nike makes some water shoes, which work well if you're tired of soggy socks. Sandals are ok if you are a woman who doesn't like farmer tan sock-lines. Foam type thongs should not be worn because you can't move well in them. They will cause you to cut your feet and stub your toes.

Bare feet car washing is not allowed, you'll cut your feet and reduce your companies image to the bottom tier of fly by night operations. You'll find out why if you try, but don't say we didn't warn you.

Wear strong socks which will not sag if you can find them. We recommend high top cross-trainer type shoes because they offer good support. The average car washer walks eight miles in a day. Who needs sore feet? Mid top and high top tennis shoes are great for an all-out day of car washing.

Shoes should be washed in the washer and dryer every three weeks. Spray them with Spray N Wash all over and throw them in the washer. It's ok to wash them with car wash towels. Dry them half-way, then pull the tongue out and leave them on the porch for one day while you wear your spare shoes. You can also take them to a laundromat that has "Fluff and Fold" service and tell them to do their best. Your shoes will look brand new.

Managers

Managers should have a quick checklist of the things you want to watch. Among the items on the checklist should be:

IMAGE

Shorts

Shirt

Hair

Hats

Shoes

Smell

This checklist should be kept on a 5x7 index card fastened to the back of the visor of the work truck. Managers should obviously be responsible for themselves and the crew. You should make this clear when you hire them. You must be sure they understand when you train them. You should give your manager the authority to let go and fire any employee who doesn't conform to your image standards. If a manager plays favorites to certain employees (friends), this undermines the dress code system you have put in place to remain a Professional Auto Detailer or Car Washing Specialist. Please don't let this happen. If any of your employees don't follow your image guidelines then your image will be worthless. You won't see a McDonald's employee wearing a Budweiser tee-shirt. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Getting City Contracts; Local Government Contracting

All cities have a purchasing office and/or a procurement officer.... Read More

Your Small Business Suggestion Box

A suggestion box is a really good idea for your... Read More

Dynamics of Daylight Savings Time on Service Businesses in the United States

The Dynamics of Daylight Savings Time changes the way we... Read More

What Help is there for Veterans Starting a Business?

Some of the very qualities that attract people to the... Read More

Small Business Marketing Secrets: Look Like Sizzle, Be The Steak

You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More

Small Business Server Business Tips

Top 3 Ways to Maximize Your Small Business Server Consulting... Read More

The 5 Habits of Highly Successful Small-Business Owners

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More

Accepting Checks in Your Business Virtually Risk Free

Most businesses accept checks as form of payment for goods... Read More

How to Create an Information Plan

What is in an information plan?Before you even meet with... Read More

Franchise Territories are Generally Delineated On a Map; Why?

If you own a mobile service or home based franchise... Read More

Look Like Sizzle, Be The Steak

You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More

Nevada Incorporation: The Advantages of Incorporating in Nevada

Incorporation in Nevada has become an attractive option for savvy... Read More

Preparing to Launch Your Small Business

Small business owners often enter their field with great expectations.... Read More

Small Business Success - It?s a Matter of Confidence

I was floored! I couldn't believe what they were saying!... Read More

The End -- Fireworks or Fizzle?

Seems as though there are a lot of business closings... Read More

Boy oh Boy, The Obstructions and Obstacles

The bad things starts with the letter 'O'?.like Obstacles, Obstruction,... Read More

Top 7 Small Business Resources for 2005

If you want to start a business in 2005, and... Read More

Family Business and Conflicts

What is a Family Business? A family business is basically... Read More

11 Benefits of Starting a House Cleaning Business

One of the biggest fears people have about starting a... Read More

The Role of the Business Model and Strategy for Business

People will always stress that having a well researched business... Read More

Site Selection - Slice of Life, A Car Wash and Detail Center DownTown

There is a continual trend we are seeing which I... Read More

Keeping a Partnership ALIVE and THRIVING

What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More

Keeping Business Alive

Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business... Read More

Environmental Pressure Washing in Pennsylvania

If you run a mobile car wash, mobile fleet washing... Read More

Mini-Blind Cleaning Business, Case Study

Sometimes the simple businesses are the ones, which make good... Read More

Why The Carwash Industry is Stagnant; What You Can Do to Change Your Field

Many years ago, I had warned the carwash industry of... Read More

How to be Annoyed and Make Money

When do annoyances in a relationship become too much to... Read More

Round Pegs In Round Holes: The Amazing Secret of Succeeding in Any Business Every Time!

Success is the desire of everyman on the face of... Read More

Chamber Membership will BOOST your Business

When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More

Why Do Most Online Small Businesses Fail?

Search Engines account for almost 90% of all web traffic!In... Read More

Becoming Recession Proof

A lot of business owners I've spoken with lately have... Read More

Keep TRACK of your Business Relationships and Gain Profits

How do you know when an alliance needs to be... Read More

How to Make Your Business Image Stand Out Above The Crowd

Traditional advertising methods are still being used for almost 90%... Read More