Car wash is one of the most common but highly demanded car-related services.
The car wash industry is continuously flourishing in recent years, propelled by the increasing preference for well-maintained vehicles and growing demand for professional and convenient car cleaning services.
According to statistics, the car wash and the auto industry in the United States have exhibited remarkable growth over the years, with the market size reaching $23.78 billion by 2030, indicating sustained growth and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, which means this is the best time for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the competitive industry.
You can either operate a car wash all by yourself or purchase a car wash franchise, which will allow you to enjoy the business model, supplies, and any other relevant services from the franchisor.
Thanks to this billion-dollar market, there are plenty of car wash franchise opportunities in the United States.
In this article, we’ll delve into the ten best car wash franchise opportunities with impeccable reputations and comprehensive training programs.
Let’s get started!
Also Check Out How Much Does Automatic Car Wash Cost?
10 Best Car Wash Franchise Opportunities
Here are the top 10 Car Wash Franchise opportunities to own in the United States in 2023:
1. Fleet Clean USA
| Founded | 2009 |
| Franchising Since | 2013 |
| Estimated Outlets | 21 |
| Initial Investment | $178,375-$311,375 |
| Franchise Fees | $50,000-$125,000 |
| Liquidity | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 2.5 % |
Fleet Clean USA is one of the fastest-growing car wash franchises in the United States that provides different levels of exterior washing services for trucks, including maintenance wash, maintenance rinse, semi-detail wash, and detail wash.
Founded in 2009, the company commits to providing eco-friendly truck washing services nationwide.
Fleet Clean USA is offering affordable franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs to own and operate their car wash franchises.
Their initial investment is relatively low, with no need for having a brick-and-mortar location.
As a franchisee, you will receive the best training, marketing services, and ongoing support in the industry.
From the franchisor to their management, everyone will support you at every step to help you make money from day one.
2. Tommy’s Express
| Founded | 1969 |
| Franchising Since | 2016 |
| Estimated Outlets | 55 |
| Initial Investment | $2,318,927-$4,817,217 |
| Franchise Fees | $50,000 |
| Liquidity | $1.5 Million |
| Royalty Fees | 4% |
Tommy Express is a professional car wash franchise that has been providing car washing services for over 50 years.
Founded in 1969, the franchise operates in 28 cities in the U.S. and has earned multiple recognitions for excellence in the car wash and franchise industry.
By joining Tommy Express, you’ll become a part of a national brand with a massive membership base.
As a franchisee, you will get never-ending support from the franchisor to boost all areas of your business, including initial training, assistance in site selection, data-driven marketing, and operational support. Additionally, financing options are also available for qualified franchisees.
3. Spiffy
| Founded | 2014 |
| Franchising Since | 2020 |
| Estimated Outlets | 48+ |
| Initial Investment | $102,550-$181,400 |
| Franchise Fees | $40,000 |
| Liquidity | $150,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 7% |
Spiffy is an app-based on-demand care franchise that offers eco-friendly mobile car washing services.
Founded in 2014, the company strives to expand car care services beyond brick-and-mortar locations to make vehicle maintenance easier for everyone.
Whether you are an experienced mechanic or an entrepreneur looking to break into the car wash industry for the first time, Spiffy is offering incredible business opportunities for local franchises and nationwide fleets.
As a Spiffy franchisee, you’ll gain access to a suite of existing technology and support options to get your business off the ground.
You will receive two weeks of training, resources, and guidance from their executive team on managing and promoting your business locally to keep your customers happy.
4. Mr. Clean Car Wash
| Founded | 2005 |
| Franchising Since | 2008 |
| Estimated Outlets | 14+ |
| Initial Investment | $2,417,500-$3,271,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | $700,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
Mr. Clean Car Wash is America’s leading car wash brand with a customer base in the millions.
Founded in 2008, Mr. Cleans has consistently set the standard high and grown into a gold standard, giving customers the best car cleaning experience possible, including both interior and exterior wash and maintenance services.
Mr. Clean Car Wash is operated by Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc, which is offering new franchisees all across the U.S. To become a Mr. Clean Car Wash franchisee, you’ll have to meet some financial obligations, and in return, the franchisor will provide all the necessary training, tools, and resources required to power the operations of your franchise.
5. Green Shine Waterless
| Founded | 2008 |
| Franchising Since | 2011 |
| Estimated Outlets | 15 |
| Initial Investment | $47,910-$160,615 |
| Franchise Fees | $19,900 |
| Liquidity | $31,720 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% |
Green Shine Waterless is the nation’s fastest-growing vehicle detailing network that offers a wide range of car washing and maintenance services.
With more than 15 years of experience in car washing, Green Shine has built a strong brand reputation making it one of the best car wash franchise opportunities in 2023.
The franchisor offers everything a franchisee may need to start and grow an eco-friendly vehicle detailing business and expand it across the country.
They provide the initial training and ongoing support to the franchisees, along with the ability to leverage Green Sine’s systems and processes to build and grow your business.
6. Cactus Car Wash
| Founded | 1996 |
| Franchising Since | 1996 |
| Estimated Outlets | 7+ |
| Initial Investment | $2,370,000-$3,805,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $45,000 |
| Liquidity | $750,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5.5% |
Cactus Car Wash franchise is a well-known name in the car washing industry that offers
full-service car washing and a wide range of detailing and restoration options.
The franchise operates on an outstanding business model and unique quality control procedures, offering incredible services at great prices.
Since 1996, the franchise has grown to 7 units and offers franchise opportunities for new franchisees.
As a Cactus Car Wash franchisee, you will get to leverage their good reputation, brand name, business model, and loyal customer base.
They provide extensive hands-on training programs, site assistance, business plan assistance, and ongoing assistance to develop and operate your franchise.
Although they don’t offer financing, they do have third-party partnerships with lenders to secure financing for the franchisees.
7. DetailXperts
| Founded | 2004 |
| Franchising Since | 2008 |
| Estimated Outlets | 90 |
| Initial Investment | $103,500-$240,100 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,000 |
| Liquidity | $70,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% |
DetailXperts is an eco-friendly automobile and truck detailing franchise that provides excellent franchise opportunities.
The franchise offers innovative and environment-friendly car washing and detailing services valued by customers.
Founded in 2008, the franchise operates over 1,100 franchises and actively offers new franchise opportunities for individuals interested in starting their businesses.
As a DetailXperts franchisee, you can obtain up to five franchise units and the authority to develop and scale your business as per your will and capacity.
They provide initial training in the technical aspects of the car detailing business to give you a strong start.
Additionally, you will get continual support to develop and manage your business successfully.
8. Oasis Car Wash Systems
| Founded | 2008 |
| Franchising Since | 2008 |
| Estimated Outlets | 22+ |
| Initial Investment | $598,000-$956,000 |
| Franchise Fees | $35,00$87,500 |
| Liquidity | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5.25% |
Oasis Car Wash Systems is a leading supplier of car washing equipment that provides cutting-edge equipment for car washing services. The franchise itself doesn’t offer a car washing service for vehicles.
Still, it deals in the equipment needed for the different car washing systems, including touchless car wash systems, high-pressure car wash, truck washes, and soft-touch car wash systems.
Founded in 2008, the franchise offers excellent investment opportunities for individuals looking for a lucrative business opportunity.
As a franchisee, you will receive extensive pre-opening training, assistance in site selection, marketing support, and access to their cutting-edge equipment to start your business and maximize your profits in no time.
Added to this mix is their ongoing support and guidance to outperform your competition.
9. No-H20
| Founded | 2007 |
| Franchising Since | 2012 |
| Estimated Outlets | 4+ |
| Initial Investment | $134,550-$162,500 |
| Franchise Fees | $49,500 |
| Liquidity | $250,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 8% |
No-H20 is the fastest-growing car wash franchise in the United that offers waterless car wash solutions using only 4 ounces of water per Wash, opposite to the traditional drive-thru car wash that takes around 35 gallons of water.
It is the only company to build an on-demand in-house app for car washing and detailing to bring the car wash to the people instead of bringing the people to the car wash.
As a No-H20 franchisee, opportunities you will be able to benefit from multiple streams of revenue.
Every franchisee is provided with hands-on, comprehensive training based on industry standards.
Additionally, you will get access to their technology and resources to operate and scale your franchise and start making money from day one.
10. Superior Wash
| Founded | 1989 |
| Franchising Since | 2008 |
| Estimated Outlets | 36 |
| Initial Investment | $49,100-$62,275 |
| Franchise Fees | $15,500-$20,000 |
| Liquidity | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 10% |
Superior Wash is a premier fleet washing company that offers professional truck washing services in the United States.
Founded in 1989, it is the fastest fastest-growing franchise network in the U.S., with a strong public image and extensive experience in the industry.
Superior Wash is offering low-cost franchise opportunities for passionate individuals looking for an affordable and profitable business venture.
They have an outstanding network of support and training to back their franchisees and give them a strong start.
Superior Wash doesn’t ask its franchisees to have detailed industry knowledge. Instead, they provide extensive on-the-job training and virtual training to run your franchise successfully.
The franchisees are also allowed to have multiple revenue streams, including hood and equipment cleaning, pressure washing, inspections, and more.
Things You Need To Know Before Opening Car Wash Franchise
1. Franchise Cost
The first and foremost thing to know before opening a car wash franchise is the franchise cost.
Different companies have different franchise cost, which includes franchise fee, royalty fee, and initial investment required.
A car wash franchise can range between $50000 to $5 million based on the franchise brand.
2. Profitability
The main purpose of any business is to make a profit through the services provided to the customers. You also don’t want to buy a franchise that doesn’t yield enough profit.
So, before buying any car wash franchise, consider knowing the profit percentage of the franchise brand.
3. Types Of Car Wash Franchises
Along with considering the profit and franchise cost of a business, you should also consider knowing the type of car wash franchise.
Here are different types of car wash franchises you can choose from:
1. Automatic Car Wash
These car wash facilities are the fastest as they use large machines and equipment to wash, rinse, and dry cars.
These are fully automatic, which means customers drive their cars onto a conveyor belt which then takes the car to different cleaning stations.
2. Self-Sevice Car wash
These are less expensive options but require more time and effort.
These car wash type typically makes customers wash their own cars using scrubs, cleaning supplies, water jets, and vacuum options.
3. Detailing Car Wash
These are more customized cleaning options for cars which include polishing, hand washing, and waxing.
Detailing business offers services according to the budget and needs of customers
4. Mobile Car Wash
These are car wash services that travel to the site and then clean the cars of their customers. These are typically vans or trucks with all equipment.
4. Local Market
Before buying any car wash franchise, do your research on the local market.
This will help you to know the competition as well as any opportunities in the local market.
When Should You Choose A Car Wash Franchise?
Before buying a car wash franchise following, the following points give you more clarity on when you should consider buying one:
1. Finance
Consider buying a car wash franchise when you have adequate capital and know how to acquire funds or financial assistance.
Also, when you have considered all the financing options provided by the franchise brand.
2. Skills
To buy any franchise, you need the perfect knowledge and skills, and buying a car wash franchise is no exception. List down the skills required and what skills you have.
However, if you don’t possess any knowledge about the business, then think about working with a partner who is experienced and can guide you in setting up the franchise.
3. Investigation
When you have done all the investigation on the franchise brand you are choosing. If not then get all the information about the franchise, including its cost-effectiveness.
Choosing the right car wash franchise opportunity needs careful evaluation of several factors, including the brand’s reputation, initial Investment, franchise fees, training and support programs, and ongoing support.
By evaluating these factors, you will be able to make a more informed decision and choose the franchise opportunity that aligns with your goals and budget.
Comparison of Top 5 Car Wash Franchise Opportunities
| Company Name | Fleet Clean USA | Tommy’s Express | Spiffy | Mr. Clean Car Wash | Green Shine Waterless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 1969 | 2014 | 2008 | 2005 |
| Outlets | 21 | 55 | 48+ | 14+ | 15 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000-$125,000 | $50,000 | $40,000 | $35,000 | $19,900 |
| Initial Investment | $178,375-$311,375 | $2,318,927-$4,817,217 | $102,550-$181,400 | $2,417,500-$3,271,000 | $47,910-$160,615 |
| Royalty Fee | 2.5% | 4% | 7% | 6% | 5% |
Conclusion
Investing in a car wash franchise in the United States gives you access to a recognized brand name and tried-and-true business model.
However, choosing the car wash franchise is a crucial decision and requires careful consideration of various factors, such as the strength of the brand, initial investment costs, site selection, franchise fees, and ongoing costs.
By carefully analyzing all these factors, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and position themselves for success in the thriving market.
The franchise list given in this article has established its foothold in the market with its strong support, comprehensive training, proven business model, and success stories.
By exploring these opportunities, you can make a more informed decision while embarking on your entrepreneurial journey.
FAQ
Is Car Wash Franchise Profitable In The USA?
Opening a Car Wash franchise in the USA can be a profitable venture, but it depends on various factors, including location, market demand, competition, and the specific franchise opportunity chosen.
However, the individual franchisee probability depends on various local market conditions, expertise, and success of the operations.
What Is The Car Wash Franchise Profit Margin?
The profit margin of a car wash franchise depends on various factors such as location, type of car wash, and pricing. But on average, the car wash franchise’s profit margin of about 10-20%.
Are There Any Financing Options Available For Car Wash Franchise Investment?
Most of the car wash franchises mentioned above offer in-house financing or have partnerships with third-party lenders to assist franchisees in securing capital for their initial Investment, including lease arrangements, equipment financing, franchise fee financing, or assistance in obtaining traditional business loans.
It is advisable to inquire with the specific franchise you are interested in to see the financing options they offer and explore other potential sources of financing.
How Much Does Car Wash Franchise Cost?
A car wash franchise’s cost ranges anywhere between $50,000 to $3.5 million. And those with real estate and large equipment are more expensive. They fall in the $2 to $3 million range.
Which Is The Cheapest Car Wash Franchise?
According to the above-mentioned data, the cheapest car wash franchise is Mr. Clean Car, with the lowest franchise fee of $35000. However, the royalty fee of the franchise is relatively high i.e. 6%.
Amit Gupta is an experienced expert in digital marketing and co-founder of DrFranchises. With more than 11 years of knowledge in franchise digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, and social media marketing, Amit has helped many brands achieve incredible success online. As a passionate entrepreneur and owner of 7 franchises, he continues to study franchise models, looking at costs, revenue, and profitability to guide brands toward profitable growth. When he’s not working on digital marketing, Amit enjoys spending time playing with his beloved dog.