What The Car Care World Expo Proved

I've had a few days to digest the tremendous feedback we received as we unveiled the K9000 self-serve dog wash to the US car wash public last week. With 4 other dog washes on display (all the ramp and tub-like equipment), the K9000 was well received. The bottom line, you only get ONE chance to make it a pleasurable experience for a dog owner or they will NOT come back. If the experience is not good, you lose their return business. Installing the right equipment the right way will only INCREASE revenues and you'll have a true Pet Vending Profit Center.

Here is what we learned about the Ramp and tub-like equipment:

Issue #1: Steep ramp turns away washing revenue - yet car wash owners are still making some decent money with these systems. The bottom line is that most dogs do not know how to go up steep ramps... and because of the height, a lot of dogs will be scared (both of these design flaws increase liability as well, in my opinion). Imagine all of the dogs being turned away - owners that can't get their dogs up a steep ramp... dogs that aren't comfortable... And lastly, why would you want to work on your dog with your arms in the air? The tub is too high - it's uncomfortable for you and your pooch.
Resolution - The K9000's platform is at the right height for dogs to easily step into and on the washing area. Medium and large dogs are at comfortable heights for the dog owners so they don't have to fight gravity with arms getting tired and sore... believe, me it happens... even when I use the Pet Clin dog wash... with the platform all the way up, it's too high to wash and dry my 100 lbs lab. No dogs will be turned away with the K9000 and pet owners will be comfortable - and they will want to come back!

Issue #2: The MESS ... oh the mess - because of the ramp and tub-like systems, everyone thinks that a dog wash will require too much maintenance and will be a tragic mess every day. And it's true... poor drainage and no water containment means YOU, the owner, will have to wash this system after every dog wash (in most cases). But this is unnecessary with the right equipment and installation.
Resolution - Because the of the K9000's design, the water is contained... very little water will splash out if any. And because of the dual-hair traps built in to a practical drain system, you don't have to clean it out for 20-30 washes... why make it harder than is should be?

Issue #3: The Wrong Shampoo Products - Look, the reality is that car washes provide 'chemicals'. Most dog owners will NOT use the shampoo products unless they feel comfortable with the products. Car wash distributor and owners still use 'chemicals' and this is not good for dog wash business.
Resolution - The K9000 uses the highest-end shampoo products by Tropiclean - a name recognized by pet owners and the pet industry. Our shampoos are GREEN - all natural. They contain NO chemicals, NO soaps and NO detergents that will rinse away expensive flea treatments. And NO alcohols that will dry out the coat. With the proper shampoos, more time will be spent washing and the quality of wash will be as good as a groomer. This will ultimately increases your profits and client satisfaction.

We are in the pet industry, not the car wash industry ... and we need to re-educate the car wash industry about the little things that mean a lot to your overall revenue potential and success. Car washes see the tremendous potential with a dog wash profit center but it will take the right equipment, the right installation, the right price per wash and the right pet vending partner so that you all maximize your revenue with minimal maintenance.

Thanks for everyone's feedback this week. And thanks for the orders. Together, we will help solve a major problem all pet owners face. We are here to make it simple for you car wash owners. Trust us ... and look for our article next month in Professional Carwashing & Detailing Magazine.