In a recent survey done By kenyabusinessideas.com , in Westlands, Huruma, Ruaka/Gachie and parts of Pangani whereby also the results can be taken to represent many other areas, the following were the average prices for various services available. The prices varied from place to place but these were the averages;
Vehicle Cost (Ksh)
Motor Bike 80 -120
Voxy and Noah 150 -300
Matatu 150 – 300
Other cars 150 – 250
Canter 600 -1,000
Lorry 1,000 – 2,500
Engine only 300 -800
Trucks 1,500 – 2,000
Big velvet carpet 1500
Small velvet carpet 300
The above prices were being charged at the time but are subject to changes by the business owners. Please use them as a guide only.
These car wash yards serve about 100 – 300 cars in a day. Daily income ranges between Ksh13,000 and ksh20,000. Sundays are the best days for this business when many car owners have time to bring their cars for washing after church.
Many of the car wash businesses visited paid their workers on commission based on the number of cars washed. This encourages and motivates the workers.
With a daily income of Ksh13,000 to Ksh20,000, a car wash business is clearly profitable. However, this is only possible in a good location. Such a location will be next to a busy road, clearly visible and easily accessible and not far from residential areas with many cars.
The size of the yard will also be important. It should be able to accommodate many cars at the same time so that car owners are not kept waiting for too long to have their cars washed.
Finally, if you had wanted to start a car wash business, do not hesitate, just look for a location as described above and start planning for the business.
