Mobile car wash firm joins international franchise show

The country’s pioneering and lucrative mobile car wash business will be showcased at the Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo, which will be held on July 16-18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

To go on display are three variants of the Mobile Car Wash unit, now turning into a global brand as it draws interest of local and foreign companies and entrepreneurs, and is expected to gain enormous market attention during the three-day exhibit.

This unique enterprise was introduced by G&E Frnachising & Marketing Corp., owned by more than 30 overseas Filipinos worldwide (OFWs) based in different parts of the world.

"Locally, the Mobile Carwash business is expanding and growing through franchising to cater to the lucrative portions of the huge market of 2.2 million vehicles nationwide," said G&E president and chief executive officer Norman Gacula.

"The business offers three types of operation – one that stations several units in residential or commercial areas, another with units roving in specific localities, and the so-called "on call service" wherein a client will just dial the phone number 928-WASH (9274) and the nearest stationed or roving unit will attend to him immediately," Gacula added.

There are also three types of carwash units – the motorcycle, multicab, and pushcart models, which can be seen in website www.mobilecarwash.ph (tel. 7311303/9501).

The total investment per unit is $4,000 for multicab, $3,500 for motorcycle, and $1,500 for the pushcart model. The payback period is estimated at between 12 and 14 months or even less.

The investment covers the mobile carwash unit, initial stock of supplies, service uniform, cellular phone, and pre-operating and miscellaneous expenses.

Most importantly, the franchisee gets strong support in terms of sales and marketing, hiring and screening of personnel, extensive training and periodic updates, centralized phone-in system and purchasing, and quality control and audit.

The franchiser may also assign the franchisee to malls and commercial centers and big office buildings on a first-come, first-served basis, thereby reducing the problem of the franchisee in getting a reliable market.

For a simple wash, this professional and environment-friendly service takes only 30 minutes and for only P100 (small car), which guarantees a cleaner, shinier and drier car while giving the client convenience and a lot of precious time saved.