Young entrepreneurs see carwash potential

CEBU, Philippines - Seeing a huge market potential in the midst of the booming automobile industry in Cebu, a group of young entrepreneurs decided to venture into a car wash business.

As part of their business practicum course, Adrian Mellan, Johndale Dyenghong, Justin Gaisano, Camille Veloso, Monica Lim and Andrea Martinez decided to put up Drive In Car Wash with an initial investment of P175,000.

“Since the automobile industry is growing, car wash is required for all cars of all brands,” Dyenghong, the company’s general manager, said.

He further admitted that the group had to start from scratch, learning essential techniques to run the business from other car wash owners and product suppliers.

“Our first impression was it was going to be easy. But there are a lot of struggles and you can sum it all to ignorance. Ignorance has a price,” he added.

With a rented empty lot of about 160 square meters, he said that they considered Tipolo, Mandaue City as a strategic and convenient location for their shop.

He also revealed that a snack bar will be opened within the next two months due to the demands of their customers for entertainment while waiting for their cars to be washed.

The business began its operations last July 30 and was able to generate around P35,000 as the group’s revenue.

Admitting the lack of market exposure, he said that the group is strongly working out on its marketing strategies which include radio and online advertisements, signages, and posters.

The company has hired three wash attendants and one supervisor who accommodate a daily average of 5 to 6 cars for walk-in customers.

Drive In Car wash is open six days a week from 8 AM to 7:30 PM.

Beyond closing hours, he noted that they attend to washing an average of ten taxi cabs at a cheaper price of P50.

Although they have received positive reviews from their clients, he revealed that the group is still open for suggestions for them to improve the business.

Aside from its goals to be known as a car wash shop with an average price but high quality service, the group aims to be a landmark for cleaning cars in the area.

Dyenghong also said that the company is bullish to hit the targeted sales of P60 000 a month and plans to continue the business even after graduation.

“We plan to market it properly and have a system that is very stable so that after we graduate, the business will not be a burden. All of us can still have our own different jobs but the business will still be existing,” he told The FREEMAN.

He further cited that managing the car wash business taught the group to overcome struggles and to practice time management and teamwork.

“The thing we learned when you go into a business is that you will not lose problems. But you could not just give up half-way. Solve problems one by one. If you don’t want problems, then don’t go to business,” he stated.

Owners of the Drive In Car Wash are students of the University of San Carlos taking up Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Double Major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.