Self Parking Cars Coming to Parking Space Near You

Executive Summary about Parkers Guide by Gemini Tucker

Self parking cars. This time it is the self parking car. Now luxury car maker, Lexus has introduced the self-parking option on one of its luxury sedans in the U.S. This self parking option is bundled with several other options and comes with a price tag of $4,000 to $5,000.

A demonstration of this self parking option revealed the use of sensors, gears, rear mounted cameras and a computer program that all work together to take the pain out of parallel parking. The computer program and monitors constantly scan for available parking spaces that fit the size criteria for parallel parking the vehicle. Using the brake to regulate the speed of parallel parking, the driver watches while the car expertly goes into reverse and backs into the selected parking space. All the driver has to do is place the car in drive and pull slightly forward, straightening the car out in the parking space. The manufacturers note that this technology is not suitable for parallel parking on hills.

Parking Business, the Details on Increasing Lot Revenue

Executive Summary about Parkers Guide by Lance Winslow

If you are in the parking business and own or manage parking lots you may want to think on some additional concepts to increase lot revenues. Whether you are looking to add value for your customers, expand your customer base, or simply increase your revenue, the addition of a car wash and/or detailing service to your parking facility may be the answer. There are many options available to you if you want to provide these services.

INCREASED REVENUE

Car washing and detailing not only provide value for your customers, but also maximize the per space value of your lot,” commented Philip Hutcheson, owner of The Car Wash Guys franchise in Nashville, Tennessee, who currently had Central Parking in Nashville as a client.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

For example - Wednesday is car wash day. You collect the money and park the cars in car wash row. The local company arrives at the desired time and washes, waxes and details the cars and returns the keys to you. A typical financial arrangement with a detail service can net you $2 to $5 per car for a wash and wax and as high as $15 per car for a full detail.

A WIN-WIN-WIN

Here’s an example of how a parking facility can partner with a detail service. Tim Morse, co-owner of The Car Wash Guys franchise in Oklahoma City, washed and detailed cars for SunPark, a private parking facility near Oklahoma International Airport. SunPark receives a percentage of each car washed and detailed. The previous owners had offered a basic wash and wax as an added service, explained Manager Larry DeLuca. We now also offer car detailing and oil change which have been well received by our customers.

BUYING A FRANCHISE

You can also buy a franchise if you’re serious about adding detailing as a permanent source of revenue. The Detail Guys and “brother” company The Car Wash Guys set up franchises in 23 states to serve 110 markets nationwide.

DOING IT YOURSELF

You’ll need a pressure washer with cold and hot water, hot if you also want to occasionally wash down the lot or parking structure. Always operate a wand of less than 24 inches - less chance to ding a car, which is parked too close or over spray cars already washed or cars you are not washing. You need a 200-gallon water tank.

HIRING EMPLOYEES

A company called Detail Plus in Portland, Oregon offers training courses at your place of business and videotapes and manuals.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

You’ll also need to learn a little about car wash wastewater. Even if you are hiring a company on contract, you should at least be aware of the environmental laws pertaining to waste water. The basic law is this: do not allow wash water run-off to enter a storm drain.

CO-MARKETING/NETWORK OF SERVICES

If you utilize the services of a gas station, this will also be an excellent opportunity to co-market with another business, perhaps even help send them business.

A NATIONWIDE RESOURCE

The Car Wash Guys is currently working with numerous parking garages around the country. The Car Wash Guys was founded in 1979 and now washes just about everything from cars, trucks, boats and aircraft to windows, buildings, graffiti removal and more.