Mobile carwash business expands in ME

The pioneering mobile carwash business owned by a group of overseas Filipinos worldwide (OFWs) is branching out to the Middle East via franchising.

This was revealed by president and chief executive officer Norman Gacula of OFW firm G&E Franchising & Marketing Corp., citing ongoing negotiations with Saudi businessmen for that purpose.

"This deal involves a state franchise covering at least 300 Mobile Carwash units to be deployed in Saudi Arabia and can be sub-franchised to smaller Saudi firms," Gacula said.

"The venture also involves a $100,000 franchise fee and a total investment of $1,000,000 excluding payments for royalties and supplies, all to be remitted to G&E in the Philippines," Gacula added.

Owned by more than 30 OFWs in different parts of the world, G&E conceptualizes, develops and manages franchise businesses. The other two are the info technology training center Global Digital Campus and IT books publication Global Digital Publishing.

Locally, the business is expanding and growing through franchising to cater to the lucrative portions of the huge market of 2.2 million vehicles nationwide.

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.

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 P185,000 for multicab and motorcycle models, and P75,000 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.