The APF Newsletter
How a large convenience store chain scaled from 1 car wash location to 12 (and counting) with AP Formulators
Discover how AP Formulators supported a large convenience store chain in scaling its car wash operations from 1 to 12 locations and beyond.
Challenge
Large southern convenience store chain seeks to expand into car wash services
A beloved roadside destination founded in the southern states is now a popular convenience store chain. It is known for having the world’s largest convenience store, at over 75,000 sq. ft. The company has earned a reputation for strict attention to detail and stellar customer service. Each business offers top-tier services, various snack options, clean restrooms, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
This commitment to customer experiences has helped the chain establish a loyal customer base across the southern U.S., solidifying each location's reputation as a destination for travelers and locals.
As the convenience store chain grew, the company considered adding premium car washes to its available services. This addition aligned with the company's mission of providing convenience and quality under one roof.
Car washes give customers more reasons to return to the store than gas and groceries, improving brand loyalty. They can also attract an additional customer base, including residents who may not stop for gas but want a clean car every week. The chain realized its trusted brand standards could translate into the modern car wash industry, often known for inconsistent and impersonal services.
The convenience store recognized three key requirements for its car washes to be successful:
- Brand consistency: Deliver the same quality and reliability customers expect from the chain's other services.
- Customer satisfaction: Provide high-quality results for every vehicle while being fast and easy to use.
- Brand differentiation: Stand out from other car washes to attract and maintain local customers.
The company knew it needed a soap supplier to consistently deliver a quality product and help it stand out from the competition to achieve those goals.
Solution
The chain partners with APF to create a differentiated car wash experience aligned with brand values
As the convenience store chain established its car wash service, it needed to find a soap supplier that would uphold its core values across every location. After receiving strong recommendations from other clients, the company evaluated and selected AP Formulators (APF) as a partner. APF now supplies soap for all twelve of the chain's current car wash locations, supporting a car wash experience that lives up to the chain's reputation.
The convenience store chain considered four key factors when choosing APF:
1. Product quality
Quality is the cornerstone of the chain's brand, and its car wash could not be an exception. The company needed soap that could:
- Wash and shine vehicles
- Protect vehicle finishes
- Provide a long-lasting clean
APF’s high-performance car wash soaps, which remove dirt, grime, and road residues without damaging surfaces, exceeded the convenience store chain's expectations. The chain and its customers see the difference in APF’s premium soaps, which help cars look fresh and well-maintained. APF’s product quality contributes to creating customer confidence and a positive reputation in the car wash industry.
2. Speed of distribution
The convenience stores already had high customer traffic, raising the potential interest in car wash services. The chain needed a supplier that could deliver on a reliable schedule to keep up with this demand and avoid service disruptions.
The APF distribution model commits to shipping orders within 72 hours, perfectly meeting the chain's needs. The stores could depend on timely deliveries and keep their car washes running without running out of soap, especially during unexpected spikes in demand.
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3. Speed of service
The convenience store chain's car wash soap supplier needed to be ready to address questions and operational needs at any moment. This was key to reducing service delays and maintaining the brand's quality.
APF’s customer service team quickly made adjustments and offered flexible solutions whenever the car wash locations needed support. This commitment to smooth operations helped the convenience chain manage the new car wash services and deliver a consistent customer experience. The car wash business is similar to the convenience store business: consistency leads to customer loyalty.
4. Responsiveness to new requests
The convenience store chain prides itself on a unique brand personality, which the car washes needed to reflect. Sensory details, such as custom soap scents and colors, could help the chain stand out from competitors.
APF's customized soap formulations were key in supporting the chain's vision of creating a differentiated car wash service. With APF, the chain introduced soaps with unique colors and scents across all twelve locations. This created an inviting, memorable experience that boosted the brand's signature appeal. It also reinforced the chain's commitment to quality, innovation, and delighting customers at every step.
Result
The convenience chain successfully expands its car wash locations to twelve locations and counting
The convenience chain successfully established its car wash service with support from APF’s customizations, product quality, distribution speed, and customer service. The partnership resulted in memorable experiences and fast, uninterrupted services, further contributing to the convenience brand's reputation.
Expansion of car wash locations
Since choosing APF’s products, the convenience chain's car wash services have been remarkably successful. While the chain only had one car wash location a decade ago, it now has twelve sites across its network, with six more planned for completion by the end of 2025.
This expansion results from the car wash locations' popularity and consistent cleaning quality. The convenience store chain can confidently open new car washes across more heavily trafficked locations without worrying about service interruptions or soap shortages.
High customer satisfaction rates
The convenience store chain's car wash services are consistently well-rated across review platforms. Customers appreciate the quality, efficiency, and attention to detail of the car washes.
Online reviews spotlight this positive customer satisfaction:
With glowing reviews and a loyal customer base, the convenience store chain continues establishing its car washes as an essential stop for local and traveling customers.
