The APF Newsletter
How APF’s product consistency and hands-on service support a Houston-based express carwash chain’s growth
Discover how a Houston-based express car wash chain enhanced product consistency, eliminated supply outages, and elevated customer satisfaction with AP Formulators' custom soaps, supply chain portal, and expert technical support.
Challenge
Seeking a soap supplier that can deliver a consistent product
A customer-focused express car wash chain has delivered high-quality car care services for over a decade, becoming a cornerstone in its Houston community. The chain built its reputation on efficiency, cleanliness, and unmatched customer experiences. This has helped it grow its footprint and customer base every year.
One of the most significant factors of the chain's success has been its commitment to operational excellence, including its choice of products and suppliers. As the business expanded, the Houston-based car wash chain faced growing challenges with its previous soap supplier. This prompted the company to search for a more dependable partner and supplier.
The company identified three key issues with its previous soap supplier that its new partner needed to resolve:
- Inconsistent product viscosity: The soap's viscosity, or its level of thickness, varied significantly between batches. These changes in soap resistance contributed to equipment damage, clogged tubing, inadequate soap dispersion, increased downtime, and higher maintenance costs.
- Unreliable product color: While the soap was intended to be vibrant purple, batches occasionally fluctuated to pink, opposing the company's goal of providing consistent car wash experiences.
- Frequent equipment adjustments: Car wash staff needed to manually adjust equipment to accommodate each new batch of soap's unique specifications. This slowed down operations, increased employees' responsibilities, and impaired the brand's hallmark quick-turnaround service.
These issues made it challenging for the car wash chain to meet its customer trust and operational reliability goals. The company's management team needed a soap supplier to consistently meet their high standards.
Solution
APF enables a differentiated customer experience and delivers hands-on support
The Houston-based car wash chain learned about AP Formulators (APF) through regional trade shows and industry events hosted by the Southwest Car Wash Association (SWCA). APF has fostered long-term client relationships in the car wash industry by offering customized solutions, including hundreds of scent and color combinations.
This express car wash chain has successfully grown its business with support from APF’s custom soaps, advanced supply chain tools, and expert technical solutions.
1. Custom fragrance and color capabilities
APF develops seasonal limited-time fragrances tailored to the chain's marketing and promotional needs, such as spring citrus and fall pumpkin spice. Plus, APF’s custom color options create a visually engaging experience within the car wash tunnel.
Custom choices play on multiple senses, further distinguishing the chain from competitors. These additions have directly contributed to better customer retention and reviews. With APF’s help, the car wash chain also implemented a dual injection system that allows staff to easily change fragrances without impacting the core soap formulas. This system limits their responsibilities and the potential for error when preparing for promotions and seasonal shifts.
Furthermore, APF is currently developing a custom tire shine formula. This initiative demonstrates the supplier's commitment to meeting customer demand in the evolving car wash industry.
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2. Supply chain portal integration
The car wash chain recently integrated APF’s proprietary supply chain platform, MySupply. The portal predicts each location's inventory needs based on various factors, including:
- Car count data
- Weather patterns
- Regional and seasonal trends
- Regular weekly inventory
The portal also compares its tracked inventory with projected bi-weekly car counts to optimize delivery timing and product quantity. This technology keeps the car washes adequately stocked weekly, reducing the risk of supply shortages and helping the chain offer uninterrupted service. MySupply also minimizes product waste to keep costs low.
3. Service and technical optimization support
APF regularly audits and maintains the chain's wash equipment and chemical systems. For example, adjustments to the tunnels' dispensing and timing sequences reduce the amount of chemicals used while still providing maximum vehicle coverage. After inspecting the car wash chain's equipment, APF recommended a six-month nozzle replacement schedule. These upgrades prevent clogs and maintain consistent performances.
APF also recommended upselling strategies, such as designing a menu for customers to explore and select upgrades. This increases the average transaction value while communicating to customers what they're paying for. APF’s hands-on service and technical support have improved car wash quality, customer satisfaction scores, and online reviews.
These contributions by APF have reduced operational burdens, driven business growth, and established the Houston-based business as a leader committed to the customer experience.
Result
Consistent product quality and reliable supply lead to a growing and loyal customer base
APF has been the Houston-based car wash chain's exclusive supplier for over seven years. These years of service reflect a strong, lasting relationship built on trust, quality, and service. The partnership with APF has increased customer loyalty and emboldened the chain's reputation as an industry leader.
The chain's most significant benefits of partnering with APF include:
- Improved product consistency: APF soap maintains consistent viscosity, thickness, and color palettes, resolving the product quality challenges with the previous supplier. This consistency has streamlined operations and reduced equipment malfunctions and downtime.
- Eliminated supply outages: The MySupply portal helps parties maintain dependable delivery schedules and predictive inventory management. This limits the risks of supply shortages and lets the car wash staff focus on delivering high-end customer service.
- Differentiated customer experience: APF’s customizable fragrances, colors, and promotions have helped the chain's locations create unique car wash experiences. Customers frequently praise their wash quality for this reason.
- Customer satisfaction: Online reviews indicate high customer satisfaction rates. Customers frequently note the car wash chain's standout sensory experience:
