New Shop Design Suggestions

jimmybuffit

jimmybuffit

That'll buff right out!
As some of you are aware, we are soon to move to a much larger facility. We currently have a total of 2300 SF, in two different buildings.



We are moving 1/4 mile away to 3500sf of contiguous space (with store front). The wash bay is being trenched and sloped as I write this!. We'll have two garage doors, 6 16' x 24' bays, and a large reception/office area.



While I have a good idea of the the actual layout, in terms of color, lighting, equipment placement, etc, Now is the time to find some cool/unique ideas for the walls and general decor. In general, I want a clean and functional shop, with some flair and panache. We enjoy a very high end client base, and we want to appeal to them.



So, if you have, or can point me to, pictures of interest, I'd be most grateful.



(Oh, I've seen Steve D'Gerolamo's Ultimate Garage site, I'm looking for more like that!!!)



Thanks for your time.



Jim
 
I’d be sure to make the reception area very inviting and comfortable for any customers waiting to pick up their cars; a nice couch and a couple comfy chairs, end tables for their stuff, a pot of coffee going, maybe wireless internet, the sort of things that make them want come back with their cars. You might consider utilizing the services of a good interior designer.



Have big windows between the reception and shop areas so customers can watch the work being done. Most shops have a lot to hide but your level of work is something to be proud of. You might as well show it off and use it as a selling tool.



I can’t sufficiently stress the importance of having a woman lay out and decorate the ladies’ room.





PC.
 
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I know the owner of a body shop and his reception area is really nice, with a large bay window that looks out into his shop. Good artwork on the walls, recent magazines on the tables, several framed articles about his shop hung up around the waiting room, etc.



Seems like you have the work area covered, I'd focus on making the waiting room an enjoyable place to stay.
 
Georgions said:
:beware :beware :beware :beware
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Having been to Jim's old shop...



Separate your entry from the workspace if possible - you & your guys like to play your music loud. :) Everything always seemed clan and organized, but tightly packed in. Hopefully, you'll have more room to spread out. I think about watching Unique Whips - when they're working on a car, they have it out in the open, tons of room around it-makes an impression. Contrast that to some of the photos you see on here of people working in their garage with everything jammed in. Or a better example - go to the jewelry counter at WalMart- everything is packed in as tight as possible. Go to a high-end jeweler - only a few items in each case.



Why not capitalize on 'Indy' - things like an Indycar wheel coffee table, maybe a wing or something? There are enough teams there that are always selling stuff.



If I remember correctly, you have some nice oversized art and posters you can reuse.



I think you have to appeal to a couple of different markets-the car enthusiast that would appreciate a nice photo of an Enzo, and the soccer mom who thinks 'Enzo' is Tickle Me Elmo's cousin. Make them both comfortable.



And something I've always thought about: if you have room, make a couple of parking spaces 'Estimate' spaces with a sign with your logo and 'Parking for Detailing Estimates'. To me, that shows that it's a personalized service (not a one price fits all) and that you take your time to go over the car with them before work even begins.



And finally, have a big Grand Opening party & invite all of your customers!:woot:
 
Congratulations. I'm even a little jealous. A large shop like that would not be possible in my area of San Diego - real estate is through the roof to say the least. I hope you are extremely successful.
 
kompressornsc said:
And finally, have a big Grand Opening party & invite all of your customers!:woot:
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Great idea! Nothing better than a get together for a bunch of people who enjoy a clean car. Have someone cater the event so you can mingle with customers and potential clients. And just think...everyone will be booking a detail the week before so they can show up in a perfectly clean car :)



Good luck with your endeavors at your new location, I wish you all the best :spot
 
After a few weeks, find your slowest day. Go the nearest school and talk with the principal. Tell him/her that any services on X day gets 10% back to the school. Sell car wash/detail cards and give back a % or exact amount to the school, make flyers, etc. Schools are getting monies from restaurants doing the same thing and parents are very quick to support their kids' education this way.



Rob
 
WCD said:
After a few weeks, find your slowest day. Go the nearest school and talk with the principal. Tell him/her that any services on X day gets 10% back to the school. Sell car wash/detail cards and give back a % or exact amount to the school, make flyers, etc. Schools are getting monies from restaurants doing the same thing and parents are very quick to support their kids' education this way.



Rob
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best marketing idea I have heard yet!!! I would have never thought about that! thanks...will be a future proposition for my business when the right time comes...
 
Plans for the "Grand Opening Party" are in the works... mostly for local body shops, mechanics, etc. We get LOTS of referrals from those types!



Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep them coming!
 
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I would check this out. It doesn't show great pictures but you might get the idea from them. This is a very popular carwash locally as the article says. Even though the methods might not be the best the look is very nice. Very open waiting area, and as others have said large windwos to watch your car through. Wireless internet, coffee, smoothies, and a 24 hr clean car guarantee. Good luck.

Modern Car Care: The magazine for carwash and car care center owners and operators
 
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