The International Carwash Association conducts the Study of Consumer Car Washing Attitudes and Habits every three years. The study is part of the strategic plan adopted by the association, which establishes "being recognized as the source of accurate information regarding the car wash and car care industry."
Business owners face the challenge to meet and satisfy customers’ evolving needs and wants. Understanding customers through their attitudes and behaviors should be a constant process in order to meet changing demands. The International Carwash Association recognizes this need, and the importance of collecting data that properly reflects the consumer’s motivations, needs and preferences in purchasing decisions.
The objective of this research is three-fold: collect and disseminate reliable information on car wash customers to the industry; obtain knowledge about public perceptions of car washing so that an informational campaign could be established; and finally, collect information on the non-user and professional car washing's number one competitor - the home washer. Members have used the results of this survey to develop their marketing plans, to determine potential customers to target in their areas, and identify the priorities of consumers in the car wash market.
The 2008 Study of Consumer Car Washing Attitudes and Habits , is available to members of the International Carwash Association at no charge: request via e-mail. Non-members may order ($75).