The Vision: A Premium Car Care Solution

This plan outlines a lean, single-bay prototype to validate the core business concept: providing a premium, indoor, automated space for car enthusiasts to care for their vehicles, especially in winter or urban environments.

🚫 The Problem

Car enthusiasts have no good options in winter or urban areas. Touchless washes are ineffective, and brush washes damage paint. There is no premium, indoor, self-service option for those who truly care about their vehicle.

✅ The Solution

A single-bay, climate-controlled prototype. It's an efficient, automated, "no-human-required" space that members can book online, access via a smart-lock, and use professional-grade equipment to detail their own car in comfort.

The Prototype: What's In The Bay?

The 800-1,000 sq ft prototype is built for efficiency and a premium experience. It is divided into the core facility infrastructure and the professional-grade tools provided to the user.

Physical Setup

Epoxy Floors & Trench Drain

Easy to clean, professional look, with an oil separator to meet environmental standards.

Climate Control

Insulated walls and overhead radiant heat make it comfortable even in deep winter.

Bright LED Lighting

Essential for spotting imperfections and ensuring a high-quality detail.

Key Equipment

Pro-Grade Wash System

Wall-mounted high-pressure system, foam cannon, and hose reels.

Drying & Cleaning

Wall-mounted wet/dry vacuum and a filtered air dryer/blower to prevent water spots.

Smart Access & Security

App-controlled smart-lock for the bay door, plus CCTV for remote oversight.

The Model: A "Hands-Off" Operation

The prototype is designed to be managed by one person with minimal daily effort. This is achieved through an automation stack that handles the entire customer experience, from booking to access.

Automation Stack

1. Book & Pay Online

Customer reserves and pays for a 1-hour slot in advance.

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2. Receive Smart Access

System automatically sends a unique keypad code or app link for entry.

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3. Timed Utilities

Lights, water, and heat are enabled only for the duration of the booking.

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4. Remote Oversight

CCTV monitoring and QR-code help signage replace on-site staff.

Operational Flow

  1. 1

    Book Online

    Customer finds an open 1-hour slot and pays in advance.

  2. 2

    Access Bay

    Uses the received smart-code to unlock the bay door.

  3. 3

    Wash & Detail

    Brings their own products (BYOP) or buys from an on-site vending machine.

  4. 4

    Clean Up & Leave

    Wipes down the bay and leaves. A 10-minute buffer is auto-added before the next booking.

The Cost: Phase 1 Startup Budget

$62,000 Estimated Total

The prototype is designed for lean capital investment. The budget is focused on the build-out and essential equipment. Use the explorer below to see how the budget is allocated.

The Core Objective: Validation

This prototype isn't about profit; it's about answering key questions fast. The entire goal is to validate the following three metrics before scaling.

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Validate Demand

Are local owners willing to pay a premium price (e.g., $25-$50/hr) for indoor, DIY access?

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Validate Behavior

Will customers return? How often will a user book per month/quarter? This determines the lifetime value.

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Validate Price

What is the sweet spot? Does $40/hr convert as well as $30/hr? We need to find the ceiling.