Mobile Car Washes and Shoe Policies

Mobile carwashing is hard work, it is tough on the your body and it pays to have athletic type shoes that do not get wet easily. Sometimes rapid pace car washing in parking lots can be a lot like playing basketball, except you are on a slippery and uneven surface. Here is some advice after 27 years in the business of twisted ankles and soggy socks.

Don't wear blowouts. If you have a favorite pair of shoes and they have rips in them, buy some 'Shoe Goo'. It's a rubbery substance that bonds and dries clear. It's available at Sports Chalet and Big Five Sporting Goods. Sometimes you can find it at Foot Locker.

Nike makes some water shoes, which work well if you're tired of soggy socks. Sandals are ok if you are a woman who doesn't like farmer tan sock-lines. Foam type thongs should not be worn because you can't move well in them. They will cause you to cut your feet and stub your toes.

Bare feet car washing is not allowed, you'll cut your feet and reduce your companies image to the bottom tier of fly by night operations. You'll find out why if you try, but don't say we didn't warn you.

Wear strong socks which will not sag if you can find them. We recommend high top cross-trainer type shoes because they offer good support. The average car washer walks eight miles in a day. Who needs sore feet? Mid top and high top tennis shoes are great for an all-out day of car washing.

Shoes should be washed in the washer and dryer every three weeks. Spray them with Spray N Wash all over and throw them in the washer. It's ok to wash them with car wash towels. Dry them half-way, then pull the tongue out and leave them on the porch for one day while you wear your spare shoes. You can also take them to a laundromat that has "Fluff and Fold" service and tell them to do their best. Your shoes will look brand new.

Managers

Managers should have a quick checklist of the things you want to watch. Among the items on the checklist should be:

IMAGE

Shorts

Shirt

Hair

Hats

Shoes

Smell

This checklist should be kept on a 5x7 index card fastened to the back of the visor of the work truck. Managers should obviously be responsible for themselves and the crew. You should make this clear when you hire them. You must be sure they understand when you train them. You should give your manager the authority to let go and fire any employee who doesn't conform to your image standards. If a manager plays favorites to certain employees (friends), this undermines the dress code system you have put in place to remain a Professional Auto Detailer or Car Washing Specialist. Please don't let this happen. If any of your employees don't follow your image guidelines then your image will be worthless. You won't see a McDonald's employee wearing a Budweiser tee-shirt. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs