Car Wash Vending Machines: What Sells and Which Machine to Use
Quick answer: car wash vending machines sell the supplies customers want while they wash and vacuum: microfiber towels, air fresheners, protectant and glass wipes, tire shine, interior cleaners and, in combo machines, cold drinks and snacks. Because most car washes are outdoor and open around the clock, the machine should be outdoor-rated, vandal-resistant and take cards. The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo in our catalog is built for this and costs $8,145 plus a flat $150 freight per order.
What sells in a car wash vending machine
- Drying and detailing: microfiber towels, chamois, glass wipes, dashboard and protectant wipes.
- Fresheners: hanging and vent air fresheners, odor eliminators.
- Tires and wheels: tire shine and wheel cleaner wipes or small bottles.
- Interior: upholstery and leather wipes, small trash bags.
- Refreshments: water, soda, energy drinks and snacks, in a combo machine or a separate outdoor drink machine.
Price car care items against nearby auto parts stores, and track which products sell by season: towels and wipes year-round, fresheners and interior cleaners most in summer.
What a car wash vending machine needs
- An outdoor rating. Rain, dust, heat and cold destroy indoor machines. See outdoor vending machines.
- Security. Vandal-resistant cabinets, protected payment devices and good lighting; place the machine where the attendant booth or cameras can see it.
- Card payment. Most car wash customers already pay by card. The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo is listed with a card reader.
- Power and signal. A dedicated grounded outlet (the AMS model runs on 120 V at 7 A) and a cellular signal for the card reader.
- A level, covered spot near the vacuums, out of spray from the wash bays.
The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo
The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo is an outdoor-rated machine with 10 selections, a card reader, ADA compliance, and a 39 × 72 × 35 in (W × H × D) cabinet weighing about 820 lb. It costs $8,145 plus $150 freight, ships new with the manufacturer’s warranty, and can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Other outdoor machines in our catalog cost $7,919 to $10,409 (median $8,553) across 9 machines.
Is a car wash vending machine worth it?
For a car wash owner, a supply machine adds sales from customers who are already on site, with little extra labor. For an independent operator, a car wash is a strong outdoor location if the owner agrees a fair commission. Work out your margin per item and expected sales with how much vending machines make, and put the arrangement in writing; see vending machine contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What do car wash vending machines sell?
Towels, air fresheners, protectant and glass wipes, tire shine and interior cleaners, and often cold drinks and snacks.
How much does a car wash vending machine cost?
The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo in our catalog costs $8,145, plus $150 freight.
Can a car wash vending machine take credit cards?
Yes. The AMS Outsider Car Wash Combo is listed with a card reader.
Does a car wash vending machine need to be outdoor-rated?
Yes, unless it stands inside a building. Outdoor-rated cabinets resist weather and tampering.