By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
In the car wash industry, maintaining equipment can at times be a costly necessity and imperative to keep customers happy and secure their repeat business.
Since 2006, UpFix has been a leader in providing world-class electronics reset and repair services for automotive, home, and industrial applications, including car wash equipment.
UpFix promotes its repair service with dual objectives – to save business money by rebuilding existing components over replacing them but also making a positive impact on the environment by reducing the amount of electronic waste.
UpFix sales manager Tonia James says repair work on car wash equipment has always been part of the company’s offerings, but when she came on board last December, she realized there was an opportunity to utilize “role-based marketing” to promote to the car wash industry.
“In the car wash industry, there is an increased focus on sustainability, operating costs and turnaround time,” James told Car Wash Daily News. “We keep old parts out of landfills, reducing waste.
“We can save operators up to 80 percent versus replacement costs. We offer the ability to create a low-cost back-up inventory so that operators have immediate access to parts.”
The car wash industry produces several challenges to the equipment required including accelerated wear and tear on electronic components from high moisture and corrosive chemicals; the continuous operation of a lot of equipment; high replacement costs (especially for VFDs/inverters); and the pressure to reduce downtime (which leads to revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction).
UpFix specializes in repairing complex electronic components such as VFDs/inverters, and PLCs, offering an alternative to costly replacements.
“I think the ability to repair versus replace never occurred to a lot of operators before I began marketing to them and educating them about this option,” James said. “The industry seems a little volatile right now and we can save franchises thousands of dollars every year.”
UpFix focuses on several key areas in its ability to make itself an attractive option for operators:
– Fast turnaround time: Typical repairs are completed within 4-7 business days, with expedited options available. All parts are returned ‘plug-n-play.’ Turnaround time is a huge concern,” James said. “Our repairs take 2-4 business days and that’s why a huge part of my outreach is about creating a low-cost backup inventory, so the downtime is as low as possible.”
– Expert repairs: Skilled technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure high-quality repairs, which come with a 12–24-month warranty.
– Rigorous quality control: Each repaired unit undergoes thorough testing to guarantee performance and to identify and address potential issues to prevent future failures.
– Convenience: Fast turn-around times ensure a hassle-free experience from start to finish. UpFix documents, through texts and pictures, every process of its repair process.
If interested in more information about UpFix, visit its website or email [email protected].
