Though the entire customer experience is almost entirely automated, the machinery behind Alpine Wash can offer many of the services typically provided by a full staff.
“There’s been a movement from full-service car wash to what they call flex models or express models,” Brown said. “[Alpine Wash] is an express model, whereas you go to a point of sale; you pay; we’ll guide you through; you’ll stay in your car.”
The shift to the express model means shorter wait times and cheaper services, Dean said.
“If we’re stacked up in these lanes with both lanes busy, the throughput is still such that you could be in and out of here in under 10 minutes,” Dean said.
Brown said customers range from commuters who only wash their cars a few times per year to professionals who spend much of their time on the road.
“We’re seeing more that are not working at an office,” Brown said. “They’re out moving around meeting with clients—the insurance industry, the Realtor industry.”
And while a full-staffed detail shop can offer more intensive surfaces, such as carpet shampooing and ridding of smoke smells, those additional services can come at too high a price for some, Dean said.
Alpine Wash’s services begin with the $8 Express Wash, which includes a soft-touch wash, spot-free rinse and a power dry. The full, $20 Summit Wash includes additional services such as a foam bath, carnauba waxing, tire shines and more.
Despite being almost entirely machine-operated, Alpine Wash still provides face-to-face customer service. Employees greet customers at the entrance of the car wash with towelettes for interior cleaning as well as candy and dog treats for nervous passengers.
Alpine Wash also boasts license plate-recognition technology, which allows members to immediately begin a car wash without using the payment system, Dean said.
Alpine Wash
250 S. Denton Tap Road, Coppell
972-393-1112
www.alpinewash.com
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
