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Pulse™

Quarterly industry and consumer insights from International Carwash Association.

 

Knowing your customers' behavior is only the first step.

What would motivate them to visit more often, become a member or stay a member? What would motivate new customers to visit your store? How do your results compare to the industry?

In The Pulse Report, ICA’s proprietary research helps you answer these questions, and more, ensuring you are competitive and informed.

Get The Pulse Report

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The Pulse Report is produced four times a year, and contains the latest information on retailer and supplier sentiment, expectations and growth projections, as well as highlights from ICA's most recent consumer research and key economic indicators.

What's inside?

Complimentary copies of The Pulse Report are included with an ICA membership subscription. Existing members may request a copy of The Pulse Report by contacting info@carwash.org.

If you're not a member you can join at carwash.org/join for $120/year and receive The Pulse Report quarterly via email.

For non-members, The Pulse Report may be purchased for $250 per report.

 

Exclusive and timely research conducted and analyzed to help your car wash business succeed.

Outlook for Inflation in the Car Wash Industry in 2025

New tariffs imposed in 2025, such as the 10% across-the-board tariff on all goods imported from China that went into effect on Feb. 4, will raise operating costs in the car wash industry. This is because a sizable portion of the chemicals used in car washes, particularly the basic cleaning agents like detergents and surfactants, are imported from China every year. However, not all car wash chemicals come from China, and it is possible for firms to source from other countries. Identifying and realigning sourcing with the new tariff landscape will be an important tactic for car wash companies to implement this year to keep input costs under control.

 

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With qualitative commentary from industry participants and observers.

Sneak Peek Into The Pulse Report

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Get the Pulse of the Industry
In-depth analysis on both the retail and supplier side when it comes to year-end growth projections, revenue expectations and industry-wide challenges.
 

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The Consumer Pulse
An integral piece of car wash market research is taking a deep look into how the consumer is feeling in between economic volatility, rising prices and pressure on discretionary income.
 

Dive Deeper Into The Pulse Report 

In a previous episode of CAR WASH The Podcast, International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf is joined by Alex Chausovsky, a seasoned market researcher and analyst with over 20 years of expertise in economics, business cycles, and industry-specific trends.

The episode explores the ICA’s The Pulse Report Q3 2024 findings, shedding light on year-end retail growth projections within the car wash industry. Eric and Alex break down current market dynamics and unemployment trends and analyze the Federal Reserve's reactions. They also explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on consumer spending and how these factors might influence the car wash sector.

Eric Wulf and Alex Chausovsky both spoke at Destination 3: Projections on December 13, at ROADMAP.
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Pulse is powered by industry and research experts.