Tag: franchise

Pay less for fuel this month

From Wednesday (7 October), motorists will be paying a little less to fill up their vehicles. The government recently announced the following decreases in fuel prices:

  • 93 Petrol – 23 cents per litre
  • 95 Petrol – 32 cents per litre
  • Diesel (50 PPM) – 90 cents per litre
  • Diesel (500PPM) – 93 centre per litre

These decreases are mainly due to two factors. The first is the stronger Rand, with the Rand/Dollar exchange rate improving from 17.28 to 16.72. Secondly, the average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $44.78 per barrel to $44.82.

Despite this good news on the first Monday of October, the AA warned motorists not to get comfortable with these prices. Since early August, the trend has been a stronger Rand and cheaper oil prices. But this could change due to the ongoing instability in the local and global economies. The Covid-19 pandemic remains an influencing factor, and the US election, which takes place in a little less than a month, could also affect prices.

Luckily, CREAM’s prices and quality of service don’t fluctuate like the fuel prices. Which means you can expect the same great service, innovative products and competitive prices every time you visit one of our branches. Want to learn why our products make your vehicle’s paint pop and sparkle for longer? Read about it here or just ask the friendly manager at your favourite branch.

We’re a growing franchise and looking for franchisees to help us expand our brand across South Africa. Visit our Franchise Opportunities page for more information.

Remember to keep an eye on our Facebook page for the newest news on branch openings and specials.

 

 

 

 

 

What to consider when you want to become a franchisee

You have always dreamed of being your own boss and are now considering joining the CREAM team as a franchisee. CREAM is a growing franchise and we are looking for passionate, driven and professional people to help us spread the brand throughout the country. To ensure the success of your new business, there are several things you need to keep in mind during the planning phase:

Market Research

It’s important to know what the car wash industry is like in your area before you start your business. Is there space for another car wash in your chosen town or suburb? What is the area’s income like? What are the newest trends in the car wash industry and vehicle industry? Chat to our other franchisees to find out more about their experiences. People in the industry (like our seasoned franchisees and regional managers) can help you avoid pitfalls and advise you on how to face challenges.

Location

The location of your business can make or break it. Find a great location that has a regular influx of customers. Shopping centres are a great location for a car wash, as shoppers can drop the car off and go shop, eat or gym, and fetch it once they’re done. CREAM’s head office and regional managers may be able to help you pinpoint a great location in your chosen area. Check out where we currently have branches and some of our newest and upcoming ones.

Friendly, competent staff

You need to put together the best possible team of employees. Set up criteria to make sure you hire people that will excel at their job, work well with the rest of the team, have pride in their job and work well with clients. At CREAM, we provide in-service training to make sure your staff conforms to our excellent standards.

Finance

Carefully consider your finances – will you be getting finance from a bank or your own pocket? Find out how much you will need to secure your ideal location and set up the business. Chat to our Head Office to find out more about franchise fees and operating costs.

Tips for success once your business is up and running

  • Focus during the training to make sure you and your staff know how to execute your duties efficiently.
  • Be enthusiastic. If you enjoy being at work, your staff will also be more enthusiastic. A positive and friendly atmosphere will also attract more clients.
  • Keep your eye on the ball. Know what is happening in the business and with your staff. Immediately address staff or customer complaints to avoid problems at a later stage.
  • Listen to your customers. If someone requests something and it’s possible, try to accommodate them. If it’s a suggestion on how to improve, take it to heart. If it’s something that can benefit the franchise as a whole, talk to the regional manager or owner and ask them to consider it. Offer solutions on why it would be viable and make the business thrive even more.

For more information on how to become a CREAM franchisee, contact Alan Flanagan on 082 936 0151 or alan@creamwash.co.za.

.

Tips to keep your car looking better for longer

When your car’s paint is gleaming in the sunshine, you often wish you could keep it like this all the time. At CREAM we know the secret to keeping your car’s paint looking amazing for longer is to regularly visit one of our branches. But between visits to CREAM, there are several little things you can do to minimize damage to your car’s exterior:

Park like a pro

Be more aware of where you’re parking. People often accidentally ding your paint when there’s not much space between cars. Park a little farther from the store, where there’s more space and look for a corner lot. Your car will be better protected and you’ll get in a few extra steps on your step counter. Most important of all, don’t focus on your sound system, check your phone or be distracted as you’re pulling out of a parking spot. This is often how people either crash into other cars or shopping trolleys.

Wax on, wax on

It’s important to use soap and cloths that have been approved by leaders in the auto industry. That way you won’t inadvertently scratch or damage your vehicle’s paint. End your wash with a coat of wax to protect against sun damage. CREAM has you sorted on this front. Our products are detergent-free and certified by paint manufacturers. Our special formula includes Carnauba wax, which is like sunscreen for your car. Your paint will be protected from the elements for longer, especially if you regularly visit us. Read our blog post on why regular washes are essential!

Don’t go bundu-bashing

Try to avoid driving on roads where your car could be scratched by overgrown brush or low-hanging branches. If you can’t, go slowly. Often, during roadworks, wet tar and stray rocks can also damage your car. Be careful when driving through roadworks as a stray rock can also chip or crack your windshield.

Always keep your eyes on the road

Often we are our car’s worst enemy. You don’t realize how close the curb/pillar/pole is and dent or scratch your car while you’re parking. Don’t fiddle with your phone while driving. This could also lead to you damaging your car, a fine (if a traffic officer spots you) or even a serious accident.

Remember to always keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially heavy vehicles and bakkies. These vehicles often carry debris on the back and the wind can sling sand or rocks into your vehicle.

Potholes can also cause damage to your suspension, scratch or dent your rims and lead to a flat tyre. Keep a close eye on the road surface if it’s in bad condition or if your route is known for potholes. Slow down if you can’t avoid a pothole. Don’t jerk the steering wheel, as you can lose control of the vehicle.

So take the first step to a great looking car and visit your nearest CREAM branch. Feel free to ask us about the innovative products we use and check out the services we offer. Visit our Facebook page for the newest franchise news and specials.

CREAM 84 on Main: Striving to give you that “new car” feel

Experience the “new car” feel that CREAM brings back to your vehicle whenever you visit one of our branches. This is thanks to our innovative products and passionate staff.

Glaudina Venter of CREAM 84 on Main in Walkerville, Johannesburg, is one of these dedicated team members. Opening the branch was truly a dream come true for her.

She worked for Dr JH Fleming at Milpark Hospital for 30 years. After his passing, she was grief-stricken and needed to find something to keep her mind occupied and make a bit of money. She decided to help out a family member who had just opened an auto repair shop. As part of her administrative and receptionist duties, she suggested that customers receive a complimentary car wash. This was a huge success and customers were very happy. It became her objective (and dream) to one day own her very own car wash.

With her motto of “Never give up, keep going, work hard every day”, Glaudina managed to finally achieve her dream of owning her own car wash.

Becoming part of the car wash industry was a very easy decision. “From the beginning of this journey, it taught me so much. I learned that I am capable of anything that I set my mind to. That has also been my biggest reward,” Glaudina explains.

She had a great experience at a CREAM branch and CREAM’s unique and inviting brand instantly caught her attention. “That’s why it was an easy decision to start my business with CREAM.”

Her biggest challenge since opening the branch has been not being able to spend as much time as she would like attracting customers.

Glaudina’s vision for the branch is to grow it to a prime spot and she hopes to later be able to open another branch.

Her advice to customers? “If you are looking for great customer service, impeccable workmanship and a car that has that “almost-new car” feel, then go where your car wants to go – Cream car wash, 84 on Main!”

For more information on what makes CREAM different from any other car wash, click here.

Looking for a branch near you? Visit our Branches page or check out which branches are coming soon (or have just opened!)