7 Tips for Starting a Motorcycle Washing Business

With 115.29 million motorcycle users in Indonesia (BPS.go.id/2020), a motorcycle wash business is a golden opportunity that is easy to run, even for beginners. High demand from busy users, the potential for repeat orders (loyal customers), and the relatively small capital required for a motorcycle wash are the main reasons this business is popular. Therefore, the BFI Finance team will thoroughly explore how to successfully open a motorcycle wash business, from tips, capital estimates, examples of BEP, to effective marketing and management strategies.

Steps to Starting a Motorcycle Washing Business

1. Strategic Location

Choose a location near a busy center, such as a campus, school, residential area, or main road. A location that is easily accessible and visible from the main road will increase your chances of attracting customers.

2. Legality & Business Permits

Check the motorcycle washing business permits in your area (KBLI 45407: Motorcycle Repair & Maintenance). Prepare a business permit, building permit (IMB), and comply with government regulations regarding liquid waste management. Legal businesses are more trustworthy and have a lower risk of forced closure.

3. Motorcycle Washing Business Capital Details

a. Hydraulic Motorcycle Washing Business

No.	Item	Qty	Price	Total
1.	Hydraulic Motor M-Lift + Oil	2	Rp5.000.000	Rp10.000.000
2.	Air Compressor 1 PK	1	Rp1.600.000	Rp1.600.000
3.	Power Spray Gun (2HP)	1	Rp160.000	Rp160.000
4.	Snow Tube 15L	1	Rp900.000	Rp900.000
5.	Tyre Inflator	1	Rp200.000	Rp200.000
6.	Spiral Hose	3	Rp60.000	Rp180.000
7.	Chamois Super	4	Rp20.000	Rp80.000
8.	Microfiber cloth	2	Rp20.000	Rp40.000
9.	Tire polish @ 1 Liter	2	Rp45.000	Rp90.000
10.	Shampoo Ice Cream	2	Rp35.000	Rp70.000
11.	Spons	2	Rp15.000	Rp30.000
12.	Promotion (Banner, Flyer, dsb)	1	Rp250.000	Rp250.000
	Total Capital			Rp13.600.000

Monthly Operations:

Electricity: Rp2,100,000
Shampoo, Tire Polish, Equipment Maintenance: Rp2,550,000
Salaries for 2 employees (assuming Rp1,500,000-Rp2,500,000/employee): Rp3,000,000-Rp5,000,000
Premises rental (optional, depending on location): estimated Rp500,000-Rp2,000,000
Potential Income: Example: 25 orders/day x 30 days x Rp20,000 = Rp15,000,000/month*

*Monthly income varies depending on order volume and price

Break-even Point (BEP): (BEP = Capital ÷ (Revenue - Operating Expenses)) = Rp13,600,000 ÷ (Rp 15,000,000-Rp 4,800,000) ≈ 1.3 months.

b. Simple Motorcycle Wash Business

Starting capital: Rp 2,330,000 for basic equipment (compressor, drum, hose, chamois, motorcycle shampoo, promotional materials).

Monthly Operational Costs:

Electricity, shampoo, tire shine: around Rp 2,550,000
Employee salaries & land rent depending on location.
Potential Income: 17 orders/day x 30 days x Rp 10,000 = Rp 5,100,000/month
Simple Break Even Point: = Rp 2,330,000 ÷ (Rp 5,100,000-Rp 2,550,000) ≈ 1 month.

4. Promotion Strategy

Place banners and signs in busy or high-traffic areas.
Optimize your Google Business Profile and activate Maps (to make it easier for customers to find you when searching for "nearest motorcycle wash").
Collaborate with nearby businesses: photocopiers, minimarkets, repair shops.
As part of your marketing strategy, create grand opening promotions such as discounts, free wash and helmet packages, or memberships (10 washes get one free).

5. Service, Innovation & Facilities

Develop a comfortable waiting area (chairs, free coffee, Wi-Fi/TV/DVD, air-conditioned rooms, massage chairs if necessary).
Standardize service SOPs, cleanliness & friendliness.
Add services: helmet washing, engine washing/detailing, waterproofing, motorcycle disinfection.

6. Human Resources

Hire 2-3 honest, responsive & communicative employees. Provide regular training: SOPs, washing techniques, and communication.
Create a bonus system if order targets are met.
Design a fair work schedule (shifts if busy).

7. Motorcycle Wash Business Risk Management

Electricity and water cost fluctuations: Conserve water, use efficient equipment.
Price competition: Sell advantages (extra service, speed, clean guarantee, creative promotions).
Mind waste: Use waste filters and educate staff.

8. Tips for Success & Innovation in the Modern Motorcycle Wash Business

Implement digitalization (QRIS payments, digital order/membership recording).
Monitor performance via WhatsApp/online orders.
Offer mini-franchises (for growing entrepreneurs).
Evaluate customers monthly, collect positive testimonials (post on social media).

Motorcycle Wash Business FAQs

What is the minimum capital required for a motorcycle wash business? Starting from 2-5 million rupiah for a simple business.

What equipment is needed for a motorcycle wash business? Compressor, spiral hose, chamois/microfiber cloth, motorcycle shampoo, water tank, polishing equipment, promotional materials.

What is the average income? 5-15 million rupiah/month, depending on location and traffic.

What is the motorcycle wash business permit? Apply for a Business License (NIB), Building Permit (IMB), and environmental permit (pass waste regulations, KBLI 45407).

Tips to prevent your motorcycle wash business from going bankrupt: Innovate services, upgrade facilities, maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), promote regularly, and recruit quality staff.

Why is a Motorcycle Washing Business Promising?

With affordable capital, broad market opportunities, and simple management, a motorcycle washing business is suitable for beginners or entrepreneurs looking to expand their portfolio. The keys to success lie in location selection, service standard operating procedures (SOPs), service innovation, risk management, and adaptive promotions, especially in this digital era. For those needing business capital, apply for a business loan from a trusted financial institution licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), such as BFI Finance, for security and flexibility of funding.

#AlwaysThereIsAWay with BFI Finance, the best financial solution for your business!