Washers are the heart of a car wash, and how you pay them shapes how hard they work and how long they stay. Most car washes in Kenya pay per car, as a percentage or a flat amount. Done by hand, it leads to disputes. Done by a car wash management system, it's simple and fair.
Percentage or flat fee?
- Percentage per wash (for example 30%): washers earn more on bigger jobs like a full valet, so they're keen to upsell.
- Flat fee per car (for example KES 100): simple to understand, and the same for every car.
You can set a different rate for each washer, for example for a senior washer or a trainee.
Record the washer on every wash
At the till, the attendant picks who washed the car. That one tap is what makes everything else automatic.
Daily and weekly tallies
Each washer's cars and earnings add up as the day goes. At the end of the day or week, the earnings are ready, with no counting from a book and no disputes.
Advances and payouts
Washers often ask for an advance mid-week. Record it as a payout; it comes off what they're owed. At payday the system shows exactly what's left to pay.
Why fairness pays
When washers can see their own count and trust it, arguments stop, good washers stay and new ones learn faster. It also protects the owner from paying twice.
Tips
- Agree the rate in writing when a washer joins.
- Pay on the same day every week.
- Show each washer their count on request.
- Review rates every few months as prices change.
Afritelligence works out washer commission automatically as part of its car wash software in Kenya. see the prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can two washers share one car?
Record the main washer on the wash; agree how shared jobs are split and record it the same way every time.
Can rates differ between washers?
Yes. Each washer has their own rate.
How are advances handled?
Record an advance as a payout; it comes off what the washer is owed at payday.
Can washers see their own count?
Show them their earnings for the day or week from the system on request.
What about tips?
Tips go straight to washers and don't need to be recorded in the system.
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