Sparkle Express Car Wash
Car wash in Tampa, FL, US
$688,87012-mo revenue
+4%vs last year
12Employees
Verified via Stripe + Plaid
Closed 2025
Car wash in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rinse Bros Car Wash
Since 2020 · owner Bram & Sem Jansen
Closed Aug 20252020–2025
$192,570Final 12-mo revenue
$19,620Best month
$95,500Money lost
6Employees at close
12 months to Aug 2025Verified via SumUp + Open BankingFinal statement
Why Rinse Bros Car Wash closed
Rinse Bros had steady demand and good reviews, but it didn't control its biggest costs. When energy prices doubled in 2023 and the landlord raised the rent 60% at the 2025 renewal, break-even jumped from about 1,450 washes a month to 2,300. The site had never done more than 1,700.
Main cause: Lease & energy costsTrading 2020–2025Money lost $95,500
Part 1What happened
The owner explains what the first year looked like and what changed once regular customers came back.
Most of the work came from a few dependable sources, and the owner says which ones paid off and which did not.
Prices were set early and checked again each season against what similar businesses charged nearby.
Part 2How the owners built it
Part 3The numbers behind it
In its final 12 months Rinse Bros Car Wash took $192,570, 23% less than the year before. Its best month in the last year was Jul 2025, at $19,620. Its last full month, Aug 2025, brought in $13,342: 32% below that peak.
They lost $95,500 in total, against a startup cost of $109,100. Every revenue figure here comes from SumUp and Open Banking, so the decline can be seen month by month in the chart below.
Part 4What the owners learned
Most of the work came
The owner explains what the first year looked like and what changed once regular customers came back.
Prices were set early and
Most of the work came from a few dependable sources, and the owner says which ones paid off and which did not.
A slow month taught them
Prices were set early and checked again each season against what similar businesses charged nearby.
Part 5Starting a car wash? Watch for these
Warning signHow to avoid itCheck before you commit
Warning sign
The owner explains what
How to avoid it
Most of the work came from a few dependable sources, and the owner says which ones paid off and which did not.
Check before you commit
Prices were set early and checked again each
Warning sign
Most of the work
How to avoid it
Prices were set early and checked again each season against what similar businesses charged nearby.
Check before you commit
A slow month taught them to keep cash
Warning sign
Prices were set early
How to avoid it
A slow month taught them to keep cash aside and to plan the quiet weeks before they arrived.
Check before you commit
The owner explains what the first year looked
Part 6How common is this?
0% of closed car washes on HumDays name “lease & energy costs” as the main reason they closed, one of the most common reasons.
Most car washes don't fail: 73% of those that start in Europe are still trading three years later. The ones that make it tend to do the things above from the start.
Main reason for closing, closed car washes on HumDays
Book Bram & Sem Jansen for advice
Bram & Sem Jansen’s booking page: book, pay and get your video link in one place. Reminders by email and WhatsApp; an AI summary after.
Things Bram & Sem Jansen can help with
- Rent is the business
- Sell memberships before you need them
- Stress-test energy before you sign
- What to check before you commit money
- Pricing and your first hires
What to expect
- 15 minutes is enough for three or more focused questions.
- Share your numbers first. Bram & Sem Jansen sees your notes before the call.
- Video call in your browser. No app to install. The link comes by email, WhatsApp and a calendar invite.
- Recorded, if you both agree. You get an AI summary and your action items after.
- Nothing is charged unless Bram & Sem Jansen confirms within 48 hours.
- If plans change, cancel 24 hours or more ahead for a full refund.
4.67 reviews of calls with Bram & Sem Jansen
TTomásSep 2026
Came with a spreadsheet, left with a plan. Honest about what would not work.
HHannahAug 2026
Felt like talking to someone ten years ahead of me in the same trade.
Bram & Sem Jansen replied
Glad it helped. The pricing change is the one most people put off, so well done for doing it.
RRaviJul 2026
Straight talker. Told me my pricing was too low and why. Raised it the next month.
SSofiaMay 2026
Practical, specific and generous with real figures. Worth every penny.
- Pick a timeChoose a length and a slot that suits you.
- Your card is heldYou're only charged once Bram & Sem Jansen confirms.
- Join the video callAsk your questions, get specific answers.
Ask Bram & Sem Jansen a question
No questions yet. Be the first to ask Bram & Sem Jansen.
Free for everyone who signs in. Questions about all car washes →
Financial snapshot
How it compares
Average month vs 77 verified car washes in Europe. In its final year it earned more than 33% of them.
This business
Bottom 10% $9kTypical $22kTop 10% $53.8k
Middle halfMiddle 80%Typical
In their own words
The owner explains what the first
Most of the work came from a few dependable sources, and the owner says which ones paid off and which did not.
Prices were set early and checked
A slow month taught them to keep cash aside and to plan the quiet weeks before they arrived.