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Knowing your customers' behavior is only the first step. In The Pulse Report, ICA’s proprietary research helps you answer these questions, and more, ensuring you are competitive and informed.

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The Pulse™ Report is produced four times a year, and contains the latest information about 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 subscription. Existing subscribers may request a copy of The Pulse Report by contacting info@carwash.org.

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

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

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Exclusive, timely research to drive your car wash business success.

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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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 Pulse Report

In a previous episode of CAR WASH The Podcast, Research Director Bob Klein teams up with CEO Eric Wulf to unpack key trends from The Pulse Report Q1 2025, including insights into pricing, loyalty programs, and customer retention. While rising prices may cause friction, the report shows that when customers feel valued, they’re more likely to remain loyal—especially subscribers.

The conversation explored how the car wash industry can learn from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A, where attention to hospitality drives customer satisfaction and perceived value.

On the growth front, expectations have ticked up slightly, but suppliers are facing headwinds. Their top concerns? Hiring, rising costs, and retention.

Listen to the Episode
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Pulse is powered by industry and research experts.

Bill Derwin

CEO | GO Car Wash

Short description highlight their core responsibilities as well as how they contribute to the team's success.

Jessica Price Easter

Director of Marketing | Qual Chem, LLC

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Chris Jenks

COO | Amplify Car Wash Advisors

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Jonathan Kierman

Executive VP | Super Star Car Wash

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Anne Mauler

VP Marketing | Soapy Joe's Car Wash

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Bob Klein

ICA Research Director

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