The Pulse Report Q3 2024: Strong Customer Satisfaction but Price Concerns on the Rise
Q3 Pulse surveys reveal a clear theme when it comes to consumer preferences, price sensitivity and year-end growth projections.
WHEATON, Ill – International Carwash Association recently released its Q3 2024 edition of The Pulse Report, which provides the latest in carwash consumer research and industry data. The report shows a clear theme: Customers love their carwash experience, but price dissatisfaction is creeping up. While 77 per cent of monthly unlimited wash subscription members remain highly satisfied, price sensitivity increased as more consumers feel the pressures of an uncertain economy.
“This quarter’s data shows a strong customer experience, but with rising concerns about cost,” said Eric Wulf, CEO of ICA. “Operators need to stay sharp as these trends evolve.”
On the industry side, retailer and supplier challenges are evident as their year-end growth projections dropped from last quarter to their lowest levels since 2020.
“The responses showed that retailer positivity about current business conditions declined from 64 per cent in Q2 to 46 per cent in Q3,” said ICA Research Director Bob Klein. “Both retailers and suppliers are finding the cost of inputs to be the greatest single challenge. But, positivity about conditions six months from now for suppliers has increased substantially.”
Key Highlights:
- 77 per cent of members are still “very satisfied” with their carwash experience.
- Member price satisfaction was stable at 60 per cent all year, but slipped to 56 per cent in Q3.
- Both retailer and supplier year-end growth projections declined.
The Pulse Report Q3 also features in-depth statistical insights from economic consultant Alex Chausovsky. A complementary podcast featuring Wulf and Chausovsky was released on September 5 and is available at carwashmagazine.com and in the app.
“The Pulse Report Q3 2024 features comprehensive analyses of consumer and industry surveys conducted in August 2024 to offer a targeted look at the trends and economic conditions that may impact the carwash industry,” Wulf said. “Our goal is to provide data and insights that enable carwash businesses to be better informed, so their actions and business decisions are supported by research related specifically to the carwash industry.”
Stay on top of these trends, and get the full report every 90 days, by subscribing for only $120 a year at www.carwash.org/join.
