Article: Usually, $5 is a good amount, but be sure to adjust the price for special services like waxing or interior detailing. You may also up the price when it comes to large SUV or vans. Alternatively, you can ask for donations, which can sometimes result in more revenue than charging for the wash outright. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to designate a volunteer to candle cash. Determine your budget before you go shopping for supplies. Most of the funds should be allocated towards necessary materials. Then, if you have some left over, you can think about non-necessities. If you are offered discretionary funds from your school or organizations, whoever approved the funds will probably want to see and approve a copy as well.  For instance, if you have a budget of $50, allocate $30 to $40 towards buckets, soap, polishing tools, and anything else you might need. Then, spend around $10 on posters, markers, and other items needed for advertising. Whatever’s left over can be spent on extra supplies or, if applicable, concessions. If you’re working with a strict budget, go to the store where you plan to purchase items first to tally up the prices. Ask your school or community center if they have advertising materials like poster boards and markers. Also, ask your volunteers if they already have some of the materials you’ll need or if they’re willing to chip in to buy said items. Things like rags and buckets are pretty common household items, so it doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re working with little or no budget! Go to a value-priced or secondhand store to purchase a secure cash box to collect dollars and coins. You can also get a fanny pack so the cash collector can wear it around while doing other tasks (like washing cars!).  You can use a shoebox or other vessel to hold the cash, but just make sure to put it in a location that’s not too conspicuous or accessible by passersby. If you’re only designating 1 person to collect cash, only have 1 box or pouch. If you have 2 collectors (1 for the car wash, 1 for nearby concessions), get 2 different vessels. If possible, buy a bluetooth or plug-in card reader that’s compatible with your phone so you can take credit cards. Or, ask your school, organization, or group of volunteers if you can borrow one for the event.  Magnetic stripe card readers cost anywhere from $4 to $10, so incorporate that into your budget if you plan to get one. Not everyone carries cash these days, so you’ll probably bring it way more funds with a card swiper!

What is a summary?
Determine a fair price for your car wash or make it donation-based. Plan a detailed budget that covers supplies and other materials. Pool your group’s resources to borrow or buy necessary items. Buy 1 or 2 cash boxes or pouches to collect donations. Get a credit card swiper to take non-cash payments and donations.