隨著科技進步，24小時自助服務逐漸成為都市生活的一部分。從24小時自助洗衣店的流行，到如今24小時自助洗車店的興起，智能應用改變了消費者的生活模式，但更為傳統行業帶來了全新商機。位於葵涌區的高卡洗車屋，正是這一趨勢的先行者。自去年12月開業以來，配合一應俱全的基本洗車工具及引入本地創科實業Million Tech萬碧發展有限公司 的智能自助服務方案，成功營運24小時自助模式的洗車服務，為車主提供更靈活、便捷的洗車體驗，同時也帶動了一人洗車，享受「Me Time」經濟的興起。
高卡洗車屋的24小時自助洗車服務，無論白天黑夜，車主都能隨時享受專業的清潔服務，並可自行選擇多種清洗模式，操作簡單快捷。這模式於國內外已算普遍，但香港則尚未大為流行，但為車主提供了極大的便利，也為本地傳統洗車行業帶來了全新的經營思路。老闆Alan表示，傳統洗車服務通常限於早上10點至晚上8點，難以滿足上班族下班後的需求，且需要至少兩名店員負責管理及機器代洗，資源成本較高。「引入Million Tech的智能自助服務Kiosk及Vending Machine後，我們洗車屋實現了24小時營運，讓walk-in服務及付款流程變得更加方便快捷，充分利用了店鋪的營運時間，提升了整體效率。」
選擇Million Tech的原因在於其前後端配合的支付閘道（Payment Gateway）能夠按需求呈現，且由朋友推薦，口碑良好。從初步籌備洽談到實際落地只花了大概四個月時間，Million Tech團隊表現理想，讓Alan對合作充滿信心的。其智能自助服務方案提供了硬體設備，更根據洗車屋的需求進行了軟體設計及後勤技術365+支援，確保整個流程的順暢與高效。
自實施Million Tech的智能自助服務方案以來，洗車屋的人手管理需求省減了至少一半，且無需處理現金交易，減少了人為錯誤。以往需要2至3天才能完成的人工入帳及報表製作，現在通過智能電子化系統，每個訂單交易都有清晰的記錄，隨時可輸出及分析數據。這讓Alan能夠更準確地掌握人流高峰時段，制定相應的優惠策略，提升營運效率。此外，凌晨時段的自助洗車及洗車用品銷售也為車主提供了更大的彈性，帶動了整體生意的提升。
顧客對自助服務的接受度非常高，甚至有不少回頭客。有車主在一個月內光顧了5至6次，顯示出這一模式的吸引力。顧客普遍認為，24小時自助洗車服務提供了更大的時間彈性及個人化體驗，讓他們能夠按照自己的節奏進行洗車，特別享受無人打擾的「Me Time」。Alan指出：「許多車主將自己的車視為精品，喜歡親自洗車，享受這一過程。無論是一人獨處、情侶約會，還是小家庭活動，自助洗車服務都能為他們提供一個專屬的空間，成為生活中的小情趣。」
未來Alan計劃開設更多分店，覆蓋更廣泛的網絡，並期望可進一步優化智能自助服務Kiosk的功能，與Million Tech團隊洽商研究引入CRM會員制度及獎賞計劃，培養熟客，提升顧客忠誠度。同時，他透露正計劃整合電動車充電設施到現有業務中。這想法源自於洗車屋平日上午時段較為空閒，且香港目前電動車充電樁供不應求。通過提供充電服務，更能滿足更多顧客需求，進一步擴大商機。
技術方案幕後解構及行業前瞻 Million Tech的智能自助服務方案，核心在於將洗車服務的付款流程更方便。通過物聯網技術，系統能夠即時回報交易數據及售賣機庫存狀態，避免服務中斷。Million Tech創辦人謝小江表示，公司推行「軟體設計服務＋設備租賃」方案，業者無需預付高額硬體成本，能夠按需求設計界面，更具個人化及靈活性。這一模式讓中小型業者能夠以低風險試水溫，目前合作店家都感到滿意。
針對有意轉型的洗車行業者，Million Tech團隊提出務實建議：可先從增設夜間自助時段試行，配合智能自助機逐步取代日間人力，擴大客源。「智能自助服務方案其實愈見普遍，坊間常應用於零售業、公營機構及學校等領域，未來我們期望延伸推廣至加油站便利店與社區洗衣房等場景。」謝小江補充。
隨著24小時自助洗車服務的興起，傳統洗車屋的價值正在被徹底重塑。當一台自助服務機可按需設計、能蒐集消費行為、優化供應鏈，甚至串聯跨業服務，不只是效率，更是創造需求的洞察力，為香港中小企業寫下轉型典範，亦為消費者帶來更多便利與驚喜。
原文連結：【Capital】從人力密集到智慧營運 洗車屋數位化突圍 帶動「Me Time」經濟
更多連結：【HKstartbiz】24小時自助洗車屋帶動「Me Time」經濟
【Recruit】從人力密集到智慧營運 24小時自助科技重塑傳統洗車服務
English Version:
From Labor-Intensive to Smart Operations: Car Wash Embraces Digitalization, Driving the “Me Time” Economy
As technology advances, 24-hour self-service is increasingly becoming part of urban life. From the popularity of 24-hour laundromats to the rise of 24-hour self-service car washes, smart applications are changing consumer lifestyles and bringing new business opportunities to traditional industries. Located in Kwai Chung District, GoGo Car Wash is a pioneer in this trend.
Since opening last December, equipped with comprehensive tools and the intelligent self-service solution from local innovation company Million Tech Development Limited, GoGo Car Wash has successfully operated a 24-hour self-service model. This provides car owners with a more flexible and convenient washing experience while simultaneously driving the rise of the “Me Time” economy – enjoying personal time while washing one’s car.
Convenience and Flexibility Around the Clock
GoGo Car Wash’s 24-hour self-service allows owners to access professional cleaning anytime, day or night. They can choose from various cleaning modes, all with simple and quick operation. While common internationally, this model is not yet widespread in Hong Kong. It offers significant convenience to car owners and presents a fresh operational approach for the local traditional car wash industry.
Owner Alan explains that traditional car washes typically operate only from 10 am to 8 pm, making it difficult to serve office workers after hours. They also require at least two staff for management and machine washing, leading to higher resource costs. “After introducing Million Tech’s intelligent self-service kiosk and vending machine, our car wash achieved 24-hour operation,” Alan said. “Walk-in service and payment processes became much faster and more convenient, maximizing shop operating hours and boosting overall efficiency.”
Choosing the Right Tech Partner
Alan chose Million Tech based on a friend’s recommendation and their good reputation. Key was their flexible payment gateway that could adapt to requirements. The process from initial talks to implementation took only about four months, with Million Tech’s team performance instilling confidence.
Their solution provided not only hardware but also custom software design tailored to the car wash’s needs, backed by 365+ technical support, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Operational Benefits: Efficiency and Insight
Since implementing Million Tech’s solution, the car wash’s staffing needs have been reduced by at least half. Cashless transactions also minimized human error. Tasks like manual bookkeeping and report generation, which previously took 2-3 days, are now handled electronically. Every transaction is clearly recorded, allowing instant data export and analysis.
This enables Alan to accurately identify peak hours and formulate targeted promotional strategies, enhancing operational efficiency. Furthermore, overnight self-service washing and car care product sales offer greater flexibility for owners, boosting overall business.
Customer Embrace and the “Me Time” Appeal
Customer acceptance of the self-service model is very high, with many repeat customers – some visiting 5-6 times a month. Customers generally appreciate the greater time flexibility and personalized experience, allowing them to wash at their own pace and particularly enjoy undisturbed “Me Time.”
“Many car owners cherish their vehicles like prized possessions and enjoy washing them personally,” Alan points out. “Whether for solitude, a couple’s date, or a small family activity, the self-service car wash provides a dedicated space, becoming a small pleasure in life.”
Future Plans: Expansion and Integration
Alan plans to open more branches for wider coverage. He also aims to optimize the self-service kiosk functions, discussing with Million Tech the potential introduction of a CRM membership and rewards program to cultivate regulars and enhance loyalty.
Furthermore, he revealed plans to integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities. This idea stems from the car wash’s quieter weekday mornings and the current undersupply of EV charging points in Hong Kong. Offering charging services could meet more customer needs and expand business opportunities.
The Tech Behind the Solution & Industry Outlook
The core of Million Tech’s intelligent self-service solution lies in streamlining the car wash payment process. Utilizing IoT technology, the system provides real-time transaction data and vending machine inventory status, preventing service interruptions.
Million Tech founder Tse Siu-kong stated the company offers a “software design service + equipment leasing” model. Businesses avoid high upfront hardware costs and can customize interfaces for greater personalization and flexibility. This low-risk approach allows SMEs to test the waters, with current partner stores reporting satisfaction.
For car wash operators considering transformation, the Million Tech team offers practical advice: start by trialing extended self-service hours at night, gradually using smart kiosks to replace daytime staff and expand the customer base. “Intelligent self-service solutions are becoming increasingly common, widely used in retail, public institutions, and schools. We aim to extend this to gas station convenience stores and community laundry rooms in the future,” Tse added.
Conclusion: Reshaping Value
With the rise of 24-hour self-service car washes, the value proposition of traditional car washes is being fundamentally reshaped. When a self-service kiosk can be designed on-demand, collect consumer behavior data, optimize supply chains, and even integrate cross-industry services, it goes beyond efficiency. It becomes an insight-driven tool for creating demand, setting a transformation example for Hong Kong SMEs while offering consumers greater convenience and delightful experiences.
