‘Car wash becomes an independent revenue model’

Extendas will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year and develops software specifically for the service station and carwash market. The carwash industry knows the company from POS systems and a comprehensive cloud platform for site management and integrations. Commercial director Jordy Loos explains how Extendas is preparing for the near future.

According to Extendas, the service stations and carwashes of the future are long ago no longer about ‘having to stop’, but about ‘wanting to stop’. A smooth customer experience is paramount. At the same time, the tight labour market, pressure on margins and ever faster emerging trends demand efficient, automated and, above all, very flexible processes. Extendas therefore aims to integrate all services in one location. Because by making systems and services work together optimally, the customer experience improves and the average spend per visit can be increased.

Why does Extendas fit the trends in the market?

“Because we are strongly committed to automation and digital convenience. Research also shows that the average consumer is more inclined to make additional purchases through a screen than through a question from a salesperson. Smart questioning and upsells through our terminals increase average sales per customer by about 20 to 25 per cent. For our unmanned terminal, we are now also developing a new version where we expect this can be increased further.”

Does that fit with what Extendas has always done?

“Definitely. We unburden: we provide cloud POS and back office services so that providers can run as efficiently as possible, with good customer service.”

How do you experience the growth in the carwash market?

“The explosive growth has subsided. However, we do see opportunities in rollovers and locations at petrol stations. These are often linked to tank visits – savings systems and promotions used to make car washes ‘free’ with refuelling. Now, as an entrepreneur, you have to look at where you can get extra revenue, because traditional revenue sources are shifting. The terminal plays a big role in that.”

How do you look at the role of petrol stations?

“For a long time, petrol stations saw the car wash mainly as a marketing tool. Now it is increasingly becoming a standalone revenue model, necessitated by declining margins on fuel and tobacco. Entrepreneurs are increasingly adding ancillary services to maintain traffic and margins.”

What is the goal for 2026?

“The most important is the launch of the new version of the SPINopc (unmanned payment solution). This new version should be by far the best solution in the market. We also want to invest further in specific market integrations and the further development of our cloud back-end.”

What growth opportunities does Extendas see in the Netherlands?

“Although we already have a strong presence, terminal penetration in rollovers is still low: around 10 per cent. There is room to grow further and expand the number of those terminals.”

More information? Then visit www.extendas.com