Nepal on its way to becoming a thriving auto detailing market

Sonika M

CarzSpa Detailing Studios is already established as one of the leading car detailing franchises in India. But, over the last 4 years, the brand’s reach has spread in Nepal as the country is currently developing into a significant market for car detailing services.

What makes Nepal a hub with excellent prospects for car detailers, what challenges exist, and how has CarzSpa established its base there? Our Nepal Master Franchisee Tarun Ahuja, who has previously run CarzSpa Lucknow car detailing franchise in India, breaks it down for us all.

1. Can you tell us a little about Nepal's Automobile industry? What kind of cars do people drive and how is the market for high-end automobiles in the country?

After oil and gas, automobiles are the most imported items in Nepal. People in Nepal mostly drive SUVs (sports utility vehicles) because of the rocky terrain and uneven roads in the cities and villages. The vehicles here in Nepal cost about 2.5 times more than its actual sale value in Indian Rupees. For instance, a Volkswagen Polo costs ₹25,00,000/- in Nepal. So people who are willing to spend such a sum in purchasing a car are happy to spend a good amount for its maintenance, detailing and paint protection.

2. How aware and informed are the car owners in Nepal about car detailing, PPF installation and ceramic coating?

Proportionately, most car owners who walk into CarzSpa’s detailing studios know what ceramic coating means and why it is required. However other car detailing services, like the PPF installation, are still in the initial phase. People here require more understanding and awareness about it.

We at CarzSpa Nepal are channelling our expertise to make car enthusiasts of Nepal familiar and more informed about the various car detailing services, their importance and the products we use for top-notch results. CarzSpa has the best product for the same.

3. How many detailers or brands are active in Nepal, providing Car Detailing and other premium services?

There are around 15 detailing studios in Kathmandu itself. Some are brands and some are unorganised ones. Some Indian companies and local detailers, like Ceramic Pro, Nepal Motors etc. are here too. But in the last 3 years, CarzSpa has emerged as one of the major players in the industry, thanks to our organised and professional approach towards detailing as an industry, the involvement of thoroughly trained professionals and detailers for the job, and the great quality of the products we provide to the consumers.

4. How big or valuable is the industry in Nepal?

Nepal is a small country with a population of about 3 crore residents. It has 7 small yet active cities, while Kathmandu is the biggest city followed by Pokhara. Apart from Kathmandu other towns are very small and the population is just 3 to 4 lakh residents. Despite having a small market to cater to, they have great value. Given the costs of automobiles are higher than their counterparts in India, people are very keen on keeping their cars safe and ensuring their value remains intact for a long period. Additionally, the difficult weather conditions and hilly regions in the country means the cars require regular upkeep in the form of detailing, PPF installation or ceramic coatings.

5. Why car owners in Nepal have become more interested in ceramic coating, car detailing and PPF installation on their cars?

As mentioned earlier the vehicles cost more in value than in India. These vehicles are like assets to them and that’s one of the reasons why people are interested in getting their cars ceramic coated or installed with PPF.

Every time we get a customer in for detailing, we take it up as our duty to educate them about the benefits of getting their car ceramic coated, or installed with a PPF. And since the customers who come to us have the spending power and intent to protect their car with only the best, we’re able to convert most of them.

6. Which product or service by CarzSpa or any detailing studio is ideal/suitable for the weather, traffic and usage of cars in Nepal?

Given that Nepal is a country with many rocky terrains, uneven roads in the cities and villages, the cars stand a risk of getting surface damage from rock chips, abrasions, scratches and other environmental aggressors pertaining to the cold climate. And hence we always suggest car owners to get their vehicles Grapehne Coated or installed with PPF. These products keep the car’s surface paint protected. And for older vehicles, we offer them restoration packages which include the CarzSpa detailing job and a few add on services.

7. What is the most successful service or product from CarzSpa in Nepal?

In & Out VIP Restoration packages for older vehicles and Graphene Ceramic Coating are the services that we sell the most. The In & Out VIP Restoration was a package I developed during my earlier stint as a car detailer and CarzSpa Franchise owner in Lucknow, India. Seeing its success, we formulated it better with the help of the CarzSpa team at the HQ in Surat and decided to launch it in Nepal too. As the Master Franchisee, I ensure this becomes a champion package for the brand in Nepal through all three outlets we have now.

8. How would you describe your experience as a Detailing Studio owner and detailer in Nepal? Does being a CarzSpa Franchise owner make a difference?

As the CarzSpa master franchisee in Nepal, I’ve noticed a huge gap in detailing knowledge in Nepal. And due to the technical knowledge catered by CarzSpa, we have grown from one centre to three in just 3 years regardless of the ongoing political upheaval, financial regulations and import bans in Nepal. Even the pandemic was just a blip, a small pause in business operations, as we all were back on our feet immediately.

What makes CarzSpa stand apart from the competition is definitely the quality of services provided and the products used. But also, the size and scale of each of our studios, which is bigger, better and more modern than all the other detailing studios in the country. It gives our customers the trust and value they deserve.

9. The future of the Car Detailing market in Nepal

Having been on the ground in Nepal for over 3 years now, I have noticed that the scope of cars is limited to 6-7 centres, as there are many cities which have a population of just 4 to 5 lakhs each. Kathmandu has 25 lakhs and above, while Pokhara has about 8 lakh residents. Having studied these cities, its economy and the people, we have noticed that while the quantity won’t be as huge as the India market, the value is definitely higher. We have set a target to open franchises in Pokhara, Narayanghat (Chitwan), Butwal and Birgunj. Some smaller cities we are looking at include Hetauda, Dhangadi and Nepalgunj.

CarzSpa’s vision for the detailing industry in Nepal is growing and providing great value to the detailers and customers. You could be a part of this success story in Nepal too. To explore opportunities in detailing business in Nepal and open a detailing studio with CarzSpa, reach out to us at franchise@carzspa.com