Car wash attendant commission and payroll in Kenya
Washers at most Kenyan car washes are paid by the car, and most arguments at a car wash are about pay. Suds puts every washer's name on every car they washed, works out what they earned at your rates and keeps a statement of what they are owed, paid and advanced.
How car wash attendants are usually paid
The two common ways are a percentage of each car, for example a third of the wash price, or a fixed amount per car. Many washes pay more for a truck or an SUV than for a saloon, and some pay a supervisor or cashier a daily or monthly salary on top.
Any of these works if the rule is written down and every washer can see the cars counted against their name. Disputes start when nobody can show who washed which car. More habits in how to run a car wash business in Kenya.
Commission worked out per car
In Suds you set the commission rule once: a percentage or a fixed amount, and a different rate per vehicle class if you pay that way. Every car carries the name of the washer, or washers, who did it, and their earnings are worked out as the car is paid.
A change of rate applies from the day you make it, so work already done is never repriced.
Salaries, advances and pay later
Staff on a daily, weekly or monthly salary are owed it automatically when the period falls due. An advance is recorded when it is given and comes off what the person is owed next. A day paid short can be kept as owed and paid later, and if a staff member owes the business money, that shows too.
Payslips and statements
When you pay someone, Suds keeps a payslip. Each person has a statement showing what they earned, what they were paid, advances and what is still owed, so a question about pay is answered by opening their page, not by argument.
Complete staff profiles
Each staff member's profile holds their photo, national ID, next of kin, KRA PIN, NSSF and SHA details, so the papers you need are in one place when you need them.
Exports for your accountant
Wages earned, wages paid and each person's statement export to Excel or CSV for any dates, alongside your sales, payments and expenses. Choosing a system? Use the car wash software checklist.
Questions
What is a fair commission for car wash attendants in Kenya?
It varies by area and wash. What matters most is a written rule every washer can check against the cars counted under their name.
Can two washers share one car?
Yes. A car can carry more than one washer's name.
Can I pay some staff a salary instead of commission?
Yes. Daily, weekly or monthly salaries are owed automatically when they fall due, alongside commission.
How are advances handled?
An advance is recorded when given and comes off what the person is owed next.
Can I export payroll?
Yes. Wages earned, wages paid and staff statements export to Excel or CSV.
Get Suds at your business
Your first month is on us, so you can test Suds before you commit. Leave your details: we reply the same day and set it up with you. Every feature on this page is in the app today.
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