Touched by Human Hands

I stopped off at the local Safeway to buy supplies for a short car trip and to pick up a coupon for the Foster City "touchless"carwash. At an undiscounted $22.95 the carwash is somewhat pricey, but the $10 coupon makes the service a value proposition.

(I don't know exactly what "touchless" means because at least three different attendants go over each car, once to wipe the exterior after it's run through the machine, and two to clean the windows and vacuum the interior. Oh, I see, the website explains:

Our car wash accommodates vehicles up to 7’6” high and tires up to 13” wide. Because we do not have large dangling carpet strips, big roller brushes and plastic wands that touch your vehicle, damage is eliminated.)

The human touch is okay, just not carpet strips, brushes, and wands.

Note: the etymology of "manufacture" dates back centuries to "something made by hand" but has come to mean "the making of articles on a large scale using machinery (Google's definition)." Large-scale manufacturing, despite its quality, speed, and cost benefits, has a negative meaning in progressive circles because of environmental externalities and working conditions.

With its emphasis on the human touch, the customization of services, small business pedigree, and reasonable prices, the Foster City carwash is a poster child for desirable 21st century business. Just don't let them get too big and successful, though....