By The Storage Group
We know who you are: You’re an overachiever. It is not enough that you are the No. 1 choice for boaters, RVers and travelers to keep their giant toys. You want to be the exclusive destination for prestigious adventurers for years to come. You have your eyes pointed to the horizon, always searching for the next great idea.
So, as a boat and RV storage facility owner, how do you achieve such greatness? In the recreational vehicle storage industry, greatness includes a facility that offers everything boat and RV owners need and even more of what they desire. Experts in the industry refer to these facilities as Executive Level Class A Facilities. Let us discuss this and how your company could flourish by raising the grade.
What Does Class A Facility Mean?
A recreational vehicle storage facility must meet specific qualifications to be considered Class A. It must have a paved lot for easy maneuvering. Paved parking is superior to open-air, grass lots, as the weather can easily affect the ground and cause these oversized items to sink into the dirt and mud. Paving prevents that, as well as deters the proliferation of pests. Without grass to hide in and holes to burrow through, pavement acts as a pest prevention measure without spraying a single drop of chemicals.
The property must be enclosed with a secure fence, offer controlled gate access and provide canopies or some sort of covering for vehicles of any type. This elevates the quality of storage: An enclosed, fully fenced property protects the high-value items that are locked away. A controlled access gate ensures that only authorized individuals are allowed in and out of the property. Lastly, whether you offer oversized enclosed storage units or outdoor lots with canopies, covering stored assets keeps them out of the elements. This raises the bar in boat and RV protection, allowing the facility to be labeled as a Class A.
These features are specific for Executive Level Class A facilities, boosting the industry’s boat and RV storage standards. In a competitive market, it is crucial to stand out. By providing high-quality services, you attract the type of tenants you want.
What Makes A Facility An A+?
Enhancing a boat and RV storage facility from an A to an A+ requires incorporating all the amenities of a Class A facility and then adding extra features to improve the overall experience. An A+ facility implements high-quality technology, such as keyless entry. Other features include revenue-generating amenities such as fuel filling stations, wash bays, dump bays, electric or recreational vehicle charging stations, air for tires, detailing stations and any other conveniences you offer your customers.
By upgrading your RV and boat storage facility, you enhance the experience for your customers. Improving the experience leads to satisfied tenants, who are more likely to become long-term tenants. By offering the means to take care of your tenants’ investments, you ensure their return on investment, promoting the longevity of their vehicles and their time renting with you.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading?
If you operate a Class A boat and RV storage facility, you want to attract the type of tenants who expect a Class A experience. For an industry that stores big-ticket items, the type of customers that own these items speak to the kind of customer you seek. Storing an RV or camper worth nearly half-a-million dollars requires providing services and amenities that meet the expectations of someone with that level of disposable income.
People want to keep their recreational vehicles pristine and usable for years. They are willing to spend more money on amenities to protect their investments. Tenants are also more likely to use your extra services while storing their vehicles at a premier storage facility.
How Can I Implement Upgrades?
It is important to modernize your facility. Touchless technology and keyless entry are becoming the norm in the self-storage and recreational storage industry. These upgrades can offer convenience and security for both you and your customers and provide a way to  
future-proof your facility. We are heading towards an increasingly digital world, so it is crucial as a business owner to keep up with these technological advancements like ClickandStorâ„¢ Online Rental Suite to allow your facility to accept reservations and rentals 24/7 on your website.Â
It would be wise to incorporate eco-friendly practices and sustainable operations into your facility. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle usage is trending upward. Offering electric vehicle charging ports for tenants allows them to charge their vehicles at your facility. This is a perfect opportunity to add an additional revenue stream while practicing sustainability in business operations.
If you are ready to upgrade your boat and RV storage facility from a Class A to an A+ facility, implementing these suggestions will help you enhance your business operations and generate more revenue for your company.Â
How Would I Market This?
It all comes down to branding. Start building your brand as a premier destination. Utilize social media and your website effectively. Create social media posts on the right channels telling people about your services. Showcase your company through high-quality photos and videos. You can bolster your brand by knowing your audience. Since the clientele you wish to attract is willing to pay for top-quality services, make sure you advertise that you offer them.Â
The Storage Group has a team of experts specializing in the self-storage industry that offers digital marketing services as well as innovative software solutions. The Storage Group provides self-storage business owners with industry-leading marketing campaigns and online technology tools to improve their facilities’ online presence, drive higher conversion rates and increase revenue.
