By Steve Lucas, The Storage Group
If you own and operate a boat and RV storage facility, you know how important it is to ensure your facility meets your customers’ needs. But what about attracting the kind of 
customers you want as tenants in your RV storage facility? That is when you upgrade to a Class A facility. If you are unsure about what a Class A facility is and its importance for your business, we can help. We will cover the definition of a Class A facility, the types of customers it attracts and how to exceed their expectations.
What Is a Class A Facility?
To qualify as a Class A facility, your site must include these four features:
- Be built on pavement,
- Be enclosed with high fences,
- Have a security entrance/gate for controlled access/exit, and
- Have structures that protect the vehicles from inclement weather
If these qualifications are not fulfilled, you cannot designate yourself a Class A facility. Why is it important? Because Class A facilities are the most prestigious in the RV and boat storage market, with the newest state-of-the-art amenities. Make sure your fencing and gate access are top-tier. High concrete walls may be a benefit. Also, ensure you have security cameras in place. You can even use a hybrid management system to help you establish greater control over your business remotely.
Beyond incorporating the above four features, it’s also essential to understand your target customer base. That way, you can cater to their unique needs. Let us dive into who they are below.
Who Are You Catering To?
You can figure this out by building up a buyer persona. Identify your ideal customer by adding traits such as ownership of expensive motor homes, luxury RV, and high-end boats. Security is crucial for them since they prioritize protecting their assets, which they typically store year-round. They are often ambitious business owners with growing families. Offering 24/7 access is important due to their preference for on-demand availability, so access flexibility is key.
How Do You Exceed Their Requirements?
Here are a few key ways to ensure customers have an experience they will remember.
Excellent Customer Service: Be sure to provide them with 24/7 customer service. Train your staff and hire friendly, customer-focused individuals. You cannot get around good customer service, so focus on that. Make sure your customers feel comfortable touring your 
facility, and ensure you answer whatever questions they might have about their vehicle or the facility. Remember, satisfied customers bring their friends, so expect referrals.
Enhanced Security: To ensure customers feel confident leaving their belongings with you, highlight your security measures during facility tours and on your website. Emphasize the use of CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and sturdy fences. Demonstrate how your entry gates function, and consider implementing additional security measures.
Amazing Amenities: Amenities like on-site electricity hook-ups can boost conversions and attract new customers, such as owners of electric RVs and hybrid cars. Climate-controlled units protect vehicles from extreme weather, preventing potential electronic malfunctions.
Emphasize Convenience: A top-tier facility should offer daily access to all vehicles. It should offer ease of convenience, with wide driveways for RVs and marked spaces for maneuvering efficiently. Ensure you give access to electricity hook-ups and trickle charging for any boats in your facility in each unit.
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