Boat And RV Storage Tulsa is a valuable profit center for existing self-storage facilities. And it makes a great addition to new facilities.
Customers seek out boat and RV storage for different reasons than traditional storage customers. Providing extra features like dump stations and washing bays can make your facility stand out.
Whether they’re storing prized fishing boats or family RVs, specialty self-storage customers view their investments as an extension of their homes and expect top-tier security measures to protect them. Fortunately, advanced technology makes it easy for operators to offer the robust security that today’s boat and RV storage customers demand.
While many standard self-storage operations treat boat and RV storage spaces as a bare-minimum afterthought, this is a mistake that can be costly. Boats and RVs are expensive, long-term investments, so prospective tenants will want to be confident that their vehicles will be safe and protected while stored on site.
The best boat and RV storage facilities offer a variety of different security features, each designed to meet specific customer needs. Some of the most essential elements to look for include gated access, video surveillance, and enhanced door security. A combination of these tools will help to reduce crime and theft while improving the experience for customers storing their boats and RVs.
Unlike conventional storage units, boat and RV storage spaces are often large, making them ideal targets for thieves looking for an easy target. For this reason, boat and RV storage spaces are typically well-lit to deter criminal activity and improve the overall safety of the premises. Some facilities also have a fenced-in perimeter and/or individual alarms for each storage unit, which are particularly effective in protecting against theft.
Another important feature to look for is moisture control. Boats and RVs are susceptible to damage caused by excess water, so it’s crucial that they are kept in a dry environment with adequate ventilation. Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage, so proper storage is essential.
In addition to these features, a great boat and RV storage facility will have staff or security personnel conduct regular patrols of the property. This will allow them to quickly spot and address any potential issues before they escalate. This is a great way to show your customers that you are committed to the safety of their vehicles and the facility.
It’s also a good idea to include specific procedures in your facility’s rental agreements that state how a tenant will handle their boat or RV while they are away on vacation or business trips. This will ensure that the vehicle is not left unattended and potentially stolen or damaged while the tenant is away.
Climate Control
Owning a boat or RV opens up new possibilities for travel and adventure, but these expensive vehicles require careful storage to extend their life and keep them in excellent condition. A well-designed, secure boat and RV storage facility can provide the peace of mind needed for these customers to feel confident leaving their vehicles in the care of another. These facilities are trusted to keep customers’ valuable investments safe, and they go above and beyond the typical security measures to offer a level of service that helps build customer confidence and satisfaction.
To optimize revenue and minimize operational costs, these facilities must be designed with the proper unit mix. Typically, this includes fully enclosed structures that provide the highest level of protection and overhead canopy units that offer fair weather protection. Providing both types of units can help owners maximize revenue, while maintaining flexibility and offering customers options for their vehicle needs.
Another important factor in creating an efficient boat and RV storage facility is energy efficiency. This can be achieved through energy-efficient construction and by implementing sustainable landscaping techniques. These efforts can reduce operating costs while also contributing to the overall environmental impact of the business.
As with any business, it is important for boat and RV storage facilities to offer a variety of amenities that attract and retain customers. Some of the most popular amenities include electrical hook-ups, wash stations, dump stations, and valet parking. Many customers appreciate these services, especially when they are able to use them while their vehicles are in storage.
In addition to these amenities, boat and RV storage facilities should have robust security measures that can help deter crime and keep vehicles safe from damage. These measures can include perimeter fencing, gated access, and surveillance cameras. They can also include a clear process for checking in and out, which can help minimize theft and improve customer satisfaction.
Another important consideration for a successful boat and RV storage facility is its proximity to a body of water, campground, or other recreational site. This can save customers time and money by reducing transportation costs and making it easier to check on their vehicles or perform maintenance.
Access Hours
With RV ownership at a record high and boat ownership even higher, storage facilities are busy with customers. Unlike traditional self-storage, where most “facilities” consist of nothing more than a dirt field roped off with a chain-link fence, RV and boat storage operations are now integrating standard self storage disciplines like lien law, rental contracts, and modern marketing methods to bring in more revenue and make their facilities more attractive to renters.
Because the vehicles that are stored in these facilities are often a significant financial investment, it is crucial to provide convenient access hours and policies that make it easy for the customer to use their vehicle when they want it. In addition, the storage facility should offer cleaning services and other amenities that help the customer keep their vehicle in good condition while it is in storage.
Another important consideration is the location of the storage facility, as most RV and boat owners are willing to drive farther for affordable storage than they would for traditional self-storage. This means that many RV and boat storage facilities are located in remote areas, which can pose challenges for some potential tenants.
A well-developed RV and boat storage facility requires a lot of space to store these large vehicles. For this reason, it is important to study the competition in the area to determine the number of spaces per acre, space sizes, rates, and other amenities. It is also a good idea to visit the competitor’s facilities to see how their operations run and gather data that can be used to improve one’s own business model.
RV and boat storage is a relatively new industry, so there is a lot of potential for those who are interested in this type of venture. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a profitable industry, and it is a good idea to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Most RV and boat storage customers are affluent individuals who enjoy traveling by these types of vehicles. These people are likely to have a network of friends who own similar vehicles and may talk about where they have stored theirs with each other. This is a great way to generate more business for the storage facility and increase occupancy levels.
Payment Options
For those who are interested in investing in Boat And RV Storage, it’s worth considering a few different options. For example, some investors may choose to buy an existing storage facility and then renovate it to improve occupancy and revenue. This can be a relatively low-risk option since the initial investment is often less than building a new facility.
In addition, some investors may choose to build their own storage facility. While this can be a more expensive option, it offers greater flexibility and control. However, it’s important to consider the time and capital required to build a storage facility, as well as the costs associated with buying land and constructing it.
Unlike traditional self storage, where customers seek storage due to big life events (death, disaster, divorce, etc), boat and RV storage customers are on the upswing of their lives. They’ve likely made a significant, expensive vehicle purchase just for fun. For this reason, customers are more willing to spend a bit more on their storage than in a conventional self storage facility.
As a result, the marketing radius for a boat/RV storage facility is typically much larger than for traditional self storage facilities. This is because these customers are willing to travel further for the right facility, especially if their current one doesn’t meet their needs.
Whether you want to acquire an existing storage facility, build your own or buy into a boat and RV storage operation, you’ll need to take the time to do a thorough market analysis. This is especially true if you’re looking to invest in a property that has zoning restrictions. For example, some neighborhoods prohibit outdoor boat and RV parking, so you’ll need to find a site that’s in an area where such restrictions don’t apply.
Another aspect of the market to consider is the competition. Depending on the location of your prospective facility, you might face competition from other local boat and RV storage operations, as well as national chains. To make a profit, you’ll need to ensure that you can offer competitive rates, amenities, and location.