Offering Boat And RV Storage Skaitook at a new facility or adding it to an existing self-storage business can boost your bottom line. These niche facilities typically attract customers willing to travel farther for their storage needs, particularly those in areas with multiple fishing spots or nearby recreational activities.
These renters are looking for thoughtful amenities that can help them maintain their vehicles, including power for battery charging and sewage dump stations.
When launching an RV storage business, the location of your facility is key. The best sites are located near metro areas with a population base that is likely to purchase or rent RVs and boats, as well as in regions where lakes and campgrounds are nearby. This will ensure you have a steady customer base even in the slowest times of the year.
Less than a decade ago, most RV/boat storage facilities were essentially a dirt field or pad of land surrounded by a chain-link fence. Today, these facilities are more sophisticated, combining self storage disciplines to maximize profits, offering different storage types, following lien law, and engaging in modern marketing methods. They also offer various services, including dumping stations, dog parks, and trickle charging, as part of the storage fee or on an a la carte basis.
Boat and RV owners are different from traditional self storage customers, with many seeking to store their vehicles closer to where they plan on using them (a 20-mile radius is typical, compared to a 3-5 mile radius for standard self storage). Because of this, it’s important that the facility you choose has the right amenities and is well laid out so that the vehicle is easily accessible.
If your market area is not a good fit for this type of business, you can look for properties in other areas where the demand for boat and RV storage is high. However, you should also take into consideration the cost of land and zoning restrictions when making a decision.
Some communities have laws that prohibit the parking of RVs and boats on property lines, requiring owners to seek storage space elsewhere. This is a significant driver for demand, particularly in suburban areas where backyard and driveway space is limited. When choosing a site, it’s crucial to understand your market demographics and how they may change over time, as well as how close you can get to residential areas without violating zoning regulations. In some cases, this can require a conditional use permit or zoning changes, both of which are complicated processes that can take years to complete.
Units
When it comes to boat and RV storage, units are what separate the business from traditional self storage. Typically, you’ll find these units are larger and designed to accommodate the wider bodies of RVs, campers and boats. Additionally, these types of units will also provide a more climate-controlled environment. These features make these units a great choice for people who want to keep their vehicles and their valuables out of the elements.
Another unique feature of boat and RV storage is the ability to store personal watercrafts. This may be a key selling point for some customers who are looking to protect their jet skis during the offseason. It’s important to consider the size of your customer base when choosing the size and type of boat and RV storage units to offer.
One important aspect of boat/RV storage that is often overlooked is site design. It’s essential to have ample drive aisle space to allow customers to back their trailers into the units easily. You’ll want to work with an engineer to ensure your facility is built to the right standards.
Once you’ve identified the right location for your business and the amenities that are a must-have for your customers, it’s time to start planning for construction. This can involve obtaining a conditional use permit or zoning change, which can be complicated and require public hearings, traffic studies and input from multiple governmental agencies.
The demand for boat and RV storage is strong, but the profit potential can vary based on market conditions and how actively you manage the facility. The good news is that it requires less capital than traditional storage, making it a feasible option for many operators. In addition, the ability to target luxury markets and recreational boaters may increase your return on investment. Be sure to survey competitors and consult with field experts before starting any construction project. This is an excellent way to ensure your project is a success.
Security
For many boat and RV owners, their vehicles are more than just a financial investment. They represent dreams of adventure, relaxation, and enjoyment. For that reason, these customers require the highest level of security to ensure their investments are protected when they’re not using them. To meet these rising customer expectations, today’s specialty self-storage operations are leveraging advanced technologies that enable them to provide the exceptional security and convenience their target audience demands.
For example, an integrated keypad can be configured to allow only authorized tenants to access specific areas of the facility and their individual units. This helps reduce the possibility of vandalism and theft by preventing strangers from entering the property. Similarly, surveillance cameras with night-time capabilities are an effective deterrent against criminal activity by enabling facility staff to review footage from anywhere on the premises at any time.
Providing a clean, well-lit storage area is also an important aspect of boat and RV storage facilities. This helps reduce the likelihood of damage to stored vehicles from vandalism or accidental mishaps. It also provides a comfortable environment for tenants who need to pick up or drop off their vehicles in the dark.
In addition to these traditional security elements, boat and RV storage facilities should be equipped with climate-controlled spaces. This will protect the vehicles from extreme weather conditions, such as wind, rain, and heat or cold, which can damage the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
As the number of boat and RV sales continues to climb, so do the number of customers seeking secure storage solutions for their prized possessions. These customers expect the same high levels of security that they would find at their own homes. To compete with the growing number of specialty storage operators, traditional self-storage operations are upgrading their security features to match the customer demands of today’s boat and RV owners.
Whether it’s an expensive fishing boat or an RV that has been the centerpiece of family road trips, these valuable investments need to be protected from vandalism and the harsh effects of nature. To keep their beloved “toys” safe and sound, owners need a facility that offers round-the-clock security measures.
Marketing
Unlike traditional self storage, customers who rent boat and RV storage often come back year after year. This makes customer service a top priority. You can attract new customers by focusing on the unique needs of boat and RV owners, such as providing easy access to the facility and offering amenities like wash stations. You can also promote your business by attending local boat and RV shows and fishing competitions. Advertisements in local newspapers and online can help spread the word about your business.
A comprehensive marketing strategy is essential for boat and RV storage businesses, as the market for these facilities is more competitive than traditional storage. You can use your market analysis to identify your competition and target potential customers. Then, focus on your product and price to differentiate yourself from the competition. For example, you can highlight your state-of-the-art security features or offer special discounts to attract new customers.
As with any business, you will need a strong team to succeed in the boat and RV storage business. Ideally, you will have a few members of your team with direct experience in managing storage facilities. In addition, you should look for advisory board members who have experience in this industry and can offer guidance. Depending on your location, you may also want to consider hiring an outside consultant to assist with planning and operations.
While it is possible to manage a boat and RV storage business on your own, it is recommended that you hire professional marketing services. These experts can conduct extensive research to identify your target market, develop a customized strategy and monitor results. They can also help you create a website, develop print advertising campaigns and launch social media initiatives to maximize the return on your investment.
In addition to using professional marketers, you should implement an in-house marketing strategy to build brand awareness and generate leads for your boat and RV storage business. Attend local and regional boat and RV trade shows to connect with customers. You can also promote your business by distributing flyers at nearby marinas and other recreational vehicle and boating attractions. You can also reach out to local community organizations and membership clubs to encourage referrals from members.