8 Fun Features for Your Toy Storage Facility

By The Storage Group

You’ve made the leap. Owning and operating your very own RV and boat storage facility has been an aspiration for a while. Though you may not know everything there is to know about vehicle storage, you’re eager to learn and grow with your new enterprise.

You have worked hard to get here, and the last thing your business needs is losing out on sales because your competitors have more features to offer. These are simple and affordable expenses to add to your facility that will both generate revenue and elevate your services to your customers. This in turn creates repeat business and even new business by word of mouth. It may seem intimidating to keep up with amenities as a vehicle storage facility owner, but the return on investment is worth it.

Running a toy storage facility was never going to be easy, but don’t make things harder on yourself by not even considering some of these features and upgrades. Here are some suggestions for your facility that you want to take into consideration. How you decide to outfit your business is up to you. However, keep in mind what your customers want and how these features will add or take away from your business.

The Basics

You want to have parking spaces available for vehicles, but consider different storage options, such as covered and uncovered parking. You can offer indoor storage for boats and RVs, however, canopy-covered parking works as well. You also want a storage facility that is fully paved, as gravel and grass are messy and make for difficult storage, especially in gross and wet weather.

You should consider how much access your customers will have to their items. Offering 24/7 access is the most convenient and surefire way to attract customers who see their unlimited access to their belongings as a plus.

Accessibility should be at the forefront of your facility. Drive-up access is critical for those who need to store their vehicles. Wide avenues and maneuverable parking spots make for easier dropping off and picking up. And with large equipment that attaches to boats and RVs, having this space makes a huge difference. You don’t want tenants frustrated that they can’t get their vehicles in and out of your facility.

• Security Features

The main worry for your potential customers is how safe their belongings are at your facility. Bigger vehicles are a bigger investment, and if your facility isn’t taking preventative measures on safe storage, you’re missing out on some potential customers.

A simple security feature you can offer at a low overhead cost is a well-lit facility. To increase security, install recorded video surveillance. Also, set up an electronic security gate that’s opened by an access code. In addition to keyless entry, tenants can now use their smartphones to access the gate, simplifying the process and making it more secure.

• Electricity Hookups

With technology changing the way we work and travel, having electricity outlets for campers and RVs gives you an edge over your competitors. Tenants who are ready to travel and don’t want to wait for their batteries to charge will appreciate charging stations.

• Wash Bays

Including wash bays at your facility is a handy feature to have. Some months, taking the boat out is impossible, and RV traveling is only feasible at certain times of the year. For tenants wanting to winterize their vehicles or tenants ready to take their cars out of storage, wash bays provide a convenient way to do so. Having the option to wash their vehicles, tenants will in turn take advantage of it. This only adds to the overall cleanliness of your facility.

• Vacuum Stations

Although you’re operating an RV storage facility (and not a car wash), the additional income you might receive from vacuum attachments to your facility might influence your investment decision. Before settling back home after a long, tiring trip, owners of recreational vehicles must store them away, and in doing so, it is encouraged to keep your vehicle clean.

• Water/Ice Stations

Another revenue source for your storage facility is a water-filling station. You can offer this service to your tenants at no extra burden on your facility. You can also double up a water station with an ice station. This way, your customers skip the trip to the gas station and fill up with ice at your facility.

• Dump Stations

Maintaining an area established for waste is not only a courtesy to your tenants, but it will also keep your facility clean in the long run. A clean facility not only looks nice, but it gives you the appearance of professionalism and care. A clean facility is a good facility, and this will give you a pristine reputation. The use of trash cans will prompt people to throw their garbage away in the right receptacle.

• Air Compressors

Offer air compressors for tenants’ vehicles. Vehicle performance suffers and mechanical problems arise if tires are not properly inflated. During the weeks and months of storage, changes in air temp

erature create changes in air pressure in the tire and may leak out altogether. Providing a resource where patrons can avoid these issues goes a long way in customer service.

• Propane

For outdoor trips and camping, propane is an essential component for RV owners and the like. Fuel is always needed, and having it on hand at your facility cuts down those trips to the gas station.

Not only will providing these features provide more sources of income for your establishment, but these amenities will allow tenants to spend more time at your facility. More time spent at your facility will only increase your chance of revenue in other ways than just rental payments. These features will not only increase transactions but give your facility a sense of familiarity with your tenants. This will make them more likely to spend their money on the services you offer.

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.

Toy Storage Nation