RV & Boat Storage is a growing segment of the self-storage industry, It was already popular in areas of the country like Houston, Texas; southern California, and Florida before 2020. During 2020, when purchases of RVs skyrocketed, new demand was generated for the storage of large toys like RVs and boats.
According to Forbes.com, “RV sales in the U.S. rose robustly during 2020 and to record levels during 2021, notching more than 600,000 wholesale shipments two years ago, up by 19% over the previous record of 505,000 sales in 2017.” While sales have been steady, they have dropped to levels pre-2020 and continue to be average for the industry despite a struggling economy.
As a result of greater demand for storage, self-storage businesses began to look in every direction for ways to expand. People need a place to store their large items, and in many markets, they are finding a space hard to come by. The average cost for boat or RV storage in Florida is $130 for uncovered storage. (RV Share)
While storage is still in high demand, customers may seek better options to satisfy their needs. Is it worth adding more luxury amenities to an existing RV storage to attract customers? Yes. From a business investment perspective, it’s always important to consider how to increase revenue, and adding amenities may do that. Let’s look at what can be added to attract new customers to RV and boat storage.
- Expand business footprint
- Climate controlled units
- Partially covered units
- Electrical hookups
- Propane
- Detail service
- Dump station
- Valet service
- Retail items
Expand business footprint
The first consideration for revenue increase is to add to the existing business footprint. If the business can expand, it’s time to pull the trigger and do it. Land is a precious resource that can be turned into expanded spaces to offer new customers.
Climate controlled units
Another possibility is to convert existing spaces into climate-controlled units. Customers with larger, more expensive RVs or boats are looking for storage for their toys and are willing to pay a premium to protect their purchase. It’s not necessary to convert all RV storage to climate control. Start with 3-5 units and increase as needed when full.
Partially covered units
Partially covered units are another way to increase revenue. Many customers want their RV or boat covered but don’t feel the need for climate control storage. Adding a row or partially covered storage is a great way to offer an upgrade to the customers who desire that type of storage.
Electrical hookups
Many boat and RV users prefer storage that offers electrical hookups, but even that can be hard to find when all the RV and boat storage locations are full for a 30-mile radius. Electrical hookups prevent dead batteries while items are in storage, so this amenity is a useful benefit to customers.
Propane
Almost every RV utilizes a propane-powered generator to run things like AC and power the refrigerator. With this in mind, consider adding propane to your revenue-generating options. Considering that RV owners will pick up their RV from storage and then need to make other stops including propane before heading out, it is easy to see why this amenity would be so attractive to customers. It simplifies the steps necessary for customers to get off on their vacation.
Detail service
Some RV owners will always prefer to do this job themselves, but offering detail services like exterior and interior RV cleaning before or after a trip is an excellent way to add revenue. This takes one task off customers’ lists that are required before using their RV or before returning it to storage. Offer separate services including interior cleaning, exterior cleaning, and deep cleaning to accommodate customers.
Dump station
Dump stations are helpful and necessary for all RV owners. Consider a storage that doesn’t have a dump station. Customers would have to find a dump station before storing their RV which is an added challenge. This service will attract people who need a dump station but don’t use the business for anything else.
Valet service
When customers are ready to travel, they can call for valet service. Valet service can include things like pulling the RV out to the front, prepping it for travel, making sure it is stocked with ice, propane, water, and more. Valet service can also provide cleaning when customers return their RV to storage. This is an excellent way to generate additional revenue and a luxury service that customers will appreciate. When returning from vacation, the last thing anyone wants to do is more work. This removes that burden.
Retail items
What last-minute items might customers need when going out of town on a weekend getaway? Maybe they forgot sunscreen, bottled water, or trash bags. Offering items for retail sale that fill in the gaps is a service that meets customer needs, but also demonstrates great customer service. Anticipate what might be forgotten and always have those items available for customers. Things like toilet paper, paper towels, bungee straps, propane, ice, and more are excellent items to sell that make sense for customers.
Providing additional amenities to customers will generate more revenue. Additionally, it will attract new customers who are seeking a different level of service for RV and boat storage. Look for ways to increase or improve what is already being done. Add new things when financially possible.
At Coastal Storage, we partner with our customers to ensure their business success. From finding the right development site to construction and finally to operation, we work with clients to help them succeed and see the potential in the self-storage business. Call today at 904-591-0140 to speak with one of our experts on finding your next self-storage business. We can’t wait to meet you!