Key Takeaways:
- Parking is essential for any business, big or small, and should be carefully considered.
- The size and layout of your business parking lot are important factors to consider when planning.
- Pavement type and lighting are also important considerations for your parking lot.
- It’s important to maintain your parking lot regularly to extend its lifespan.
- You may want to hire a professional parking company to manage your lot or install security cameras.
Parking is often taken for granted. The ease with which we can pull into a spot and be on our way is a convenience we all too often take for granted. However, just because parking is easy to come by does not mean it is always available. For your business to function at its best, there are some things you should consider before the parking lot.
Once your business has assessed what it will need to operate most effectively, planning for the necessary parking can become an easier task. By understanding the needs of your customers and employees and local ordinances, you can ensure that your employees have a place to park and that customers have a place to stop.
Review these eight items by Atkins Paving, a professional parking lot company, and start planning for your business’s future today!
Before You Start…
Although it is often overlooked, parking is a vital service for any business with a physical location. The right parking control systems can also generate significant revenue.
When businesses start thinking about parking, regulations and requirements are usually one of the first things they consider. To get a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), most physical businesses must provide a minimum number of parking spaces per square foot of retail space. But it’s wise for owners to go beyond what’s required.
Looking at how most big retail companies structure their parking, you’ll notice it’s usually a giant lot in the front. And there’s good reason for this: Turning the surrounding area into parking spaces creates an environment where customers feel like they can — and should — shop as much as they want to.
If you wish to attract new customers & keep existing ones coming back, having plenty of accessible parking is key. But if parking is scarce or difficult to find, potential customers will go elsewhere.
The parking lot is important for any business, big or small. Here’s how you can get the max out of your parking space and increase profits.
1. Determine The Size Of Your Business Parking Lot
The first step is understanding how much space you have to work with. This will give you a good idea of how many parking spaces you can fit into your lot and how best to utilize the available space.
2. Consider The Layout Of Your Business Parking Lot
After determining the size of your parking lot, you need to start thinking about its layout. You’ll want to ensure that your parking lot is easy to navigate and that customer vehicles can safely enter and exit the premises.
3. Choose The Right Type Of Pavement
The type of pavement you choose for your business parking lot will play a big role in its durability and overall appearance. There are a variety of pavement materials to choose from, so be sure to research and select the option that best suits your needs.
4. Invest In Quality Business Parking Lot Lighting
If you plan on operating your parking lot at night, it’s important to invest in quality lighting. Good lighting will not only make your parking lot more visible, but it will also deter crime and make customers feel safer.
5. Maintain Your Business Parking Lot Regularly
Once your parking lot is up and running, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This includes sweeping and power washing the pavement to repainting lines and signage. By keeping your parking lot clean and well-maintained, you’ll be able to extend its lifespan and ensure it always looks its best.
6. Hire A Professional Parking Lot Management Company
Suppose you want to take the hassle out of managing your parking lot. In that case, you may want to hire a professional parking lot company. These companies specialize in everything from enforcing parking rules to collecting payments and providing customer service.
7. Consider Installing Security Cameras
Another way to deter crime and improve your parking lot’s safety is by installing security cameras. This will provide you with an extra set of eyes on your property and help you keep track of what’s happening at all times.
8. Make Sure Your Insurance Is Up To Date
Lastly, ensuring that your insurance policy is up to date and covers your parking lot is important. This will protect you in the event of any accidents or damage that may occur.
Following these tips ensures that your parking lot is safe, secure, and well-maintained.
Related: Why Are Parking Lots At Risk Without Appropriate Drainage Design?
The Notion of Parking Management for Business Owners
How customers are greeted when they first arrive at your business establishment says a lot about the type of experience they will have. If their parking experience is positive, it bodes well for the rest of their time at your company. However, if the parking is inconvenient or ineffective, it puts customers in a sour mood from the start.
When visiting a business, the parking situation can be make-or-break for customers. In fact, 40% of drivers say they would avoid returning to a store if they had difficulty finding parking. Therefore, businesses must provide adequate and convenient parking for their customers.
Like indoor temperature, space arrangement, or noise level, parking is a part of the customer experience that can affect the quality of the main product or service.
Ending Note
To some, parking is an inconvenience. To others, it’s a welcome service that makes their lives more convenient. But to business owners, offering parking is essential to boosting their bottom line. Customers can focus on the main product or service offered, and owners have an ancillary source of revenue – two wins!
When done right, parking can enhance the customer experience. But when done wrong, it can create major headaches – and even drive customers away.
Looking To Get A Parking Lot Installed In Charlotte, NC? We Can Help!
At Atkins Paving, we are your one-stop shop for all things asphalt & parking lot. We have an experienced and talented team that will take care of everything from design to implementation to maintenance. Plus, we only use the best materials, so you can rest assured knowing your business parking lot is in good hands.
With over two decades of experience, our team can efficiently and knowledgeably take on your parking lot project in Charlotte, NC. We’ll assess the pavement condition and install subgrade surfaces as needed. We may also repave or regrade the area to ensure proper drainage solutions. With such extensive experience, you can trust us to get the job done right!
We offer a one-year workmanship guarantee, so get a free quote today!
