Everyone has had a bad parking experience. Whether it’s circling the lot for twenty minutes trying to find a space or getting stuck at the kiosk on your way out, these frustrating interactions can ruin an otherwise great experience with a business.
So how do you ensure that customers have a good parking experience?
First, parking should be visible. Customers should be able to clearly identify where to enter the property to park. Signage can direct drivers from the main road and can help them determine which spaces are appropriate to park in. Vacant spaces should be easy to find. If spaces are not visible in plain sight, wayfinding technology like lights and sensors can be introduced to help customers navigate to an open spot.
Next, parking spaces need to be accessible for all kinds of cars and customers. Handicapped spaces are to be located at the front with accommodations for disabled patrons. Learn more about ADA accommodations here.
Finally, a great parking experience is convenient. Whether access is paid or free, the process of entering, navigating to a space, through payment and exit should be hassle-free. Mobile parking reservation apps are a great way to instill confidence in customers before they arrive. With a mobile reservation, the customer knows they’ll have a spot to park and what it will cost. When it comes to entering the facility, if there is an integrated entry system in place, access can be as simple as pressing a button or scanning a code. If customers are using a lot or garage that serves multiple business tenants, having a simple approach to validations via mobile number or credit card can greatly reduce stress at the point of exit.