No matter where people go – office buildings, stores, hospitals, public parks, or restaurants- their number one goal is finding a good parking spot when they arrive. They look for one close to the entrance, preferably shaded (especially during Texas summers!) and away from potholes or chipped asphalt.
Parking is such a big factor that many people will go to another store or restaurant if they can’t find a parking spot that meets their needs. This customer behavior shows the importance of parking lots for commercial establishments!
Parking Lots Improve Relationships with Your Customers
One of the keys to business longevity is a trusting relationship between a business and its customers. Maintaining a beautiful parking lot is one way to achieve this – and it gives customers reasons to keep coming back.
Safety – The promise of safety is vital to your customers. They are more comfortable shopping or doing business when they know they (and their vehicle) are safe.
Convenience – No matter where they go, most customers look for coveted spots near the entrance. Whether it’s wholesale and grocery stores, salons, restaurants, cafes, or any other business, customers prefer to park just a few steps away from the entrance.
Need more convincing? Consider these findings on the burden of parking in America:
- About 40% of U.S. drivers avoid businesses where parking could be challenging.
- People spend an average of 17 hours per year looking for parking spots.
- Driving around looking for parking spaces costs each driver $345 in wasted fuel emissions – not to mention their wasted time.
According to a survey by INRIX (a data company that focuses on automotive transport), 45% of the cost of car ownership is from parking-related expenses – that’s about $3,000 of the average $10,2888 total driving cost in the U.S.
These difficulties are why people prefer businesses that provide plenty of easily accessible parking spots for customers.
Parking Lots Promote a Positive Brand Image
A well-designed and properly maintained parking lot is essential for businesses. Parking lot maintenance is one way to achieve this – and it gives customers reasons to keep coming back. If a business has high standards for its surroundings, including its parking lot, customers assume the quality of its products and services are the same.
Branding isn’t just about shaping your customer’s perception of your business – it’s also ensuring your employees have a good opinion of their workplace. The satisfaction of both customers and employees will boost positive branding for your business.
Parking Lots Increase Your Bottom Line
So far, we’ve talked about how parking lots can help increase the revenue of a brick-and-mortar business – the promise of safety, easy convenience, and a positive image help businesses win over potential and loyal customers.
But commercial and corporate leasing businesses also benefit from accessible and maintained parking lots. In urban areas, there are fewer parking spaces and expensive parking fees. That’s why buildings with attached parking lots are so appealing to renters. It’s no exaggeration to say that a parking lot is a huge factor for long-term occupancy in commercial complexes and corporate buildings.
The Importance of Maintenance
You’re one step ahead if you already have a parking lot next to your business or commercial property. The next step is to maintain it.
Possible Damage
Asphalt and concrete are tough materials, but they’re susceptible to damage without proper maintenance. Extreme temperatures and the wear and tear of heavy vehicles can lead to the following damages:
- Cracks and fractures on the asphalt
- Potholes
- Uneven surfaces
- Faded parking and pedestrian lines
- Ineffective runoff drainage
- Accumulation of loose gravel
Read More: 4 Reasons to Repair Potholes on Your Commercial Parking Lot
Invest in Parking Lot Repair and Maintenance
Having available parking is good for business, and so is a properly maintained parking lot. Timely repair and routine parking lot maintenance are a must for all business establishments. These expenses are cost-effective because well-maintained parking lots add to your bottom line and prevent accidents that can lead to costly lawsuits. The Forbes Real Estate Council recently reported that restriping and resealing a parking lot can raise the market value of a commercial property.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Parking Lot Striping
Put Your Commercial Asphalt in the Capable Hands of Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating!
Along with your signage, your parking lot is one of the first things visitors notice about your commercial property. That’s why it’s essential to make a positive first impression by having your commercial asphalt in top-notch condition.
We offer commercial asphalt repair, paving, and sealcoating services to Bryan/College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley. Contact us today for a free estimate or additional information.
