When it comes to making the most of valet parking equipment and supplies, it comes down to the basics. True, a valet business depends on good customer service, but key parking equipment and valet parking supplies keep your business organized and, above all, noticed.

Basic valet parking supplies, such as kiosks and key podiums, keep the keys you collect safe under strict supervision. Of course, we can't forget valet parking signs for your business as one of the most basic yet necessary pieces of parking lot supplies. While more complex, parking lot systems help you keep track of the cars you park, where they are and when they need to come back. When searching for more information on valet parking lot supplies, consider the following:

1. Parking lot supplies, such as valet parking signs, are a quick and easy way to distinguish your valet parking business from other games in town.

2. Valet parking computer systems are fully customizable pieces of parking control equipment that you can program based on the industry your valet parking business serves.

3. A safe, secure and fireproof key podium or kiosk is a must-have in any parking supply arsenal.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy parking supplies such as key podiums and kiosks for better organization and a touch of class

Key kiosks and podiums are some of the most important parking equipment and supplies for a valet parking business. These suppliers can provide reliable products to keep customer car keys safe and secure.

I recommend: Regard Productions is a maker of valet key kiosks and podiums for your valet parking operation. Pacific West Industries also sells reliable, heavy-duty key boxes for valet parking businesses.

Use parking lot equipment systems to keep your operation running smoothly with little intervention

Making the most of valet parking equipment and supplies starts with a reliable valet parking computer system. Keep track of your inventory, where cars are, customer numbers and more using a system from one of these reputable companies.

I recommend: Service Tracking Systems creates reliable valet parking equipment computer systems for multiple industries, from casinos to hospitals. Sysparc also provides comprehensive parking equipment systems for multiple operations.

Keep your parking lot business stocked with valet parking signs

Your business can certainly grow by word of mouth, but it's useless if no one knows where to find you. Valet parking signs are key to any parking lot business. You can find a way to distinguish yourself from the competition with signs from one of these parking sign businesses.

I recommend: The Sign Factory sells quality valet parking signs that can be set up anywhere, as does the My Parking Sign website

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use your parking computer system to track customer comments and trends, which can then inform your decisions about other types of parking equipment and supplies to buy.

Cars, cars everywhere, and not a way to keep track of them? It's time to invest in some good parking lot equipment and supplies to streamline the way you monitor cars as they come and go.

Parking equipment and supplies allow you to better monitor the way employees or customers use your parking facilities. At the same time, the right parking lot supplies make your lot easier to use and less prone to congestion.

Your multi-faceted parking business presents a variety of needs:

1. Machinery that can keep those parking stripes bright and accurate.
2. Parking lot equipment like traffic cones and parking stops that help everyone stay in line.
3. Gates that grant customers entry.
4. Simple car-counting and fee systems that give you an accurate picture of your revenue.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create a badge of parking honor with customized parking equipment

These parking lot supplies may not come to mind at first, but they can very well end up being the most important pieces of parking lot equipment you invest in. Find a company that will design and deliver parking permits in multiple formats for your customers.

I recommend: MyParkingPermit.com allows you to design and order your own parking permits in a variety of forms, such as bumper stickers, mirror decals and hanging mirror tags. Or, look into the many options for customization presented by NeedDecals.com.

Set the boundaries for an orderly experience with your parking equipment and supplies

Give your parking establishment the built-in traffic control it needs to literally keep everyone in line.

I recommend: Peruse through The Park Catalog for parking equipment and supplies such as barricades, speed bumps, pylons, even cable protection. If you're creating your own parking space lines, look into a striping machine from The Parking Lot Store.

Grant entry the right way with parking gates

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep rogue unpaid parkers out is to make sure they stop at a gate before getting in. Don't leave out this key piece of parking lot equipment.

I recommend: Quality parking gates that help you maintain good parking control are available from Whitaker Parking Systems, as well as from Cincinnati Gate Systems, Inc., which displays a featured parking gate product on its site.

Keep the cash flow simple with your parking control equipment

Parking machines and systems that automatically dispense tickets, allow credit card payment and coordinate with the aforementioned parking gates will take the headache out of keeping track of customers.

I recommend: GMG Systems Parking Technologies offers fee computers, ticket dispensers, automatic pay stations and more. Digital Payment Technologies offers digital parking automation systems for both off-street and on-street parking.

Create even more space for your parking lot business

If your parking lot business is located in a heavily populated area, it's time to think about stacking.

I recommend: Stokes Industries Inc. offers The Stokes Garage, an automated system that can park as many as eight cars inside of 1,440 square feet. The SpaceSaver Parking Company also lists numerous stack parking products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're working in conjunction with a municipality that pays into your parking establishment, see if they're willing to foot the bill for some of the more basic parking supplies, such as traffic cones or striping paint.

Using parking equipment and supplies to create a more secure environment for your parking customers can help you establish a good rapport with customers and increase the frequency of repeat business. Creating a safe and reliable parking environment for your customers is possible with the help of high-quality parking equipment.

Access is the first factor in establishing parking security, and parking supplies that enable secure access for customers can help. Traffic control is another important factor, and different types of gates prove to be the right type of parking lot equipment to get the job done. Likely not always considered to be part of the parking lot supplies category, parking booths are another essential to your parking system. When searching for information on the best security-related parking lot supplies, consider the following:

1. Parking machines that control and provide secure access to your lot can help you keep track of customers as well as identify those who don't belong.
2. Parking gates and similar parking lot supplies provide an extra layer of security that can also help to keep track of activity in your parking establishment.
3. A manned parking station is a more secure parking station, so parking booths are good parking lot equipment investments.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find parking lot supplies that combine security with ease of access for customers

Using parking equipment and supplies that promote easy access along with heightened security will help you establish your parking business as one that cares about the safety of its customers. Incorporating card readers, turnstiles and other security products can help you provide a safe and positive experience for your customers.

I recommend: Find out about the types of card readers available from Parking Products. They're a perfect solution for customers who regularly access your lot. Alvarado Manufacturing makes turnstile systems that help count pedestrian exits and entries to and from your parking establishment.

Find parking gates and other heavy-duty parking control equipment

Parking garage equipment such as parking gates and guard access gates can help you control the flow of traffic, track your customer numbers and keep undesired elements from getting in.

I recommend: American Parking Equipment provides quality access gates and rising barriers, while Amtel provides systems for manned or un-manned guard gates.

Guard your parking supplies and customers from a parking booth

Parking booths might be overlooked as an essential parking supply, but they can establish a home base for your workers and for monitoring comings and goings at your parking establishment.

I recommend: Delta Scientific offers numerous guard booth configurations to meet your needs, while Par-Kut offers many specifications for parking booths that can be modified to your own preferences.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look into using parking equipment and supplies from the listed companies that can be directly integrated with parking control computer systems and monitored from the comfort of your parking booth.

When ordering equipment and supplies for a parking lot, you should have a basic understanding of some of the industry's key terms. Knowing the difference between a bollard and a traffic delineator will help ensure you order exactly what you need. You should also have knowledge of products that can reduce damage from vehicles in your parking lot, such as height guards, cable protectors and parking stops. This will save you money and help keep your parking facility in good shape.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bollards

Bollards are posts, either movable or fixed, that are designed to prevent cars from driving into unwanted areas. Light-duty bollards will keep cars off grass and landscaping. Heavy-duty bollards that are designed to withstand high impacts can stop a car from hitting a building or a parking booth.

I recommend: Check out Belson Outdoors for a variety of examples of bollards.

Height guard

A height guard is a bar that hangs before the entrance to an area with a low clearance. If a vehicle is too tall for the low clearance, then it will strike the height guard and alert the driver. Height guards are often used at the entrances to parking garages.

I recommend: To see a picture of a height guard and a list of suggested uses, visit Parking Padding Solutions.

Cable protectors

Cable protectors cover and protect cables, cords and hoses that are laid across a parking area or driveway. They allow cars and pedestrians to pass over the lines without damaging them.

I recommend: To view pictures and read more about several types of cable protectors, check out Highland Products Group.

Parking stops

Parking stops are designed to prevent cars from pulling too far into a parking spot. They can be made from concrete, rubber or plastic and are laid across the ground at the front end of the parking spot. A recent industry trend is to make them from recycled materials.

I recommend: For more information about parking stops, refer to Parking Lot Stops.

Traffic delineators

Traffic delineators, sometimes called channelizers, are plastic posts that are used to control the flow of traffic in a large parking lot. They are similar to cones, except they can be attached to the ground and they are designed to withstand an impact from cars. Traffic delineators are often orange or yellow in color and have reflectors to enhance visibility.

I recommend: WCT Products has examples of various types of traffic delineators.

Traffic panel

A traffic panel is a small, movable barrier that can be used to keep cars from entering a parking area or a parking lot exit lane. It is lightweight and often has a handle on top.

I recommend: Parking Lot Supply has pictures and more detailed descriptions of traffic panels.