Posted: Aug, 2, 2023 9:05AM ET • 4 min read

Mobile parking apps have taken the world by storm, allowing customers to do more than pay for parking, all from their mobile devices. The challenge? The multitude of mobile parking apps makes it challenging to stand out amongst the competition. If you are a digital services program manager looking to integrate a mobile parking app into your parking facility, you’ve come to the right place.

Below are five key features your mobile parking app should include:

Scan-to-pay
Parking reservations
Promotional codes
Flexible parking permits
Business management platform

1. Enable Mobile Scan-to-Pay for Payment Flexibility

Flexibility is key when it comes to mobile payment options. That is why allowing your customers to pay for parking directly in your mobile app is ideal. Quick mobile scan-to-pay options help customers get where they need to go faster, whether interacting with a gated or non-gated system.

They must scan a QR code (usually on an entry ticket for gated systems and on signage for non-gated systems), select their duration, and input their payment details.

2. Offer Mobile Reservations for Elevated Customer Experiences

Make your facility more than just a place to park. As customer expectations continue to evolve, parking facilities are increasingly recognized as destinations that offer more than just parking. Offering mobile reservations allows you to create a more personalized experience for your customers and process everything they need from the moment they park, arrive at their final destination and everything in between.

The possibilities are endless. These are just a few types of reservations or services you can offer;

Parking and valet reservations
Electric vehicle charging
Car wash and car services
Third-party event and stadium registrations
Customer-specific integrations include gift shops, lounge service, meet and greet, restaurants and more!

3. Process Promo Codes for Increased Customer Retention

Your visitors are the fuel your business needs to succeed— so why not reward them for their loyalty or provide select visitors with an exclusive experience? Processing promo codes within your mobile parking app enables you to provide complimentary or discounted parking to customers of your choice— they have to scan or manually input promotional codes. But it doesn’t stop there. Integrating a loyalty program within the app can also help you increase customer retention.

4. Provide Mobile Parking Permits for Instant Access

The traditional workday has evolved into one that offers employees flexibility, convenience and choice, making it important for you to provide permits that mimic just that! Mobile parking permits make parking easier for you and your customers, allowing them to enjoy instant access directly from their smartphones.

Mobile QR codes or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) eliminate the need for physical cards while helping you gather subscriber data. Your customer should be able to choose from various permit models, including pay-as-you-go, prepaid, temporary guest, and monthly permits.

5.Integrate An External Business Management Platform for Real-Time Data Insights

When you integrate a business management platform with your mobile parking app, you can expect to receive a wealth of data and insights that make management much easier. Using this tool, you can leverage data visualization, detailed reporting, and artificial intelligence to devise a strategic management approach that works for you and your customers.

Set Your App Up for Success: Questions to ask yourself before getting started.

Mobile parking apps make it easier for your customers to park, pay and go— all from the palm of their hands. When considering investing in or developing a mobile parking app, ask yourself…