Unlocking Additional Revenue Streams for Parking Locations: Beyond the Parking Spot

For this edition of On the Spot, we caught up with James Jones, one of the rock-solid operators behind Vend Park’s day-to-day success. Based out of Bethesda, James is the kind of person who thrives under pressure, fixes problems before they become problems, and keeps things running smoothly—often in the background. We sat down with him to learn more about what brought him to Vend, his goals, and what he’s binge-watching when he’s not troubleshooting gate arms.

Over the past decade, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed how travelers get to and from the airport. For airport parking operators, that’s meant a noticeable shift in curbside traffic—and, in many cases, a sharp drop in parking revenue.

Airports are evolving quickly to meet the expectations of today’s travelers—and yet, many airport parking operations are stuck in the past. Long lines at payment kiosks, outdated ticketing systems, and confusing signage all contribute to a poor first and last impression for passengers. As airports invest in creating seamless experiences inside the terminal, the journey begins and ends in the parking lot.

One of the most effective—yet often overlooked—strategies for increasing revenue is leveraging partnerships. Strategic collaborations with technology providers, mobility platforms, and local businesses can help owners unlock new demand channels, optimize pricing, and create a seamless customer experience. In this post, we’ll explore key types of partnerships that can drive revenue and practical strategies for integrating them into your parking operation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of urban mobility, parking operators and commercial real estate owners face a complex web of regulations and compliance challenges. From ADA requirements and zoning laws to revenue reporting and data privacy, navigating these legalities is critical to maintaining operational efficiency and avoiding costly penalties.As cities push for smarter, more sustainable transportation policies, parking regulations are becoming more intricate. Staying ahead of these compliance issues isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about proactively adapting to regulatory shifts while optimizing revenue and customer experience. Here’s what you need to know about the key compliance challenges and how to tackle them effectively.

For many commercial parking owners, branding may not seem like a top priority. After all, parking is a functional necessity—people park where it’s convenient, right? While that’s true to an extent, branding can set your facility apart, build customer loyalty, and even justify premium pricing. A strong brand isn’t just about a logo or name; it’s about how customers perceive your facility and the experience they associate with it. Here’s how you can build a brand around your parking facility and turn it into a trusted, recognizable asset.

Maximizing occupancy and revenue isn’t just about having a well-located lot—it’s about offering convenience, value, and security while effectively marketing your facility. With increased competition, evolving consumer behavior, and the rise of digital solutions, staying ahead requires a proactive approach. Here’s how you can attract more customers and increase profitability in today’s competitive parking landscape.

Managing a high-volume parking location presents unique challenges that require strategic planning, operational efficiency, and the right technology to maximize revenue while maintaining an optimal parker experience. Whether you're overseeing a commercial garage, an airport parking facility, or a high-traffic urban lot, success depends on balancing throughput, security, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how to optimize your operations for peak performance.

The rise of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is poised to redefine the transportation landscape. As these driverless cars transition from futuristic concept to everyday reality, the ripple effects will extend far beyond how we drive—or rather, don’t drive. One industry set for a profound transformation is parking. In this post, we’ll explore how autonomous vehicles are reshaping parking operations and what you can expect in the years to come.

Urbanization has transformed the way cities operate, and parking has been at the heart of this evolution. As cities expand and population densities increase, the demand for efficient parking solutions has skyrocketed. While public and meter parking have traditionally been the go-to options, private commercial lots have emerged as a significant player in reshaping the parking landscape.In this blog post, we’ll explore how private commercial parking lots have evolved over the years, the factors driving their growth, and how they’re meeting the needs of modern urban life.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity. With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of global conversations, businesses across industries are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For parking facility operators, embracing eco-friendly practices not only contributes to a healthier planet but can also improve customer satisfaction and reduce operational costs. Here are practical ways to make your parking facility more eco-friendly.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword confined to tech circles—it’s a game-changer for industries ripe for transformation, including parking management. For commercial real estate (CRE) owners managing diverse portfolios, AI offers tools to optimize parking operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams. This article delves into how AI-driven parking solutions are shaping the future of commercial parking management and how it can significantly enhance asset value for commercial real estate owners.

For commercial real estate owners, parking lot and parking garage operations are more than just a revenue stream—they are an integral part of the tenant and visitor experience. A well-maintained parking facility can enhance property value, improve customer satisfaction, and reduce liability risks. At the heart of these outcomes is safety. By investing in advanced security features, you not only protect your assets but also build trust with your tenants and their visitors.

For commercial parking lot owners, the pressure to maximize revenue is a constant. As real estate values increase and customer expectations evolve, innovative strategies to monetize every square foot of parking facilities are more critical than ever. Beyond simply collecting parking fees, there are untapped opportunities to generate additional income streams that align with modern consumer behavior and emerging technologies. Here’s an expert guide to diversifying your parking revenue.

In the world of parking, technology is transforming how facilities operate and generate revenue. For owners considering a digital upgrade, there’s a critical decision to make: invest in a fully integrated parking technology and management solution or opt for an overlay tool that simply sits on top of your existing equipment. While an overlay might seem like an appealing, cost-effective shortcut, it often creates more problems than it solves.

New Integration Enhances Visitor Experience and Streamlines Parking for Real Estate Owners and Tenants

Delivering the best parking experience isn't about offering a one-size-fits-all solution. At Vend, we recognize that each property, tenant, and guest has unique needs that require innovative, flexible, and agile approaches. Recently, we had the opportunity to demonstrate these qualities when a new client faced a unique challenge with their high-profile visitors.‍

QR codes have become a ubiquitous tool for quick and convenient transactions. From restaurants to retail stores, these scannable codes offer a seamless bridge between the physical and digital realms. However, as their popularity grows, so does the risk of criminal exploitation. The parking industry, in particular, has seen a surge in QR code usage for payment systems, making it a prime target for scammers. In this article, we'll explore the rising threat of QR code scams in parking, the impact on consumers and businesses, and effective solutions to mitigate these risks.

Consumer expectations are quickly shifting across most industries, and parking is no exception. Customers demand more from the brands they interact with, including higher-quality service, greater convenience, and personalized experiences. These evolving preferences are reshaping how parking owners need to approach their operations and should be used to inform technology buying decisions.

As urbanization accelerates and the demand for parking spaces grows, owners and operators face pressure to maximize their revenue while balancing occupancy rates. The problem? Traditional fixed-rate pricing models often leave significant revenue on the table. 

Subscription services have become ingrained in our daily lives. From streaming services like Netflix and Spotify to meal delivery kits like Blue Apron and fitness platforms like Peloton, people are increasingly drawn to services that offer convenience, flexibility, and predictability. This shift toward subscription culture is transforming businesses, including parking management.

New Public Parking in Harwood District Brings Convenience and Ease to Uptown Dallas

Our expert team compiled a cheat sheet to guide you through the RFP process for parking management technology. Here are the top 9 questions to ask to ensure the best solution for long-term success.

Increased business costs, combined with current political and economic uncertainty, have led many in the industry to look for new and creative ways to boost their revenue. This blog explores how to increase the NOI of your commercial parking facility.