As climate change concerns continue to rise, and so do the number of eco-conscious consumers in the market…so should your attention to RV dealership sustainability. That means if you’re an RV dealership owner, it shouldn’t just be Earth Day every April, but every day for added valuation.
In today’s modern world, you can make simple green upgrades that can add green to the value of your dealership. Whether you want to sell shortly or down the road, sustainability isn’t going out of style anytime soon. Even better? Eco-conscious choices can improve your brand’s value and reputation and save on energy costs.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to changes you can make today to add value to your sale in the future. To honor our Earth and protect its environment, keep reading to learn the latest RV dealership sustainability changes you can make at yours.
6 Strategies to Increase Your RV Dealership Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword or something to celebrate once a year — it’s a business strategy that resonates with today’s RV buyers and can improve your bottom line. From attracting more eco-conscious customers to reducing operating costs or enhancing the value of your dealership for a future sale, implementing small green upgrades can make a big difference.
To help, here are six practical ways to implement RV dealership sustainability practices, for a more environmentally friendly and valuable future.
#1 Invest in lighting
Investing in its lighting is one way to cut costs today (and even get rebates with certain programs!) and add value to your dealership tomorrow. Switching from standard fluorescent and halogen bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs is one of the most cost-effective and simplest upgrades you can make for RV dealership sustainability.
These bulbs use less energy, last much longer, and emit better, more natural light. Even better, they produce less heat, which reduces cooling costs during the summer months. This easy upgrade will not only lower your utility bills but also make a visible statement to customers and staff that your dealership is committed to sustainability and forward-thinking business practices.
This investment impresses buyers at sale and takes the work off their plate when making the switch in the future.
#2 Consider solar
Another immediate investment that can do wonders for your utility bills and increase dealership valuation is installing rooftop solar panels. Whether on your dealership’s service building or showroom, solar panels are a method to reduce energy costs in the long term and improve your environmental impact.
While there is an initial investment to consider, you’ll also want to explore the tax incentives, local rebates, and long-term savings that will offset the cost. Solar panels also serve as a backup power source during outages and can even power EV charging stations (we’ll get to that next!).
Lastly – it’s a visible commitment to eco-friendly consumers. As interest in off-grid and electric RV travel grows, your energy-conscious infrastructure can set you apart from the competition.
#3 Offer EV charging
Another trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon is electric vehicles, including RVs and tow vehicles. This creates a demand for EV charging stations and allows your dealership to lead the charge as a forward-thinking business in the industry and area.
Adding electric charging stations to your dealership makes your location more convenient for current EV owners and shows potential customers that you’re embracing the future of RV travel. For our number-crunching owners, Level 2 chargers are affordable, especially when paired with solar, and can encourage customers to spend more time—and money—on-site while they charge.
EV infrastructure also adds value for prospective buyers if you plan to sell your business, positioning your dealership as a modern, green operation.
#4 Green your greenscapes
Another way to enhance your curb appeal (and value!), along with your dealership’s sustainable initiatives, is to “green” your greenscapes or landscaping. By hiring a landscaper well-versed in sustainability, you can reduce water use, maintenance cost, and environmental impact with simple changes such as:
- Installing native plants that require less watering being naturally suited for your climate
- Using compost mulch and rain gardens helps with stormwater management and erosion control
- Installing recycled or repurposed materials for outdoor features or walkways
With a few simple changes, your outdoor space will not only be cleaner but also reflect your commitment to eco-friendly practices—something many modern RV buyers truly value.
#5 Eco-friendly your parts
Don’t neglect your retail opportunities when making your dealership more eco-friendly. Promote sustainable choices by stocking more environmentally conscious options such as:
- Biodegradable soaps
- Solar-powered gear
- Reusable kitchenware
- Non-toxic RV cleaners
By offering customers sustainable products for their adventure, you show your commitment to the greater cause. Create ongoing revenue by packaging your own “green” RV kits and featuring eco-friendly items in displays or email promotions. In the end, you’ll not only cater products to a growing number of RVers seeking to reduce their environmental footprint but also show future buyers that your dealership is innovative and versatile for growth.
#6 Smart recycling practices
Last but certainly not least, a smart recycling practice or program is a smart investment for future dealership valuations. In addition to helping your operation significantly cut down on dealership waste while showing your team and customers you care about the planet.
Your program can be as simple as clearly identifying bins for cardboard, paper, plastic, and used materials like oil, filters, and propane tanks throughout your facility, to hosting community return day events, or beyond.
Recycling programs don’t require major investments but offer significant returns in customer perception, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability – three factors that weigh heavily on valuation.
RV Dealership Sustainability: The Final Word
It’s not just April when RV dealerships should prioritize sustainability. It’s a year-round commitment that can help drive dealership valuations. With a dealership advisor by your side, it can be a smooth, seamless task to build out these plans over a set period to add sustainability to your brand and value to your future sale.
With years of experience in dealership buy-sell transactions and industry expertise, RVBS can help strategize sustainability plans for the utmost short-term and long-term success. No matter the market or business size, RVBS helps owners maximize their valuation and seamlessly navigate the selling or buying process. To start, reach out to our expert team now and begin discussing your dealership’s future.
Happy Earth Day from our team at RVBS. We look forward to partnering on RV sustainability initiatives in the future.
Roger L. Nuttall served as President of Camping World, Inc. from January 2011. Prior to that, he was the Chief Operating Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from January 2009 to January 2011, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FreedomRoads, LLC from November 2003 to December 2015. From 1981 to 1983, Mr. Nuttall was a partner at McKay, Nuttall, and Reid, an accounting and consulting firm. Before that, he held various staff and management positions at Grant Thornton LLP from 1974 to 1981. From 1983 to 2003, Mr. Nuttall served as Chief Financial Officer and board member of Blaine Jensen & Sons, Inc., a multi-dealership RV company. He received a B.A. from Weber State University.
Mike has almost 30 years’ experience in the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Industry and provides advisory and consulting services to clients within that industry.
Scott Degnan is the Partner and Co-founder of RV Business Solutions and President of Degnan Management Group, Inc., a consulting firm.
Dom Bookman is the Chief Operating Officer and Investor Relations lead at RV Business Solutions. With 12 years of experience in the tech industry, Dom is a serial entrepreneur specializing in business development, marketing, and growth strategies for leading brands. He has successfully piloted startups and facilitated multiple exits for early-stage companies.