Apps were never limited to top-level parking software solutions. Many tools are available commercially – from local systems to automated carriers, with linked parking on the rise.

Car park applications are a huge business. Payments without cash are collected and drivers locate parking spots and reserve them. Drivers have the facility to avoid parking tickets. Clear guidance and real-time traffic jam updates are also a benefit for consumers. This is another reason why the number of parking application consumers is on the rise. Therefore, it might be worth building a parking app for oneself.

Types of car parking apps

Car applications may differ in terms of functionality. The two main specific functionalities are the following.

• Allocation of parking

Parking planning is the main product available in the market – i.e., it helps drivers to locate, book, and or pay for spots. Examples would be “JustPark” and “SpotHero”.

• Parking support 

The specific tools will help drivers park securely. With the growth of linked parking, this sort of resource is of relevant concern to investors.

Parking App Features

There a few must features which should be included in a parking application which are the following.

• Route planning and search bar

Drivers will calculate the distance from their car to the closest parking lot and be directed to leave. The positioning of the parking spot is one of the drivers’ most important demands.

• Reservation

It enables users to pay on a regular, weekly basis for the location. This enables drivers to check regular bookings, save money and time.

• Payment Transaction 

Apps normally offer a range of payment options. The decision depends on the individual and their country as far as payment mechanisms are concerned. PayPal is most seen, for example, in North American countries. However, in other countries, Stripe, Braintree, and other programs may be preferable.

• Push notification

The application will submit discounts and the latest upgrades using push notifications. Furthermore, before the parking period has expired, they will alert the users. This helps drivers to stretch their parking period and avoid paying a fee if desired. However, these notifications can be prioritized if desired.

• Regulation of automatic parking

If it comes to Automatic Valet Parking, the cameras chart the area and any barriers to the service and parking of a car extensively. And the process is started and coordinated via smartphones.

Steps to build a parking application

• Set the purpose.

Everything begins with a central message. Which unique problems can you solve? Will that be assistive parking or a car park security map? Will it have the functionality to find and pay for the parking spot? Or is it going to fix another challenge entirely?

• Market research  

Ask yourself these important questions. Who the rivals are?  Does your application work globally, or does your presence spread to a global market? What is going to differentiate your tool? It is also high time to figure out if the app can be marketed and monetized. Moreover, target audience by searching the right people who would download the application. This can be known by conducting surveys.

• Finding Developers

Hiring developers is an important step. Developing a parking app compromising the features mentioned can be developed either by an in-house development team or outsourcing a development team.

One more option is to hire a freelancer. But keep in mind to give freelancers specific short tasks, not the complete program. Freelancers tend to miss important deadlines. Therefore, hiring an in-house development team or outsourcing a team is a good strategy.

• Prepare technical details

The application is planned to satisfy technological specifications. In general, first of all, you should take into account the order and priority characteristics of your app. A practical specification document or user story should explain searches, booking, or payment functionality.

• Build a wonderful template

On the design point, concepts and characteristics combine into a better picture. Building an appealing and user-friendly template always fascinates the user.  The aim is to create a guide to explain how drivers can travel through your application and connect with the system.

• Launching the application 

When it comes to the launching of a new application App markets have very various guidelines, so you can get prepared for this point as soon as possible. Marketing activities are also critical at the end of the app.

And do not hesitate to meet your new buyers and get some input from your car parking application at the very earliest. To save costs consider launching an MVP (minimum viable product) first. By launching MVP, you can observe user feedback, and verify if new updates are required or not. This process saves additional costs.

Check: MVP development cost

• Application guidelines

Updating your program requires the correction of any potential errors to enhance an application edition. Constant fixing of bugs and glitches should be taken into account.

Parking app development cost

Both for iPhone and Android the budget necessary for a standard-level app with a stable backend and custom design will cost some $50,000. But more dynamic characteristics will make it costlier. The cost of car parking app development will vary from location and developer’s experience. The following table shows the price in terms of hourly rate and location.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of parking, as we have seen. Most are car parking management applications, but there tend to be broad opportunities for parking support applications. As for the expense of creating a parking app, 50k$ will be a simple application price with basic features.

Hope you’ve got an idea, Contact us about car parking app development.

Also check: ride-sharing app development