When you think of your typical golf car build, you likely think of a lift kit, custom body, dash kit, etc. Most often, our industry focuses on golf cars for recreational uses. Simply type in “custom golf car” and the images that pop up are all very similar. The golf car dealers who think about the practical side of golf cars have the ability to dominate the industrial and commercial sectors.
Golf cars are perfect for a variety of uses. They are easily maneuverable in crowded spaces, are highly customizable, and their operational costs are less than other utility vehicles. The dealers who realize the versatility of golf cars and who pivot to accommodate these uses are the ones who will see the largest growth this year.
Built for Functionality
As golf car manufacturers continue to introduce golf cars with extended run times and improved functionality, we will continue to see more “off the greens” golf cars than ever before. Municipalities continue to change laws to allow for street-legal golf cars and residents are responding by extending golf car customization to include industrial and commercial needs.
Companies like Moto Electric Vehicles have secured contracts with the General Services Administration (GSA) to produce handicap-accessible golf cars for theme parks. These specialty contracts take small golf car companies to new levels, with little competition. As the demand for ADA compliant and industrial retro-fitted golf cars increases, the golf car dealers and builders who jump on these opportunities will see their profits soar.
Event Management
Large events that require a strong infrastructure are a great place to show off the functionality of your customized golf cars. Events like music concerts, art festivals, and swap meets can require hundreds of golf cars to run smoothly. These events present the perfect opportunity for golf car dealers to offer golf cars for rent. The dealers with ADA compliant cars will win these contracts. Many large cities around the country, like Miami own a fleet of emergency and security compliant golf cars used by first responders and law enforcement.
Take a look at this list of golf car uses at events and decide whether your golf car dealership can offer customized cars:
- Emergency medical response
- Security
- Concessions
- Volunteer transport
- ADA people mover
Social Services Applications
Want to make a difference in your community? Build a few custom golf cars to serve a need within your community. Here are a few ideas:
- Offer a heated golf car to a large hospital for cold, winter months.
- Build a concessions car for a local soup kitchen.
- Build a trash/maintenance golf car for a local retirement home.
By helping your community, you will be building an outstanding reputation while showing off the versatility of your custom builds.
Growing your golf car business this year doesn’t necessarily mean competing with other businesses. Carve out a niche by offering something different and watch your business flourish.
