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Full-service vs. self-serve parking
Both solve multifamily parking — the difference is how much you want to do yourself. Here is an honest side-by-side so you can pick with confidence.
| 5280 Full Service | OpenParking Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Communities that want it handled for them | Operators who want control & lowest cost |
| Cost | Custom pricing (includes labor) | From $50/mo + low per-permit fees |
| Contract | Month-to-month | None — cancel anytime |
| Who enforces | Our trained officers + virtual LPR | Your staff, using the enforcement app |
| Signage | Designed & installed for you | You source & install |
| Resident support | Our US-based phone & text team | You handle resident questions |
| Billing & collections | Fully managed | Automated, you oversee it |
| Towing coordination | Included | You arrange |
| Permits, guest checkout, QR | Included | Included |
| Apple/Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Time to launch | A few weeks (incl. signage) | Minutes |
| Effort from your team | Minimal | Hands-on |
| Availability | Colorado & Atlanta (expanding) | Anywhere in the US |
You want it done for you
- Your leasing office is overwhelmed by parking
- You want trained officers and managed towing
- You would rather not handle resident complaints
- You operate in Colorado or Atlanta
You want control & low cost
- You have staff who can manage parking
- You want the lowest monthly cost
- You want to launch today, no contract
- You are outside our service areas
Still deciding?
Choose full-service (5280 Parking) if you want a team to handle permits, enforcement, signage, towing and resident support with minimal effort from your staff. Choose self-serve software (OpenParking) if you want the lowest cost and full control and have staff available to manage parking and enforce themselves.
Self-serve software is cheaper on paper, starting at $50/month plus low per-permit fees. Full-service costs more because it includes labor — patrols, support, signage and management. Many communities find full-service pays for itself through higher permit compliance and recovered staff time.
Absolutely. Many operators start self-serve and move to full-service as they grow or as parking becomes too much to manage. Talk to us and we will help you choose.
We have put together an honest side-by-side. See our ParkM comparison page for a full breakdown of pricing models, enforcement approach, and questions worth asking before you sign with any provider.
Not sure which fits? Ask us.
Tell us about your community and we will recommend the right approach — no pressure.