Keys To The Kingdom of Self Storage

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Almost anyone can start a self storage buisness . All you really need is the ability to get people to let you store their stuff for them and of course provide space to store it. But to make it profitable and grow beyond a point, you need the customers to go back happy and a growing pipeline of new customers every month. And the only way to do that is to offer something unique, something better than everybody else does. What can be new in storing goods, you may ask everything from the packing to the transport down to the storing arrangements, you can add an extra to ensure that your self storage buisness stays ahead of competition.  Read some of the ideas given below that can help you differentiate yourself from the hundred others that also have the same self storage buisness idea.

1. Packing Material and Packing Services – The kind of material you use can make a lot of difference to the packing quality and makes an immediate impression on the customers. Try offering a selection of the better quality materials since any damage ultimately will be your responsibility. You can charge the customer a premium provided you take the time to explain the benefits. The customer can then decide to use the best quality for certain items and maybe the second or third best for something less damageable. Try making the packing service inclusive by making the offer attractive. When people pack themselves then despite the best storing compartment, goods can come out broken and even if they cannot sue the company, they blame you in their minds.
2. Communication – Most people think they know a lot about packing but they do not. Spending time on explaining why professional storing is better in terms of climatic control, security and safety features or just the de cluttering of their homes can add a lot of value to the self storage buisness . You are perceived to be the experts. Be sure to train your staff to be responsive when customers call – since that can make a lot of difference to their ultimate loyalty when they do buy. They are storing their valuables – they have every right to be worried and ask as many questions as they want. A good real estate manager manages people and not just property.
3. Security – You will be liable for all theft and damages so invest in a state of the art security system. This is the last thing you should consider for cutting costs. The chances of a breach may be small but if it happens, it could wipe you out. Make sure that you buy insurance to cover you for losses that cover natural disasters as well.
4. Loyalty Program Or Reference Program – Happy customers are your best advertisement. Reward loyal clientele with discounts in slow season or when you can offer it. Getting a new customer is much more expensive than retaining an old one. Try implementing a loyalty or reference program for your self storage buisness . It is a great sales and marketing tool and builds a lot of good will.
5. Whatever you do, remember to check if it ties in with your business financials. Businesses need to be profitable to exist. They are not charities. Which takes us to the biggest point of them all – have a business plan BEFORE you start work out the resources, costing, cash flow and your expected profits before you start your self storage buisness .

 

The above points may sound basic but it is the fundamentals that most people goof up on. If you keep these in mind, there is no reason why your business should not post healthy profits year after year.

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.