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  • Finding the Right People for Your Storage Company
    By jeff on December 30, 2010 | No Comments  Comments

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    If you have been a Greenpoint self storage owner for very long, you know what it takes to keep the doors open. It is all about making the customer happy. This is a simple concept, but is something that many companies in New York struggle with. It is a hard goal to achieve. You need to have everyone in your Greenpoint self storage company on the same page. Your message needs to be clear and direct. Most employees will be on their best behavior when you are around, but they may act very differently when you are not there. There are a couple of ways that you can find out how they are performing on a day to day basis. It is essential for the success of your company.

    There are companies that offer services to Greenpoint self storage companies to find this information out. The first is through evaluations. They will call the storage site pretending to be just a normal New York storage customer. The call is recorded and then evaluated to determine how the employee is doing their job. This will show you how well your employees are selling your facility when someone calls in. Hopefully, they are doing everything that they can to impress the caller and this will probably be the case with most employees if you have trained them correctly.

    There will be employees in your Greenpoint self storage organization that do not do the proper sales presentation when someone calls in for storage. That is why it is important to hire a company to do secret shopping for you. You will be able to find out who these employees are so that they do continue to sabotage your efforts to be the best. In most cases, an employee will change their behavior when you talk to them about it. They will give everything that they have on each call because they know that you do secret shops. If they do not comply, then disciplinary action may be required. Do not just let it slide because that will be bad for your company.

    You need to get with the company that you hire to determine the guidelines for what you want to hear on the phone. If you do not, then your Greenpoint self storage may get poor evaluations because you have trained them to do it a different way. If you get with the secret shopping company, then you can make the necessary adjustments in the evaluation process.

    You can even take it a step further and hire outside help to train your employees on how to sell effectively over the phone. This will usually not be cheap because it is a more hands-on approach. It would be a good investment if you are looking to increase your storage rentals right away. There are companies out there that will do both secret shopping and training on the same phone call. They will call in to the secret shop and then reveal their true identity at the end of the call. They can then offer tips and advice right there on the spot. This is probably the most effective way to help your employees learn new sales techniques that will generate you extra revenue right away. You have to spend money to make money, as they say.

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  • Get Your Storage Property Ready For Inspection
    By admin on March 4, 2010 | No Comments  Comments

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    Are you trying to make sure that your self storage property is up to snuff when it comes to all of the competition? Are you worried that the condition of your property is turning potential customers away? Are you worried that, for what you are offering, your prices are simply too high? If so, then you are going to want to be sure that you are doing the things that you have to do to correct your mistakes. If you let your first problem become a second problem, then you are going to end up falling very far behind, very quickly. Thus, you are going to want to be sure that your behavior is proactive, and that you are not shooting yourself in the foot too often.

    The first thing that you have to do, here, is make sure that you have someone on staff who is very good at working with his or her hands. Indeed, just like any home or apartment, your self storage property is going to require constant routine maintenance. If you do not have someone on staff currently, then you had better be sure that you begin to look around as soon as possible.

    Of course, as you are shopping around for the perfect repair person, you have to ask the sorts of qualifying questions that are going to let you know whether or not they are good for the job. First, be sure that they have experience doing contract work, or something of the like. Be sure that they know how to use the tools that they are using, and also be sure that they have health insurance that covers accidents if you cannot provide it yourself. You may find that you are better off hiring someone who has their own tools if you are trying to operate on a budget.

    Next, you are going to want to be sure that you are establishing some kind of protocol for how your worker conducts site checks. Indeed, you are going to want to be sure that they are operating on some kind of schedule, as they are going to be a lot less likely to miss things if they are operating on a routine. Set this routine up yourself, and develop a way to check in on them and make sure that they are getting their work done in a timely fashion.

    You may also find that your repair person can serve as a security guard if they are willing to double up their chores. Indeed, if you hire someone who is willing to work the night shift, then you are going to be able to have them keep an eye on things while they are running through their repair routine. Especially if you have an apartment or a home on your property, you are going to be able to find someone who is willing to work these hours if the pay is right.

    At the end of the day, you are going to find that keeping your site up to date is not nearly as hard as it sounds. Likewise, you are going to find that you are going to attract many more customers if you property looks and feels safe and clean. Remember, reader, that your customers are going to know whether or not you are putting the effort into your site to keep their belongings safe. They are not going to trust you if you do not do the bare minimum, and they are not going to surrender their hard earned money to you. And really, you will have no one to blame but yourself.

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  • Excel As A Self Storage Owner
    By admin on May 7, 2009 | 1 Comment1 Comment  Comments

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    A self storage owner is among the smartest real estate investors who have been reaping unbelievable profits from their storing investments. That does not come as a surprise when the storing industry in itself has been the fastest growing class of commercial real estate all over the world.

    From the perspective of the owner, the business advantages are numerous easy startup, minimal maintenance and low risk of failure. Of course, lots of research, time and money go into the construction of a warehouse facility. But after that, the costs of running are minimal and the profits fantastic since customers gladly pay the owner for a safe storehouse.

    As far as the customers are concerned, they need safe, secure and climate controlled cargo space firms to store their valuable possessions like antique furniture, seasonal decorations Christmas tree ornaments, sporting goods skis, surfboards or bicycles or even vehicles bikes, four wheelers or vintage cars. Storing facilities offer a one stop solution for all these requirements. Hence the owner can rest assured his storing investments will bring in steady income for years.

    Starting Off

    Today, when even small towns have several storing services, it is important to research well before deciding on the right location. If the prospective self storage owner discovers an area where warehouse facilities are in high demand, then it is time to decide if a new facility has to be built or if existing ones are available for purchase.

    Building a new warehouse complex does not involve colossal costs. In addition, the facility will not require major maintenance for years to come. The other costs involved are also quite predictable. This means that if an owner has researched well, he can get his units rented out and enjoy fairly consistent cash flow for many years.

    After the construction of the storehouse facility, there are many other things that the cargo space owner has to consider. Most often, first time owners fail in planning beyond the grand inaugural day, especially when it comes to marketing. The owners need to implement marketing strategies than a huge sign in front of the facility and a listing in the yellow pages. Well planned staffing strategies, advertising and the day today running of a new storing facility are absolutely crucial. In addition, these strategies have to be regularly analyzed and altered as the business evolves.

    Value Added Services

    To get the most out of a new storing facility, it would be a good idea for the owner to offer several value added services. Here are some such services that may be offered additionally.

    • Free transportation – many warehouse units now offer free transportation services or free use of their trucks to shift possessions to the facility.
    • Accepting deliveries – Warehouse staff can receive deliveries from shipping companies on behalf of their customers and then permit unloading of shipments directly into the customer storing unit.
    • Additional Services – Several other services can be included along with the cargo space facilities to add to the income. Some examples would be fax copy services, internet cafes or notary services. A self storage owner may also add services like record storing, mailbox rental, boat parking space, ebay consignments or help with packing or shipping.

     

    A warehouse business can help an investor survive the ups and downs of the real estate market. A storing unit that offers quality services and excellent customer support will always ensure steady income for the owner.

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  • Developmental Stages of Self Storage Owners
    By admin on March 13, 2009 | 1 Comment1 Comment  Comments

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    Have you ever thought what makes self storage owners different? These are the persons who provide you extra storing place in return for some amount. Today, everyone likes to do shopping and accumulate goods, but when there comes a time of settling these goods and arranging them in proper places, the real problem comes up. There is no space available anywhere. This is the common problem of all offices, homes and business establishments. No one has extra space. This extra space is created and rented by the owners of the storing establishments. It is their business to provide storing space to individuals, thereby solving their space crunch. It all started when innovative businessmen started thinking and finding solutions to the problem of space crunch. The idea struck them that they can rent their establishments to those who needed space and there were many people who are ready to hire such storing units. This was just the beginning of the warehousing industry. Store room rental owners either started building huge warehouses, which were either of several storeys or were spread over to several miles. These warehouses were furthered divided into units, some of which were smaller in size and some quite big keeping in mind the different needs of the customers. Most of these warehouses which were single storey in the earlier days had unique slanting roofs which distinguished them from other establishments. The slanting roofs were mainly done so that there was no accumulation of snow and rain, which could leak inside and damage the roofs.

    Slowly things started changing and these units started developing and gradually became more sophisticated and efficient. Not only this, the self storage owners also introduced climate controlled units. These units were little expensive than the other warehouses because in these units special heating or cooling systems were used. There are many goods that require either heated places or cool places so that the goods are in best conditions. This gave rise to the popularity of the temperature controlled units which mainly stores perishable goods such as food items and beverages.

    Today the self storage owners have a booming business and spread all over the world. Along with storing the goods these warehouses offer a variety of services to the customers. There are many people who store their goods in these warehouses when they are relocating from one place to another. During these times, there are many warehousing companies which provide the services of packing the goods, which would otherwise have to be done by the customer. In this way the customers are relieved of careful packaging, dismantling and also organizing them in the warehouses. If you hire the services of the companies, you may get these dual facilities.

    Self storage owners usually have their offices in important towns and cities. You can know about them from local agents and also through advertisements in newspapers. However, the best way to know about these is also through internet. Most of these companies have their online presence through which they advertise their services. You just need to choose a company that is located near your home or can provide services in your locality easily. You can also know more about the company and its efficiency through its satisfied customers. This way you can be sure about the efficiency and past performance of the company also.

    If you found this entry helpful, take a look at our other Storage Mart blogs :
    Storage Mart Property Management Blog :
    http://www.propertymanagementblog.com/

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  • Services Provided By Self Storage Owner
    By admin on March 13, 2009 | No Comments  Comments

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    The business of warehousing is on a continuous boom, mainly due to the fact that storing spaces in individual homes are reducing. People prefer to hire self storing units rather than innovate or renovate their homes to make storing place. The self storing places offer a number of services that help to keep the goods in the best possible manner and in its original condition. This is one of the main reasons why many people are adopting this as a profession which is better known as self storage owner . Such owners usually have their online presence through which they advertise their services. People who wish to hire the services often go through the features and their past assignments before hiring the services. An owner tries to provide several services for the benefit of the customers. The services of the facility are designed in a way to make it user friendly so that the customers derive the maximum benefit.

    A self storage owner always tries to ensure that the staff of his organization is friendly and courteous and is trained enough to provide all possible assistance to the customers. Who would like to deal with an attendant who is irresponsible or rude? Most of the organizations have staff that are well trained and well versed with the requirements of the customers. They are supposed to come up with all kinds of solutions for the customer and that too in a prompt and responsible manner. They are usually trained in a way so that they can suggest you ways that can provide you the perfect way to suit your purpose as well as budget.

    Usually the storing units owned by a self store room owner are of different sizes. Sizes differ and are leased out on the basis of requirements of the users. In such storing locations you may get storing places of different sizes that can range from small closets to double sized garage units. Drive up units are also used as storing places, as they are best for unloading and loading goods from one place to another. The owners also try to ensure that the storing places are neat and clean and free of any insects and pests. If the customers find that the places are infected with pests they usually fear that their goods may get damaged. There are many owners who desire to specialize in climate controlled units. Such units are specially hired if perishable goods are needed to be stored, since perishable goods cannot be stored anywhere else.

    A self storage owner often maintains an office where customer requirements are handled in an efficient manner. The customer care executives usually cater to various needs of the customers that are usually fulfilled. Another important feature that is associated with the self storing unit is the security of the storehouse. Whenever a customer comes to visit any storehouse he usually enquires if there is adequate security and if the goods will be secured. A self storage owner tries to secure his unit with round the clock security. This is provided through security guards, sometimes close circuit television sets and similar kind of security that is provided to the customers. This is considered to be one of the most important criteria for any owner and one of the main services that are considered, whenever starting a business.

    If you found this entry helpful, take a look at our other Storage Mart blogs :
    Storage Mart Self Storage Blog :
    http://www.selfstorageblog.com/

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  • Self Storage Owners Guide To Profit
    By admin on December 31, 2008 | No Comments  Comments

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    Self storing is nowadays one of the most lucrative businesses in the country. Day by day the need for better storing place is growing and the industry is expanding. People are requiring more space to keep their unused extra items. Especially, the lower or middle income group people are facing this space crunch, as most of these people are living in homes with 1 or 2 bedrooms. At the same time, the recent economical condition has resulted in a stagnation of property price within a certain limit. This might be the right time for the experienced self storage owners to expand their business by investing more to buy additional storing property in a comparatively lower price.

    Many self storage owners are offering a variety of services to compete in the industry. Easy accessibility, convenient 24 hours office hours and flexible rent agreement without any long term obligation are the few convenient factors on which the reputation of the facility depends. If any owner can manage to have commercial customers for storing official documents and commercial papers, then it will be a great fortune for the business. This is because normally the commercial clients go on renewing the contract for longer period of time. Thus, the owner can have regular fixed clients for his business, resulting in continuous flow of revenue.

    Other than this, self storage owners can enhance the amount of their annual revenue income by expanding or modifying the storing facility. The layout can be expanded or any special service like climate control or computerized gate entry etc. can be added to the existing system. The owners can also modify the existing building or layout to add more features to the facility. All these features will give the storing facility an attractive look and they will attract more customers for the facility. A facility with proper facility maintenance and good layout will soon be exhausted with bookings, and the owner should be prepared for further expansion of his business.
     
    The self storage owners can enjoy the various advantages of self storing business. Most of the storing facility has low operating cost, no or less maintenance expenses. The owner can control rent by month to month renewal contract. However, owners must be aware of their competitors. Before starting the business, a detail research on the nearby competitors must be performed. Depending on the result, the owner should calculate the price of his own facility. It will be better, if you could offer the lowest price along with various services within the locality. This will give the owner a chance to attract more clients and thus to ensure continuous flow of revenue.

    Location is a major factor to make a self storing facility successful. Experienced self storage owners will first inspect the site, and then decide on their investment. The location should be beside a major highway or important road, easily accessible by wide road, so that trucks or trailers can enter inside the building compound. At the same time, the location cost should fit into the budget of the owner. Considering all these factors, finding out a suitable location is quite difficult task. However, owners should not hesitate to invest, if all the above criteria are fulfilled. At first, it might take some time for the business to become steady, but once the reputation of this facility is known to every one, then he will be bound to plan for extension.

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  • Self Storage Owner Safety Tips
    By admin on December 30, 2008 | No Comments  Comments

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    Being a self storage owner , you must keep your warehouse free from any unwanted incident. The safety and security issue of your warehouse should be the most important concern to you. Actually, this is going to affect your business from both aspects. First, if your units are not safe enough or your storing place experiences any type of unwanted incidents, then it is going to create a bad reputation in the market. Thus, you will start loosing your clients, as because clients will always look for a place, where their articles are going to be safe. At the same time, you will also get affected, as this type of incident might damage your business structure or hurt your stuff or something more worse could happen.

    That is why, the self storage owner should be much more cautious so that no chaotic situation ever arises inside the business premises. To control this, your property manager has to be very firm with the rules and regulations. People are not supposed to keep illegal or inflammable items within their units. You must do thorough vigilance of all the items, while someone is going to store his articles. You should not allow any illegal or unruly behavior of your clients within their rented units. If you smell anything wrong, then immediately take help from local law and order department.

    To maintain the security measure, a self storage owner should install all type of security arrangements for the warehouse. CCTV camera is a very useful instrument to watch, what is happening inside the unit. Many times it has been discovered that people are using the storing unit to keep inflammable items or illegal items. Inflammable items can very well invite a disastrous fire to the units, if any accidental situation occurs. This will create a major damage to the warehouse and to the stored articles. At the same time, illegal items like illegal drug manufacturing materials and apparatus might be kept within the units, without your knowledge.

    It is very difficult to avoid these types of circumstances for a self storage owner , as you never know whom to suspect. You can not suspect each and everyone and to inspect his packed boxes by unpacking them, when he is coming to store his items at your place. However, you could install some type of box scanning arrangement using the computer. Still then, intentionally people might fake you to use the units for illegal or unlawful activities. You can keep an eye to watch certain typical behavior of the clients for suspecting them.

    • The average age group for people involved in illegal drug manufacturing, ranges from 25 to 35, however manufacturers have been found in all age groups.
    • Normally this type of renters would like to pay in cash and they will pay for the future days in advance.
    • They would always look for 24 hours access to their unit, so that at any unconventional time they can work on their project.
    • Sometimes, these people might rent multiple units and might visit the place several times a day without any proper intention.
    • Normally, these people with bring friends along with them and while they are inside the unit they will keep the door closed.
    • They might appear nervous and suspicious, without any proper reason.
    • Around the storing unit, you might smell some strange chemical odors.

    Being a self storage owner , if you find anything suspicious, you have every right to inspect the articles stored within the unit

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