Tips for Running a Good Self Storage Business
Running a self-storage business might sound like an easy task – it’s got “self” in the name after all! However, it’s about much more than simply finding some units and putting them up for rent. Running a successful site requires a considerate blend of real estate management, customer service and smart industrial operations.
If you want to make a consistent income from a facility, there are plenty of steps that you need to take. A proactive approach is essential to building a successful company, covering everything from installing self-storage goods lifts to finding the right software management system. This article will offer insights into running a thriving self-storage business, so you can make the most of what might otherwise end up empty space.
Create a positive customer experience
Positive customer experiences are the name of the game in any business. Self-storage sites operate on a subscription model, which means you have to convince your clientele that what you provide them is worth paying for on a regular basis.
- Provide personalised approaches to various storage needs, depending on whether they’re moving house, downsizing or storing for business purposes.
- Make sure the facility is clean and tidy, with well-maintained units and common areas. This helps to create a sense of safety and security that customers appreciate.
- Allow for flexibility, ensuring customers can get the unit sizes and lease agreements that can be up or downsized depending on their needs.
- Having free use equipment and fairly priced supplies dotted around the facility to ensure people can move, box up and wrap their belongings with ease.
- Using self storage management software to alert customers of new vacancies or updates in the site.
- Offering assistance with self-storage insurance, so your customers can feel the utmost confidence that they’re protected.
These are the kind of simple yet effective customer support elements that will keep people loyal and coming back.
Prioritising customer safety & security
Property security is perhaps the most important concern for customers – it’s why they store their belongings with you and not on the side of the road! You need to set your facility up with enough security features, such as:
- Access-controlled gates
- Proper locks on every self storage storage unit
- Comprehensive surveillance features
- Proper lighting inside and out
- Regular patrols of the area (whether in-house or booked in)
- Sufficient cyber security measures to ensure customer data safety
With this in mind, you also need to make sure that the facility is properly maintained for safety, with elements like:
- Fire detection, suppression and doors compliant with government regulations
- Installing goods lifts for mezzanine floors to prevent lifting injuries
- Clear signage to ensure safe movement of people and property
Keeping your customers and their belongings safe will keep you from reputation-damaging scrutiny, along with ensuring you aren’t fined or reprimanded for breaking compliance laws.
Optimise your operations to your audience
There’s a lot of benefit to having a strong management system for self storage business operations. Optimising your operation for efficiency and proper audience targeting will help keep the lights on brighter and for longer. Stuff like management software is essential for automating billing, tracking payments and checking your KPIs. Implementing things like dynamic pricing can also ensure you stay competitive at all times of the year.
Similarly, your approach should be targeted at your audience. Is the approach going to be student focused or are you trying to connect with residential customers. Whoever you go after, make sure to offer the right amenities for that audience, then reflect your goals in your online presence. A strong Google Business Profile is essential for a physical location.
With this sort of comprehensive approach, you should be well on your way to creating a self storage business that you yourself would trust – which is the right pathway for building a solid customer base.
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