FIXTURES, FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT

The choices here are aesthetic and practical, too.  The décor and office appointments set the tone for the entire operation.   A higher-end office attracts a better clientele who will ultimately pay a premium for their space and the experience in general. 

Offering a conference room, business centers and flex office space are new development trends.   While only appropriate for some markets they create a new profit centers, bring others from the community inside the facility, and offer opportunities for incubator businesses to grow.

 A coffee/beverage center creates the customer service experience a Class A facility should minimally provide.  Providing attractive product displays and a variety of options for purchase is a standard that customers have come to expect. 

Well-designed and maintained dollies and carts are important for standard facilities and imperative for conversions, multi-story and interior-access only locations.

SOFTWARE

While stand-alone software is less expensive over time, it requires more capital up front and is in many ways more costly in the end.

Web-based  programs are offered at a monthly subscription rate (after initial set-up) and reward users in a variety of ways including on-line reservations, payments and customer account management.    Web-based programs cut costs, eliminate the need for backups, cumbersome CD ROM upgrades, expensive servers, postage meters and computer networking, too.  These programs typically offer savings from lower credit card fees, ACH/bank draft.

Rental Truck with Graphics

A rental truck available with free use is a good hook to move new customers into your facility.  Your graphics provide a rolling billboard for advertising the location while it’s in use.  You can purchase a new truck or participate in lease-to-own packages through companies such as On the Move Rental Trucks, who also offer the necessary insurance coverage for the trucks’ operation.  Several truck styles and graphics packages are available.

Concierge Delivery Service of Box Trailers with Graphics

Not included in the costs above but this is another opportunity to explore.  The combination of small pick up truck pulling a box trailer with graphics provides a “We’ll Come Get You Free” offer for the drop off and delivery service without offering moving assistance.

Signage

Drive-by appeal is critical factor that influences the rate of lease up and the on-going success of an established self-storage operation.   Signage conveys your store’s image and provides important information to customers and future prospects.   A digital read-out sign lets managers constantly market with ease the size/types they have available in a professional way.   Optional signage denotes entrances, exits and office locations, gives valuable information such as hours and emergency numbers or simply greets your customers and future tenants with a “Welcome” word.

It's the first and the last thing they'll see.  Put your best foot forward from afar.