Self-Storage Security Myths

With the popularity of TV shows about self-storage and the increasing success of the national REITs on Wall Street, self-storage has become a household word. These factors, along with a lack of new supply, have been great news for self-storage operators around the country as occupancy and rental rates have increased. With all of the good news there are some things that operators need to take note.

Self-Storage News Coverage

The increased visibility of the self-storage industry is resulting in more incidents making the news on TV, newspapers and the Internet. Thinking it couldn't happen to you is a big mistake. A sampling of recent headlines include: "29 storage units broken into", "Customers disappointed with management after storage unit break-in" and ABCs Good Morning America recent segment on "Storage stealers revealed." The industry in general doesn't need these negative headlines; however, if an incident such as this happens to you, it can quickly damage your local reputation and affect your occupancy and ability to rent new units. Fortunately there are common reasons that these types of incidents occur and many can be prevented. What can you can do to make sure that your facility doesn't make the front page news for the wrong reasons?

Mobile Devices And Self-Storage

We have become a mobile society, yet many believe the self-storage industry isn't really impacted. The penetration of smartphone devices have soared in recent years -- most people have one or two of these devices and use them as the primary tool for researching information and finding directions. Are you taking advantage of these new technology advances to make your operation more efficient and provide a high level of service and features to your customers? Have you ever left the property and then have to return to open the gate or check on a customer? How many times do customers forget their access code or want a report of gate activity to check on their spouse or employees? Mobile solutions now allow you to provide immediate customer service as well as allow the customer to help themselves, even when your office is closed. Being able to quickly respond to customer needs and issues help make your facility the choice for all their future self-storage needs.

Location And Price

With the success of self-storage facilities growing, there is a new wave of development occurring around the United States. There is no question that a new store in your area will have an impact on your operations. Location and price are two factors that people use to choose your facility over your competition, but they aren't the only reasons. Nobody wants to compete on price and it is impossible to change your location. Recent surveys of self-storage customers indicate that security is the second reason that a customer chooses a facility. There are things you can do now to make sure you don't lose occupancy and are in a position to compete with the newly started development cycle.

Watch our recorded webinar where we discussed how security increases rental rates and occupancy and how mobile applications can help with managing your property, including the attraction and retention of customers. Learn what you can do now to ensure you are in a position to compete against new development.

Webinar Topics Include

• Can security affect my rental rates, occupancy and ability to compete?
• What is the purpose and what type of video surveillance do I need?
• What mobile solutions are available for you and your customers?
• Integration - how can it save your facility money and collect rent?

Article Contributions by: Jon Loftin - NO LONGER WITH COMPANY at PTI Security Systems

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