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There are many television programs out there about remodeling. As we know, they do many home improvement shows attempting to make home life more enjoyable. One of the shows on there is about making the house look more presentable to get it sold. That is where we in the storing business come in. We have many different methods of storing for the customer and their own individual needs. Everyones needs are different and we do not need to present options the same way to each customer. How can we help the caller get their house sold?

With different types of families out there, everyones houses are in various shapes and sizes. When trying to get their house sold, most people need to clear out some of the larger items in the house. They do this to make the house look bigger. They usually call on the assistance of a storing company in order hold their belongings while they are inviting prospective buyers to open houses. Most people have a good idea on what size they are in need of, but it is up the managers at the facility to assist them with this transition in their life. Another option to help the customer instead of doing traditional storing is that they can do portable self storage. That might alleviate some of their moving stresses.

Portable self storage is the most convenient type of storing a customer could have. They do not have to find out how they are going to get all of their belongings down to the storing facility to house their goods. The company providing portable self storage will just drop some type of mini space for you to load at your house. How convenient is that! You can take your time to load the space in your driveway when you have the time, then call someone to pick it up. You will have to get more information regarding how long you can keep the space at your house, but it is well work it for some people to have the space at their homes for loading.

What other advantages are there with portable self storage? Well when you are trying to get your house sold, you are trying to save costs. You do not want to spend a lot of money on a moving truck, gas, or the pressures of getting the truck back to the facility on time. Having the space right there at your house and having the company come to pick it up when you are done is a huge stress reliever.

So when you get that phone call asking about storing options, do not forget about portable self storage, if you offer that service. If you do not offer that service, you might want to look into it. You can still invite the callers down to the site for a visit, and show them a couple of different sizes that could work for them. They are trying to get their house sold, so they need you to take care of their belongings. So talk up your facility and make them feel at ease storing there. With the real estate market being the way it is, they will need the see the value of storing their belongings at your site with either type of storing options. Help the caller get their house sold, by being a partner that they can turn to have their belongings held.

Business

Oklahoma Furniture Storage

Hollis Storage

October 2006 Secret Shopping Blog Archive

Self Storage Rates

Self Storage Article Directory – Boat Storage

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Mystery shopping is the business of performing inspections of local businesses by shopping anonymously. It is fun and easy but serious work. Most shoppers start out by working for a company that performs these services for other businesses. However, when the shopper is ready to cut out the middleman and begin making more profits, they consider starting a business. Starting a mystery shopping business appeals to both new and experienced mystery shoppers.

The business customers you will be working with are other business owners. You will be able to hire others to perform the actual shopping for you since you will be the boss. A mystery shopping business can easily be done from home with your own set hours. The initial investment is small to start this type of business and the profit is unlimited since as the owner, you are not limited by your location. Using the online sources, phones and faxes, the business owner is able to serve clients around the world. One booming industry for mystery shopping is the self storage business.

The owner of a mystery shopping business will be required to contract with businesses to do evaluations of the employees on site. They will need to determine where the client can improve upon his customer service. In this case, they should have basic questionnaires made up of the different types of clients they will be servicing.

However, starting something like a mystery shopping company for the self storage business may only require you to use a telephone.

There are really only a few steps to start a secret shopping service for the self storage business. They include the following:

The first thing to do is contact a small local self storage business by sending out letters, calling or meeting them in person. This is the initial announcement of your services telling them about your services, your professionalism and how you will be able to help them discover what is needed in their customer service.
 
The next thing will be a follow up phone call a few days later. Use this opportunity to stress the benefits of your service and to get an appointment.

The third thing is to offer a risk free first shop. You will provide a report for the owner to review. The next thing is to perform the shopping, write the review and submit it to the self storage business owner quickly.

Soon after, call the self storage business owner, set up a shopping contract and begin performing the new shopping according to the terms of your contract. Be sure to ask the client if you can use them as a referral for future clients. As your business grows, you can hire others as independent contractors to do the shopping for you while you concentrate on marketing and running your business.

It is recommended that anyone thinking of operating their own mystery shopping business, they get some experience as a paid shopper first. Having first hand knowledge of the field is an asset when hiring others to do the shopping or when approaching prospective clients.

Networking with other business owners is critical for getting clients for your mystery shopping business. Join and attend the local Chamber of Commerce. Pass out business cards to potential clients. 

It is a good idea to focus on a particular niche when first starting out. Specializing in restaurants, hotels or gift and retail stores as a starting point is recommended. You can gradually expand by providing quality service to your clients.

If you have a desire to be your own boss, to cut out the middleman and to have fun in a rewarding business, consider starting your own mystery shopping business.

Self Storage

North Dakota Furniture Storage

Columbia Storage

January 2007 Secret Shopping Blog Archive

Climate Controlled Storage Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – Climate Controlled Storage

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A self storage facility often offers customers a discount or a special price when they become a tenant. This enticement has become almost commonplace in the industry, particularly during the off season. The owner of a company may lose a few dollars up front, but they will almost certainly make up for it in the long run. Offering some type of a special discounted price to their new customers works well for many different reasons. 

Reason number one is that people are always looking for a deal. It does not matter if they are shopping for a cell phone plan or a new car or clothing for their children. Words like, sale, discount and coupon attract attention. And of course a shopper looking for a self storage facility is no exception. Even if they are only saving ten percent per month or getting fifty dollars off of their rent for a month or are given free moving supplies, a shopper thinks a bargain is still a bargain. If there are two comparable locations nearby, the customer will usually go with the one offering some type of an incentive.

Reason number two is that tenants usually are only planning on renting a unit for a few months, and think they will be out before the special ends. Of course the owners in this industry have learned over the years that oftentimes people become very enamored with this extra space they now have, and choose to rent on indefinitely. And so these tenants continue to rent a space much longer than they had originally planned, much to the delight of the owner of the self storage facility. 

And reason three of course is that word of mouth is the best advertisement around. There is no substitute for it. A renter that may only be fairly pleased with the service or the problematic location or the lousy gate hours will still brag about the great deal that they found. And truly happy tenants will tell all of their friends and family about the great special they received from this particular self storage facility. A company cannot purchase this kind of advertisement, for any amount of money.

Different companies offer different specials and discounts. But there are three particular groups of people that most locations always give some type of a discount to. These people include students, senior citizens, and military personnel.

Many offer a discounted rate to students. This is a group of people that may only rent for a short stint originally, but they are just beginning their American nomadic type of life. As an adult, these students will oftentimes remember the discount they were giving back when they were struggling and broke.

Senior citizens are usually also given a discounted rate for their rental unit. Owners are human, and have parents and grandparents like everyone else. Giving this group of people a discounted rate is simply the right thing to do.

Most facilities also offer a discount to military personnel. This is a group of people that truly live a mobile lifestyle, all the while serving our country. Whether the tenant is being deployed overseas, or is the spouse waiting on a loved one to come home, a self storage facility owner is able to show their appreciation and their thanks by giving members of the military family to rent a unit at a discounted rate.

Customer Service

New Jersey Motorcycle Storage

Elgin Storage

June 2007 Property Management Blog Archive

Boat Storage Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – RV Storage

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Portable mini storage is a convenient option that many new tenants find as an alternative to the more commonly known way of moving your belongings into a store room via several rounds with your personal truck or expensive moving van. Mobile storing makes a lot of sense because a tenant is actually moving their items less, which decreases the amount of manual labor and lessens the chances of items being broken or damaged.

For example, using the former methods of offsite storing, a tenant had to pack his or her car or truck, and then move their items into a store room. So, he or she has already moved the items twice. Once he or she is ready to move out of the store room, he or she must pack the items back into the truck or van and then unload them again into the residence. Now he or she has moved the belongings a total of four times.

Alternatively, portable mini storage cuts the amount of work in half. A tenant only has to put his or her items directly into the portable mini storage space directly from his or her home and then directly from the from the portable mini storage room back into his or her home. He or she is only moving the furniture and boxes twice.

Friends and family of tenants who use this convenient way of storing can certainly appreciate not being called upon to move their friend more often than necessary. Because lets face it, moving is no fun. There are so many other things we would rather be doing. Moving ranks pretty low on everyones list of favorite pastimes.

Just choosing portable mini storage is the easiest decision you can make that will make your moving experience that much more enjoyable. Hey, it is probably the most enjoyable that moving could be, right?

There are other things you can do to also make your moving process that much easier. Some of the things that a mobile storing company should be able to offer you, in addition to their portable store rooms, are moving and packing supplies that will help organize and protect your belongings. Bubble wrap is a must have if you are storing or packing glasses or fragile items and will protect from nicks and breakage. Another nifty packing tool is wardrobe boxes. These allow you to hang clothing in a box just as you would in your closet. That can make moving swift and easy!

There are even more tips that cost you no extra money. Clearly label all boxes. If you are moving to a new home, right on the box the name of the room they go in, such as Living Room or Master Bedroom. If you are storing your items into a store room, then label the contents of the box on the outside of the box. It is also handy to keep a list of what items you have put into a store room so that you can quickly go back in and access just what you are looking for. This will eliminate time lost searching through boxes until you find what you needed.

As you can see, moving and storing have become a lot easier and more convenient and lets all of us breathe a little easier when life decides it is time to move.

Local Self Storage

Montana Furniture Storage

Brooklyn Storage

November 2007 Total Quality Assurance Service Blog Archive

Shoe Storage Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – Self Storage

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It is seventy-five degrees, the windows are open, and there is a warm breeze flowing through the house. Spring time is here and as the weather warms, nature takes its course, flowers bloom and people start looking for furniture storage. One may look around and be reminded that the house has been cluttered and crowded for four to six months because of the cold weather. Dust and cobwebs and inhabiting corners and unused items, and one may realize that articles need to be removed from the home, and spring cleaning needs to take place before it gets too warm. This is a perfect time for furniture storage. Spring cleaning is a major part of the springtime for many homeowners and many times they need furniture storage for their items. One can clean and unclutter the house in preparation for the summer and eventually the winter months. Also, many individuals begin to move around this time, because of the weather. During the spring months of April and May storage facilities in college towns fill up with tenants that are not exclusively college students, but also from individuals moving, renovating or just doing some spring cleaning

While in college, students have a summer break for about three until four months. Most of the time there are specials for college students for furniture storage during the spring, so reservations must be made in advance to ensure that one will have a furniture storage unit for the summer months. Typically, students leave their dorms and apartments and either travel or go home for these months. During this time some students may need furniture storage to house their items. Dormitory living requires minimal furniture, for example a mini fridge, boxes, totes, clothes and maybe a futon or couch. So, on average a college student that lives in a dorm may possibly need either a 5×5 or a 5×10 unit for furniture storage. A student that lives in an apartment or house may also need storage in the summer when their leases expire. Just like any other customer that would need storage for a house or apartment, a students will need a 5×10, 5×15 or maybe even a 10×10 unit for furniture storage.

Also, springtime is a time for love and marriage. There are many steps in preparation for marriage, the move in and the honeymoon. To prepare for the wedding itself many things must be purchased and rented for the ceremony like chairs, flowers, decoration etc. Using furniture storage would be an excellent idea if they are rented or bought in advance. In preparation for the move in for the bride and groom furniture must be combined, stored or discarded to ensure that the home will not be overcrowded. This too would be a prefect time to rent furniture storage. Finally, the everlasting, romantic getaway for the bride and groom may also be a good time for furniture storage depending on the amount of time they will be away.

The busy season for self storage continues with tenants from all over until about October when the weather cools off and people are less likely to get out and move. During that time, the storage business tapers off and people begin settling in their homes more and are no longer enjoying the spring and summer weather.

Shoe Storage

Maine Car Storage

Oakland Storage

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Technology has given us the ability to live an on demand lifestyle 24-7 and we can do pretty much anything we want, anytime we want, and whenever we want as long as we have access. We can balance our bank accounts and pay bills online, go grocery shopping at 3 am and with our GPS accurately arrive anywhere we want to be. The American workforce is a 24-hour machine stopping for no one while trying to serve everyone. The self storage industry should be no exception to this and thanks to the combination of new technologies we now have self service storage.

Imagine the ability of having the freedom to acquire, and access self storage anytime day or night. Sometimes there is an immediate need for storage space due to circumstances beyond our control such as fire or flood. Others may be due to a long distance move allowing for a late hour arrival. For whatever reasons, self service storage is a great alternative to traditional office hours. For the consumer it allows for the convenience of on demand self service storage and an alternative way for a self storage facility to increase revenue.

Self service storage comes in a variety of forms, some a combination thereof.  One example is using an automated machine similar to an ATM or an automated car rental desk at some airports. It uses an interface program with the facility database to assign units and entry codes, set up customer files, i.d. verification, generate lease and insurance agreements, and accept payment.  The property manager can then follow up with any loose ends the next business day. 

A quite similar version of self service storage has a phone at the self storage facility linked to an off site sales center staffed with storage professionals who have access to the self service storage facility database and knowledge of the site. This option provides the customer the chance to have any questions or concerns answered and allows for the storage pros to better showcase features and benefits like climate controlled self storage and security. Establishing a video link system to the off site sales center further enhances the human component of this type of self service storage while advancing the customer service process and increasing self service storage revenue.

Locations for self service storage should be widely marketed through all forms of digital technology, websites, GPS services, phone directories, real estate services and travel agencies. Billboard advertising would also benefit self service storage facilities that have close access to highways and highly traveled locations. Having a support system set up through database sharing, off site sales professionals, website reservations, and point of sale technology is what makes self service storage a reality. 

The more our lives demand of us the harder it is to accomplish what we used to be able to do. The possibilities self service storage holds could change the landscape of the self storage industry today. Self service storage has a place in every demographic whether it is a large metropolitan area open twenty four hours or a small town community that closes up evenings and weekends.  Time is a valuable commodity for everyone. Where there is a way to add the value of time back in to life you will always find a demand and self service storage does just that.

Self Storage 

Iowa Boat Storage

Columbia Storage

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We all know how the saying goes, You only have on time to make a first impression. We know and hear that saying but we decide not to abide by it. When a customer picks up the phone and makes that call to your storage facility, they need to be well taken care of and it all starts with the greeting.

There has been record of many great greetings in self storage and on the flip side, greetings that should not be mentioned. Some people decide to have a greeting that is scripted and a paragraph long it seems. Others just answer the phone with the name of the facility. It is believed that there should be a happy medium in order to ensure that the caller knows where they called, whom they are speaking to and to know they are ready to be helped. The tone, inflection of voice and sincerity can all make a difference on the delivery of the greeting. 

When looking for storage, not everyone calling in knows a great deal about what they are looking for. It is up to the manager of sales representative of the storage facility to let them know what they need and what they should be looking for. With the storage representative being helpful and polite in their greeting, that could mean the world to a first time storage seeker.

Now do not get the message here confused. It takes more than just a greeting to get the caller to come down to rent from your storage facility. You have to be a professional, polite, inviting and friendly person on the phone, but you and your facility need to be clean and well managed when they come down to visit. You should always try to invite each caller you speak to down to the site for a visit to see your storage facility.

Besides the greeting, having a convenient location is also important to the caller in terms of storage needs. The customer might love the price and believe that you took care of them on the phone, but if they did not like where you are located, it could blow the whole deal. With most customers, they can deal if they have to travel a little bit further for a good value, but if they have to make inconvenient turns and have to fight the traffic to get to your space, it could turn them off. There is little you can do about the location you are working as a sale agent of storage, but you can give a great first impression and maybe they can overlook the location.

In self storage, there is a lot of competition out there. No one is above making some tweaks to their performance or doing some self-evaluations. With a proper greeting, you are setting the stage for the call. Now, setting the stage is the easy part, what song and dance you do afterwards is also crucial in the renting of new tenants. When they come down to your storage facility, what do you have to show them that will get them to sign on the dotted line? What is going to make them say in the mind that they found the best value in town? You did step number one well and gave a good first impression. Now, that you have done that how are you going to give them a great long lasting impression?

Self Storage Industry

Illinois Car Storage

Northbrook Storage

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There are a host of reasons people are seeking car storage and by identifying and catering to those needs will have everyone driving to your facility to rent car storage. The majority of us rely on a car or truck to get where we need to be, to work, to the store, to pick the kids up from school. Our lives are intertwined with our transportation and many of us make their sole income through their car or truck so what we do to maintain, protect, and how we store them are very important. The ability to have on demand transportation directly influences our sense of independence and is in a sense an extension of our own being.  

There is a large market for car storage to be found with people who collect, restore, and trade cars. Some of these cars are antiques and others the muscle cars and street rods from the generations of our times. Marketing car storage to these groups require facilities that can accommodate inside car storage often with climate control options to maintain that showroom newness these owners and collectors want. Top of the line security and easy access to the storage unit are also important and a way to bring value. Many in this group are looking for long term leasing arrangements and multiple storage units guaranteeing long occupancy and relationships with each of them. 

Car collectors often network with each other through car shows and auctions many needing car storage, so offering a referral business is a sure fire method of increasing your sales and occupancy rate. Many in this group belong to a car club and are looking for a place to hold monthly meetings and a gathering point for their events. Offering a place for them to meet and giving group rates to these clubs increases both profits and public awareness. The value of these cars are often priceless to the owner in terms of sentimental value but the financial loss that could occur in the event of catastrophe would be devastating so offering specialty insurance for collectors offers peace of pocketbook if not the mind. 

Outside car storage is an option for some looking for extra garage space at home or saving the family sedan for a young driver. This can be an economic advantage for those on a tighter budget looking for car storage. Having a well lit parking area and easy traffic flow provides for security at night and safe on property driving. The parking spaces should be well marked off and clearly labeled. 

Another market in car storage is for fleet and leased vehicles. Many companies have nationwide accounts with dealer fleet services for their members. A lot of these are business travelers that need car storage in their companies territories when they are not on the road. Some fleet service cars need storage due to lease expirations or exceeding mileage limitations. Many privately leased cars are over their terms in mileage caps and the cost of using car storage is sometimes better than the fines you pay at lease end.

Whatever reasons the driving public has for car storage it pays to know and find out. Of course offering superb customer service and professionalism enhances the customers experience and word of mouth advertising is the best there is.

Self Storage

Hawaii Car Storage

Pompano Beach Storage

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Do you have a love for the taste of good wine? Does shopping and tasting wine one of your hobbies? If you are a collector of wine then you might consider putting your precious collection in wine storage.

Some people that collect wine are able to have a room dedicated in their home for wine storage. These rooms are typically on the smaller size unless you are very rich and have a large wine storage area. The reason these rooms are smaller is because when they are small, they are easier to keep controlled. One thing you must control in wine storage is the temperature. There is a standard temperature at which wine should be kept stored at to maintain it in the best way possible. Another thing you must control in wine storage is the humidity. The humidity along with temperature can affect the wine. The cork is the most vulnerable when it comes to humidity. If it is too dry the cork can shrink or crack which will ultimately damage the wine inside the bottle if air is allowed in. A dedicated wine storage room should also be somewhere in your home that does not have access to windows. Light can be very damaging to wine, that is why wine is stored in colored glass bottles to reduce the amount of light that can get to the wine. Depending on the amount of money you want to put into your wine storage room, there is even specialty shelving. This shelving is made to hold your wine at the correct angle and allow enough air to circulate around the bottle to keep it at the perfect temperature.

If you cannot afford the space or the money to dedicate a whole room for wine storage then you are in luck. A very big home trend right now is to have small refrigerator type coolers that hold wine. They are being made very stylish and some fit on top or conveniently under a cabinet in your kitchen. This type of wine storage is perfect for someone who likes to keep about 20 bottles of wine on hand. These smaller wine storage coolers can keep your wine at the perfect temperature and humidity. Many of these wine storage coolers match larger appliances to give your kitchen that uniform look.

Still, another type of wine storage is out there. Some self storage facilities are putting in or revamping a current unit to allow for wine storage. This type of wine storage could be for the small collector or the large collector. The self storage facilities will rent out sections of wine storage from a small case (12 bottles) to larger sections for bigger collections of wine. This is a great option for those people that do not have the room to store their wine in their own home, but need a larger space for their wine. The only draw back to having you wine stored away from your home is that you will need to plan ahead to take out any bottles of wine you will need to dine or entertain with. But, because self storage is already set up to provide a safe and secure site for your belongings, why not store your wine collection there also. Call around to your local self storage sites and see if they currently offer wine storage as one of their services.

Storage

Delaware Boat Storage

Secaucus Storage

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Using a non-climate controlled self storage facility is like storing things in a regular garage. The hotter or colder that the weather gets outside, the hotter or colder that it gets inside of the space. On the other hand, a climate controlled self storage unit is heated during the winter months and cooled during the summertime. And climate controlled self storage not only affects the temperatures, but it also helps to keep the humidity down. 

It is imperative for a facility that offers its tenants a climate controlled self storage unit to be a safe and secure operation, just as with any type of a storage facility. It needs to be well lit with video surveillance and fire detection. An onsite manager is able to live on the property and keep a close eye on things. Offering tenants different options to pay their bill is also necessary, since different people have different needs. Online bill paying, automatic credit card payments, and paying via the telephone are just a few options.

Obviously there are many reasons and circumstances why a person may need to rent a climate controlled self storage unit. 

Anyone planning on storing their items for a long period of time will want a climate controlled self storage unit. The drastic changes in temperatures between hot and cold can cause items to expand and contract. This process is hard on just about everything a person owns.

Renting a climate controlled self storage unit is very important for storing leather or wood furniture. The extreme temperatures can harm leather and cause wood to warp. 

A climate controlled self storage unit is a necessity when storing family heirlooms and antiques. These items are fragile and have years of stories to tell, and they need to be kept in a climate controlled self storage space.

It is a good idea to keep clothing and bedding in a climate controlled self storage space.  Humidity can cause a musty smell in these items, and that can be difficult to get rid of.

Photographs, 45s, and LP albums are very sensitive to temperatures and need to be put in a climate controlled self storage unit. Finding a record player to listen to the 45s and LPs is another story.

Musical instruments are another example of things that need to be put in a climate controlled self storage space. Pianos, guitars, and harps need a fairly constant temperature to assure their well-being.

A climate controlled self storage unit is important for businesses needing to store files and records long term. Paper has a tendency to turn yellow or become brittle over time.  And renting a climate controlled self storage space costs a company much less money than renting a larger office just to accommodate the papers they need to hold onto. 

Pharmaceutical representatives are required by law to store their goods and samples in a climate controlled self storage unit.

Many people with a classic car want to keep their pride and joy in a climate controlled self storage space. That way they can sit and admire their baby without anyone even noticing.

And anyone that is going to spend a great deal of time in their unit will want a climate controlled self storage space, just for their own comfort. Unpacking and looking through years of boxes can be very uncomfortable if it is zero or one hundred degrees outdoors!

Yacht Storage

Alaska Self Storage

Bogart Storage

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