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Following up with any potential renter is always extremely vital in the self storage industry. Whether the prospect walked into the facility, called for information on the telephone, or emailed for a rate quote, the follow up is the single most important next step.

A walk in needs to be telephoned within 24 hours of the initial visit, allowing the store manager to answer any additional questions the customer may have thought of. It also lets the employee reiterate the great amenities, specials, and values that the facility provides. 

Potential customers that telephone for information are usually letting their fingers do the walking through the Yellow Pages. It is imperative that these customers be contacted in a timely manner. They have to know that the management at this storage facility truly cares about them and their rental needs.

Tech savvy people often inquire about storage via the Internet, and should be called as soon as reasonably possible. This gives these customers the warm and fuzzy feeling of having personal contact with an actual human being. They will know that the employees at this storage facility are truly interested in their well being.

Anyone making an effort to find out information about your storage facility, craft storage or yacht storage needs to be followed up with quickly, and informed that you have the best value in the area. These probable renters need to know that after speaking with you and visiting your location, there is no reason to look any further for their self storage needs.

Letting just one prospect get away can be costly. Always make every effort to follow up with every prospect!

Written by Ann Sheehan, PhoneSmart Call Center Representative

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a blog about the self storage industry.

Self Storage in 2360 Gallatin Road;  Madison, TN  37115

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78212 Climate Controlled Storage

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Ho, ho, ho, what do you know? It’s almost the middle of October and believe it or not people have Christmas and Hanukah on their minds. After Halloween and Thanksgiving, one of the next big holidays is the Christmas Season and Hanukah. In case you want to countdown the days there are only 75 shopping days left until Christmas Day.

What does all this mean to self storage? It means the bustling spring to fall season is almost over, but that doesn’t mean people don’t need storage in the winter. People call about winter storage for things like, RV parking, patio furniture storage, bike and trike storage, and all the summer stuff that accumulates in the garage. Some folks just want to be able to park their car in the garage to keep it out of the weather so they will call for storage for cleaning out their garage. Boat storage is a popular request in regions that get too cold for boating during the winter months.

Storage for Christmas and Hanukah gifts has grown in popularity in the last few years. The calls for gift storage remain widespread because it is the ultimate hiding spot for gifts. There is even a rumor going around the self storage industry that Santa Claus himself rents self storage units all over the country to help with the deliveries on Christmas.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS Executive and business blog writer.

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a blog about different reasons people need self storage.

Storage available at 1575 Thousand Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78232

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Find your next car storage, boat storage or self storage at your StorageConcierge – Your premier national and local self storage search engine and free quote provider.

33130 Climate Controlled Storage

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One of our evening reps who work part time has been with us for a year now.  Her name is Glennetta.  Not too long ago, she took a call from a gentleman who asked her about self storage.  Of course she assisted him in finding a storage unit that could work for him. (As a matter of fact she just passed her 1 year Self Storage Certification, Congrats to you, Glennetta). 

Anyway, to her the call seemed to be an average rental inquiry just like most of the calls that come through that are looking for a self storage quote.  So she helped him to the best of her ability.  At the end of her call the gentleman revealed himself as being the actual client of ours that she was representing during that specific call.  He was very impressed with her and stated to her that she did a fantastic job and he was very pleased.  Adding this; if PhoneSmart ever needs anything from us, please just let us know. 

I didn’t know the extent of just how happy this client was until shortly after, when I was informed that our administration department had received an email from him stating that he was thinking of quitting our Call Center service.  That is, until they secret shopped Glennetta.  They praised her on how well she handled the call and how well she represented their Self Storage Business.  His email read: She changed my mind.  Because of her, we’re staying with PhoneSmart.

Way to go, Glennetta!

Written by Robin Turner, PhoneSmart Call Center Manager

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a blog about the self storage industry.

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We have self storage available at 30 N. Bacton Hill Rd, Malven, PA 19355

40601 Self Storage

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The winter season is approaching and with it, you’ll probably be considering what ideas you want to start in this season so that next spring will bring even more profit than it did this year. It’s time to start thinking about your budgets for 2008; what will you allocate to advertisement, what will you put towards training, etc?

Although you may not be crunching all the numbers just yet, there are a few things you should start to consider. Now is the prime time to begin, or refresh, your training program so that your employees are pumped up and ready to sell by the spring. If you wait until then, you’ll be too late to catch up with your competitors who spent the winter in self storage spring training.

Self storage owners, management companies and regional managers feel the pressure of cutting costs and getting more ROI for every dollar invested. Investing in your employees will be more fruitful than spending extra dollars each month for more leads or a billboard. After all, once your advertising pays off and customers call your store or stop by the office, your employees will be the ones closing the sale.

Written by Sarah Little, TQA Account Executive

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a diary of life in the self storage industry.

33027 Self Storage

Rent storage at 11115 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742

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What is the Role Play Helpline?

The Role Play Helpline is one of PhoneSmart’s newest self storage training tools. This interactive self storage training combines convenience and flexibility. Your self storage managers can call the RPH anytime our call center is open and talk through concerns or objections, go through the sales script and more. Our self storage sales representitives can switch places and be the caller or the rep and switch back to get a different view of the sales call.

Many of our self storage current clients are enjoying the benefits of PhoneSmart’s Role Play Helpline. If you would like information for your self storage business about our Role Play Helpline contact us at 866-639-1715. We would be glad to give you information that can help your self storage business better itself through interactive training and sales tips from our seasoned representatives. Each call is a small training class in itself; just hearing how someone else asks for a reservation or explains the features and benefits of the property is very helpful in your day to day operation. The positive feedback we get from managers and property owners is rewarding and reminds us of how important team work is in the self storage industry.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive and business blog writer.

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a blog that examines the self storage industry.
 

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Storage available at 3016 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344

66203 Self Storage

Self Storage Owner– Where Self Storage Owners meet Self Storage Customers

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I just called a local pharmacy to refill a prescription and the whole call was automated. I don’t mind making some transactions over the phone without speaking to anyone, but sometimes you just want to talk to a live person.

Here at PhoneSmart, we have live people to take you self storage inquiry calls during generous hour during the week and weekend. Sometimes when customers call our call center inquiring about self storage rates, automobile storage, or craft storage, they are surprised that they got a real live person to answer. In fact, if you ask any of our seasoned sales reps they will all tell you that at one time or another they have been asked that very question. This seems strange to me, unless of course the person calling knew the office hours of their local self storage and then to their surprise someone answers the phone. 

What do your self storage, food storage or boat storage customers expect when they call your site after hours or when you manager is busy? If they can reach a real live person they have a better chance of reserving a unit at your property. Reaching a real live person also beats the heck out of getting an answering machine.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive and business blog writer.

Thanks for visiting our self storage blog, a blog that examines the self storage, property management and customer service industry.

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Self Storage available at 1125 Wyckoff Ave, Ridgewood Queens, NY 11385

60131 Self Storage

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Self Storage Owner — Where Self Storage Owners meet Self Storage Customers

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This past Labor Day weekend was completely crazy. I worked what seemed like forever and a day. It was the last day of our fiscal month and we had to pull out all of the stops in order to close some business that day. We had to think about solutions for the customer that was outside of our normal way of selling. We were thinking autside of the box all day. 

We did a good job that day, asking the caller what would it take for them to buy today and try to overcome their objections. Sometimes it was free delivery or a free accessory. One customer decided to buy based of us taking 1% of the product. I think that is hilarious. Sometimes to get the result you are looking for, you have to dig down, have the passion to do whatever it takes to get the caller taken care of. 

Now of course, there are some considerable differences between self-storage, wine storage, craft storage companies and a consumer electronics store. I might be able to take $50 off a TV to get the customer to buy a product if the product maybe did not cost $1500. In the self-storage business, storage units are not that expensive (well maybe if you live on the east coast). But the point is maybe being a little more flexible with pricing, services (free trucks, locks, admin fees cut in half or waived), might give you more ammunition with combating your competition. When a caller says the price is a lot higher than other places, managers should be asking, what did you hear and what did they have to offer? Instead, I often hear oh, I am sorry about that and then the call ends. 

We have to be more aggressive sometimes when it comes to getting the caller’s business. Just ask what it would take to gain their business. If the answer is not too crazy and it is a good business decision, take the business. If is not a good business decision, think outside of the box and find another solution for the caller. Remember, if you are not taking the business, someone else is.

Joel Little, experience sales manager. 

Thanks for reading our self storage blog. PhoneSmart is your offsite sales force.

Rent storage at 1310 South Enterprise, Olathe, KS 66061

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65803 Self Storage

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Remembering your self storage customers likes and dislikes can help your self storage business run smoother. It can be just a couple of small things jotted on the customer’s information card. Things like: Mrs. Black always pays one day late. (Don’t call her right away), Mrs. Red likes to clean items out of her unit every 3 months (Have dumpster emptied); Mr. White likes to pay in person (That way he knows it’s done). The bonus of knowing some of your customers is that you will be quick to recognize when something is out of order or fishy.

Knowing a few things about your customers will help your customer service also. Providing individual customer service adds to you building a rapport with your customers. Try to remember your customer’s names, so they will feel important. When you see a current customer pulling into the lot, try to think of their name so you will associate their vehicle with their name. Making an association often will help you remember something about that person. This helps when have to come in the office and you will know their name already. Just trying these couple of things can’t hurt; in fact it will make your self storage business better in the end.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive and business blog writer.

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a blog about the self storage industry.

33012 Self Storage

Storage available at 11510 N. Main, Kansas City, MO 64155

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We went out to eat the other night and before we were done I made a trip to the restroom. When I opened the door I saw something fly by my face and scrape my arm. It really scared me for a minute. As I got all the way into the stall I saw that an aluminum brace had come undone from the far wall and it swung at the door. My arm had a small red mark on my arm and when I left the bathroom I walked to the hostess stand and told her what happened. She apologized and we both walked off. I went back to my seat, we paid and finished our drinks and got up to leave. After we were out the door, I thought it was strange that the manager didn’t come over and make sure everything was ok. I have a few friends that would have tried to take advantage of that situation. I just wanted to be checked on.

It’s always a good idea to check on any potential injuries on your self storage property. Many companies require a form to be filled out about the accident, injury and signatures of both parties. This form can help protect you later if a customer makes a claim against your self storage company. Check with your business attorney or your corporate office about the proper procedure for accidents and injuries that could affect your self storage business.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive and business blog writer.

Thanks for reading our self storage blog, a daily blog about the self storage industry.

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Storage available at 1200 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD 21157

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There are many things that you can write in your self storage diary. If you work in the self storage industry, keeping a diary is something that you may definitely want to consider. And for many, instead of keeping their work to themselves, sharing it with the rest of the world is a better idea. In other words, why not make your self storage diary live so that any interested party can read it online? This can help you to make a name for yourself, which can then help to increase sales. And what self storage business does not want to make more sales on a regular basis?

So what are you going to write about in your self storage diary? This is entirely up to you and can include anything from how to increase sales to daily experiences. When it comes down to it, it is up to you to make a decision on the angle that you are going to take. Your main goal should be to first write for yourself, but to also keep your audience in mind if sharing your work is something that you are interested in doing.

A self storage industry diary is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings down on paper, or in many cases, your computer screen. But no matter what, make sure that you are writing about what you are most interested in. Remember, there is a good chance that the topics that interest you like, wine storage will also interest others.

Written by our Guest Blogger.

Thanks for visiting our self storage blog, a blog that helps you run you self storage business better.

Storage available at 11333 Owings Mills Blvd, Owings Mills, MD 21117

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Self Storage Owner — Where Self Storage Owners meet Self Storage Customers

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