From Bloomberg:
British companies that rent out space to store your old exercise bikes and rusty golf clubs may offer the best earnings growth among European property stocks as they cut vacancies that mounted in the housing slump.
A pickup in storage occupancy and rental rates in recent months suggests that Safestore Holdings Plc, Big Yellow Group Plc and Lok’nStore Group Plc may be past the worst following an ill-timed expansion push, according to Paul Pulze, an analyst at Evolution Securities in London.
“If the economy starts to improve and the companies can drive demand for the product, there’s significant upside relative to other real estate,” said Pulze, who has a “buy” recommendation on Safestore and a “neutral” for Big Yellow.
See the full story at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-29/u-k-self-storage-may-offer-european-real-estate-s-best-earnings-growth.html
By Scott Meyers
Published 30th September 2010
From Bloomberg:
British companies that rent out space to store your old exercise bikes and rusty golf clubs may offer the best earnings growth among European property stocks as they cut vacancies that mounted in the housing slump.
A pickup in storage occupancy and rental rates in recent months suggests that Safestore Holdings Plc, Big Yellow Group Plc and Lok’nStore Group Plc may be past the worst following an ill-timed expansion push, according to Paul Pulze, an analyst at Evolution Securities in London.
“If the economy starts to improve and the companies can drive demand for the product, there’s significant upside relative to other real estate,” said Pulze, who has a “buy” recommendation on Safestore and a “neutral” for Big Yellow.
See the full story at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-29/u-k-self-storage-may-offer-european-real-estate-s-best-earnings-growth.html
Although the real estate market is still struggling in response to the recession, one sector of the market is still doing well: self storage. Several self storage facilities have either opened or changed hands in the last few weeks, some in all-cash transactions. Below is a state-by-state breakdown of some recent self storage real estate news:
- Alabama: A Fultondale self storage facility, containing 436 units, was sold this week.
- California: Garfield Avenue Self Storage of Bell Gardens, California, an 873-unit facility, was purchased this week with cash. It will become part of the A-1 Self Storage chain of facilities.
- Illinois: Four self storage facilities in Chicago sold earlier this month for $11.8 million. In addition, a new self storage facility is being planned for McHenry County, Illinois.
- Kentucky: A new self storage facility, CITYSpace on Main, opened in Louisville this week. The property for the facility was sold in March of this year.
- Michigan: Storage Pros Self Storage of Cedar Springs has expanded, purchasing a truck and trailer rental business.
- Mississippi: Two self storage facilities were sold earlier this month. Lock Up Self Storage of Kiln was sold to an out-of-state investor for $337,500. In Biloxi, B&G Climate Control Warehouse sold for $1.3 million.
- Ohio: A Hancock County fire department is building its own self storage facility, called Station 6 Storage.
Self storage is also doing well internationally:
- Australia: Just Real Estates Investments announced earlier this month that it is looking for self storage investment opportunities in prime industrial areas. Just Real Estates is hoping to invest between $2 and $5 million in self storage.
- Kingdom of Bahrain: The Takhzeen Warehousing and Storage Company announced Sunday that it has begun the construction of a $15 million self storage facility.
Sources used:
“Caster Properties acquires Garfield Avenue Self Storage in Bell Gardens, California.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 29, 2010.
“CITYSpace on Main Self-Storage opens in Louisville, holds grand opening.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 27, 2010.
Cooper, Lauren B. “U-Haul Co. purchases Fultondale storage facility.” Birmingham Business Journal. Sept. 28, 2010.
Dunlevy, Maurice. “Self-storage sheds find place in the sun: Gold Coast.” Business with the Wall Street Journal. Reprinted from The Australian. Sept. 23, 2010.
Haq, Robeel. “Takhzeen constructs self-storage warehouse.” Arabian Supply Chain.com. Sept. 26, 2010.
“New self-storage, retail complex proposed for McHenry, Ill.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 21, 2010.
Robinson, Holly. “OH fire department starts self storage business to raise money.” Self Storage Industry News. Sept. 20, 2010.
“Sovran Self Storage looking for the right properties for future acquisitions.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 28, 2010.
Stevens, John. “Australian investors looking for self storage opportunities.” Self Storage Industry News. Sept. 22, 2010.
“Storage Pros Self Storage Cedar Springs creates partnership with U-Haul brand.” PR Newswire. Sept. 22, 2010.
“Two Mississippi self-storage facilities sold to out-of-state investors.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 22, 2010.
By Scott Meyers
Published 30th September 2010
Although the real estate market is still struggling in response to the recession, one sector of the market is still doing well: self storage. Several self storage facilities have either opened or changed hands in the last few weeks, some in all-cash transactions. Below is a state-by-state breakdown of some recent self storage real estate news:
- Alabama: A Fultondale self storage facility, containing 436 units, was sold this week.
- California: Garfield Avenue Self Storage of Bell Gardens, California, an 873-unit facility, was purchased this week with cash. It will become part of the A-1 Self Storage chain of facilities.
- Illinois: Four self storage facilities in Chicago sold earlier this month for $11.8 million. In addition, a new self storage facility is being planned for McHenry County, Illinois.
- Kentucky: A new self storage facility, CITYSpace on Main, opened in Louisville this week. The property for the facility was sold in March of this year.
- Michigan: Storage Pros Self Storage of Cedar Springs has expanded, purchasing a truck and trailer rental business.
- Mississippi: Two self storage facilities were sold earlier this month. Lock Up Self Storage of Kiln was sold to an out-of-state investor for $337,500. In Biloxi, B&G Climate Control Warehouse sold for $1.3 million.
- Ohio: A Hancock County fire department is building its own self storage facility, called Station 6 Storage.
Self storage is also doing well internationally:
- Australia: Just Real Estates Investments announced earlier this month that it is looking for self storage investment opportunities in prime industrial areas. Just Real Estates is hoping to invest between $2 and $5 million in self storage.
- Kingdom of Bahrain: The Takhzeen Warehousing and Storage Company announced Sunday that it has begun the construction of a $15 million self storage facility.
Sources used:
“Caster Properties acquires Garfield Avenue Self Storage in Bell Gardens, California.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 29, 2010.
“CITYSpace on Main Self-Storage opens in Louisville, holds grand opening.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 27, 2010.
Cooper, Lauren B. “U-Haul Co. purchases Fultondale storage facility.” Birmingham Business Journal. Sept. 28, 2010.
Dunlevy, Maurice. “Self-storage sheds find place in the sun: Gold Coast.” Business with the Wall Street Journal. Reprinted from The Australian. Sept. 23, 2010.
Haq, Robeel. “Takhzeen constructs self-storage warehouse.” Arabian Supply Chain.com. Sept. 26, 2010.
“New self-storage, retail complex proposed for McHenry, Ill.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 21, 2010.
Robinson, Holly. “OH fire department starts self storage business to raise money.” Self Storage Industry News. Sept. 20, 2010.
“Sovran Self Storage looking for the right properties for future acquisitions.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 28, 2010.
Stevens, John. “Australian investors looking for self storage opportunities.” Self Storage Industry News. Sept. 22, 2010.
“Storage Pros Self Storage Cedar Springs creates partnership with U-Haul brand.” PR Newswire. Sept. 22, 2010.
“Two Mississippi self-storage facilities sold to out-of-state investors.” Inside Self-Storage. Sept. 22, 2010.
Found this article about another independent being purchased by U-Haul.
The U-Haul Company of Alabama today announced that it has expanded the U-Haul network of self-storage locations with its purchase of an existing Alabama storage facility located at 1588 Carson Road in Fultondale, Alabama. The new U-Haul Storage of Fultondale boasts 436 storage units with more than 59,500 square feet of self-storage. U-Haul Storage of Fultondale boasts 17 single-story structures featuring inside storage, outdoor storage, drive-up storage and truck/RV storage.
Read the rest of this entry »
By Scott Meyers
Published 28th September 2010
Found this article about another independent being purchased by U-Haul.
The U-Haul Company of Alabama today announced that it has expanded the U-Haul network of self-storage locations with its purchase of an existing Alabama storage facility located at 1588 Carson Road in Fultondale, Alabama. The new U-Haul Storage of Fultondale boasts 436 storage units with more than 59,500 square feet of self-storage. U-Haul Storage of Fultondale boasts 17 single-story structures featuring inside storage, outdoor storage, drive-up storage and truck/RV storage.
(more…)
Check this out from marketwatch:
In the fourth quarter of 2008, U.S. GDP contracted by 6.3% — the worst quarterly drop in over two decades — and by almost 6% again in the first quarter of 2009. Though we certainly have our troubles, there’s not nearly the gloom and doom out there that was persistent on Wall Street back then. The economy is still squeaking out a bit of growth, after all.
But does this mean it’s OK to sound the “all clear” for the stock market? Hardly. The fact is that while the economy is limping along, stocks are at best moving sideways with little appreciation. When you consider that a host of other investments are trouncing equities, it may make sense to sell off all your stocks and move your nest egg elsewhere rather than ride the roller coaster.
Here are seven investments beating stocks right now — and which may continue beating stocks going forward. Some are obvious, and some are a bit out there. But all have the potential to grow your nest egg in uncertain times.
Investment 1: Gold
Gold bugs can get a bad rap because a handful wacky of gold investors really are convinced the U.S. dollar will disappear as a solvent currency and that we’ll all go back to bartering sheep.But it’s hard to knock gold’s performance, either in the last year or the last 10 years. The yellow stuff is up about 25% in the previous 12 months — compared to less than 10% for the broader stock market. And gold prices were around a measly $300 an ounce a decade ago — a quarter of current valuations — whereas the stock market has actually seen a small loss during that time.
Don’t care for messing with heavy coins? Well even retail investors could have shared in much of this boom. The SPDR Gold Trust /quotes/comstock/13*!gld/quotes/nls/gld (GLD 126.45, +0.15, +0.12%) ETF launched in November 2004, and those first investors in this fund are sitting on a hefty 170% return if they haven’t sold yet. The Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/comstock/10w!i:dji/delayed (DJIA 10,842, +179.52, +1.68%) , by comparison, is off slightly in the same period. Read “5 Gold Mutual Funds to Play the Bullion Boom.”
Investment 2: A self-storage business
There is always a bull market somewhere — and if you haven’t heard of the self-storage boom, it may be because the smart money is beating you to it. A recent Wall Street Journal article quoted the chief executive of a California self storage company now getting calls from institutional investors such as the State of Michigan Retirement System and Goldman Sachs.
Why? Because if managed properly, a self storage business produces annual returns of 5% to 10% like clockwork. You buy a property, outfit it with locks and collect rent checks — a landlord but without the hassle of fixing sinks and window latches for tenants. To top it off, you may also find some tax advantages to owning your own business and writing off expenses.
There are risks, of course — the least of which include active management to avoid high vacancy rates and prevent losses due to property damage and theft. Also, a self storage business is incredibly illiquid and may be difficult to get out from under when you’re ready to retire.
But done right, all you have to do is deliver the keys and pick up the monthly checks. Not a bad gig, and business is booming as a poor real estate market keeps many families in smaller lodgings without room for all the furnishings from their foreclosed homes.
By Scott Meyers
Published 26th September 2010
Check this out from marketwatch:
In the fourth quarter of 2008, U.S. GDP contracted by 6.3% — the worst quarterly drop in over two decades — and by almost 6% again in the first quarter of 2009. Though we certainly have our troubles, there’s not nearly the gloom and doom out there that was persistent on Wall Street back then. The economy is still squeaking out a bit of growth, after all.
But does this mean it’s OK to sound the “all clear” for the stock market? Hardly. The fact is that while the economy is limping along, stocks are at best moving sideways with little appreciation. When you consider that a host of other investments are trouncing equities, it may make sense to sell off all your stocks and move your nest egg elsewhere rather than ride the roller coaster.
Here are seven investments beating stocks right now — and which may continue beating stocks going forward. Some are obvious, and some are a bit out there. But all have the potential to grow your nest egg in uncertain times.
Investment 1: Gold
Gold bugs can get a bad rap because a handful wacky of gold investors really are convinced the U.S. dollar will disappear as a solvent currency and that we’ll all go back to bartering sheep.But it’s hard to knock gold’s performance, either in the last year or the last 10 years. The yellow stuff is up about 25% in the previous 12 months — compared to less than 10% for the broader stock market. And gold prices were around a measly $300 an ounce a decade ago — a quarter of current valuations — whereas the stock market has actually seen a small loss during that time.
Don’t care for messing with heavy coins? Well even retail investors could have shared in much of this boom. The SPDR Gold Trust /quotes/comstock/13*!gld/quotes/nls/gld (GLD 126.45, +0.15, +0.12%) ETF launched in November 2004, and those first investors in this fund are sitting on a hefty 170% return if they haven’t sold yet. The Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/comstock/10w!i:dji/delayed (DJIA 10,842, +179.52, +1.68%) , by comparison, is off slightly in the same period. Read “5 Gold Mutual Funds to Play the Bullion Boom.”
Investment 2: A self-storage business
There is always a bull market somewhere — and if you haven’t heard of the self-storage boom, it may be because the smart money is beating you to it. A recent Wall Street Journal article quoted the chief executive of a California self storage company now getting calls from institutional investors such as the State of Michigan Retirement System and Goldman Sachs.
Why? Because if managed properly, a self storage business produces annual returns of 5% to 10% like clockwork. You buy a property, outfit it with locks and collect rent checks — a landlord but without the hassle of fixing sinks and window latches for tenants. To top it off, you may also find some tax advantages to owning your own business and writing off expenses.
There are risks, of course — the least of which include active management to avoid high vacancy rates and prevent losses due to property damage and theft. Also, a self storage business is incredibly illiquid and may be difficult to get out from under when you’re ready to retire.
But done right, all you have to do is deliver the keys and pick up the monthly checks. Not a bad gig, and business is booming as a poor real estate market keeps many families in smaller lodgings without room for all the furnishings from their foreclosed homes.
Boxes? Should you sell boxes? What do you think?
We are not on the fence whether you should start selling boxes and moving supplies. Here’s what we think:
1. Do you sell them? Yes
2. If you do is it worth the time and money? In a word, yes. Make sure you find a good supplier that will give you a wholesale rate on the supplies.
By Scott Meyers
Published 25th September 2010
Boxes? Should you sell boxes? What do you think?
We are not on the fence whether you should start selling boxes and moving supplies. Here’s what we think:
1. Do you sell them? Yes
2. If you do is it worth the time and money? In a word, yes. Make sure you find a good supplier that will give you a wholesale rate on the supplies.
AZSA’s Board of Directors would like to announce that Denise Nunez is stepping down from her position as Executive Director. Denise served on the Board for eight years and as Executive Director for almost two years. She has contributed greatly to the growth of our Association and to its position as one of the top state associations in the county. The Board is grateful for her guidance, expertise and dedication over these many years and is thrilled to have her ongoing support as she takes over the position of Regional Liaison Chair. The Board of Directors has appointed and welcomes Anne Mari DeCoster as the new Executive Director. Anne will work closely with Denise over the next few weeks to assure a smooth transition……..
Click below for the full story:
Sourced from: Mini-Storage Messenger
By Scott Meyers
Published 24th September 2010
AZSA’s Board of Directors would like to announce that Denise Nunez is stepping down from her position as Executive Director. Denise served on the Board for eight years and as Executive Director for almost two years. She has contributed greatly to the growth of our Association and to its position as one of the top state associations in the county. The Board is grateful for her guidance, expertise and dedication over these many years and is thrilled to have her ongoing support as she takes over the position of Regional Liaison Chair. The Board of Directors has appointed and welcomes Anne Mari DeCoster as the new Executive Director. Anne will work closely with Denise over the next few weeks to assure a smooth transition……..
Click below for the full story:
Sourced from: Mini-Storage Messenger
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices.
Blue Bell, PA (PRWEB) September 14, 2010
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices. These applications were demonstrated at the recently concluded Self Storage Association convention at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on September 1st and 2nd.
According to Mr. Jeff Anderson, CEO of Stor-All, “The iPhone® and iPad™ based applications developed by E-SoftSys makes it easier for district managers to analyze rental activity and conduct site audits, while on the move. Ability to access the CRM data on mobile devices enables prompt follow ups on prospect inquiries and past due tenants. What I like the most about E-SoftSys is their willingness to listen to customers and their ability to quickly transform customer suggestions into fully working products.”
Kat Shenoy, President and CEO of E-SoftSys, stated, “Development of applications for iPhone® and iPad™ platform is consistent with our product strategy of leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer solutions to self storage operators that increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service. We are very grateful to the valuable input provided by large operators such as Stor-All and ezStorage during the development of applications for the iPhone® and iPad™ platform.”
According to Sachin Bhakta, VP of Development at E-SoftSys, “We recognize the growing importance of mobile devices in running the day-to-day operations and our proven expertise in developing mobile applications for other industries made it easier for us to quickly develop similar applications for the self storage industry. The iPhone® and iPad™ applications developed by E-SoftSys for self storage operators enable store managers and district managers to access and update the operational data, no matter where they are. We plan to introduce even more advanced and exciting applications for mobile devices in the near future.”
E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, is the Technology Leader and Total Solutions Provider for the Self Storage industry, and offers products and services such as:
Self Storage Manager- comprehensive management software available with the choice of Windows-based Standard Edition or Web-based Enterprise Edition for single and multi-facility companies.
Add-on Modules- Gate Interface, Credit Card and ACH Processing, Kiosk Interface, Online Reservations and Payments, QlikView Interface, CRM Interface with Contact Management, E-Mail Campaign & Online Chat and PDA-based Site WalkThrough.
Website- design, development and search engine optimization services.
24×7 Customer Support, onsite training and implementation services.
Self Storage Manager has been implemented at numerous multi-site companies as well as individual sites in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. More information can be obtained by contacting E-SoftSys at 800-469-1740 x 1, or by visiting the company’s website www.selfstoragemanager.com or by e-mail to sales(at)selfstoragemanager(dot)com.
# # #
Sourced from: Mini-Storage Messenger
By Scott Meyers
Published 24th September 2010
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices.
Blue Bell, PA (PRWEB) September 14, 2010
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices. These applications were demonstrated at the recently concluded Self Storage Association convention at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on September 1st and 2nd.
According to Mr. Jeff Anderson, CEO of Stor-All, “The iPhone® and iPad™ based applications developed by E-SoftSys makes it easier for district managers to analyze rental activity and conduct site audits, while on the move. Ability to access the CRM data on mobile devices enables prompt follow ups on prospect inquiries and past due tenants. What I like the most about E-SoftSys is their willingness to listen to customers and their ability to quickly transform customer suggestions into fully working products.”
Kat Shenoy, President and CEO of E-SoftSys, stated, “Development of applications for iPhone® and iPad™ platform is consistent with our product strategy of leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer solutions to self storage operators that increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service. We are very grateful to the valuable input provided by large operators such as Stor-All and ezStorage during the development of applications for the iPhone® and iPad™ platform.”
According to Sachin Bhakta, VP of Development at E-SoftSys, “We recognize the growing importance of mobile devices in running the day-to-day operations and our proven expertise in developing mobile applications for other industries made it easier for us to quickly develop similar applications for the self storage industry. The iPhone® and iPad™ applications developed by E-SoftSys for self storage operators enable store managers and district managers to access and update the operational data, no matter where they are. We plan to introduce even more advanced and exciting applications for mobile devices in the near future.”
E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, is the Technology Leader and Total Solutions Provider for the Self Storage industry, and offers products and services such as:
Self Storage Manager- comprehensive management software available with the choice of Windows-based Standard Edition or Web-based Enterprise Edition for single and multi-facility companies.
Add-on Modules- Gate Interface, Credit Card and ACH Processing, Kiosk Interface, Online Reservations and Payments, QlikView Interface, CRM Interface with Contact Management, E-Mail Campaign & Online Chat and PDA-based Site WalkThrough.
Website- design, development and search engine optimization services.
24×7 Customer Support, onsite training and implementation services.
Self Storage Manager has been implemented at numerous multi-site companies as well as individual sites in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. More information can be obtained by contacting E-SoftSys at 800-469-1740 x 1, or by visiting the company’s website www.selfstoragemanager.com or by e-mail to sales(at)selfstoragemanager(dot)com.
# # #
Sourced from: Mini-Storage Messenger
Sometimes you have enough empty units that you start thinking about lowering your prices, doing a sale of some kind, or a coupon to bring in enough business to cover your empty space. I have found that when I feel like lowering prices, what I really want is better cash flow.
One of the solutions I have developed and seen over the years is the idea of a giveaway instead of dropping prices. It works like this: depending on the season, put together a nice big gift basket of interesting items, ie. beach stuff for summer, gardening tools for spring. Put that basket right on your checkout counter and then take a trip to your local craft store and buy some raffle tickets. When you get back to your office, make up a sign that says something like, “Pay 2 Months Rent, Get Two Entries to Win”, or maybe, “12 Month Advance Pay Customers Receive 24 Chances to Win!”
You can even use this to bump up your referral program, as a deterrent for late payments, whatever you need to make more money at your facility.
When it is time to pick the winning ticket, have a new customer pull the winning ticket for you. That way, they’ll feel like they ought to pay for that year in advance, too.
We’ve seen these in-house giveaways generate thousands of dollars per month revenue.
Everyone loves a good give away…
By Scott Meyers
Published 16th September 2010
Sometimes you have enough empty units that you start thinking about lowering your prices, doing a sale of some kind, or a coupon to bring in enough business to cover your empty space. I have found that when I feel like lowering prices, what I really want is better cash flow.
One of the solutions I have developed and seen over the years is the idea of a giveaway instead of dropping prices. It works like this: depending on the season, put together a nice big gift basket of interesting items, ie. beach stuff for summer, gardening tools for spring. Put that basket right on your checkout counter and then take a trip to your local craft store and buy some raffle tickets. When you get back to your office, make up a sign that says something like, “Pay 2 Months Rent, Get Two Entries to Win”, or maybe, “12 Month Advance Pay Customers Receive 24 Chances to Win!”
You can even use this to bump up your referral program, as a deterrent for late payments, whatever you need to make more money at your facility.
When it is time to pick the winning ticket, have a new customer pull the winning ticket for you. That way, they’ll feel like they ought to pay for that year in advance, too.
We’ve seen these in-house giveaways generate thousands of dollars per month revenue.
Everyone loves a good give away…
Sometimes the best way to promote your facilities is to reach out to the community and help someone in need. I have always said that giving to charity is a very cheap form of marketing, but a good idea, especially right now, is collecting cell phones for soldiers.
The idea is to turn old phones in to prepaid calling cards through companies like RuCellular. The soldiers can then use the cards to call home.
According to the Daily Democrat, a facility in California is doing this right now.
AAA Self Storage at 226 Dr Claassen Way in Woodland, is participating in the cell phone recycling program, Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Stop by the office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to drop off phones or call 666-6800.
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_15993040
Remember, doing business isn’t always about how you can serve the public with your storage facility, it can also be about how you can give back to the community at large. It doesn’t hurt if the idea also brings more people in to your facility.
By Scott Meyers
Published 14th September 2010
Sometimes the best way to promote your facilities is to reach out to the community and help someone in need. I have always said that giving to charity is a very cheap form of marketing, but a good idea, especially right now, is collecting cell phones for soldiers.
The idea is to turn old phones in to prepaid calling cards through companies like RuCellular. The soldiers can then use the cards to call home.
According to the Daily Democrat, a facility in California is doing this right now.
AAA Self Storage at 226 Dr Claassen Way in Woodland, is participating in the cell phone recycling program, Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Stop by the office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to drop off phones or call 666-6800.
http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_15993040
Remember, doing business isn’t always about how you can serve the public with your storage facility, it can also be about how you can give back to the community at large. It doesn’t hurt if the idea also brings more people in to your facility.
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices. These applications were demonstrated at the recently concluded Self Storage Association convention at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on September 1st and 2nd.
According to Mr. Jeff Anderson, CEO of Stor-All, “The iPhone® and iPad™ based applications developed by E-SoftSys makes it easier for district managers to analyze rental activity and conduct site audits, while on the move. Ability to access the CRM data on mobile devices enables prompt follow ups on prospect inquiries and past due tenants. What I like the most about E-SoftSys is their willingness to listen to customers and their ability to quickly transform customer suggestions into fully working products.”
Kat Shenoy, President and CEO of E-SoftSys, stated, “Development of applications for iPhone® and iPad™ platform is consistent with our product strategy of leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer solutions to self storage operators that increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service. We are very grateful to the valuable input provided by large operators such as Stor-All and ezStorage during the development of applications for the iPhone® and iPad™ platform.”
According to Sachin Bhakta, VP of Development at E-SoftSys, “We recognize the growing importance of mobile devices in running the day-to-day operations and our proven expertise in developing mobile applications for other industries made it easier for us to quickly develop similar applications for the self storage industry. The iPhone® and iPad™ applications developed by E-SoftSys for self storage operators enable store managers and district managers to access and update the operational data, no matter where they are. We plan to introduce even more advanced and exciting applications for mobile devices in the near future.”
E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, is the Technology Leader and Total Solutions Provider for the Self Storage industry, and offers products and services such as:
- Self Storage Manager- comprehensive management software available with the choice of Windows-based Standard Edition or Web-based Enterprise Edition for single and multi-facility companies.
- Add-on Modules- Gate Interface, Credit Card and ACH Processing, Kiosk Interface, Online Reservations and Payments, QlikView Interface, CRM Interface with Contact Management, E-Mail Campaign & Online Chat and PDA-based Site WalkThrough.
- Website- design, development and search engine optimization services.
- 24×7 Customer Support, onsite training and implementation services.
Self Storage Manager has been implemented at numerous multi-site companies as well as individual sites in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. More information can be obtained by contacting E-SoftSys at 800-469-1740 x 1, or by visiting the company’s website www.selfstoragemanager.com or by e-mail to sales(at)selfstoragemanager(dot)com.
By Scott Meyers
Published 14th September 2010
E-SoftSys, a total solutions provider for the self storage industry, today announced the release of a suite of applications that are designed to run on iPhone® and iPad™ and fully integrate with its management software – Self Storage Manager™. These applications allow the self storage owners and managers to access information, analyze data, audit sites, conduct site walkthrough and initiate action from mobile devices. These applications were demonstrated at the recently concluded Self Storage Association convention at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on September 1st and 2nd.
According to Mr. Jeff Anderson, CEO of Stor-All, “The iPhone® and iPad™ based applications developed by E-SoftSys makes it easier for district managers to analyze rental activity and conduct site audits, while on the move. Ability to access the CRM data on mobile devices enables prompt follow ups on prospect inquiries and past due tenants. What I like the most about E-SoftSys is their willingness to listen to customers and their ability to quickly transform customer suggestions into fully working products.”
Kat Shenoy, President and CEO of E-SoftSys, stated, “Development of applications for iPhone® and iPad™ platform is consistent with our product strategy of leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer solutions to self storage operators that increase revenue, reduce costs and improve customer service. We are very grateful to the valuable input provided by large operators such as Stor-All and ezStorage during the development of applications for the iPhone® and iPad™ platform.”
According to Sachin Bhakta, VP of Development at E-SoftSys, “We recognize the growing importance of mobile devices in running the day-to-day operations and our proven expertise in developing mobile applications for other industries made it easier for us to quickly develop similar applications for the self storage industry. The iPhone® and iPad™ applications developed by E-SoftSys for self storage operators enable store managers and district managers to access and update the operational data, no matter where they are. We plan to introduce even more advanced and exciting applications for mobile devices in the near future.”
E-SoftSys, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, is the Technology Leader and Total Solutions Provider for the Self Storage industry, and offers products and services such as:
- Self Storage Manager- comprehensive management software available with the choice of Windows-based Standard Edition or Web-based Enterprise Edition for single and multi-facility companies.
- Add-on Modules- Gate Interface, Credit Card and ACH Processing, Kiosk Interface, Online Reservations and Payments, QlikView Interface, CRM Interface with Contact Management, E-Mail Campaign & Online Chat and PDA-based Site WalkThrough.
- Website- design, development and search engine optimization services.
- 24×7 Customer Support, onsite training and implementation services.
Self Storage Manager has been implemented at numerous multi-site companies as well as individual sites in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. More information can be obtained by contacting E-SoftSys at 800-469-1740 x 1, or by visiting the company’s website www.selfstoragemanager.com or by e-mail to sales(at)selfstoragemanager(dot)com.
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