Monthly Archives: January 2012

Self Storage Aggregators Explained

Posted on by
1

Most of the folks in the self storage industry have seen or heard a number of articles – whether located in blogs, chat rooms, etc. – about the war on the aggregators right now, which is being led by one self storage operator in Texas. During this controversy, I’ve been sitting back in the sidelines, talking with quite a bit of others in the industry and hearing different views on the use of aggregators.

As a self storage owner, I’ve used the aggregators sites for advertising; I teach people multiple ways to generate traffic. So with an unbiased opinion, I’ll explain the controversy from both sides of the issue. Just click on the video below.


Continue reading →

Tips for Video Marketing

Posted on by
Reply

If you’ve ever wondered about video marketing, in this video Scott gives a quick glimpse on how to market your facility online, primarily through social media. A few tools of the trade don’t have to be progressive as you think. You don’t have to have a production company or a $1,000 camera. In fact, it’s pretty incredible what the iPhone 4s can do as far as video and uploading capabilities. Editing software such as iMovie or profiles on Feverr.com can also help with the production aspects. There are also plenty of cost-saving outlets once the finished product is ready as well, such as YouTube and a personal or company blog.

To find out more details and tips from Scott on video marketing, check out the video below.


Continue reading →

Storage Auctions: What Happens When They Bring in Extra Cash

Posted on by
1

The current trend of storage auctions is growing in popularity by the day. TV shows are devoted to following professional auction buyers, and people everywhere are on the lookout to find a good deal for themselves. But as the facility owners, there is more to the auctions than the public may realize. Just because storage units may sell for more money than their back-rent racked up, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s extra profit.

There are many rules involved with running these storage unit auctions, and many vary from state to state. For example, in the state of California, the profits – after rent bills are settled – are to be turned over to the original unit’s renter. If, after a year they cannot be contacted, the money should be given to the county in which they are located. But, according to an article found from Inside Self Storage, “the county has no mechanism in place for handling these types of funds.” So, you must go through the formality of sending them a check, but will later need to send the profits to the state. One tip for making the process easier, given by Jeff Greenberger, attorney, is to stamp the checks with a “void after 90 days label,” allowing the unit’s owner to wait the three months and mail the funds to the state. The money is then held until the owner can claim it.
Continue reading →

Alternate Forms of Revenue: Opening a UPS Store

Posted on by
1

As an entrepreneur, chances are you’re looking for every medium possible that can help bring in extra money. Whether it’s adding on a coffee shop, putting in a vending machine, or becoming a certified UPS store, there are always ways to capitalize on your building’s space. Think of the first person to cram a Wendy’s or McDonalds into a gas station. It may have seemed like an unlikely combination at first, but by cutting back on overhead (using a single building) and increasing convenience (the “convenience” store), owners can significantly increase their profits.

One such venture is to turn your facility into a UPS store. This is a combination, unlike gasoline and hamburgers, that goes hand in hand. For example, UPS stores sell packing supplies, boxes, labels, etc. When customers are bringing in items to store, they have easy access to the supplies they will need. And, on the other side, those who come in to pick up or mail a package learn about your storage facility. Plus, you’ll be earning money from the store’s sales, only a fraction of which goes toward royalty and franchise fees.
Continue reading →