Inside Self-Storage Articles

Self-Storage in Japan: Opportunities Exist in a Country Thirsty for Space

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:26:57 PDT

The availability of information via the media and Internet is rapidly changing Japanese culture, with Americans having a large influence. Japan’s residents dream and long for space and privacy similar to what people in Australia, Canada and the United States and other countries enjoy. There is a large opportunity to ...(907 words)

Building and Marketing a Successful Self-Storage Website

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PDT

When it comes to creating a successful self-storage website, there is good news and bad. Let’s start with the good news: Websites and Internet marketing are a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing. They allow you to capture as many tenants as possible for the lowest possible cost per ...(1024 words)

Self-Storage Thoughts: Getting Beyond Survival in 2010

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:12:20 PDT

Is 2010 is the beginning of a new decade or the end of the last? Regardless of your perspective, a new year has started with new budgets, goals and objectives. Yet despite this beginning, there still seems to be a prevailing attitude of survival. From owners facing the refinancing hurdle ...(1015 words)

Self-Storage Blossoms in Panama City: A Brazilian Company Finds Success

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PDT

When I first visited Panama, I was ready to hike exotic tropical rainforests, visit historical sites and, of course, see the Panama Canal. I wasn’t expecting to find a U.S.-style capital city with modern architecture and first-class infrastructure. In fact, Panama largely resembles South Beach, Fla., with its shopping centers, ...(830 words)

'Cool' Paint Sytems: Saving Energy and Money in Self-Storage

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:13:11 PDT

Wall and roof panels coated with “cool” Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) paint systems, often referred to as Kynar or Hylar, are now available for self-storage buildings. These panels feature vivid, fade-resistant color, incredible durability, and environmentally friendly technology that was originally developed for stealth aircraft in the U.S. military. The energy-cost ...(810 words)

Five Challenges Faced by Today’s Self-Storage Owners and How to Maximize Your Asset

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

The famed artist, sculptor and engineer Michelangelo is credited with this quote: “The greater the danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.” If your self-storage business is experiencing a crunch ...(1849 words)

Self-Storage Operating Performance: Fort Wayne, Ind.

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Northeast Indiana is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, with rapidly expanding business sectors such as manufacturing, technology, education, healthcare, hospitality and service industries. Fort Wayne’s geography makes it a natural Midwest manufacturing and transportation hub. A number of world-renowned businesses call Northeast Indiana their home. A boom ...(210 words)

Self-Storage Operators BEWARE: Wrongful-Sale Scam!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:28:38 PDT

I recently had lunch with a friend who is an insurance adjuster, and his company handles a lot of self-storage claims. He told me about a new type of insurance scam that relates to self-storage lien sales. The scam looks like this: A person moves into a unit at a ...(1030 words)

Updating Your Self-Storage Marketing Program for Modern Times

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:08:24 PDT

Self-storage operators must rely on advertising and marketing to get their potential customers. In the past, the marketing strategy for the industry consisted of a sign, a listing in the Yellow Pages and a friendly (yet often lonely) manager behind the desk. This strategy worked fine for a long time. ...(1042 words)

A Self-Storage Manager's Secrets to Providing Top-Notch Service

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:22:28 PDT

We all know when we receive great customer service, but how often do we really note basic or nominal service? Have we unconsciously lowered our expectations? Think about your most recent purchasing experiences. Does any interaction stand out as stellar? On the flip side, have you extended any outstanding customer ...(1308 words)