Fri 28th Mar 2008 03:37PM
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.
The original article is located at: Technology Is A Gift That Keeps Giving