Self storage, access control ,billing and web site

[Shelsleyf2]

Hi I am looking at setting up a self storage facility. It would be shipping containers with a web site, access control via key pad gates, cctv and individual locks on containers. Ideally I want it all web based with billing online and pin numbers for access. Has anyone any experience of running such a facility or of the back office software. Is it feasible to have it set up so that there is no one on site?.

Comments, experiences and knowledgeable criticism welcome.

Many thanks

Shelsley F2

[Storer]

So no customer service or personal touch. You want your customers to pay you for doing nothing!

I hope you plan on being very cheap and know someone who can dispose of controlled waste and old tyres!

[AJXX1]

Storer said:

So no customer service or personal touch. You want your customers to pay you for doing nothing!

I hope you plan on being very cheap and know someone who can dispose of controlled waste and old tyres!

I actually think this is a fairly good idea - especially people needing cheap storage quickly. They're not paying to do nothing, they're paying to use storage space.

Just look at 24 hours gyms - most of them are PIN access with little to no employee interaction, they seem to do well.

[98elise]

fesuvious said:

You'll become a dumping ground. Very quickly.

And you'll end up with all manner of crap left behind.

You'll also become a useful meeting point for certain types.

And a very useful station for storing drugs, fertiliser, steroids, knocked off jetskis, and allsorts.

Yup. Rent container, Fill with asbestos, old tyres, or whatever hazardous materials you need to get rid of. Once full, stop paying the bill.

Owner of the contaoner now has a huge bill for safe clearance.

[AJXX1]

98elise said:

Yup. Rent container, Fill with asbestos, old tyres, or whatever hazardous materials you need to get rid of. Once full, stop paying the bill.

Owner of the contaoner now has a huge bill for safe clearance.

Yeah... if you've got a st business plan

Otherwise just take a deposit

[technodup]

I used to use a storage place for stock. They were forever complaining about customers disappearing and leaving them with a load of stuff which they weren't entitled to sell unless they jumped through a load of hoops. And that's legitimate stuff. I can imagine if unmanned then this would be considerably worse.

Never mind stuff though, it could become an unofficial hotel. How many people could sleep in a shipping container?

[Shelsleyf2]

Hi All, I have been to view established self storage set ups, and their web sites ..many promote 24 hour access. I have viewed two operations and spoken to their owners, both had no daily staff. The only comment I got was businesses are better tenants as they tend to stay longer, less churn. CCTV with ANPR is operated on some sites and access is by pre registered vehicles only. It was the technology and what is possible I was interested in. My business model is very similar to many many self storage facilities, one company has 46 sites that operate in this manner.

Thanks Shelsleyf2