As with any New Year, businesses are reenergized and looking for more ways to add to their bottom-line or do better than the previous year. For self-storage operators that can come in the form of diversifying their offering beyond just self-storage rentals. For many, retail products, mobile/portable storage, or truck rentals can be a source that gets your business over the hump this New Year. The best way to find out what works is to listen to your peers that are already doing it. Below is my real life story of what’s worked for one self-storage operator this past year (condensed version of course);
Last week I rented a U-Haul truck from an independently owned self-storage location. The nice young lady at the facility and gentleman (owner) didn’t know anything about me other than I was a customer renting a 26’ truck. This location has been renting U-Haul trucks for just over a year. I asked the owner how business was. His response, things are much better this year. He said since becoming a U-Haul dealer he’s noticed the turn around in his self-storage business. My response, wow, the commissions you’re getting from the rentals must be really good. His response, “the commissions are nice but it’s the awareness that these trucks bring to my storage business is what’s great. As soon as I parked a truck in front of my business I had people come in and say they’ve lived in this area for years and never knew I was here until I saw the truck.” The commissions are nice, but the awareness I get from these truck rentals is great.
A quick back story, I’ve lived in this general area for just over six years now and hadn’t stepped foot into this business until I rented the truck. Even if I only rented a truck from this location this one time, I now know who I will be renting storage from in the future.
This is one of many of stories that are out there. No, renting trucks is not always going to be roses, and yes it will take some investment from you as far as time and payroll hours, but for the owner on the outskirts of Phoenix , AZ it reenergized his business and has added tremendous value beyond the commissions he receives from each truck rental. A great way to start this New Year is to listen to your peers, see what’s worked for them and attempt to replicate this success in your own business. Truck rentals might just be the boost your business is looking for.
Good Renting...and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you and yours!
Sam