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The most important factor to influence the decision of a customer to do business with you is the storage rates you offer. Customers want security, they want easy accessibility, they want ramps and carts, and they want it cheap. That is how business works. You offer them more than what they expect at prices they find reasonable. That is the only way to stay ahead of competition.

However, you also have to protect your own interests in the business. Do not sell your self short. Here are some ways that you can draw in customers without spending too much.

Go Online

If you still do not have an official website, you are not fit for doing business in the 21st century. Create one. On your website, offer all the information customers would want – your company profile, contact, and even virtual forms they can fill with their specifications. By taking business online, you save on stationery costs. You also do away with the need for cross country phone calls, letters, and courier costs.

Install Software

Instead of hiring clerical staff, you can install software to help you keep an eye on transactions. There is software created specifically for the storing business. Not only is it easy-to-use software, but you can also cut costs and increase efficiency. Software will minimize chances of human error in billing, counting, and keeping track of shipments.

Use Basement Floors

Many storerooms do not offer basement floors for storing because of the perceived threat from floods, rodents, and thefts. However, that is just wasting a lot of space. You can offer basement floors at lower prices, with proper security. If you do not think customers would opt for it, use the space for storing your office supplies, packing materials, or even as an underground parking area.

Find Cheap Insurance

If you offer insurance to customers on their stored items, find a cheap insurance provider. If the insurance charges are too steep, the storing business has no option but to pass on the cost to customers. You can keep storage rates down by offering cheap insurance.

Automate Security

You cannot do without a manned security booth, but you do not need quite many guards if you install surveillance cameras strategically. You may even put good burglar alarms in key locations.

Price Right

In general, rates depend on location, size, and facilities offered. A 10-meter cubic space costs around USD100 – USD150 a month. Prices do not have to be increased proportionally as you increase the size. For example, a 20 meter cube space can command storeroom rates of USD180, rather than USD200 which are twice the price for a 10 meter cube unit. This kind of pricing not only encourages customers to opt for larger storing units, they also help you earn more in absolute terms and thus keep prices low. Similarly, you can offer competitive pricing for long-term storing, as opposed to a weeklong or month long contract.

Raise Money Through Other Means

You can sublet basement and other unused spaces to earn something extra. You can also raise funds through sale of packaging material such as tape, wrapping paper, and boxes. Storeroom auctions are a very profitable venture, allowing you to remove clutter while making a nice income from it. Therefore, you can keep storage rates under control.

While it seems counter intuitive to think low storage rates can help business grow, that is exactly how it works. This is because low rents translate into a bigger customer base and bigger profit margins. 

Ohio Storage : http://www.royaltyuniverse.com/Ohio_Self_Storage.html

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