Evaluating Self Storage Software

How do you go about evaluating Self Storage software? Where do you start? Here is our guide to help you assess Self Storage software for your Self Storage facility.

1. How big do you plan to be?

What are your growth plans? Have you build a new facility with multiple stages that will be staged over a number of years based on growth? Or do you have plans to build more than one facility? Do you run a small facility that has no potential for growth? Working at your growth pattern is essential before you make any assessment of Self Storage software.

2. How many people do you think will need to use the software?

This might seem like a silly question but not all Self Storage software is the same. Web-based software gives operators almost unlimited choice in the number of users as opposed to traditional server based and PC-based software which may have additional user restrictions. And may cost a lot more to add additional users.

3. What do other operators use?

This is not always a great test of how good Self Storage management software is as every Self Storage operator operates differently and your needs may differ from the facility that you might be comparing yourself with. Their needs and growth may differ to yours which could mean that their recommendation does not suit your business. Other operators can provide insight into the service that is provided by a Self Storage software company and that is a significant criteria for any purchase. Be wary of specific advice that says use “XYZ storage because it’s the best”. It might be for them, they could be out of date!

4. What specific features are essential for me?

Just about all Self Storage software bills clients on a cyclical basis whether it be monthly weekly fortnightly etc. as we said before not all Self Storage operators operate in the same way and it’s important that the software that you choose allows you to plan your day as you would have it. Undertaking daily software tasks is something that every Self Storage facility that uses software has to do; understanding that you want to do this to your timetable rather than the software’s timetable is essential. As an example if the software requires you to process all of your letters and payments and charges prior to starting each day might mean that you have to conduct this process prior to opening as it is common for keen Storers to turn up at your store right on opening wanting to rent a space or purchase a merchandise. Nothing can be worse than having to wait for the software to run through its procedures prior to you being able to make a sale. Controlling the daily processing of these software tasks should be your decision.

5. Payment processors make a difference.

Modern day Self Storage sites take Internet payments and customers expect this. There is a cost for you to transact this business with a third party payment processor and your bank and these cost range anywhere from 1 to 4% depending on who you use and the deal that you have struck. An essential element of your choice must be to use a software package that gives and delivers choice of payment processor. Without choice you are locked in your particular payment processors terms and charges and more often than not the software provider is receiving a portion of those payments on an ongoing basis, increasing the cost of you to deliver Internet and credit card payment service. Choose a software vendor that delivers choice for payment processors which means that you can shop around for the best deal for credit card transactions. This can add up to many thousands of dollars per year and should form a major part of your decision-making process about which software you pick for your facility because these ongoing charges over the life of your facility are significant.

6. How do I manage more than one facility?

If you’re growth plans include adding an additional facility, it will soon become evident that you need an overriding software package to help you manage both sites. Pick a Self Storage management software package that can provide an external “Home Office” or corporate control package. If you decide to use a corporate control package, check to see if the package can deal with promotions, security and rate control across all of your facilities. Not all corporate packages can do this.

7. Should I pick a web-based software or client base software?

When Self Storage software was first created in the late 80s the only choice was to install a software package onto the computer and use it. With the creation of the Internet and cloud-based computing opportunities were created for being able to deal with some of the stumbling blocks of PC-based software which included multiple users and expansion and most importantly backup. With cloud-based software backup is not an issue as the

8. What support will I get?

Traditional client server software is installed on a PC and typically software vendor’s offer a support contract for that software. If you let that lapse then it’s up to you so if you need help you will need to call the vendor and they will charge you for that help. Web-based software which is on a monthly subscription basis includes help. Another key factor is that you’re always on the latest version which means that you have always the best software available at any given time to run your business. This is a tried and tested model that delivers the best outcome for Self Storage operators as the industry changes so quickly. It would be naive to suggest that there is a perfect software company in the Self Storage industry: finding a software company that can deliver you a solid product, with well supported offerings and providing suite of products with third-party vendor’s that complete the Self Storage management picture in our view is the only way to manage a Self Storage facility.

9. Is the vendor a specialist?

Not all Self Storage software providers are specialists. Some work in other property vertical markets which have different operational metrics to Self Storage. Some are owned by financial institutions that see the industry on a transactional basis and want to participate in each transaction by way of fees. Dealing with a Self Storage specialist confirms their interest in your business as they live and die by your business and not other business.

10. Price

Yes, we left price to last as it’s the least most important factor. If price is to be the key factor in your decision making then you will compromise the ability of your site to make the best money it can. Like all things you get what you pay for and Self Storage is a competitive business. You will have competitors and for you to make money you need good tools in your tool kit. Choose wisely as it’s easy to pay less and lose more than you save.