Web Based Management Software – New Profit Opportunities
In the face of a new economy and changing demographics, Self Storage operators continue to modernise their systems to improve profit. New technologies like SiteLink have made Web-based management software mainstream.
We all know that facility owners don’t just replace standalone Windows programs with Web-based ones for the sake of technology. Well-designed Web software such as SiteLink costs less to own and will grow revenue. Web systems exchange critical information such as pricing, unit availability and payments with other platforms including self-storage directory websites, kiosks and call centres in real time. Newer, more powerful databases collect and analyse additional marketing data that can result in better advertising. Enhanced reporting, showing when to offer discounts—and when to skip them—to greatly impact revenue.
Web-based software systems like SiteLink can also offer a two-way flow of information to a facility’s website, listing services and call centre to capture every lead and calculate closing ratios. Payments, reservations and even move-ins on a facility’s website are all the rage, and not just with younger clients. Shifting demographics show consumers often bypass phone directories to research and buy products online. One leading operator has over 90% of their business originate online.
Self Storage owners who seek to replace their Windows-based software program should realise not all Web-based management systems work the same way; they differ in design and capabilities. While Web systems allow access any time and anywhere, smart design can lower the cost of ownership significantly because owners spend less on hardware and maintenance.
For example, a program hosted in a data centre eliminates the owner’s cost on servers, networking, backups and program updates. The program’s architecture will determine speed, reliability and up-time. It pays to shop and compare because Web systems vary in look, feel and function.If you are looking to update your current windows based software program, or are in the market I highly suggest taking a look at SiteLink Software to get your FREE DEMO.
If user-friendly design and rock-solid architecture are the foundation of a Web-based program, integration with other services may be its greatest possibility. To connect and exchange data with other vendors such as insurance companies and call centres, programs often use APIs, or application programming interfaces. APIs allow other platforms to share the data entered into the management program.
Let’s look at the most important features of Web-based software that helps self-storage operators come out ahead.
Tenant-Account Management
Newer, more powerful programming tools and databases of Web-based management systems can be connected to a facility website, allowing tenants to create accounts, and view their balances and payment history. Customers can pay rent online or opt for recurring billing by credit card. Online management allows a facility to accept payments around the clock, and eliminates tenant trips to the office just to pay. Today, most customers expect to manage their account and even reserve units online. Many want to move in online.
Reservations and rentals also increase when tenants see pricing, availability and specials on a facility’s website. Web-based systems share data in real time, reflecting every change at the facility and eliminating the need for manually posting or uploading of pricing and availability. Many operators have found rentals increase as tenants see the value of online account management and renting. Owners should expect a free e-commerce module with their Web-based management software.
Lowering Credit Card Fees
Automatic credit card billing at the facility level and on the facility’s website has long been a staple to collecting self-storage rent. To lower credit card fees, more owners offer their tenants bank direct debits as an alternative to automatically processing credit cards. Monthly savings in credit card fees add up quickly.
The newer technology underlying Web-based management programs lets software vendors offer, not just credit card billing on websites and at physical sites, but direct integration with processors, which can lower processing fees. Most important, the reliable integration to a growing number of processors gives owners more choice. When consumers have choices, they can shop and pick the vendor offering the best rate and service. ADVAM offer some of the lowest pricing in the Australian market and Clickatell offer SMS rates that significantly better than competitors.
If you are looking to upgrade or are in the market for an award winning and trusted software, then get contact our friendly team at SiteLink and we would be more than happy to arrange a free demo for you, and answer any questions you may have.
Book an online demo today and see for yourself how SiteLink makes it easy to manage your self storage facility to the highest standards. Simply fill in the form below to get started.
"The team at R6 / SiteLink support are second to none when it comes to their understanding of the self storage industry. They provide a great product with a support team that can guide you through all the complexities of the day to day running of your sites. SiteLink software will enhance both the facility owners and their storers experience when it comes to selling space and driving revenue!"
"this noon, Ben who is the specialist working at Sitelink has fixed my sitelink sign on problem by teamviewer. i m very grateful to have his help this time to let me resume my daily work."
"I have been dealing with Site Link for several years and am thrilled with their customer service and how approachable they are and easy to contact. They have a quality product which is hard to match. The Site Link team headed by Dallas, Curt and Michael are true professionals. They have my tick of approval. How is it that they continue to improve upon what is a great service and product already? Don't know but they do."
"We recently changed our franchise network onto SiteLink after years of average customer service and questionable software performance. At all times we have found Michael, Curt and the rest of the SiteLink team to be incredibly helpful. We have relied heavily upon the support staff to train us in what is a very fast paced working environment. There has never been a phone call unanswered or a question too stupid. Highly recommended!"
"Thank you Sitelink & your support team for shining the light for us towards a more streamlined, efficient management system. I know help is only ever a phone call or email away & things get sorted very quickly. You are a great team with a wonderful positive attitude & you deserve to feel proud of your excellent customer service."
