Rent More Units
At the end of the day, the goal in self-storage is to rent more units! Many operators think the only way to accomplish this is to compete on price, thus we’ve seen aggressive price wars and steeply decreasing rental rates in the current U.S. self-storage market.
However, we take a different approach from many of our competitors by selling based on value. One of our core competencies at Sunbird Storage, and something unique that we bring to the table, is creating a warm and welcoming entry point for tenants. This helps set the tone for what they can expect from us.
As a prospective tenant approaches the office, they’ll typically notice fresh flowers outside the main door, communicating that we care about first impressions. Once inside, they are warmly greeted by a team member who comes out from behind the desk, smiles, and shakes their hand while offering a fresh cup of hot coffee and snacks. There are tables and comfy chairs in the office so prospective tenants feel at home as they talk to the Sunbird team member. If kids are in tow, most facilities have coloring pages and crayons on hand so they can entertain themselves during the rental process or as the parent is picking out merchandise (we have an entire retail display with branded packing tape, boxes, locks, water bottles, reusable grocery bags, and more).
Entire office spaces are designed with appealing and contemporary furniture, lighting, and backdrops, paired with large nature-inspired photos encased in modern glass frames to show that we are open, friendly, and active! The floors are vacuumed or mopped throughout the day; bathrooms are kept bright, shiny, stocked with soap and lotion, and sprayed with fresh scents; and if a prospect opts for a facility tour, they’ll see that there is meticulous upkeep in the hallways, stairwell, and elevators too.
Greenery is known to reduce anxiety and stress, so some facilities also have living plants to take the “industrial edge” off. One tenant remarked that she walked in simply because the lobby was so inviting, peaceful, and calming.
Lastly, televisions in the office display security images, demonstrating that we are closely monitoring the facility to protect the treasures that are stored with us. We also put a monitor by the coffee station to display promotions, sponsorships, nonprofits that we support, and more.
We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, which is paying dividends, as we get many customers who come over from competitors, even though we charge more for rent. They feel safer with us and appreciate the cleanliness of the facility and courteousness of the staff.
It’s what we call “The Sunbird Difference,” and it’s something that can be implemented at other facilities to compete on quality over cost—and maybe put an end to the price wars.