We are a band new facility in Northern Ontario and looking for any advice for someone new getting in the business.

Hi Lakeside

Being an old Buffalo, NY boy I hope that the winter has not been too hard on you guys so far. I would suggest getting a subscription to Inside Self Storage magazine as well as a copy of their annual Fact book. It is really short notice, but the upcoming ISS Expo in Las Vegas in early Feb is going to be a great Conference. I think that you can also buy copies of a CD's of the various session after th show is over Also, take a look at the on-line resources available at the ISS website's Inside Self-Storage and www.selfstroageedcuation.com.

All my best,

MisterJim444

__________________
Learning Never Ends

Quick tips:

1. Know your competition. No need to ever bad mouth or degrade them, just know what they do to bring in their customers. Find out why poeple buy from them instead of you. Use that information to sway them back to you.

2. Market locally. This is a community-based industry. Meet with the community leaders and keep your company in their heads. When you advertise, stay consistent with the message and have it looking professional ALWAYS.

3. Maintain. The store must look its best AT ALL TIMES! The look, the smell, easy-to-reach merchandise, the employee uniforms...the whole package! You want (potential) customers to think of you in a positive, professional manner.

4. Courtesy Calls. Stay on top of your late paying customers! A "courtesy call" speaks volumes. This keeps tabs on your revenues AND, when done right, it gives the impression of excellent customer service.

5. Be flexible at times. There is an incredible amount of "life situations" that you will be faced to deal with, whether you like it or not. If you can maintain the balance between what is good for the company and what would be a good solution for your customer, you will do well.

Keep in touch! Let me know how you're doing.

One of the first things that comes to mind id to get in touch with the CSSA. there are regular meetings (one coming up in Toronto) and other member owners who are always willing to help. In our experience, the most successful operators are those who have stayed in touch with their competition locally, as well as maintaining an awareness of what is happening across the country.

As the only self storage broker in Canada, we've been involved in the self storage industry from coast to coast and can help put you in touch with someone who might have had similar experiences. we're always willing to chat and pass on a contact or two. We also put out a newsletter a few times a year focusing on the Canadian self storage operator. email me and I'd be happy to send you one.

Hopefully we'll get a chance to meet; good luck with your business!

Best,

Scott

A few random thoughts that might be helpful to you, Lakeside:

You storage contract can make or break you in terms of customer and legal issues. It's really important that it's written in conjunction with your province laws that govern self storage facilities. For example, if your law says something must be stated in at least 12 pitch font, then make sure it is. Also, experience is a great, if sometimes harsh, teacher. See if you can look at contracts from other facilities in your province who are not direct competitors and see what is in their contract. And have your attorney bless your final draft.

As tempting as it is to just do what you think is right, you have to think about what will keep you out of court. Cover your bases and keep good records. Document all customer issues and get most everything in writing. For example, in addition to a copy of the title, I make outdoor storage customers sign a document that gives the size of the vehicle, including the trailer if there is one, and the size of the space and stating that they will not try to store anything that extends beyond the end of the space. Think that's not a big deal? It will be if another tenant or a snowplow hits it. Then, you'll have two people ready to sue you.

Use the resources mentioned by other posters, especially the ISS archives. Sometimes you may feel like the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know, but that's ok. You'll learn a lot on your first year, And do try to attend an expo. They are huge sources of great info.

If you ever get down to Sarnia, cross over the Blue Water Bridge and drop by and see us. We're the closest storage facility to the bridge - practically on the on ramp! Best of luck to you!