Hi, I'm new to this game. The facility I'm managing was finished last September so it's also new to the area. I have never ran a storage facility before and we are empty. Is there anything I can do to get people in here? I have sent out brochures, advertised in the paper and on the radio. We have 2 sizes for storage and also 4 office warehouse combos.

...presented by a brand-new facility with a zero occupancy rate!

Beside the traditional promotions and marketing starters I would begin making short visits to nearby businesses for informal introductions- you need not give them a hard-sell on your new facility, just a brief "glad-to-meet-you" and a short summary of your business. You'd be amazed at the number of your peers in the local business community who will be "cheerleaders" for your business and support efforts toward it's success!

Back at the leasing office, try this simple trick to learn about your demographic: When all is quiet and with pen and pad in hand, stand at the front of your facility and observe the types of vehicles traveling back and forth along your frontage... make notes about the specific businesses they represent, and brainstorm how these concerns might utilize the service you have to offer. Target an introductory letter with brochure and business card to these folks, and include a follow-up call shortly thereafter. Small businesses are a good source of consistent income for any facility...

Shoot me an e-mail (see my profile) and I can offer you some other information which may be helpful to net both residential and commercial customers for your facility.

Regards,

John Roser;

Thanks for joining our forum. I hope you get an opportunity to attend one of our expos. They are chalked with information from the best marketing minds in the self storage industry. I am going to send you some back issues of our magazine with the intent to help you with new ideas. Stay on board with the forum! This is one of the better sources for information.

One more thing! Stay tuned for our (Quality Storage Manager) certification program to unveil. Led by the top leaders in the self storage industry. We should be at full speed with this program this fall. It will be agreat training program for you. And the best thing of all. You can take all the courses offered on-line at your convenience.

Thank you for the suggestions so far, I would love to get people in here. Our rates are slightly higher than the compitions, I would love more ideas!