I saw that a few months back garage sales were discussed...the owner of the facility I manage just spoke with somebody who owns facilities in FL (we are in MA) and had great things to say about having garage sales, they have been nothing but positive for this facility owner. Has anybody had them or have new thoughts on garage sales? My concerns were what has already been said: people selling all of their stuff and moving out, security issues, etc. But the owner feels that maybe people would buy stuff and then need their own storage unit? I'd love to hear what people's thought are on them. There is a legal webinar July 8th regarding garage sales that I will be sitting in on, but wondered what personal experience other facilities may have. Thanks!
wendyrose

Hi Wendyrose! I was going to suggest the July 8 webinar, and then I read that you're already dialed in on that -- so we'll "see you" there!

This topic makes me chuckle because I think back to a comment that was made during the open "Self-Storage Q&A" at the ISS Expo in Vegas in February. An attendee asked a question similar to yours, and a fellow manager stood up to volunteer feedback. Having misunderstood what the asker meant by "hosting a garage sale," he admitted in front of the room that he sometimes sells off delinquent units by conducting a garage sale rather than a lien sale. Several of us were stunned into silence! I'm sure we were all thinking the same thing: This guy is headed for a lawsuit!

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Teri Lanza
Business Development Manager/Ed Director
Inside Self-Storage

Thanks for the reply Teri! I was hoping someone would reply who had personal experience, but I do appreciate your input! That's too much, that someone said he was selling off delinquent units, some people are crazy ! That's not our intention...as you understood! Thanks again and while we are chatting...how was the ISS Expo in February? I've only been in this business for a short time (9 months) and have not yet been to an Expo, although I'd love to at some point, I think I could learn some valuable information. I'm finding this is a tough business to market, maybe I'm missing something!

Have not (and will not) done the Garage Sale thing, but I can comment on the Expo.

If you get a chance to go -- GO!!!!

I can't stress enough the information you will learn -- and everyone - managers, owner and ISS staff are so helpful. You will learn a lot!!

The big thing is don't be shy - if you see three or more people standing around talking walk up and listen, ask question and smile a lot. You will be surprised at how open people will be.

Not sure if the owners will let us go this year, but if they wont payfor it I will. We learned a lot last year and met a LOT of fantastic people!!!

Hope your owners don't read SST, or you just bought yourself a trip to Vegas from now on.

They don't, but even if they did they treat us so good I wouldn't mind (but they would never let me )

I suppose it's not really fair for me to answer this question, as the expo is an ISS event, so I'm more than a little biased. I can tell you that it is the industry's largest annual conference, and we do our very best to ensure attendees enjoy the greatest diversity and quality in educational content and networking opportunities. I learn new things at the show every year. Perhaps some others will chime in and give you their impressions from a manager/operator perspective. If you have specific questions about the expo, let me know!

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Teri Lanza
Business Development Manager/Ed Director
Inside Self-Storage