FAQs

Why do I need professional management?
There are many reasons such as increased cash flow even after fees, minimizing exposure to liability issues and other legal problems as well as a very important one - the freeing up of an owner's time to pursue other interests.

What is meant by the term "conversion rate"?
The conversion rate is the ratio of rental contracts written as a percent of rental inquiries. For example, if during the month you receive 60 rental inquiries and write 39 contracts, you have a 65% conversion rate.

What do you do with this conversion rate number?
We calculate the conversion rate for all sizes in all facilities every Monday morning. If a particular unit has a low
conversion rate, the problem is either the pitch or the price or a combination of both. Generally the problem is the
price so we discount that unit size to increase the conversion rate. Our conversion rate goal is 65%.

How do you know your managers are handling rental inquiries properly?
The conversion rate generally tells us when a manager has lost her edge. We also use role-playing quite extensively
as well as mystery shops.

What would you say are the most important factors in managing a self storage facility?
There are many factors but I would say that most important ones are competent well trained on-site staff, really good
customer service and consistently competitive rental rates adjusted for current unit inventory.

What about security?
Obviously an owner needs to do everything he or she can to protect the customers' goods. There are a lot of fancy
electronic systems on the market that are very expensive and not infallible. In my opinion surveillance (by camera
and managers patrolling the storage area) during the day along with entry code access and motion detectors at
night provide the most cost effective security.

What is your "territory"?
Unless there are special circumstances, we like to have the facilities we manage be no more than three hours from Marin County.