More and more self-storage operators are making the move to fully automate their facilities. If you’re on the fence, read on to learn about important benefits for you and your renters.

Rodolfo Ramirez, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

November 22, 2022

2 Min Read
Fully Automated Self-Storage: Crucial Benefits for Operators and Renters

Are you interested in uncovering the advantages of running a fully automated self-storage facility? You aren’t alone. According to a survey conducted by my company, 58% of operators are actively exploring automation solutions, though many are unaware of how easy they are to embrace. Let’s look how you and your and renters can benefit.

You can provide better service. In today’s on-demand world, customers are accustomed to fast service. They want to find information quickly to make rapid purchase decisions. As a result, self-storage operators must pick up the pace.

Your renters expect to instantly receive answers to their questions and solutions to their problems. Automation puts all the information they need right at their fingertips. Artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of answering inquiries in a matter of seconds. Then, with just a few clicks, customers can make reservations and kickstart their self-storage journey without human delay.

A fully automated self-storage facility essentially rents itself. When an inbound prospect arrives on your website, they can ask questions about your services and swiftly receive insightful responses from a trained AI chatbot. After that tool has worked its conversion magic, the renter can book their unit online. Once they at your property, a cloud-based access-control system texts them a code to enter the gate and their unit. No matter the time of day, an automated facility successfully delivers the online experience customers have come to expect.

You can eliminate unnecessary expenses. With the right systems in place, you can deliver an improved customer experience and reduce costs. For example, many operators are beginning to recognize the opportunities presented by automation tools that act as a cost-effective alternative to hiring call-center services.

You can leverage variable-rate management. An automated sales flow allows you to generate more self-storage revenue, and there are now tools that’ll automatically adjust your rental rates based on a wide range of variables such as occupancy triggers. They can even display dynamic promotions to customers who are ready to reserve a unit. In short, deploying the right systems will help you cater to supply and demand.

Ultimately, automation is about enabling your self-storage operation to accomplish more. When implemented correctly, the technology can radically improve operational efficiency and streamline customer service. If your existing business model lacks scalability, leveraging the right tools will enable you to reduce staff requirements and edge closer to an unmanned facility.

Rodolfo Ramirez is cofounder and chief operating officer of swivl, which offers self-storage operators of all sizes an artificial-intelligence assistant that can answer common customer questions as well as identify and qualify new leads. The company helps users put 80% of repetitive tasks on autopilot. For more information, email [email protected].

About the Author(s)

Rodolfo Ramirez

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, swivl

Rodolfo Ramirez is cofounder and chief operating officer of swivl, which offers self-storage operators of all sizes an artificial-intelligence assistant that can answer common customer questions as well as identify and qualify new leads. The company helps users put 70% of repetitive tasks on autopilot. For more information, email [email protected].

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