RV Storage Mystery Shops are Vital in this Industry

The folks at Toy Storage Nation are experts in the RV/Boat storage sector and are big proponents of RV storage mystery shops for the managers who run these amazing properties. Competition for new customers has become fierce in the last few years. It’s essential to ensure all staff members are at the top of their sales game! We chatted with Greg Ellsworth (President, Self-Storage Consulting Group, LLC) and Amy Bix (President, Toy Storage Nation)

Mystery Shopping Your RV Storage Facility is Vital

When it comes to boat and RV storage, it is crucial to approach it wisely from the very beginning. Many assume that due to the high demand, simply building the facilities would guarantee that customers would show up. However, the question remains: if you make it, will they come? The answer is no.

Conduct thorough feasibility studies to ensure your project is financially sound and you can achieve the necessary rental rates. Once the facility is established, you must be strategic about filling the spaces, as marketing boat and RV storage involves a different sales approach than traditional self-storage.

The focus should be on promoting the sense of community and convenience your storage facility offers rather than negotiating rates, which is common in traditional storage. This shift in perspective is vital for success in this market.

RV storage mystery shops assist managers in understanding the importance of building rapport and adjusting their sales presentations to highlight the incredible amenities and benefits of your RV and boat storage property.

Don’t Relegate Your RV & Boat Sales Calls to the Back Burner!

Toy Storage Nation is helping the public understand that RV storage is not a secondary type of storage but a revenue driver and a financeable project that stands on its own. Whether as a dedicated boat and RV storage facility or as an addition to traditional storage options, there are notable differences to consider. As we discussed earlier, having happy tenants is key; they view their RVs and boats not as depreciating liabilities but as appreciating assets. This excitement about parking their vehicles at the facility translates into enthusiasm for the adventures and memories they plan to create.

From the perspective of property management staff, we have found that individual tenants are happier and more engaged in conversations. They love discussing their RVs, boats, and past and future adventures. By engaging with tenants on this level and discussing the specifics of their models or travel experiences, property managers can build stronger relationships and a more vibrant community.

They have that higher level of expectation from the property and the managers.

Word of Mouth Marketing is Essential if you Offer Boat or RV Storage.

Building a genuine rapport with your RV or boat storage customers is crucial because it allows you to leverage relationships in ways that traditional storage options do not. When your property manager understands this, they can utilize their knowledge to attract a wide range of new rentals. This creates engagement and interest in enhancing the property. Instead of relying on just one property manager, you essentially have the support of 300 property managers, all dedicated to maintaining the property to a high standard.

If clients own multi-hundred-thousand-dollar rigs, boats, or similar items, money is generally not a concern for them. They are willing to travel a bit further for better service and tend to have higher expectations for the quality of service and attention they receive. Another significant advantage is that you won’t have to chase these clients for payment. They are typically more reliable when it comes to fulfilling their financial obligations.  They are more stable and have lower delinquencies, and you don’t have to deal with them leaving trash behind or causing headaches.

Your Managers Need to Sell Your RV Storage Property’s Value

The manager is crucial in ensuring these facilities maximize revenue based on how the units are laid out. Factors such as exposure to the elements, wind exposure, dust storms (like the haboobs we experience here in Arizona), and potential snow accumulation on the vehicles are all essential considerations. You should adjust your pricing based on these value-adds.

You can build a boat and RV storage facility next to a traditional one because you’re not competing directly with them. The conventional storage facility is an extension of your marketing program, as they cannot service RV and traditional tenants. Even if you construct an enclosed RV storage facility next to a canopy storage facility, there will still be a differentiation in the types of tenants that are attracted. Some will prefer enclosed storage, while others will opt for canopy storage.

Using these differentiations in offerings, we can create unique market scenarios that help us lease up faster, increase rental rates, and ultimately compete with ourselves.

Know Your Competition

I visited multiple competitor facilities, and while they may have had better options, my experience over the phone was disappointing. When I called, they said “hello,” which immediately turned me off. It made me feel like I would be an annoyance whenever I needed to check on my boat or tire cover. I often worry about whether my tire is flat or birds are sitting on my vehicle, leaving messes on my windshield and other areas. I know I will rarely get the proactive support I need from them. Therefore, I prefer to go where I feel heard and appreciated as a customer, especially since I am paying for their services.

Are Your Managers Selling Your RV Storage Amenities in Their Sales Presentation?

We can’t say enough about a well-designed space. If you design it to allow for easy access, simple pull-in and pull-out capabilities, and the necessary amenities, the experience is greatly enhanced. When guests finish their trip, they won’t have to drive from home to a separate place to dump their tanks; everything they need will be at the storage property.

Guests will appreciate this convenience and find it easier to justify any rate increases. They will realize, “Hey, I don’t have to drive an extra 20 minutes with my kids, who have been in the car with me all week and are feeling a bit cranky, not to mention the dog who needs to go to the bathroom soon!” Having the right facilities on-site can alleviate all these frustrations.

But what does this cost? In reality, it costs very little. Once the RV dump station is installed, there’s no need for constant staffing or maintenance. I can decide whether to charge for air and water services, but I don’t have to do anything to manage these additional sources of revenue.

This all ties back to thoughtful design. It enhances the guests’ RV experience and allows us to play a part in creating their priceless memories. Managers appreciate being part of these cherished family moments, bringing a sense of purpose to our actions. It’s not just about storage anymore; we’re now memory makers.

Raise the Level of your Sales Skills with RV Storage Mystery Shops and Make Your Property Stand Out!

It’s not just about the fantastic property; it’s about executing effective policies, procedures, and methods. Often, people understand what needs to be done, but things fall apart when there’s no follow-up. That’s where SkilCheck’s RV storage mystery shops. And Toy Storage Nation can complement what you’re already doing, so don’t hesitate to reach out.