Some self storage operators believe that investing in a kiosk will make operations more convenient for tenants and themselves.
However, there are some things that you may want to consider before jumping into the kiosk world. Although kiosks seem like a great option on the surface, websites can do just about everything a kiosk can (except dispense locks and cash), and they can do it with less hassle and less expense.
In this blog, we're examining the reasons why a kiosk might not be as great as you think.
Operating a self storage facility remotely requires some level of technology. While investing in a kiosk is an option, there are better solutions that you might want to look at. Self storage facilities can operate remotely by combining other technologies like websites, cloud-based access control, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
Consider the case of Mike Castleman, owner of four self storage facilities in Texas. Castleman removed the kiosk at his Flower Mound facility and now uses his website instead.
According to Castleman, “The kiosk is just more hardware. In my opinion, the modern-day version of the kiosk is the smartphone. It’s the ‘kiosk in a pocket’ idea.”
In Castleman’s view, “Kiosks are a fixed solution. They’re bolted to the ground. My business model is about interacting with the consumer where they are, not where you are. I think the future is the smartphone. It goes wherever the customer goes, and it’s wherever the customer needs it.”
Not convinced? Here are six reasons why you don’t need a kiosk to operate an unmanned facility to maximize your investment.
Cloud-based access control is the most significant advance in self storage access control. The system’s central component is a cloud-based gate controller, which gives tenants access to the facility with their assigned code. Most cloud-based gate controllers have built-in hard drives that store tenant codes in case of Internet connectivity problems.
Facility managers can use any Internet-connected device (such as a smartphone or tablet) to provide gate access to contractors, police, and service providers during non-business hours. Managers can also change codes on the fly or block access, which is ideal for clients who forgot their codes or haven’t paid their rent.
With this technology, you don't need a kiosk to dispense a key for tenants to access the facility. Code access is becoming increasingly common, and it's often easier for tenants and self storage operators.
Not only do you have to worry about finding the perfect spot to plant a kiosk, but you might have to worry about having the money to buy one, too! The average start-up costs for a kiosk land anywhere between $1,500-$20,000, which includes the materials, installation fees, software, and customizations. Now, this is clearly a huge range and the end cost will depend on the kind of kiosk you purchase and what features you want it to have.
For a self storage facility, you'll need a kiosk with more advanced features to allow tenants to rent a storage unit, pay for a storage unit, and then get access to a storage unit. Adding these features to a kiosk's software could be costly.
Plus, you will most likely have to consider payments for repairs as the kiosk could experience malfunctions due to usage or technical glitches. These repairs could not only cost you money, but they could cost you time as well. Unless you're a kiosk tech wizard, you'll most likely need to call in an expert and schedule an appointment. Until your kiosk is fixed, your customers will have limited options when it comes to renting a storage unit.
If you invest this much money into something, it should last you a while, right? Well, that's not always the case when it comes to kiosks. These machines are estimated to only last 5-10 years, even with regular maintenance and repairs.
If you want a kiosk to last longer, you may have to invest in more durable materials and regular maintenance checks. Taking these precautions to keep your kiosk standing can take up more time and money.
However, you could save on both by investing in an expertly designed website that provides the same features with less hassle. A website often requires less updating and will be easier to fix with a team of website experts. At StoragePug, we don't charge extra to update a website's content or to fix technical issues, and you don't have to wait for us to be on-site to help. We'll start working on your website as soon as we get the call!
Beyond getting into the storage facility, your tenant probably wants to get into their storage unit, too. This is where IoT comes in! IoT (Internet of Things) may sound like some new, complicated technological invention, but this is a technology that you might already use in your home.
IoT extends internet connectivity beyond standard devices (such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets) to a wide range of traditionally “dumb” or non-Internet-enabled physical devices. This can include technology that allows you to open your garage door, turn on a light, or adjust your thermostat using your mobile device, even when you aren't home.
Already popular in the home, IoT is being integrated into self storage facilities—allowing facility owners to adjust thermostats, control security cameras, open gates, etc. Two companies developing IoT solutions for self storage include PTI (PTI Core) and Open Tech Alliance (Insomniac CIA). These systems allow facility operations to be monitored and adjusted remotely.
Tenants can also use this technology with smart locks or smart units to access their storage units using their cell phones. Companies like Nokē ONE enable this kind of technology to allow easy access to storage units. This eliminates the need for a physical key and a lock-dispensing kiosk.
Although a kiosk can help tenants at your storage facility, they'll never be able to attract tenants to your storage facility.
Having a website isn't just about providing a smoother experience for customers and operators. A well-designed website will help put your storage facility on the map using SEO techniques to ensure that your facility shows up in online searches. With so many people using the internet to find local businesses, this is an essential part of increasing occupancy. If they can't find you online, they might not find you at all!
At StoragePug, we ensure that your website receives optimal online visibility by maximizing SEO potential and monitoring website rankings. A higher rank means more visibility, so people in your area will quickly find you online. Once a customer clicks, they'll find an easily navigable website with clear information and the ability to swiftly rent a storage unit online.
We use our websites as a modern marketing tool - something a kiosk could never do.
While self storage kiosks can be conveniently used after hours, customers still have to physically visit your facility to do so.
People are busy and they may not have the time or energy to go to a kiosk to rent a storage unit. Instead, most people would rather book a service online from their phone or computer, so they can rent anytime, anywhere. This provides the ultimate convenience for customers and storage operators.
With an expertly designed website, customers can find your facility online and rent a storage unit - all from the comfort of their own homes! They can see what storage units are available, select the one that best fits their needs, and start renting right away. This provides more flexibility for customers and less work for storage operators. As convenient as a kiosk may sound, it's not that convenient.
At the end of the day, there are several ways for you to run your storage facility remotely. Kiosks can offer unique benefits like the ability to dispense cash and storage unit locks to tenants, but those features don't outweigh the cost and maintenance that a kiosk requires. It's possible to run an unmanned facility with less nuisance by optimizing your website, using cloud access, or integrating IoT technology. You’ll be offering customers the same services while saving yourself money and probably a few headaches.
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