The Storage Industry Blog

Everything you need to to manage your facilities smoothly in a changing world.

Why Every Self-Storage Facility Needs a Customer Portal


Introduction: The Digital Age of Business

Gone are the days when customers were content with paper contracts and in-person visits for routine transactions. Today, convenience reigns supreme, and businesses that fail to provide a seamless online experience risk falling behind. In the self-storage industry, having a modern website equipped with a customer portal isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Customers expect to handle everything digitally, from renting units to managing payments. A well-designed customer portal ensures that facility owners meet these expectations efficiently and securely.

Meeting Customers Where They Are

In today’s fast-paced world, people appreciate businesses that prioritize convenience. With eSignature leases, prospective tenants can secure a storage unit without ever setting foot in an office. Whether they’re relocating across town or managing business inventory on the go, digital leasing enables facility owners to serve their customers wherever they are. A streamlined online rental process means no missed opportunities due to timing or logistics.

Secure Payments: Peace of Mind for Everyone

Security in financial transactions is non-negotiable. A customer portal offers peace of mind by ensuring that only the customer and their bank handle payment information. Gone are the risks associated with manual payment collection and paper-based transactions. By integrating secure online payments into your website, you safeguard sensitive information while enhancing customer trust - an essential factor in business longevity.

Auto-Payments: Hassle-Free Revenue Collection

For facility owners, keeping track of payments can be a time-consuming task. A well-designed customer portal simplifies this process with auto-payments, allowing tenants to manage their payment settings independently. Once set up, payments are collected automatically, reducing late payments and administrative burdens. Instead of chasing invoices, owners can focus on growing their business while software handles financial transactions seamlessly.

Self-Service: Empowering Customers with Instant Answers

A customer portal isn’t just about payments - it’s also a powerful tool for answering customer questions without requiring staff intervention. Tenants no longer need to call or email for basic inquiries; instead, they can log in and get the information they need instantly. Common questions that a well-equipped portal can answer include:

  • How much do I owe? Real-time balance information allows customers to stay on top of their payments.

  • What units are available? Prospective renters can browse available units and make decisions without waiting for a call back.

  • Can you send me a receipt? Tenants can access past invoices and request receipts with ease.

  • Do you have another unit near me? A portal can display unit availability across multiple locations, making it easy for customers to find additional storage space.

  • Send me a copy of my lease. No need to sift through paperwork - customers can retrieve important documents anytime.

  • Help! I forgot my gate code. Instead of calling the office, tenants can retrieve their gate code securely through the portal.

By providing instant, round-the-clock access to key information, facility owners reduce their workload while improving customer satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Software: What Matters Most

Not all facility management software is created equal. Selecting the right solution requires careful consideration of key factors:

  • Functionality: The software should cater to both facility owners and customers, offering essential features like rental management, invoicing, and real-time account updates.

  • Support: A reliable support system ensures that any technical issues are resolved promptly, keeping operations running smoothly.

  • Modern Technology: Software should be up to date, leveraging the latest innovations for speed, security, and efficiency.

Investing in a well-rounded software package guarantees that facility operations are optimized while customers enjoy a seamless user experience.

Conclusion: Unit Trac, A Leader in Customer Portals

A modern website with a feature-rich customer portal is a game-changer for self-storage facility owners. Unit Trac, a premier solution in the industry, includes an advanced customer portal at no extra charge - empowering owners and tenants alike with intuitive management tools. From secure payments to automated leases, Unit Trac does it all, streamlining operations while keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront. With the right technology in place, facility owners can future-proof their business and thrive in the digital age.

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Give Unit Trac a try!

If you’re ready to grow your self-storage business and spend less time on paperwork, check out our demo. Then, sign up for a risk-free 30-day trial. Give us a call at (800) 204-1681 to learn more.