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Storage Facilities Can Be Very Beneficial For Small Businesses
November 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Small businesses can definitely benefit because of self storage facilities. But saving money is not the only benefit. It is also rather convenient as well. It saves space because you can store all or most of your inventory, etc, at the storage facility which means more available space at your home or office. Overall self storage facilities provide a generally cost effective way to store your belongings.
Why you should choose storage
One of the principal reasons that small businesses rent storage space is to save money. If you rent an office of your own, you should realize that office rental costs about twice as much as storage space rental per square foot. It’s a far more cost effective option to lease a small office, and rent space for long term storage.
It is not only the small business owner who can benefit from storage facilities. Even if you are a business that needs to be on different sites, such as a builder, a storage facility can safely and cost effectively store your supplies and/or equipment away from the site.
Which types of business should use self-storage?
There are many types of businesses that benefit from self storage. Home based businesses that carry inventory or store records are one example. Those who are in direct sales with products that take up too much room to store at home, or who regularly make presentations at a nearby site, may benefit from a self storage unit. Home based businesses that must archive documents, like freelance paralegals and bookkeepers, can also save space and safely and securely store these documents offsite.
Contractors and landscapers can also benefit from self storage. A self storage until is a great place to store equipment if you don’t have room at home or the main office site. If you work out of a truck, a storage unit is a great place to store your equipment and meet potential clients in a secure location with parking available.
Where to Find Storage
Naturally, the storage facility you should look for should be in a convenient location. A great place to start looking is on the Internet. Chances are good that you will find storage facilities in or close to your area. Big business also sometimes provide info regarding storage on their websites. Besides determining where one is in relation to you, you will also be able to see if any of the facilities are offering special deals that you can take advantage of.
Getting the Best Deal
Storage facilities are always competing with each other and one of the ways to get customers is to offer them special deals and better prices. Before you choose a storage facility make sure that you negotiate with the representative in order to get the best deal. If you know of better deals elsewhere make sure that you let this be known. Also, request info on their special deals and offers, because chances are good that they won\’t volunteer it.
Whatever you do, do not neglect to search the Internet as more and more storage companies are targeting the online shopper. Also, find out if the storage company rewards you for referrals. If so, recommend them to friends and colleagues, etc, and you will earn a commission if they hire the company.
Using self storage makes not only good financial sense but practical sense as well. If you own a small business or a home-based one you will find that storage can make a world of difference. Once you have done your homework you will be able to choose the best, most affordable and beneficial storage facility available.
Author Kurt Novak is a full time real estate investor, entrepreneur and manager of a Hilliard storage facility. Learn more at the Columbus Storage Blog.
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