by Rentcubo | Mar 30, 2023 | Infographic, Property Management, rental business plan, Self Storage Management Software, Storage business
A Self-storage business is an industry that rents a space to store something like boxes, decors, seasonal items, furniture, books, electronics, raw food items, and many more on a short-term basis. Generally, on a month-to-month basis.
When doing this business on a large scale, it is important for the business to re-imagine its business activities with the recent technology to grow more and reach extensive audiences. In that regard, there are many ways the self-storage business can integrate technology into their business. But the most important and unique 5 technologies are explained here.
Automated Marketing: Marketing Automation is essential when the business wants to grow out of its location and offer its service to global people. Through automated marketing, you can reach people out of your boundary with frequent e-mails, newsletters, offers, and targeted ads. It may cost you a little, but you will get assured and improved results
Self-storage management website: A website to help your customers with easy booking, and online payments. It will also help yourself in automating the invoice and billing process
GPS tracking: GPS tracking is indispensable technology to uplift your self-storage business as it gives the live tracking and status of space and the goods stored in it to the renters. So that they can be assured that their products are safe without visiting them directly
Climatic control: Integrating climate control in the renting space will keep the renters informed about the temperature and other conditions of their goods. So, they can maintain adequate temperatures to keep their goods safe and prevent them from spoiling
Strict Access control: A well-built security mechanism that strictly allows only the person with authenticity to access and make changes in the space.
These are the 5 technology that can help your self-storage business to grow out of bound and get high returns. Try to integrate it with your business and stay ahead of the learning curve.
by Rentcubo | Jan 24, 2023 | Blog, Equipment Rental Software, Property Management, Rental, Rental business ideas, rental business plan, Rental Management Software, Self Storage Management Software, Storage business, Technology
Equipment rental companies are often known as rental yards or rental centers. It lends out equipment and supplies to consumers in several industries, such as construction, landscaping, and event organizing.
These companies typically maintain a large inventory of equipment, ranging from small hand tools to heavy machinery, and a wide range of products are available for rental on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
One of the main advantages of renting equipment is that it allows customers to have access to a wide variety of tools and machinery without the need for a large capital investment.
It is particularly beneficial for small businesses and contractors who may not have the financial resources to purchase the equipment outright.
Additionally, renting equipment can also be a cost-effective solution for customers who only need a specific tool or piece of machinery for a short period.
Some industries that commonly use equipment rental services include construction, events, industrial, oil and gas, etc. While there are small, independent rental companies, large, global companies also exist.
Overall, equipment rental companies play a vital role in supporting a range of industries by providing access to the tools and equipment necessary to complete various projects and tasks.
Different types of equipment rental companies
Equipment rental companies come in all shapes and sizes, each catering to the specific needs of their customers. From small local operators to large national chains, these companies offer a wide range of equipment for rent, including tools, machinery, and heavy equipment.
Equipment rental company specializing in construction and industrial equipment.
These companies typically offer a wide selection of heavy machineries, such as bulldozers, backhoes, and cranes, as well as smaller tools like jackhammers, concrete saws, and generators. They are often used by construction companies, builders, and contractors for large-scale projects.
Equipment rental companies focus on party and event rentals.
These companies provide equipment for weddings, parties, and other special events as tents, tables, chairs, and lighting.
These types of rentals often serve customers, organizing a one-time event and not looking to purchase the equipment for their own. Rental companies specialized in providing high-end, specialty equipment.
Equipment rental companies that focus on outdoor recreational activities
It includes camping, fishing, and boating. These companies offer a wide range of equipment, such as camping gear, fishing rods, canoes and kayaks, and even RVs and boats.
Each of these different types of equipment rental companies offers a unique set of services and equipment to meet the needs of their customers, whether they are building a skyscraper or planning a backyard BBQ.
Marketing tips for equipment rental companies
Research the market.
Any business plan should be based on reliable facts. Concrete data will provide your company with a robust online base.
Market research is a necessary stage. To build a niche in the online world, whether you’re a startup or an established company, you must first examine the market and your rivals. Here are some suggestions.
- Determine your target market.
Find out how to approach the potential clients to whom you want to market.
- Investigate your competitors
Know your top competitors and what they’re doing properly and wrong.
You’ll have a better understanding of the equipment rental market and how you can fill it now that you know your customer and your competition.
Utilize social media
Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your equipment and services, as well as share industry news and tips.
Create a referral program
Reward existing customers for referring new business to your company.
Budgeting and accounting
Accounting is an essential component of any organization, whether it is huge or small. You will never be able to stay afloat without a robust financial structure.
Although it may appear time-consuming at first, it is critical to iron out the details of your financial operations, such as invoicing, bookkeeping, cash flow tracking, and payment tracking.
Make sure you have a separate bank account for your business and your personal finances. Consider other financial systems, such as waivers, rental agreements, and penalties, while you’re at it.
Create a company blog
Building a website is a vital thing you can do to help your business take off. Your website serves as your online storefront. Having this internet presence provides numerous benefits to your brand, including the following.
Accessibility
Renters will always have access to critical information with a website, such as the type of equipment they have available, pricing, store location, operating hours, and more.
Content
Posting high-quality material that provides value to your audience builds rapport, credibility, and consumer relationships.
Utilize email marketing
Create an email marketing campaign to notify customers of new equipment arrivals, and upcoming promotions, or simply reach out to them and ask for a business.
Provide excellent customer service
Respond promptly to customer inquiries and concerns, and go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction with your equipment and services.
Use SEO
Optimize your website to improve its visibility on search engines like Google, so that potential customers can easily find your business when searching for equipment rental companies.
Use Google Ads or other paid search options
Use paid search advertising to reach people searching for equipment rental companies in your area.
Wrap!
In conclusion, equipment rental companies can benefit greatly from effective marketing strategies.
These may include targeting specific industries or niches, emphasizing the convenience and cost-effectiveness of renting equipment, and utilizing digital marketing tools such as social media and search engine optimization.
It is important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments to stay ahead of the competition.
Overall, a comprehensive and well-executed marketing plan can help equipment rental companies increase visibility, attract new customers, and grow their business.
by Rentcubo | Sep 17, 2020 | Storage business
Self-storage is one of the trending things, which is growing
day-by-day. The growth of the self-storage trend is creating new and unique
opportunities for developers, operators, and investors. For example, the
marketplace of the U.S. is continuing to be strong, with almost 10% of the
population spending money on products.
When it comes to the operation and growth of self-storage all
over the world, there is a range of new trends coming into effect.
Interested to know about the self-storage trends? If yes,
then here it is.
Smart Security
Security is one of the most important factors as there is an
increase in the demand for self-storage units.
To stand out from the crowd, the operators must offer unique,
innovative, and stunning offerings. As of now, the technology has developed a
lot in terms of mobile phones, electronic locks, etc. All these have provided
the tenants with more enhanced access.
Smart devices allow remote access to monitoring activity and
making payments over the apps more convenient. There have been advancements in
features of smart security, which include authenticating access, allowing
entries, and unlocking doors from a smart-phone that has made security features
even more advantageous.
Though as of yet, some marketplace might not have enhanced
security features. You, as an operator, can provide enhanced security options;
and stand out from the crowd.
Kiosks
Kiosks are not a traditional mall but are interactive booths.
With this, the users can control the process of self-storage from the initial
stage to the end. This is one of the best options to plan their storage
requirements 24/7.
Self-storage kiosks consist of software, which has a direct
link with the software database is used by the property managers. With this,
the information as well as data can be transmitted without much effort.
Baby Boomers
The generation of baby boomers came into existence between
1946 and 1964. Thus, in the year 2020, the age of baby boomers will be
somewhere between 60 to 64 years (average).
Now, you may think, what’s the need for baby boomers, right?
If yes, then we must let you know that the requirement for storage will
increase in this powerful generation. This is because many people are moving on
to small apartments or condos and selling their family home. The population of
baby boomers is one-third of the US population. Some of them are closer to
their retirement, and they will continue to spend money on second homes and
luxuries.
Thus, there will be rapid growth in the industry because of baby
boomers.
Mobile Apps
In this current scenario, everything is possible with mobile
apps, ranging from banking to fitness, to ordering food. Thus, managing
self-storage apps is not a surprising element.
Self-storage apps make the storage process an easy job, and
as a result, it has received great value in the self-storage market. With these
apps, you can search facilities, check your items, manage your contacts, etc.
at the comfort of your home. Apart from this, these apps also help the users in
communicating with the staff of the storage unit directly. This will help you
to solve your doubts or queries without hassles.
Moreover, you can also create an access code to enter into
the app for additional security.
Remote Monitoring
This is an amazing tool, as you can monitor things without
leaving the comfort of your home. For example, a surveillance camera.
Visualizing things in real-time is amazing and essential.
As per the research, currently, more than 30 million
surveillance cameras are installed all over the country. Many people are using
these cameras to check who is standing outside their door, whether their
packages are delivered safely to their home, etc.
This is what the remote monitoring system also does with the
storage facilities. When it comes to storage units, the most common threats are
temperature damage and theft.
A remote monitoring tool can help you monitor the internal
temperature of your storage unit. Not only this but also will get alerts if any
issue. Thus, this is the best tool for all the storage facility owner to
enhance their storage facility services.
Automated Process
As of now, several things are becoming automated, which
includes storage facilities as well. Storage facilities are making their entire
process automated.
If you are a storage facility owner, then it would be good if
you automate the entire process. This will help you save a lot of your precious
money.
Artificial Intelligence
In every step of our life, artificial intelligence is making
its unique way. This applies to a storage facility as well.
In the field of storage facilities, AI has shown its presence
in the form of interactive robots. This has launched in Europe. The name of
this robot is Keylo, a Kiosk, which helps the clients with the rental process.
However, it different from the traditional kiosks.
Stern Competition
Competition has become stern between the storage facility
owners. They are struggling hard to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
As of now, more storage companies are coming up, and that too
with the newest technological trends. Thus, to succeed in your industry, you’ve
to come up with remarkable and stunning ideas.
Software
Software is playing a vital role in the growth of almost every business. Similarly, self-storage management software is an asset for storage facility owners. With this software, the owners can monitor the activities of customers, trends, sales, etc.
When it comes to software, the latest trend is a cloud-based
one. It helps the owners in knowing all the current aspects of the business.
This, in turn, makes the daily task an easy process, enhances customer
experience, etc.
Real Estate
In self-storage, real estate market trends have not shown any
signs of going down. These companies have maintained a balanced position even
during recessions.
Investors are looking forward to buying new builds as these
don’t require too much maintenance. They are also looking for the ones that are
equipped with the latest features and technologies.
Conclusion
Therefore, the self-storage industry is growing tremendously,
and technologically advanced features are being added from time to time. If you
would like to know more about self-storage and how to get started with a
self-storage rental business, please feel free to reach out to us.
by Rentcubo | Feb 28, 2020 | Airbnb Clone, Blog, Rental business ideas, rental business plan, Storage business
As the self-storage business is unique with tasks and reporting unlike other businesses, the management software for self-storage must be designed to meet a brand’s specific needs. After investing both time and money into the development of self-storage business owners are faced with the difficulty of managing manual tasks while running their business. But too often, they rush into choosing any management software without analyzing whether it fits their needs or not. Due to the unique nature of a self-storage model, it is important to determine which program best suits your requirements today and tomorrow.
What is a self-storage management software?
Self-storage management software is a solution that provides the ability to manage self-storage units on the basis of facility size, budget, and operational requirements to meet business goals. Whether you own a small self-storage business or a well-established one, self-storage management software helps you in managing your storage facilities in a quick, methodological and professional manner.
Simply put, self-storage management software is a system that enables storage space owners to manage their storage units remotely and have all the key pieces of information available and accessible at all times. You can easily access the data on available storage spaces, booking, payment processing, etc.
This helps you save your valuable effort and time, control your workflow, and help you focus on other aspects of business more intensively. Alternatively, there are white label self-storage management solutions that help you to create a full-fledged website to develop your self-storage platform.
Benefits of self-storage management software
The advancements in modern technology have brought in significant changes in the ways we do self-storage business. The use of self-storage management is one of them, which helps businesses to have better control, enjoy improved efficiency and high productivity, and eventually deliver better customer experiences. The benefits of this amazing software solution don’t end there. Here are some of the benefits of self-storage management software for your self-storage business.
Convenience
The most significant benefit of using self-storage software is the incredible convenience it offers. This holds true especially if you are using a cloud-based self-storage system. This facilitates your business to access the data from anywhere when you have Internet capability.
You could be traveling at work or stuck at home, and still have access to all your booking information and billing reports. The self-storage managing software also allows you to have a degree of control over the business operations to make sure everything is running smoothly. This expedites your response to issues and allows you to enjoy greater control to set things in order.
Self-storage unit management
The fundamental function of self-storage management software is to allow businesses to manage move-ins and move-outs of self-storage units, keep a database of user information, and allow you to review the payment status of customers. Good software also comes with a
A user-friendly dashboard that gives you a quick view of the availability of spaces, occupancy, revenue generated, and other key metrics relevant to your business success.
Website design
Some self-storage management solution comes with web design features are an ideal option if you have no web presence and want to set your own self-storage platform. This comes with several advantages like seamless integrations between your online booking, inventory control, and other management systems.
User-friendly system
Self-storage management software offers a simple and user-friendly system to manage your business effortlessly. With user-friendly software, your team need not spend a lot of time to familiarize with the software system. Higher-end solution providers offer better customer support which allows enjoying the constant support and guidance in case you need any help after installation. Most software is PC and Mac compatible, allowing you to access the software from literally any computer system you use.
Inventory control
One of the primary benefits of software for self-storage business is to keep track of which storage spaces at your facility are available for rentals in real-time. Some software systems also give you a visual picture of available and occupied storage units through a custom storage facility map.
Process and collect online payment
The ability to process and collect payments online is a game-changer for self-storage space businesses. In this digital age, customers prefer to enjoy the ability to book and pay for self-storage units online.
If a customer comes to your self-storage website through an online search, the ability for them to book and pay for a storage unit online will impress them which will benefit your business in turn. Otherwise, most probably, they will continue their search to book your competitor’s services that allow them to pay online.
Recurring billing
Unlike the standard account management software, self-storage management software allows business owners to apply recurring billing. At any point while using your services, your customers can get a detailed report on payment details which all customers will appreciate.
As billing is made in advance for self-storage businesses, regular accounting software cannot offer complete payment information. This is where self-software management software becomes significant.
Efficient customer relationship management
Self-storage management software offers an automated way to proactively communicate with your existing customers and prospects. The software would feature many built-in trigger events to activate a customer relationship management process that you can configure. It also handles lead management allowing to automatically follow up and send notifications to respective customers. Altogether, self-storage management software is not just a customer relationship management tool, but a go-to multi-purpose tool to run your business efficiently.
Security integrations
The success of self-storage businesses lies in the security integrations it provides as security systems being the most important aspect of any self-storage facility. With self-storage management software, you retain the ability to lock out non-paying customers and customers who are not adhering to the policies which help to keep your self-storage facility more safe and secure.
The software is industry-specific
From the surface, renting self-storage units appears to be simple. However, in reality, it’s not. It involves a complex set of business operations that needs careful execution. For the same reason, your self-storage software is industry-specific to deal with customers according to the specific industry. Each industry needs a specific self-storage management software system to compliment the business the best way.
Don’t have to worry about updates and backups
With a self-storage management software system, you need not worry about software updates and backups. You need not download or install anything. The management software will always be live and up-to-date. As the software can be updated so easily, any problem can be easily fixed, tested, and updated quickly. Finally, you never have to worry about backing up data and the software will do all these tasks on its own so that you can focus on other business activities.
Customer support
One of the most important factors while choosing any software is the customer support you receive. Self-storage management software programs that are web-based are more easily supported when compared to web-enabled software programs. The reason being, the solution providers can access the essential data along with the user, see exactly what they see and often fix the problems quickly. When picking a self-storage software system, make sure fee support is integrated into the package as well.
Things to consider when purchasing self-storage management software for your self-storage business
Choosing to invest in a self-storage management software system for your storage business is the most significant decision that drives your business growth. To make sure you are making the right decision, here are some of the key things to consider when buying self-storage management software.
Buy the software at the right time
When buying self-storage management software for their business, most brands make the mistake of being late with the software purchase. Many think that they can manage the business operations manually, only to realize later that it is hectic.
It is important to choose the software at least sometime before you officially enter the storage business. This is important as the software must be customized according to your unique business requirements. Having enough time to consider all the necessary features and customizations and then choose the best software is of key importance.
Choose a flexible self-storage management system
Your self-storage businesses will go through constant development which is impossible without making necessary customizations in the way you run your business. Hence, it is really significant to choose a flexible self-storage management system that adapts to your changes in policies to follow and support your business as it expands. Otherwise, you will really risk the smooth running of your business as your software fails to adapt to your business changes.
Get clarity about software terms
If you don’t understand the terms and conditions, you will have a tough time making an informed decision about which self-storage management software system is best for your business. For example, you need to understand PC-based software, web-based, and web-enabled software programs.
PC-based software is a web-enabled software system that can be installed directly on a computer system and doesn’t need to be connected to another computer. Whereas, web-based software is software on-demand system that requires an ongoing fee instead of a software license purchase. Web-enabled or PC-based software run in all Windows operating system environments.
Buy software that interface with other software systems you use
Most businesses select software systems without realizing it will not interface with other business systems. If you don’t choose a software system that doesn’t interface with other software systems, you use it. For example, payment integration systems, access control, electronic payment processing, etc. A mistake like this will prevent your self-storage software from following the growth and development of your business.
No flexible payment option
When you run a self-storage business, you must make sure you offer convenient payment options to your customers that will result in timely financial transactions and great customer relationships.
The software you choose must allow customers to make payments on your business website through electronic check processing or automatic credit card processing. The more options you offer to your customers; the fewer excuses your customers will have for missing a payment. This will also help in retaining your customers.
Choosing the wrong software solution
When you are investing your time and money into choosing the right self-storage management software, you need to ensure that you are making the right decision. Build a strong relationship with the solution providers, to pave your path to success. A good software system along with the relationship with knowledgeable, experienced, and helpful solution providers will ensure your long term business success.
Coming to an End!
The Self-storage software offers a number of benefits, but ultimately it’s up to the self-storage business owners to determine what’s appropriate for their business. Unique business requirements, budget, and a number of other factors play a significant role in your key decision. If you are choosing to invest in the self-storage management system, it is important to remain up-to-date about new technologies so you can operate your self-storage business and serve your customers in the best way possible.
by Rentcubo | Nov 26, 2019 | Storage business
Self-storage is a system by which individuals or businesses rent units to store their products remotely instead of buying a warehouse. The self-storage industry dates back to the 19th century when movers used to build warehouses for their clients. However, today it has grown beyond the scope with self-storage operators offering online reservations. Traditional self-storage solutions have given way to P2P self-storage marketplaces.
The core business idea is to develop a secure online marketplace for storage needs by connecting people who want to offer spare storage spaces to people who are in need of it. Building a self-storage marketplace is a lucrative idea to grow your business and take it to new heights. Before getting into how to start a storage business, let’s learn how a P2P self-storage system works and how it makes money.
What is a P2P self-storage marketplace?
The basics of a peer-peer self-storage marketplace are similar to popular rental marketplace services like Airbnb. People who have extra storage space register with the website or an app, and people who in need of shared space will go online to find one that suits their needs. Hosts can decide how much access they want to grant to renters and what they are willing to store. There are some obvious risks you have to handle when strangers store unknown goods in other people’s space. Therefore, it is important to put up a list of banned items like toxins, harmful chemicals, firearms, drugs, etc.
So, basically a P2P self-storage marketplace works as a great platform for hosts to earn a utilize their spare space in a productive way. Whereas, for renters, the platform comes handy when they want to book storage space and pay for it conveniently and securely online.
This style of self-storage solution is more affordable than traditional storage solutions and additionally, it is easy for users to access their things whenever they need it. The self-storage marketplace is a perfect platform for people who are in need of a little extra income with minimal efforts and investments.
How do online self-storage websites make money?
The listings on the online self-storage platform are free of cost, and renters just have to pay for the services they use. However, the platform takes a share of each transaction as a commission. Mainly there are two ways to make money.
• Commissions from storage space owners.
• Transaction fee from the renters.
You can set the percentage of the fee you will collect from users who register to your platform. Commissions can vary anywhere from 3% to 20% and transaction fees can be around 5% to 15% of the total transaction. You can also allow paid listings on the platform for a price where users can push their storage listing to the top for better chances of getting booked.
What are the key challenges to a self-storage system’s success?
To succeed in the competitive market when starting a storage business, it is important to understand your customer’s needs and offering services that match their expectations. The major challenges are:
Building trust
To urge hosts to list their storage space in your platform, trust plays a critical role. The same applies to renters as well. Assuring the quality of services and keeping your online platform secure to carry out financial transactions is a great way to build trust. To go a step further, you can introduce a guarantee plan offering insurance coverage for damages on the items while in storage.
To build trust and reduce the risk of loss or damage to people’s goods, you have to add features that create a social connection between users of the platform. For example, functionality to search for their friends or mutual friends on Facebook who has spare storage space is a great idea worth incorporating.
Customer retention
People nowadays have many options out there. If they revert to traditional storage solutions, your storage marketplace will lose its momentum. The key is to create a unique experience for both kinds of users so that they can trust each other to make the transactions. Instead of offering storage spaces, offer an experience to your users- A way to book storage spaces effortlessly.
Features of a customized self-storage system
If you are looking for answers on how to set up a self-storage business, it must start with setting up a website with top quality UI and UX to attract user attention and engage them the right way. The key is to give a distinctive feel to it and focus on the interactivity. When it comes to the features, you have to keep the best interest of both users into consideration. To have a better understanding, let’s streamline the overall process into different steps.
How it works for storage space owners
• Create listings
• Communication with renters
• Coordination with the renter to rent out storage space
• Get paid
How it works for renters
• Search for storage space in a particular location
• Contact the storage space owner
• Reserve space
• Confirm the booking
• Pay for the service
Now, let’s look into the basic features of a self-storage system that caters to both of its users.
Registration and signup
The registration or sign up functionality is the basic yet important one for any self-storage platform. Try making your sign up feature distinctive from traditional email and password signup by allowing social network authentication. Soon after registration, your users must be redirected to “Rent a space” or “host space” page.
Dashboard
This personal space for users displays personal information, space listings, booking, and other related information. While starting a self-storage business online, it is important to create a user-engaging dashboard where users can see all the available information. This where you must include search, messaging, listing, help chat button, and other important sections.
Search
Search is one of the most powerful features of any website. Therefore, ensure it incorporates a good interface that makes it easy to search a storage space at a specific location. Add relevant filters like time slots, geolocations, etc. so that users can find the right match easily.
Add listings
This is one of the key features of a P2P self-storage business that allows storage space owners to list out their space. Make sure this is a user-friendly process to enhance the usability of the service. Allow users to specify types of space, size, accessibility, address, price, and images while creating their listings. Adding information about unit size is critical and goes a long way to ensuring your customers reserve the right size before they show up with a truckload of their stuff.
Reservation system
Renters must be able to book storage spaces through a secure payment gateway. Hosts must be able to view new reservation requests, active reservations, and past reservations.
Messages
End-to-end communication is essential for the success of a peer-peer storage marketplace. It reduces the dependency of the platform in the overall flow of information between two users.
Help chat
Help chat is the most intriguing USP of a self-storage marketplace as it creates an opportunity to improve the trust of your users. Users can utilize this tool to ask any queries related to the platform or transactions.
Cost of starting a self-storage business Website
Peer-peer marketplace development is a complicated process and requires a lot of work. However, with advanced technology, it no longer takes months of work to launch your project. The cost breakup is an important part of this blog that give insights on how to start a self-storage facility business.
If your platform just intends to connect storage space owners and hosts, you don’t have to think about any other investment rather than building the website.
However, if you are planning to offer your own storage units, then you have to consider this as well- how much does it cost to build a storage facility along with the development cost of the website.
To understand how much does a self-storage website development takes- let’s look in 2 different ways of building the platform.
• Building the website from scratch
• Starting a storage unit business website with a ready-made script.
Building from scratch
The total cost involved in building a self-storage system greatly depends on your project requirements. However, other factors also influence the overall cost such as the number of developers, number of platforms, technical complexity, customization of design, and a lot more.
If you ask about how to set up a self-storage business online by building the website from scratch, it is the most expensive and time-consuming way. The whole development process must be divided into different modules and you have to look into each module separately. This includes both front and backend development and this takes a minimum of 3 months and can even go up to a couple of months more.
Building a self-storage marketplace can be divided into different stages like research, planning, UI/UX, actual development process, testing, and marketing. Based on the time required to complete the entire development process, you can estimate the final cost as the rates charged by developers is calculated on an hourly basis.
Let’s segregate the development process into different factors to know how much does it cost to build a storage unit rental marketplace.
Selecting the right platform
The total cost of developing an Airbnb for storage depends on the number and selection of a platform where you have to implement your service. For example, you can choose to offer a desktop version, android and IOS version, etc. and the cost for each platform varies.
The geographical location of developers
The cost also depends on the location of the developers you choose. Based on the location, the development fee and taxes applied can also vary considerably. On average, hiring a developer can cost you from $35 to 120/hour.
Design and technical complexity
The cost of starting a self-storage business greatly depends on the website design. Customized UI/UX comes with an extra price. However, it is not a great idea to compromise on the quality of your design, as it is critical when it comes to impressing users. Technical complexity also adds up to the cost.
Backend development
Being the backbone of the whole system that supports all the features and functions, back end development is one of the most critical and time-consuming processes. Moreover, it is one of the processes that account for a majority of the cost of starting a self-storage business.
On average, the entire development process can take around 1000- 3000 hours. After summing with an hourly rate the final cost can come around $35,000 to $360,000 depending on the hourly rate of developers you choose.
Starting a storage unit business website with a ready-made script
The self-storage marketplace is similar to Airbnb’s business model, which connects travelers with hosts who want to rent their living space instead of storage spaces. Creating your self-storage business website from scratch is not a feasible idea when there is already a quick and cheaper option on the market. Self-storage website clone script can do the job for you in an easy, fast, and more affordable way.
The script comes with all the features and functionalities to earn revenue from a self-storage business. You get a 100% source code that you can install on multiple domains and covers all the advanced features like filtered such, host-renter commination, secure payment, multi-currency support, server requirements, monetization features and a lot more. The price of a readymade script for a self-storage business system can cost you around $1000 and $2000 for mobile apps. Choosing a readymade script is a quite affordable solution for starting a storage unit business as it involves a one-time payment only.
We are living in an Internet-connected world. Even with the increasing number of online self-storage businesses, there is still huge potential in the market. As self-storage units are very expensive, there is a high demand for cheaper options. Peer-peer self-storage marketplaces offer more personalized, localized, and trustworthy storage options. Your goals must not be just to offer storage solutions but to provide the most convenient and secure options available in the market.
To thrive in the industry, you can also offer extra services like storage auctions to serve people outside your customer base and to earn additional revenue from the same. Hope this blog gave some significant insights on how to start a storage business marketplace. Now that you know the essentials of launching a storage business, you can get started right away.
A Self-storage business is an industry that rents a space to store something like boxes, decors, seasonal items, furniture, books, electronics, raw food items, and many more on a short-term basis. Generally, on a month-to-month basis. 
