Cecilia, our Marketing Executive at Storman Software, recently had the opportunity to go on a site visit to Storage Choice Albion, to learn more on self storage and to experience first hand how Storman Software assists in running a self storage facility on a day to day basis. Cecilia was there for 3 days learning and observing the daily processes involved in managing such a large facility.
From the diary of Cecilia:
I have been fortunate to be allowed in behind the scenes of the rather large “indoor” Storage Choice facility at Albion in Brisbane’s inner Northern suburbs. The Storage Choice team was very generous in sharing many years of self storage knowledge with me. Kevin and Darran run a very busy facility and provide varied services to customers, from the basics like helping clients move in and out, taking enquiries, to taking on deliveries for customers who cannot be there due to COVID restrictions. Their duty of care and service to the storers at the Storage Choice facility was fantastic.
All the units in the Albion facility have covered driveway access. This is very handy and helps to keep temperature at favourable levels inside the well presented facility, with a clean and welcoming environment for customers. I had a very comprehensive introduction to the inner workings of the self storage facility.
Day 1
The first day was spent learning the flow of the daily activity, as I have never worked at a self storage facility before, this was very interesting to experience. Darran showed me how data is captured into Storman and the various communication methods used between the facility and customers that allow them to arrange a variety of service activities, from quoting, moving in and out of the storage units, requesting payments and so much more!
It has been an eye opener to see how much care is taken to ensure that stored goods remain safe and in good condition for when the customer chooses to collect them.
Day 2
Kevin, the site manager, took me around the facility on the golf cart looking at all the types of units available to rent at the Storage Choice Albion facility.
We also did a stock take and looked at how to properly “merchandise” the box shop whilst counting floor stock and comparing these to the recorded stock levels within Storman, using the Inventory reports. I also spent some time learning how to conduct a move in with a customer and aiding in the agreement signature process.
I was surprised at the amount of notes added to a customer record within Storman. Taking notes in the system keeps different staff members up to date to where an account is at and what the customer requested or arranged. A very helpful and much used aspect of Storman!
The Storage Choice Albion manager, Kevin Smith and Darran (who was also a Stormanite years ago) showing me the ropes!
Day 3
My last day at Storage Choice started with a move-in for an interstate customer and the team helping the removalist (who arrived earlier than planned) to offload their cargo into a suitable unit for the customer.
I also spent some time to help formulate a marketing strategy for filling up empty units. That was a fun team discussion with many ideas surfacing and I was pleased to be able to add some marketing expertise to the discussion. We created an email banner for their communications with some help of my creative design skills.
Thank you very much Darran and Kevin for your hospitality and knowledge sharing, I am looking forward to visiting the Storage Choice Strathpine branch in a couple of weeks!
