By Drew Case
Storage Authority Franchise
There are multiple ways to begin your search for off market self storage. Let's face it, if the location is listed anywhere, including social media. it's not really "off-market" any longer. You really need to find that independently owned facility and find it at the right time. Usually, there us a change in life plans to catch that independent owner at the right time.
You can do all your "pre-search" with modern tools and apps to ensure sure you are headed in the right direction. However, the most primitive, time-tested and proven way to find out is a facility might be available for purchase is to visit the facility. You need to drive the community to determine if it is the right area and right location. Calling is easy, but visiting really provides the best results. The last thing you should do is go in and say "Is the owner around?" You will need to be creative on how you get that answer.
Chances are good you will hit a brick wall on your first attempt and maybe more, but you will learn how to do it better. The conversation with the manager needs to be the hook to more information. Often, owner information that can lead to a conversation is well protected and hard to attain. Find a way to compliment the facility, talk self-storage so they know you have genuine interest in the business. Try to learn if the owner is around at any specific time of day or month.
In my dealings, most managers like to talk to somebody that knows the business. Maybe offer a great tip on marketing, from the book "Crush Your Competition" by Storage Authority Franchise CEO Marc Goodin. If you hit that brick wall, don't give up. Follow up with a postcard to the owner and and call again. Be persistent in reaching the owner, but it doesn't hurt to befriend the manager during the process.
Happy hunting and hit the road to find your next off-market self-storage facility.
Storage Authority Franchising is all about owning your own local self-storage business, supported by professional systems and expertise. Reach out to Drew Case at Direct: 513-582-0125 or Drew@StorageAuthority.com to learn more about the Storage Authority Franchise opportunity. Also, check out more blogs at www.StorageAuthorityFranchise.com.
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