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  • 1.  Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 09-16-2024 03:56 PM

    Not only is this my first day on TXSSA, but I'm also a brand-new first-time owner of a small 25-unit storage facility. Despite the small size of my 9,000 square feet, non-climate-controlled facility, I need to be as hands off as possible for now due to my daytime career. The business is already running with every unit leased. However, payments are coming via a dozen different methods, and some have to be chased down. I am very interested in management software that can be my one stop shop for everything. I see messages on this site talking about the pain felt with every switch from software to software, but I don't really know which software is best for me. Can I get some recommendations for a user-friendly management software for a fist time owner of a small storage facility? I want to learn from other's mistakes and start off with the best decisions the first time. Thank you in advance!



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    Matthew Miller
    Owner
    Stellar Storage, LLC
    Richardson TX
    (469) 822-3777
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  • 2.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 09-17-2024 08:48 AM

    Easy Storage Solutions is a great program for smaller facilities. And it's scalable if you choose to expand or buy more units.



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    Daniel Brown
    Owner
    River Hills Storage
    Austin TX
    (512) 347-8336
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 09-18-2024 12:15 PM
    Hello,

    We have a open boat/rv yard with about 120 spaces.  I like the Easy Storage platform as it accepts credit cards and e-checks (ACH) and offers gate access integration.   We spend about $200/month plus cc fees of about 2.3% which covers the website hosting but not email.  E-checks are $.50 each but take a week to clear.   The mobile version is fully capable and I often sign up customers through my iphone, thus never meeting them face to face.

    Best Regards,

    Jimmy Krantz
    Krantz Boat & RV Storage
    Tel (512) 278-9998
    email: info@KrantzBoatRVStorage.com
    www.KrantzBoatRVStorage.com
    14807 Hwy. 290 E
    Manor, TX 78653



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 12 days ago

    Hi Jimmy

    I"m Eric and a software partner of the TSSA , we offer  zero Software fee compared to other self storage software estimated at$100 to 200 X 12 =2,400 year just on Software for other Storage software companies.  The cost is zero with CCStorage for software, and we have a very robust Check/ACH built into the software.  We offer Dual pricing so there is zero cost for Credit card payments.  If  you need web hosting it's $50 month. .

    CCStorage provides seamless, fully integrated online rentals, automated SEO, and AI-powered local visibility, all for a low monthly fee ($50/mo). It eliminates the need for third-party hosting, offering secure, fast-loading, and maintenance-free sites optimized for storage owners seeking to maximize bookings and simplify management.

    120/150 units save $4-$6k a year savings.  Let me know if you would like to see a software overview.? 

    We  have several testimonies from 100 to 1000 unit Storage facilities who made the switch/transition. We currently work with over 2000+ storage facilities across the nation and that number keeps climbing every month. 

    Also you will find over 100 CCStorage podcasts outlining different topics on Storage facilities.

    www.ccstorage.com/self-storage-insight-podcast

    Eric Sandie

    512.419.8668

    CCStorage



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    Eric Sandie
    CCStorage
    Austin TX
    (512) 419-8668
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 09-17-2024 09:56 AM

    there will be plenty of software vendors at the TSSA show in October.  Talk to all of them. 



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    Doug Hunt
    Owner
    Owners Management Company, Inc.
    Lancaster TX
    (214) 742-9499
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 9 days ago

    Matthew, 

    If you're able to, I would urge you to attend the TSSA Dallas Luncheon tomorrow at Maggiano's at Northpark Center. There's a round table on choosing the right Management software. It would be a great way to connect with local vendors and other owner/operators in the DFW area.

    Here is the link to the TSSA Luncheon

    Best,

    AJ Crowley



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    AJ Crowley
    Director of Operations
    Nexpoint Storage Partners
    Dallas TX
    (901) 612-1538
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 8 days ago

    Mathew, congratulations on your new business.  If you want it to thrive, you may find it somewhat of a struggle to be hands off.  That being said, I would recommend that you investigate U-Hual's web self storage (WSS) property management system. It is probably the most inexpensive system out there and offers all of the bells and whistles for an operation your size.   It looks like you already have a website up and running which is good.  WSS can be set up to interface with your website to take payments online.  If you contract with the Uhaul call center, they can also take payments over the phone as well.  Their call center rates are reasonable.  Also, you might want to consider pushing as many people to autopay as possible.  Some of our facilities have upwards to 80%+ of customers on autopay.  Makes collections a lot easier.  Feel free to reach out if needed. 



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    Rindge
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 8 days ago

    I'm gonna make this easy. I certainly agree with the recommendation to attend the luncheon as just a really good way to cultivate your knowledge, meet others in the business and be informed by topics that you might not come across on your normal course of business

    however, the answer for your system needs is pretty simple given the scale and scope of your facility as it currently is structured. I recommend web self storage purely for the cost and benefit basis. You indicated that your main issue is tracking down payment. Web self Storage will solve that. You need a super low cost solution that addresses a payment pay point and a transactional pay point. I also suspect that you need a solution that allows you to standardize your lease and ensure that your customers are able to execute seamlessly online without your presence

    just my two cents



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    Michael Castleman
    Owner
    Castlerock Storage Group
    (512) 699-7581
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Management Software for First Time Owner - Advice Welcomed!

    Posted 8 days ago
    Edited by Sara Munoz 8 days ago

    Hello Matthew! If you are shopping around for a one-stop shop for management software. I would urge you to look into Tenant's Inc.'s software, Hummingbird! Tenant Inc. offers a complete ecosystem just for self-storage. 



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    Sara Munoz
    Senior Assistant Vice President of Operations / District Manager
    National Self Storage
    Horizon City TX
    (915) 852-8300
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    Original Message