How to Deal With Common Self Storage Complaints

All companies, big or small, receive their share of praise and criticism. Complaints, when received must be looked into seriously and dealt with. Complaints that are left unresolved can quite easily ruin the reputation of a company. For people who are starting out in the self storage business, here are the most common self storage complaints and the ways you can deal with them.

Rodent droppings, moth and roach infestations: When tenants find rodent droppings or damage caused by rodents to their belongings, they are obviously angry. To prevent this self storage company should have its facility and the surrounding area regularly serviced by a professional pest control unit. This might be expensive and time-consuming, but having premises that are rodent-free is worth all the trouble. Roaches and moths can also be prevented from breeding at the facility and units by regular fumigation.

Insurance: Always be up front about your business. If you don't offer insurance, tell the customer about it. Many companies don't do this because they want business. When things sometimes go wrong, they are faced with lawsuits. To avoid this, inform the potential customer in detail about insurance and why they should have it, before a lease agreement is signed. At the same time, you must be able to assure the customer that his/her goods are safe at your storage facility and that the insurance is a guarantee.

Fire: You can't always prevent a fire from breaking out. But you can take measures to reduce the damage as much as possible. Fire alarms and smoke detectors are a necessary requirement for any self storage company. The facility and adjoining grounds should be regularly inspected. People must also be told that no hazardous material should be stored in their units. Alternatively, measures must also be taken to prevent water damage of the stored goods.

Theft: Theft is another serious self storage complaint. Even though these facilities are extremely secure, sometimes tenants do find some of their things missing. All complaints of theft should be taken very seriously. As a preventive measure, a criminal background check of all employees should be undertaken before they are hired.

Staff: The staff at a self storage facility is representatives of the business and should behave as such. Rude and disrespectful behaviour by staff is a common complaint. All employees should be trained to be helpful, cooperative, and polite to people who rent units at the facility. Hiring people with pleasing personalities helps. In case, a customer is late with a payment, they should be treated firmly but with respect.

As you have seen, there are quite a few common self storage complaints. But none of them are difficult to avoid. With a little foresight, expense, and time, you can help prevent or adequately deal with, almost all the complaints.
All companies, big or small, receive their share of praise and criticism. Complaints, when received must be looked into seriously and dealt with. Complaints that are left unresolved can quite easily ruin the reputation of a company. For people who are starting out in the self storage business, here are the most common self storage complaints and the ways you can deal with them.

Rodent droppings, moth and roach infestations: When tenants find rodent droppings or damage caused by rodents to their belongings, they are obviously angry. To prevent this self storage company should have its facility and the surrounding area regularly serviced by a professional pest control unit. This might be expensive and time-consuming, but having premises that are rodent-free is worth all the trouble. Roaches and moths can also be prevented from breeding at the facility and units by regular fumigation. Customers should be informed that no food or other perishable items should be stored in the units. To keep insects away, grass around the storage area should be kept short. Look into other simple precautions you can take to keep control of rodents and other pests.

Insurance: Always be up front about your business. If you don't offer insurance, tell the customer about it. Many companies don't do this because they want business. When things sometimes go wrong, they are faced with lawsuits. To avoid this, inform the potential customer in detail about insurance and why they should have it, before a lease agreement is signed. At the same time, you must be able to assure the customer that his/her goods are safe at your storage facility and that the insurance is a guarantee.

Fire: You can't always prevent a fire from breaking out. But you can take measures to reduce the damage as much as possible. Fire alarms and smoke detectors are a necessary requirement for any self storage company. The facility and adjoining grounds should be regularly inspected. People must also be told that no hazardous material should be stored in their units. Alternatively, measures must also be taken to prevent water damage of the stored goods.

Theft: Theft is another serious self storage complaint. Even though these facilities are extremely secure, sometimes tenants do find some of their things missing. All complaints of theft should be taken very seriously. As a preventive measure, a criminal background check of all employees should be undertaken before they are hired.

Staff: The staff at a self storage facility is representatives of the business and should behave as such. Rude and disrespectful behaviour by staff is a common complaint. All employees should be trained to be helpful, cooperative, and polite to people who rent units at the facility. Hiring people with pleasing personalities helps. In case, a customer is late with a payment, they should be treated firmly but with respect.

As you have seen, there are quite a few common self storage complaints. But none of them are difficult to avoid. With a little foresight, expense, and time, you can help prevent or adequately deal with, almost all the complaints.