According to the Self Storage Association, the self-storage industry generated more than $24 billion in annual US revenues in 2014, and as one of the most recession-resistant industries in the 2008 recession, it's no surprise that there have been rows of people starting up their own businesses. Not only is the Self-Storage business recession proof it’s also very easy to run and manage. With just one container you can start your business, just simply get people through the door take the fees and have them sign a lease and you have a steady source of income. When you buy a new container it can cost you a few years worth of rental income, but after that initial period, nearly all money made as a result of the container will be profit. There are three main ways to ensure the initial success of your self storage business,

Location, Location, Location
One of the most important things is to choose a good location. In particular, opt for prominent locations on main roads with dense populations in affluent areas. Densely populated areas ensure that enough people are exposed to the marketing of your service but also ensure that your facility is readily accessible to those who are interested. Affluent areas can be important those with smaller incomes are less likely to want to spend additional money on storage solutions. One useful litmus test to make sure you're choosing a good location is to contact other San Diego Self Storage container operations and check how much do they charge. If they charge a similar amount but your site is more convenient then you will have a distinct competitive advantage. If you want to be particularly canny, try to look for areas with lots of new build houses.

Use high-quality containers
One of the most important aspects of ensuring the physical longevity of your investment is to buy a steel container. A high-quality Corten steel container will last for around two decades with minimal maintenance. This means that you’ll have more money available to reinvest back into your business. Using new containers can make your facility look very fresh and clean, which is reassuring to customers who don’t want their belongings to get dirty. Furthermore, another advantage of metal containers is there’s no time wasted on getting them up and running. As soon as you have the keys your container is fully operational!

Use Standing orders or direct debits for rentals
Buying a shipping container will cost you around two years worth of rental income so it is important to ensure that you have a reliable income source coming in. One of the most stable ways to do this is to have customers set up standing orders or direct debits. If you charge a monthly rate for use of the container you can make a consistent income. Indeed many customers may leave their belongings in storage and forget about them for periods of time. This can add up to be a significant amount of money over time. It’s also worth highlighting that automated payment systems mean you aren’t constantly chasing customers, which gives you more time to work on your marketing and presentation.