Self storage facilities spend considerable amounts of money to obtain leads. However, knowing follow-up techniques to turn leads into potential renters is a critical piece of the self storage sales cycle.
In this article, we’ll look at some best practices for self storage sales and follow-up techniques. We’ll then share tips for performing self storage follow-ups for various types of leads, including in-person visitors, telephone calls, e-mails, and website leads.
When following up with self storage leads, experts recommend the following best practices.
Leads will come into your facility in different ways, and different follow-up techniques should be used for each type of interaction—from people who stop by the office to online rentals from your website.
When potential renters walk into your office, you have one chance to make a good first impression. Your goals should be to build rapport, gather information (including contact information), provide a tour (if appropriate), and rent a storage unit.
When customers walk in the door, greet them warmly, introduce yourself, and ask for their name. Give potential customers your undivided attention. (If you’re with a customer when someone arrives, take a moment to greet them and let them know you’ll be with them shortly.)
Before launching into a sales pitch, take a moment to listen to their needs. Ask questions about what they are storing, how long they think they will need to rent, and how soon they will need a unit. These are key customer service tactics. Then invite them to tour units that may fit their needs. Use the tour as an opportunity to point out amenities and features—such as security cameras, access hours, and so forth. Once you have identified a suitable storage unit, ask for and complete the sale.
People who stop by a storage facility are usually ready to rent so it is up to you to convince them that your facility is the best option. By placing the customer and their needs first, you’ll create a good rapport, which gives you a better chance of closing the sale.
Potential renters may call your facility to inquire about rates and availability. Don’t simply answer their questions and hang up! Instead, use similar techniques used for in-person interactions: greet them warmly, inquire about their needs, get their contact information, ask open-ended questions, share information about your facility’s features, make recommendations, and then ask if you can reserve a storage unit.
A key part of these telephone conversations is getting the caller’s contact information. You can begin by asking for their name and a phone number so you can call back if you get disconnected. You can also ask for their email address—telling them that you’d like to send them a discount code.
If they are unwilling to reserve a unit during the call, try to make an appointment for a tour. Use phrases such as “Are you available this afternoon or is the weekend better?” After the call, send a text or email to thank them for their interest and provide any promised information. You’ll then follow up with another phone call within 24 hours if you aren’t able to get the reservation or an appointment for a tour.
Many facilities find it useful to have a basic script to follow, especially if your staff are new or unaccustomed to selling. The script doesn’t need to be recited word for word but should provide staff with enough information and prompts to cover everything described above.
The key to quick and efficient email follow-ups is to have a template that can be easily customized. Make sure the email answers common questions, highlights your facility’s various features and amenities and explains why your facility is better than the competition. Include a clear call to action, such as “Reserve Now” with a link to your online rental system or “Call to Schedule A Tour.”
If the email or contact form included a phone number, follow-up with a telephone call using the techniques described above.
If a lead comes to you via your website, follow-up will include an email and phone call as appropriate—or both! Email is great for sharing information about your facility, but a personal phone call is the best opportunity to build rapport and close the sale.
If the customers completed a rental online, follow-up with an email thanking them for their business, confirm the details of their rental, and invite them to stop by the office when they move in.
If they are simply asking for information, use a modified version of your email template and follow up with a phone call.
Learning how to effectively follow up with leads is a critical part of the self storage sales cycle. In this article, we looked at best practices for following up with leads, including responding quickly, classifying leads, using a lead management system, and providing staff with resources and training. We also looked at different follow-up techniques to use for leads that walk in the door, call on the phone, or send an email.
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