The U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network (USSAN) can give independent self-storage owners a leg up in what can be a competitive environment.
USSAN provides WebSelfStorage, a fully integrated management software for the independent self-storage owner. From the user-friendly software interface to generating more income, self-storage owners have many reasons to be thankful for this program.
Beechgrove Self Storage
For John Huffman, owner of Beechgrove Self Storage and U-Haul Dealership in Independence, Ky., the biggest advantage to being a part of the USSAN has been the increased business.
Huffman opened Beechgrove in 1998. After joining U-Haul as a dealer in 2001, he became a U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate in 2006. Joining the USSAN has given his business an edge over competition in the area. The customer demand at Beechgrove and has allowed him to launch a second location: Buttermilk Pike Self Storage.
“U-Haul is constantly sending customers in my direction,” Huffman explained. “Being a part of the affiliate network helps by creating awareness of my business.”
Huffman encourages any owners of storage locations who are unsure about joining the USSAN to think about the different possibilities that it will present.
“Anyone who is on the fence about this should realize that storage and U-Haul truck sharing go hand in hand,” Huffman said. “When someone rents a storage unit from you, there’s a good chance they’re going to need to share a truck with you, too.”
Mountain Island Storage
Jill Puckett used USSAN to help launch Mountain Island Storage and U-Haul Dealership in Charlotte, N.C.
“I never had previous experience with storage software,” Puckett said. “We were going to be a U-Haul dealer from day one and the WebSelfStorage software was a natural fit, especially with the pricing offered to U-Haul dealers. I like the fact that it is a one-stop shop where we can manage everything.”
Puckett noted that the software is user friendly and gives business owners a good overview of their storage units.
“I like the site map and how easy it is to take a reservation, take a payment and view a contract from the tab,” she added. “For instance, it gives information on occupancy, vacancy and delinquent accounts, which provides a quick snapshot of my business.”
KP Management
Kristine Partlow, owner of KP Management and U-Haul Dealership in Gillette, Wyo., notes that USSAN benefits her customers, too.
“Customers are able to reserve their own storage units and pay their bill online,” Partlow said. “I also enjoy the ease of credit card processing through WebSelfStorage. I feel that the services offered through this program are worth as much as the software.”
The coal, oil and natural gas industries are central in Gillette. That means that many jobs in town are temporary, and storage units carry a heightened importance. The USSAN allows Partlow to keep up with the competition.
“Storage units and U-Haul are a big part of the temporary-work world and I know that having them paired together better serves our customers,” Partlow noted. “The USSAN has helped keep our occupancy higher. My business has increased greatly and benefited a lot from the program.
Have questions about the U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network? Contact the USSAN sales team at 602-242-4181 or saleswss@uhaul.com.
