Looking into Self Storage Kiosk

[Janel Page]

I own a 140 unit self storage property.  I've started looking into installing a kiosk to accept payments and handle rentals.  I've spoken with one kiosk company so far.  They have been pretty helpful.  For all the barriers I could see (so far) to making a kiosk work - they have provided what seem like practical and realistic solutions.  I am still watching some videos and reading documentation on the kiosks.  They have provided a proposal, and I think it would pay for itself in 6-9 months.  This seems like a great way to go.  I looked at the website for 1 other kiosk company, but I don't like their models as much. 

I haven't found other storage facilities in my area using kiosks.  I'm still working to visit the office of every facility near me, so I still might find one.  I think having a kiosk will be something I can market and that tenants will appreciate.  Mid-month is slow, and it's a challenge to keep an employee busy and keep the office open.   A 140 unit facility is small for a full time employee.  It's also a challenge to work on any project while covering the office.  The best way to get a bunch of customers to come in to pay or to rent a unit - is to start a project in the back of the facility, lol.  There can be 2-3 days of nobody coming in, then leave to run a quick errand, come back, and BAM - customers are waiting.  Even though the facility is set up for online bill pay, many customers don't pay that way. 

I think offering a kiosk that accepts payments 24/7, handles rentals, and using a call center to go with this could be a really great thing for my facility and my tenant customers.  The kiosk models I'm looking at hold and can dispense 5 locks.  I'm currently using Sitelink for the management software.  I have a place next to the front office door where a kiosk can be installed in the wall.  I will have to figure out how to add a vestibule or covered space around it for some protection from wind and weather. 

Are there any words of wisdom for me from anyone else who has added a kiosk to a facility about this size?  What kiosk company have you used, and why? 

Thanks in advance.  :-) 

[Michael Wagner]

I too was intrigued by kiosks until I compared their functionality and cost to that of a web based management software with online rental capabilities.  For me, all customers carry a Kiosk in their pocket (smart phone) and they pay for it:)!  The only thing their phone can't do is provide them a lock.  We simply have our customers bring their own lock and that problems goes away.  Personally, I suspect kiosks are only of real value in Primary Markets at Class A type properties.  And I think their life expectancy might be limited in the same way a Redbox movie rental kiosk is.  Who needs it when you can achieve the same end online?  Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary!