Insider ISSUE95 JUN/JUL17
THE SSAA STAFF NOTICEBOARD StoreAge- In the Beginning
27
10
IN STORAGE RETREAT, WRAP UP!
THE SSAA OWNERS SUMMIT 2017 HIGHLIGHTS PG 22
OUTSIDE THE BOX 10 Acres of Self Storage Opportunity
Whether it’s moving someone’s home or someone’s business, around the corner or around the world; for over 40 years, we’ve provided more products, service and ideas for the Self Storage industry.
MORE PRODUCTS At Visy Boxes & More, we understand the wants and needs of Self Storage business owners – that’s because we’ve been partnering with these industries for many years. So when it comes to product innovation, we’re at the forefront of developing and designing new products that are produced, tested, reviewed and, then, approved before they enter the marketplace. More products start with more ideas.
MORE SOLUTIONS As well as the products catered specifically for Self Storage owners, we’re extremely proud of the many solutions we’ve created and continue to create for this market. From a focus on the digital landscape resulting in our custom made ordering portals through to our efforts in merchandising and Point Of Sale, Visy Boxes & More will continue to provide industry leading innovation solutions for the Self Storage market.
CALL YOUR NEAREST VISY BOXES & MORE REPRESENTATIVE ON 1800 622 626. 1800 622 626 | visyboxesandmore.com.au
22
27
28
IN THIS ISSUE...
31
4
Chairman’s Report
8
Industry News
6
From the CEO’s Desk
10 Noticeboard
11 Calendar of Events 2017 SUMMIT
13 A full outline of the 2017 summit
including networking events and
26 Bryan Furtado Joins the SSAA in a Marketing & Events Role
OUTSIDE THE BOX
27 10 acres of opportunity! IT FEATURE
28 The Online Salesperson NEW SERVICE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
summit highlights.
31 BOS NZ Offers Quick-build
Business Values
ANCILLARY SERVICES
18 The Pressure on Self-Storage 19 The Changing Face of SelfStorage Construction
NEW SERVICE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 20 Colliers Offers Property Market Expertise
COVER STORY
22 The Retreat to Success —
The 2017 Staff Retreat was a resounding success.
Toll free AUS 1800 067 313 Toll free NZ 0800 444 356 Tel +61 3 9466 9699 Fax +61 3 9466 8081
U4/2 Enterprise Drive Bundoora VIC 3083
Email admin@selfstorage.com.au
Storage Solutions
32 Taking the Guesswork Out of Parcel Delivery
MEMBERS’ LEGAL FORUM
34 Facing Hazardous Goods For Sale INFORMATION
36 Trade Directory
38 Board Members 39 SSAA Staff
40 Member Resources 42 New Members
32
Web www.selfstorage.org.au LinkedIn Self Storage Association of Australasia Insider is printed by Homestead Press. Email: printing@homesteadpress.com.au
Produced by: Magazines byDesign PO Box 7691, Baulkham Hillls NSW 1755 Ph: Linda Gunek on 02 8883 5890 Email: linda@bydesigngraphics.com.au Editor: Stephen Crowe Email: steve@thewriteteam.com.au
Insider is published bi-monthly by the Self Storage Association of Australasia registered in Australia ABN 23 050 341 725. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of Insider, the publisher nor any of its employees, sub-contractors or contributors assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Furthermore, Insider has the right to accept or reject all editorial and advertising material. All letters addressed to the magazine will be regarded as “for publication” unless clearly marked Not for Publication. All submissions may be edited for reasons of space or clarity and opinions expressed in letters are those of the author, not of the publisher or editor.
Insider June-July 2017
3
Inside SSAA
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The advantages of attending the Summit and Conventions
Keith Edwards, Chairman, SSAA
4
Insider June-July 2017
As the next Summit approaches in the playground of Queenstown, I thought that this would be the appropriate time to discuss the advantages of the Summit and Conventions, and the reasons behind the two-year cycle. This Summit will be the third held by the SSAA. As usual, responses and feedback will be sought from all the delegates and service members who attend. The Board will take cognisance of the comments, to ensure the relevance of the Summit and Convention. The Summit’s theme was initiated before I joined the Board, based on feedback from our membership that indicated the annual cycle was the same old material relabelled and recycled, and there was a gap where investors/owners and their particular interests were not being catered for. These are the principal reasons for the two-year alternate cycle. Two years ago the Association introduced the Staff Retreat. The second of these was held in Sydney in May. This was designed for the managers and staff on the front line of our industry. The Manager of the Year Award was also presented at this event. The introduction of the Summit saw the presentation of information more relevant to owners, investors, CEOs, CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) and COOs (Chief Operations Officers) of selfstorage companies within Australasia, as opposed to the more hands-on information that is presented at the Convention. This information is of greater value to the wider industry group. Some of the major advantages for those attending the Summit and Convention are to: • develop networks of service members and other industry operators; • learn another approach or improve a way of doing a particular task; • hear of innovations and keep up to speed with the evolution of the industry. We are all looking to add an extra line of revenue to increase our bottom line. We are all busy people running our facilities, and at times we get to a place where “we can’t see the wood for the trees”. This is where the value of the Convention or the Summit comes in, operating as a circuit breaker and providing the Light Bulb or Eureka moment for us. These events provide the opportunity to work “on” your business rather than “in” your business. At the last Convention, I heard a line that I took away with me. “What if you could convert one extra customer per month? What is that worth?” Let’s look at that. Firstly, how long does a customer stay? What is the average monthly rental for that customer? Over a year, you have 12 extra customers for your facility. So the formula for each customer could be like this: Value per customer = Monthly revenue x X months. For example, at $175 per month for 12 months = $2,100. Over the period of 12 months, there are 12 extra customers, which, using your high school algebra, is $13,550 more revenue in one year. I have always been told if you take one thing away from the Summit or Convention, and put this into practice, any cost associated with attending the Summit or Convention, is minute. On arrival back home after the last Convention, we spoke to one of the speakers for some follow-up advice, and the above improvement has occurred for us, with even greater results than expected with our ancillary sales. In summary, there is a lot of effort being made by the Executive to produce fantastic Conventions and Summits, giving each delegate the opportunity to take away something to enable them to increase their bottom line and the value of their respective businesses. At this year’s Queenstown Summit take the time to develop new networks, take the opportunity to look at different approaches, and take a look into the future of the industry. You’ll find ways to improve your business, increase your revenue streams and, above all, improve your bottom line. Remember, “a problem shared is a problem halved”. I am looking forward to seeing you there. n
Inside SSAA
From the CEO’s desk
T
he SSAA has just wrapped up one event and is busy rolling out the next. The Staff in Storage Retreat in Sydney has been a great success and the feedback from participants has been very encouraging. The two-day event provided plenty of hands-on learning, new information and networking for all, and I take the opportunity to thank the attendees for their time and effort to contribute to the various sessions, and in particular to those who welcomed first-time attendees to our Storage Family. A special thank you to all entrants who took the time to enter the 2017 Manager of the Year Award. The quality of the entries certainly made a tough job for the judges; however, there can only be one winner. My congratulations to Priyal Dassanayaka of Storage King, Rouse Hill, Sydney.
“
bidder for each item winning a fabulous prize. Some of those items include a holiday valued at $6,000, jewellery, a painting and a Highland Adventure Package. We are opening the bidding early with not one, but two fantastic golfing packages donated by the exclusive Sir Michael Hills Golf Course. By opening the bidding early on these two packages, the winning bidders can take advantage of their prize during their trip to Queenstown if they wish. We also have a new staff member to introduce this month — Bryan Furtado. He has taken on the job of Marketing and Events Coordinator. Please take the time to introduce yourself to Bryan over the phone or you can meet him in person at the Summit in Queenstown. This edition also sees another new addition — our “Looking Back” series will
he two-day event provided plenty of hands-on T learning, new information and networking for all.
The Summit in August is now our focus. Please take a peek at the speaker line-up and the other fun activities that we have planned on page 13. I hope that some of you can take some extra time for yourselves and plan a pre- or post-Summit break in beautiful Queenstown. This year our nominated charity is the Cure Kids Foundation. Their ambassador is Brendon Pongia, who will be our MC for the Summit. We will be raising money through a silent auction process with the highest
”
become a regular feature with the assistance of long-time SSAA member Joe Barbaro of Homestead Press. Each edition Joe will select a feature from an earlier edition of the Insider, or as it was known originally, The Store Age. I was curious to see that the August 1997 edition featured the annual convention advertisement and highlighted one of the sessions on offer as “Everything you wanted to know about the Internet”. Fast-forward 20 years, and read the article featured on page 28, by Dallas
Susan Phillips, CEO, SSAA
Dogger of Centreforce, on how websites are now the essential tool for self-storage facilities as they provide 24-hour exposure for our businesses. The “Outside the Box” feature highlights an interesting story of the many shapes/ sizes/uses of self-storage facilities. The Door of Hope Self Storage facility in Launceston, Tasmania, was originally the Patons woollen mill some 70 years ago; however, it has now undergone a transformation and offers a wide range of services including self-storage. If you have an interesting story to tell we are always looking for material to be included in this feature. Some of the previous stories have included the Kennard’s removals bicycle, April the Golden Retriever, Jim’s Self Storage meets the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and All Secure Self Storage Turning Pink. I urge you to call the Membership Manager and share your story. Enjoy this edition of The Insider. n
���� ���� �e� �������� ��� �he �����e�e �e����� ��������� a�� �� ��� �� ���� ����e�� We can look after your entire project from concept right through to occupation & signoff
Design Construction - Construction Certi�cate Documentation �ccupation Certi�cate - Pri�ate Certi�ying �ut�ority - Vinyl - �ir Conditioning Building Works - Carpet - CCTV - Data Works - Electrical Works - External Signage Fencing & Gates - Hoists - Painting - Hydraulic Works - Joinery - Reception Counter Roller Doors - Security Works - Steel Storage - Tiling
Suite 101, 84 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000 e: admin@corporateconstruction.com.au
www.corporateconstruction.com.au
6
Insider June-July 2017
Ph: (02) 9231 3961 Fax: (02) 9231 4059
Take control of your storage payment collections. YOUR STO RE
Y
Credit card Bank account Website payment BPAY
PAYM EN
R
More ways to pay:
ICES ERV S T Secure payment processing without the need for a separate bank account.
OU Get paid on time because you’re in control. Reduce debt & arrears.
TRUSTED BY
AU 1300 103 454 NZ 09 280 3393
sales@storman.com
Download a trial www.storman.com/insider
Industry News
National Storage acquires Parsons Group’s Jandakot facility
Lock Distributors acts on customer feedback
National Storage REIT (NSR) is expanding its Perth Development Portfolio by taking ownership of Parsons Group’s facility at the Jandakot Airport Precinct for $8.1 million. This is part of National Storage’s recent acquisitions of three properties for a total of $18.6 million. The company has plans to acquire two more sites in and around Perth. Parsons Group has owned and operated National Storage Jandakot under licence since it opened in October 2015. NSR is taking over the leasehold in June 2017 following the completion of additional buildings at the site. Another storage centre in the Perth International Precinct is currently under construction, and is expected to be completed very soon. National Storage will acquire the long-term leasehold for $8.9 million. National Storage’s Perth portfolio also includes two sites operated by the company in Cockburn. Parsons Group will acquire one of these sites for approximately $1.6 million. National Storage Managing Director Andrew Catsoulis said, “We continue to cement our position in the Perth market, and our strong relationship with Parsons Group has seen the successful delivery of three high quality storage centres to date. These transactions highlight the successful execution of our portfolio management and recycling strategies, and demonstrate our design and development management capabilities.” The company has plans to expand its Perth Development Portfolio with another two sites being considered for facilities in the city area. These acquisitions contributed to NSR’s first half revenue increase to $54.4 million, an increase of 46% on last year. n
Lock Distributors has made operational changes to its New Zealand operations following customer feedback. The company has changed its ordering and distribution processes by bringing all administration in-house so a single sales team is responsible for both Australia and New Zealand. The company’s Sydney head office now handles all orders online, while Auckland controls the distribution of locks and accessories. Martin Coote, Managing Director of Lock Distributors, said in a statement: “We made important changes to our ordering and distribution processes in New Zealand to ensure our customers there receive the best possible service. “To this end, we have brought all our administration back in-house. We now have one team running all sales for Australia and New Zealand, and this has been working extremely well for all our customers. “The new system is fast and user friendly. We introduced electronic fillable order forms, so now when customers place their orders they receive instant email confirmation.” Lock Distributors also lowered its retail prices in New Zealand. “With a new system in place we were able to review our prices and offer a reduction across our entire range,” Mr Coote said. “Again, we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” n
Malcolm Collins FAPI MPINZ
Collins & Associates undertakes valuations, demand studies, operational and benchmarking reviews and property research using over 20 years worth of in-house data covering the self storage industry nationally. We work in all sectors of the market including regional and country centres. Our personal, direct and engaged advice to clients produces bankable results for first mortgage security lending,public prospectus, asset value and purchase or sale negotiation purposes. Our well researched reports provide business background understanding and lending comfort to individuals and institutions utilising our experience.
Valua�ons | Self Storage | Property Consultancy m: +61 412 476 554 or p: +61 3 8456 5134 Level 1 / 141 Capel Street North Melbourne Vic 3051 ABN 96 940 964 372 e: malcolm@malcolmcollins.com www.malcolmcollins.com
8
Insider June-July 2017
Canstar Blue survey rates three self-storage services
Canstar Blue, a customer satisfaction research and ratings business, conducted a review of three self-storage services in late 2016, asking Australian consumers about their experiences to build customer ratings. The companies featured in the inaugural review were National Storage, which topped the customer satisfaction table with five stars in every category. Kennards Self Storage finished second with four stars overall, followed by Storage King on three stars. Value for money was the greatest driver of customer satisfaction, while Australians spend on average $159 per month on selfstorage facilities. The average spending in New South Wales and Victoria was highest at $162 and $163 respectively. The review found the average customer uses self-storage facilities for 16 months, so the total cost was approximately $2,600. Self-storage costs can vary significantly, the review found, with factors such as the size of storage unit, customer location and rental term the key determinants. n
National Storage to acquire two NZ storage centres National Storage REIT has entered into arrangements to acquire two freehold storage centres in Dunedin, New Zealand. The two centres are located in Kaikorai and North East Valley. The Kaikorai facility comprises 1,100 storage and commercial units, mixed in ranch style and multi-storey buildings in a total 18,500m2 of net rental space. The Gardens centre in North East Valley has 450 units in a single level complex covering 2,300m2. The centres were purchased from Roslyn Storage Limited for $NZ14 million. This acquisition is part of National Storage’s strategy of growth through acquisition and asset management. National Storage Managing Director Andrew Catsoulis commented, “We are thrilled to be expanding into the second largest city on the South Island, with two quality freehold storage centres in Dunedin. “This acquisition continues our expansion into New Zealand, driving efficiencies across our operational platform. These centres are full of character with a number of opportunities to add value once integrated into the National Storage platform.” n
ITS TIME FOR A FRESH APPROACH! Self Storage Management Services 45 Stores nationwide....and growing! Lower fees & flexible terms
Your Property.
In-house design & maintenance team
Our Platform.
>60 years operational experience
Your Success.
Certified Sitelink Platinum Partner
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to outsource your management or simply looking for an alternative, think local and call us at StoreLocal. We’ve owned our own properties for >20 years - we know what an owner wants. That’s why we think its time for a fresh approach.
FAMILY VALUES
INNOVATIVE
PROFESSIONAL
For more information call Mark Greig on 07 3216 3997 or email partners@fksl.com.au www.fksl.com.au
Noticeboard The front cover of the first edition of The Store Age.
In the BEGINNING Joe Barbaro looks back on the first issue of The Store Age, the first edition of a magazine devoted to the self-storage industry in Australia.
I
n early 1994 I was asked to join a sub-committee by Phil Robbie, who at the time was chairman of the Self Storage Association of Australia (and now a lifetime member of the SSAA), and Dallas Dogger, the ACT representative of the SSAA, who is also still involved with the industry. As the industry was moving forward and the association boasted about 120 members, it was decided that a communications medium was needed. During a phone link with the SSAA committee we decided that the new
newsletter would be called The Store Age, and would be a quarterly publication. I recall Frank Cooney being concerned with using the word ‘Age’ in the name, asking if we needed Rupert Murdoch’s consent. The first issue was printed in March 1994 with help from Ralph Bain, an ABC journalist. It was four pages in length, printed on 80gsm white bond, and the lead story was Goodbye Barbara, and Many Thanks! It also announced that Renee Rosenfeld, of Chelsea Business Services in Sydney, was taking over administrative services for the association.
“
As the industry was moving forward and the association boasted about 120 members, it was decided that a communications medium was needed.
”
The cover of the August 1997 issue. It had grown considerably since 1994.
In March 1995 the association’s colours were introduced to the newsletter — it was printed in black, blue and yellow on gloss paper. In 12 months it had doubled in size to eight pages. The first full-colour issue was published in June 1999, and carried 16 pages. For the August 2001 issue, the SSAA committee decided on a name change for the magazine. The Store Age was changed to The Insider, and it had grown to 24 pages. That original SSAA newsletter is now 23 years old and it’s undergone a lot of changes. Insider is now produced bimonthly in full colour, and is between 44 and 48 pages. n Joe Barbaro is the owner of Homestead Press, which specialises in the print requirements of the self-storage industry.
understanding, creating printing solutions.... ....a printer who knows self storage! putting ink on paper since 1977 3 Paterson Parade Queanbeyan NSW 2620 PO Box 624 Fyshwick ACT 2609 tel: 02 6299 4500 fax: 02 62994200 email: printing@homesteadpress.com.au SSAA member Since 1999
10
Insider June-July 2017
www.homesteadpress.com.au
Calendar of Events
SSAA CALENDAR OF
EVENTS 2017
August Conference Event
28-31 Owners’ Summit, Queenstown
October Legal Training 19
Thursday, Sydney
November Legal Training 30
Thursday, Melbourne
Networking Functions 19
Thursday, Sydney
Networking Functions 2 16 30
Thursday, Perth Thursday, Brisbane Thursday, Melbourne
Need more sales? We can help! The SSAA provides mystery shoppers that can assess and report on your facility and staff performance giving you the feedback to improve your sales. Assessments are conducted over the phone or face to face and Australia: you receive a comprehensive report on your performance 1800 067 313 focusing on key sales areas. New Zealand: For more information call us on:
Storage 0800 444 356
S L E U T H
Insider June-July 2017
11
SSAA OWNERS SUMMIT
Queenstown, New Zealand 28th - 31st August 2017
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS 2017 SSAA Owners Summit You’re invited to the SSAA Owners Summit for 2017 The SSAA 2017 Owners Summit is a 3 day event designed to equip Self Storage Facility Owners with the skills and business knowledge to succeed in 2017 and beyond. We are assembling quality speakers with expertise in finance, business management, succession transition, team management and much more. This is a unique opportunity only offered to members once every two years and will be held in New Zealand’s stunning township of Queenstown. When: Tuesday 28th to Thursday 31st of August 2017 Where: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand Register: To register for our biennial summit please visit our website at www.selfstorage.org.au/2017-owners-summit
SSAA Owners Summit, 2017
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
Meet Our Speakers
Steve Sammartino
Nicki McClintock
Mike Coleman
Rob Baird
Mike Burnam
David Buckwell
Simone Hill
Tim Creighton
Brian Birley
Tony Christiansen
Darryl King
2017 SUMMIT
HIGHLIGHTS Jet set at the Summit on Monday the 28th of August with an exciting Jetboat ride around the scenic Lake Wakatipu.
Insider June-July 2017
13
SSAA Owners Summit 2017
Indulge in optional afternoon activities such as White Water Jet Boat, Golf and Bungy Jumping. Relax in the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner.
Experience a once in a lifetime welcome onboard the 105-year-old steamship, the TSS Earnslaw and steam across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms established in the region.
Witness a traditional Maori PĹ?whiri Dance.
14
Insider June-July 2017
Get suited for the SSAA Annual Gala Awards Dinner, a time for celebration whilst recognising the best in our industry.
We hope you can join us. Places are limited, so make sure you get in early to avoid disappointment. n
See you in Queenstown!
SSAA Owners Summit, 2017
SSAA COLLABORATING
WITH CURE KIDS
S
ince Cure Kids was established by Rotary in 1971 as the Child Health Research Foundation, we have helped save and improve the lives of thousands of kids both here in New Zealand and around the world. We have invested more than $40 million in research, which has helped shape and change the way children who live with serious diseases and health conditions are diagnosed and treated. The breadth of the work we support is wide. Projects we have funded, or are currently funding, include those researching childhood cancers, inherited heart conditions, cystic fibrosis, sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI), stillbirth, burns, and child and adolescent mental health, among many others. Cure Kids is the largest funder of child health research outside the government, and we are supporting the best science possible to make a difference to the health and well-being of children in New Zealand. Support from everyday New Zealanders makes this important work possible, and every year we are humbled by the generosity of Kiwis up and down the country who dig deep and donate to Cure Kids.
We are proud to be a fundamental part of improving and saving the lives of New Zealand children and, with your support, we will continue to give today’s and tomorrow’s children the best chance of enjoying a healthy childhood.
Current Auction Items
Paintings – Richie McCaw 1.6x1.2 (valued at $2,000) ● Vomo Island Resort Fiji (valued at $6,000) ● The Hills Golf Package – 2x Hospitality Packages for 2 people (valued at $2,000) ● Port Douglas North Queensland Holiday Package for 4 people (valued at $3,000)
Bidding Process
The bidding will open prior to the Summit and will be available to all members. The 2x Golf Packages will be drawn prior to the Summit to provide the top bidders the opportunity to enjoy their win whilst in Queenstown. n
STORAGE KING: PARTNER WITH CONFIDENCE Storage King is continuing to grow. Savvy Investors and Operators are taking advantage of the benefits of being part of our professional Self-Storage Management company. Facility Management • Acquisitions • New Development Support • Marketing • Training • Preferred Suppliers Whether it’s a New Development, an Acquisition, or you have an existing Self Storage Business, we can help you achieve the best results. For more information contact Martin Richards at martin@storageking.com.au or by phone on +61 2 9460 6660.
THE KINGS OF STORAGE, MOVING & MORE. storageking.com.au | storageking.co.nz
Insider June-July 2017
15
SSAA Owners Summit 2017
2017 AWARDS
FOR EXCELLENCE The Self Storage Association of Australasia Annual Awards for Excellence are now open with a call for nominations from all members.
T
hese international awards celebrate industry excellence and outstanding achievement in the Self Storage industry and pay tribute to the exceptional standards of service and innovation by our members. This year we are excited to announce a new award category – New Facility of the Year. This addition has come about following a review of the Awards process. A gap was identified whereby well established and experienced operators are building new facilities and do not fit the criteria of New Entrant of the Year. The New Entrant category is for new operators with less than 2 years experience in the Self Storage industry. The Awards are open to all members who meet the criteria for the award they are entering. The Awards this year are: • New Entrant • Small Facility • Regional Facility • New Facility • Facility of the Year • Best Upgrade/Expansion • Service Member • Innovation The awards have become the peak recognition for those working in the self storage industry and highlight the commitment this industry has made to improving the excellent levels of service offered and the very real successes resulting from hard work and innovation.
16
Insider June-July 2017
The SSAA Industry Awards will continue to: • Foster high standards in the self storage industry • Honour those who have achieved excellence within the industry • Provide a benchmark for excellence within the industry • Foster public confidence Nominations close on 24th July and the winners will be announced at the Gala Awards ceremony at the 2017 Summit in Queenstown, New Zealand on 31st August. For more information contact Craig McKenzie: membership@ selfstorage.com.au
Are you eligible? The information included in your submission must relate to the qualifying period that applies to the category in which you are entering. Achievements outside of these timeframes will not be considered. For all categories, the qualifying period is 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 with the exception of Best Upgrade or Expansion Award. The qualifying period for this category is 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017. All entrants or facilities must be current members of the Self Storage Association of Australasia. Please note – Each award category has specific criteria. Organisations that are sponsoring the awards and employees of those sponsors, are ineligible for nomination for the award they are sponsoring. n
Finance
THE PRESSURE ON SELF-STORAGE
BUSINESS VALUES
Malcolm Collins outlines rapidly changing parameters in valuing a business, and how they affect self-storage operators and owners.
L
ike many businesses, the value of a typical “going concern” selfstorage business in Australia and New Zealand is a combination of the overall freehold property with its real assets (land, buildings, site improvements, infrastructure, fittings and fixtures) and its notional leasehold, or “business” value. In recent times the increased adoption of leasehold interests has occurred as operators and owners address the issues of business carrying costs, family generational change, asset retention or divestment issues in an ageing population, the need to recycle or reinvest capital due to tax or superannuation considerations, and to reduce the initial capital outlays necessary to access a market in the first place. Estimating leasehold worth alone should
“
use discounted cash flow (DCF) primarily, based on the terms of the lease or management agreement involved. Rent and outgoings are major, and ongoing, operational expenses. Gross income must be substantial enough to cover all the costs of a business and sustain a strong ongoing net income to produce an identifiable leasehold interest (value) as soon as possible, and to then maximise returns in the timeframe available, and set around a market based rent established within the operational context. Freehold or leasehold value will vary, depending on the operational status of a facility and whether it is in a greenfield, maturing or mature phase. The lease terms and conditions will directly affect potential freehold and leasehold values at present and in the future, alongside market forces as they affect the business. Management practices will also play a crucial role in the business’ success or otherwise. The value of a business and its ongoing success are tied to rapid changes in a market in which all service and retail based industries are under threat from traditional competitors as well as digital start-ups and marketers, big data providers, the
Freehold going concern and leasehold self-storage values will increasingly confront market forces outside “traditional” performance measurements...
18
Insider June-July 2017
”
now ubiquitous disruptors and whatever “unknowns” are coming. People and services are intertwined in selfstorage — at the moment! Today’s society is digital, with massive choice available to consumers immediately and cheaply, and everything is replaceable. Client attention, client retention and client conversion into facilities were never easy, and remain so. The industry now faces new challenges to stay relevant, front of mind and profitable. Astute owners and operators need to recognise this earlier rather than later or risk seeing their value(s) erode. In our “disruptive” economy change is relentless. Current and future value relies on innovative management backed up by cutting edge operational systems to monitor, amend, report, present, publicise and tailor the business to client expectations and needs — and to potential purchasers who demand transparency in a business’ numbers! This is fundamental as the world shrinks and choices expand. Freehold going concern and leasehold self-storage values will increasingly confront market forces outside “traditional” performance measurements that we presently understand. Their impact on current and future business values makes creating and maintaining those values more complex than ever. n Malcolm Collins is a director at Collins & Associates, property consultants and valuers in the retail, commercial, industrial and selfstorage industries.
Finance
THE CHANGING FACE OF
SELF-STORAGE CONSTRUCTION
How is self-storage construction changing, and what are the construction challenges faced today? Jonathan Layton examines the latest industry trends.
O
ver recent years there have been some significant changes in the way self-storage facilities are designed and built. Three of the key drivers creating these changes are: • Rising land and property pricing • Local government regulation • Changes in market expectation
Rising land and property pricing Large increases in the prices of both industrial land and existing warehouses suitable to self-storage conversion have made property selection more difficult. Increased land and/or building costs make it harder to ensure the property will generate the desired return for investors. To maximise returns, land and buildings need to be more effectively utilised. This is often done by adding extra levels to the developments, or by making major changes to existing buildings so a more effective layout can be used. Also, as the industry continues to grow, finding a great location with good exposure to a main road that’s not close to a competitor is becoming harder and harder. Securing the right property suitable for
a new self-storage development is one of the key limiting factors to the growth of the industry.
Local government regulation
In most areas, local government development approvals are getting more and more challenging as the number of requirements that need to be met grows. The Building Code of Australia (BCA), which is often open to interpretation, does not help when trying to predict what the outcome of any particular requirement may be. Without a specific self-storage code, experts are often required to negotiate with councils on items like car parking, setbacks, floor space ratios and required areas for landscaping. A good negotiation can often result in concessions in these and many other areas of the development. Gone are the days of a self-storage facility that looks like an industrial shed. Councils now require buildings that are more pleasing, both architecturally and aesthetically. This is achieved through the use of different building materials, such as Colorbond, concrete and prefinished architectural panelling and fenestration, to name a few. Buildings are often required to have varying building lines, both horizontally and vertically. These requirements can sometimes have a negative impact on the rentable space of the building, so it’s a good idea to use a designer familiar with selfstorage construction to ensure minimal loss. Generally, councils are not averse to these projects, but they do have to tick all the boxes before giving approval. It’s a matter of walking that fine line of meeting all local government requirements, while maintaining rentable space and a cost effective design.
Changes in market expectation As the self-storage market matures, customers expect an enjoyable experience when storing goods. No longer is it acceptable to have a real estate agent meet a potential customer at the gate to look at a unit. Potential customers now expect a full retail experience with a friendly staff member to greet them and discuss their requirements, the option to purchase boxes and packaging supplies, and in many cases to be able to use an office or meeting room. More and more facilities now offer Wi-Fi throughout the building and play music to enhance the ambience. Wide, highly reflective, gloss-white corridors with Colorbond doors are standard. Partition systems now incorporate many safety innovations to ensure a client or their goods can’t be cut or damaged by sharp metal edges. There are also innovations to reduce maintenance costs, such as a roller door tensioning device that removes the need to call a door specialist every time you need to adjust roller door tension. To conclude, increases in property prices, greater local government regulation and a more discerning and informed customer base is making the construction of new self-storage facilities harder. But by using the right consultants and construction companies, attractive facilities that generate great returns for investors will continue to be built. n
Jonathan Layton is the managing director of STORCO Storage Systems.
Insider June-July 2017
19
New Service Member Profile
COLLIERS OFFERS PROPERTY MARKET EXPERTISE
C
olliers International is a leader in global real estate services defined by a spirit of enterprise. Through a culture of service excellence and collaboration, the company has integrated the resources of real estate specialists worldwide to accelerate the success of its partners. Colliers represents property investors, developers and occupiers in local and global markets, with expertise spanning all property sectors. Its team of specialists shares a commitment to deliver the highest level of service by providing expert valuation advice on the self-storage sector. With extensive market knowledge, Colliers provides wholly independent, reliable and confidential advice to give your property every advantage in today’s competitive market. The company’s services include valuations for first mortgage, financial reporting and insurance services. Its advisory services include feasibility studies, due diligence for purchase or sale purposes/negotiations, benchmarking analysis, valuation reviews and rental advice. With over 50 specialists covering all property sectors in Australia, Colliers provides clients with accurate information that can help them better understand the value of assets and make informed business decisions.
“
With extensive market knowledge, Colliers provides wholly independent, reliable and confidential advice.
”
Colliers’ team of specialists is committed to delivering high levels of service by providing expert valuation advice on the self-storage sector. The company offers market knowledge to provide wholly independent, reliable and confidential advice to give a property every advantage in today’s competitive market. Colliers creates long-term professional relationships with clients and is a member of the Self-Storage Association of Australasia (SSAA). Colliers International has 502 offices in 67 countries, so you can connect with a global network of self-storage valuation experts. If your portfolio extends internationally contact Colliers’ self-storage specialist, Dylan Adams. n
Dylan Adams is Colliers’ self-storage expert.
20
Insider June-July 2017
SE L F-S TOR AGE DESIGN A ND C ONS T RUC TION Architectural Design Engineering Permits Building Structures Storage Unit Construction Building Conversions Turn Key Solutions
CONTACT:
info@regisbuilt.com.au
1300 388 224 regisbuilt.com.au
Cover Story Dylan Alcott with the delegates.
STAFF IN STORAGE
RETREAT 2017
p u p a r W
What do a pole dancer, a Kylie Minogue look-alike, a circus clown, a neat freak, a busker who sings for his dinner and a person who regularly misses his stop because he falls asleep as soon as he boards his train have in common?
A
Susan Phillips- CEO- SSAA, Margret GilpinUltimate Storage Solutions, Jason Keane-Sentinel.
22
Insider June-July 2017
nswer: They were all in Sydney from May 4-5; they are all passionate about their careers; they all work in the self storage industry. With thousands of others, they chose a career path that’s made them part of the SSAA family. The short, sharp two-day Staff in Storage Retreat provided great opportunities for the fortunate few who attended. The feedback from delegates says it all: “Great insights” “Gave me inspiration and motivation to go further in this industry” “Easy to listen to presenters and hi-tech explained in laymen’s terms” “Speakers were entertaining” “I got so much out of every session, I would certainly attend again” “Positive and energised” “Networking really important and sharing of ideas among others in the industry” The Retreat was specifically designed for staff working in the self storage industry, and over the two days they were able to: Meet the Experts – formally and informally. Create an App for everyday audits with the team from Safety Culture on hand to assist. Learn how to sell up a storer with practical advice from Grant McNamee of iBidOnStorage. Sharpen sales skills under the guidance of the flamboyant Kevin Kosky of Big Hat. Learn how to avoid the 5 most common mistakes in self storage – with a legal perspective from Simone Hill and Darryl King. Learn Marketing Strategies – Andy Pudmensky of Storman invited audience participation to create specific storage marketing tools.
Finalists Craig Oliver, Stor Mate; Graham Moffitt, Keepsafe Storage; Jason Keane, Sentinel; Priyal Dassanayaka, Storage King and Brad Wannan, Storage King.
Dylan Alcott.
Stephanie Beehag, Sani Perera, Brad & Emily Wannan; Storage King.
Talk Debt Reduction – with Rob Baird of EziDebit, who outlined practical steps for reducing outstanding customer debt. Be inspired – by Dylan Alcott, Australia’s triple gold Paralympian, who took everyone on his journey as he strives to succeed in life and seek equal recognition for all. And they had some fun. Friends became foes as they battled it out in 80’s style while trying to recall the hits of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees and many more at the RockWiz event hosted by Radio personality Brent Randall. The Manager of the Year was announced as well. The finalists this year were: • Graham Moffitt of KeepSafe Storage, Balcatta, Perth, WA • Brad Wannan of Storage King, Fyshwick, ACT
Jason Keane, Sentinel Australa sia congratulates Manager of the yearPriyal Dassana yaka.
Rosemary Angyasy, Jim’s Self Storage; Andy Pudmensky, Storman and Susan Apps, Young Self Storage.
• Craig Oliver, Stor-Mate, Tamworth, NSW • Priyal Dassanayaka of Storage King, Rouse Hill, Sydney, NSW The quality field made it a tough job for the judges, but after careful consideration Priyal Dassanayaka was awarded the top honour this year. Priyal has always been a committed member of the Storage King team and has shown enthusiasm and dynamism in business planning. He leads his team in planning both quarterly and annually, focusing on areas such as store marketing, facility maintenance, staff rostering, debtor levels, yield growth and occupancy growth. His motto is ‘Delivering Superior Customer Service’. He aims to provide superior customer service by delivering comprehensive
Insider June-July 2017
23
Cover Story Pitching for Profit with Kevin Koskey.
Rosemary Angyasy, Jim’s Self Storage; Susan & Ian Apps, Young Self Storage.
Australia; n, Self Storage ka, David Eckerman yal Dassanaya Pri l; ne nti Se Jason Keane, . all nd Ra t en Br Storage King &
Grant McNameeibidonstorage.
Rob Smith & Elaine Coote- Lock Distributors with Susan Phillips, CEO- SSAA.
solutions that meet customer needs, and he takes an approach that places the customers’ needs as the utmost priority. Priyal recognises and rewards his staff in many ways. He leads by example, ensuring he understands staff members’ goals and motivations. He uses rewards to acknowledge their efforts. Additionally, Priyal conducts formal performance reviews biannually with staff to ensure he’s aware of their professional development goals. These reviews are used to formally acknowledge the staff members’ strengths and discuss areas that need to be improved. Priyal has a strong focus on marketing, including three local examples: Seabees Fishing Club Sponsorship, the Rouse Hill Baptist Church Annual Billy Cart Derby and the Rural Fire Service Sponsorship. These initiatives have led to an increase in enquiries
24
Insider June-July 2017
for storage from locals, while at the same time giving him the opportunity to help the community. However, the job is not all about having fun, and Priyal has a case-by-case approach when dealing with delinquent customers. This includes a strict daily schedule of calls, texts and emails commencing when the customer is five days overdue. As a result, last year his store debtor levels remained under 2 per cent on average without the need for any auctions. As Priyal says: “I am passionate about the Self-Storage Industry, having worked in it for over eight years. This industry is vital for the service it provides and for the impact it makes through community involvement. I will proudly represent this industry and be an Ambassador for it – both within the industry and in the community.” n
Don’t let computer failures paralyse your facility. With Sentinel’s da Vinci’s you’ll experience freedom from the fear that your facility will never be inconvenienced. The latest da Vinci model keypads are designed to retain all valid storer codes and operate without a PC.
YOU’LL NEVER NEED TO WORRY ABOUT PC FAILURES AGAIN!
Access Control & Individual Unit Alarms ● Sentinel Access Control interfaces with all major management software programs ● Supports multiple communication chains ● The communications with the hardware runs as a service, so no login to the pc is required ● If a communications chain fails, the system can be set to auto restart ● You can email and/or SMS (text Messages) events to Platinum users ● Can be used with remote alarms or remote access control using the internet or local network ● Easy to install and use over a network ● Has web access features. The program can be accessed from a web browser ● Supports access only users (with passcode only keypads)
PH: 1300 852 117 PH: 0800 002 587 AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
info@storagesecurity.com.au www.storagesecurity.com.au
Sentinel Australasia distributes to all of Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Asia. Installers and technicians in every state of Australia, NZ and throughout Asia.
Inside SSAA
BRYAN FURTADO JOINS THE SSAA
IN A MARKETING & EVENTS ROLE Meet Bryan Furtado, A recent team member of the SSAA
I
am a creative! I understand that saying “I am a creative” may bother some because it’s not good grammar. The truth is, I find this to be the only way to describe exactly who and what I am. It will please some of you to know that I almost titled this article “A New Wave in Self Storage has just hit the industry! It will please the rest of you to know that I realised no one likes a tall poppy and begrudgingly decided against it! But since this is my opportunity to introduce myself to you, I thought I would let you in on some gossip that people say about me when I am not around! I have travelled extensively for the past ten years before finally making Melbourne my home. I did my first site visit to Australia in 2004 and decided it was going to be a place where I would like to feel settled. Am I? yes! but that is another article for another time. After trying out different roles in agencies and start-ups around the world including being a television presenter at a startup TV station called the BBC, watching more “find your passion” keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring both my parents that, yes, I really do have a real job, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most recognizable clients in Luxury, Fashion, Retail, Education, eCommerce and the FMCG industry. Not every client was easy to work with however my sadistic
“
Yes, I am creative. I am an out of the box thinker and Ideas driven.
”
inner being has thrived in advertising and marketing for over a decade and during this period I have directed creative teams, rolled out national and international campaigns and successfully completed my tasks establishing brand visibility and engagement. Yes, I am creative. I am an out of the box thinker and Ideas driven. Here’s what I will deliver in my role at the Association: • Creative Direction • Ideation • Event Management • Email Marketing • Digital Marketing • Social Media Management • and sing my heart out at Christmas parties. I can continue by saying what everyone would like to hear…that I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I am flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others and keen to work with a great industry, blah blah blah… (YES! that I am, ofcourse) but most importantly among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits
“
I have directed creative teams, rolled out national and international campaigns and successfully completed my tasks establishing brand visibility and engagement.
”
26
Insider June-July 2017
the fan, I have the gift to think but not just the gift of thoughts. It is more how I think and how I look at situations and analyse them. How I take ideas and bring them to reality and with this gift I define myself… I am a creative! I am privileged to be a part of a great team at the SSAA and look forward to meeting with you all as I progress in my role as media & events coordinator and work every day to keep the self storage industry relevant, informed and moving forward. n Bryan Furtado, Marketing & Events, SSAA
Outside the Box The Door of Hope building.
Old sprinkler valves still in place.
Volunteers help make the self-storage business viable.
10 ACRES OF
OPPORTUNITY! Self-storage comes in many different forms and shapes. In Launceston it is a huge old woollen mill.
I
n the 1920s, Tasmania’s merino wool, abundant fresh water, willing workforce and cheap power was a magnet for English woollen mills. For over 70 years, the Patons & Baldwins mill was at the economic heart of Launceston, employing up to 2,300 workers. Along came the removal of tariff protection and a huge drop in demand for woollen yarn. By 1997 the mill had closed. So what happens to an ageing building with over 42,000m2 of space under cover? In 2002 Door of Hope Christian Church was in the market for some extra space, having outgrown the former plasterboard factory where it was located. The old woollen mill provided that space — and a whole lot more. Included in the “whole lot more” were 6,000 out-of-date sprinkler heads, three kilometres of leaking box gutters and an asbestos roof. There has also been a rezoning for the site (we have our own zone!) and heritage listing. Over the past 15 years, several stages of the redevelopment have been completed, including an 800 seat auditorium, cafeteria, child care centre, disability playground,
conference centre and a privately developed gymnasium. So where does self-storage fit in? Along with several small offices, artist studios and mini-warehouses, the building housed a self-storage business. Seeing the potential for growth, Door of Hope Christian Church bought the business. It inherited a card-based system with lots of bad debts. The basement was full of debtors’ goods waiting for someone to work out what to do with them. During the pre-purchase due diligence process, Door of Hope discovered the SSAA. A game changer! The SSAA introduced Door of Hope to the industry. An eye-opener. Having access to industry-standard contracts and advice was invaluable. The legal advice on goods disposal saw the basement cleared out. Thanks, Simone! Over 10 years later, the business continues to expand, with the number of units doubling over that period. Meet our staff. Our manager, Peter Cripps, has a small business background, running his own mechanical workshop, with lots of practical skills that are in high demand in an old building. Office manager Ange Martin comes with a background in food and retailing. Our staff also have skills gained in aged care, music teaching and church ministry. These skills are well-used while serving customers. An unusual feature of the business are our three volunteer staff. They’re all retired, and spend several days each week on
Office manager Angela Martin with Paul Slater, customer service.
maintenance projects around the building. The number of jobs to be done always seems to be on the rise, so their help plays a vital part in keeping the maintenance tasks under control. n
Door of Hope Central Storage Some facts and figures: • 110 car/boat spaces • 320 self-storage units on three levels. An upgraded goods lift provides access to upper levels • Open offices hours – Monday to Saturday • Uses Storman management software • Currently developing an additional 30 self-storage units • Located in former Coats Patons (Patons & Baldwins) building, Launceston.
Not receiving our e-Newsletters?
Please check your junk email folder as Microsoft has updated its email security settings and the e-Newsletter will need to be added to your “Not Junk” list.
Insider June-July 2017
27
IT Feature
THE ONLINE
SALESPERSON Websites are now essential tools for self-storage facilities. They provide 24-hour exposure and much more, says Dallas Dogger.
W
ith three-out-of-four buying decisions made online, the need for self-storage operators to ensure their digital presence is on-message has never been higher. I am going to assume that no one is still living under a unit, and everyone knows that their facility should have a website. Your website needs to be a logical extension of your facility marketing mix. It needs to be the sanctuary of the information that relates to your site.
Let’s look at some website essentials.
Define your needs What does the website need to achieve? Is it a business reference tool or is it the end process of marketing efforts? Self-storage websites need to deliver move-ins. Mobile responsive All self-storage websites should be
28
Insider June-July 2017
responsive to mobile devices. If someone is researching self-storage, more than likely it’s on a mobile device. A clearly defined offer What are you selling? Self-storage owners regularly mix up benefits of their facility with their product offering. Headlines like “24 hour access” or “clean dry units” are benefits for storers. You need to spell out your offer first. Your offer must be ‘above the fold’ The area that is on screen is ‘above the fold’. That’s where your offer has to be. Professional images, videos and graphics We all have phones and they take great cat pictures for Facebook. But spend the cash to get professional images taken. This should be part of your website budget. Do not have auto start videos This is a web no-no. Someone could be viewing your site, when all of a sudden your new video pops up and causes problems. Don’t use them.
Make it easy to contact you Make sure customers can find your contact details easily. Not everyone works for the FBI. Offer online payments Customers expect to be able to pay online. Make sure this feature is available and that it works. Test it regularly. Offer online pricing, reservations and move-ins Customers research self-storage every day. Make it easy to secure a space online. Get professional help While there are many DIY website builder tools and discount web builders and hosting companies out in internetland, professional website builders with specialist self-storage experience maximise your website performance, delivering move-ins. How do you go about getting a website designed? Firstly, have a checklist prepared. Have a look at the offerings of the website
“
Your website needs to be a logical extension of your facility marketing mix. It needs to be the sanctuary of the information that relates to your site.
”
developer. Do not second-guess or underestimate the value of getting a professional website company to build your new site. Most self-storage sites are multimillion dollar real estate businesses. When building a storage site, smart operators select professional self-storage builders. A few bucks saved by doing your website yourself or having a poorly constructed website made translates very quickly into lost cash and lost business. Your asset’s value is at stake. Let’s be clear — there is plenty of self-storage business everywhere. No exceptions. You might think I’m crazy, but it’s my experience that operators with poor move-in rates and poor business are making fundamental errors. These often start with a poorly executed website. Often the bad website is symptomatic of wider management problems. All businesses can be fixed.
Your website is not the whole solution The website for your self-storage business is part of your marketing mix. Having a good website created is the start of the process. Understanding that there is more to it than that is important. There are over 40 billion web pages. Good websites work because people work on them, often every day. This is the hardest part for any operator to digest. Here are my top six points to consider: 1. Websites are like tomatoes They last just a few days before they wilt without water. Equally, your website will wither and lose relevance without updates. 2. Websites are under constant attack Websites contain plug-ins. These are specific features and often they are provided by third parties. Update them regularly to prevent loss of your website. Ask for help.
3. SEO is essential Search engines like Google don’t know your site from any other. Pages need to be optimised and the content on those pages optimised to attract customers. SEO (search engine optimisation) is a specialist job for professionals. Do this yourself at your own risk. You can easily end up at the end of the internet. FYI, there is no business there. And there are more there than at the front. 4. SEM works Targeting specific offers by paid search (PPC) works and does deliver business. Again, this is a job for professionals. You can easily waste thousands doing PPC with no guidance. Paid ads work. 5. Blogging is essential Search engines are looking for ‘authoritative’ website content to display to searchers. One of your blogs may just do the trick. Relevance is the key.
6. Integration is essential Your website must work with your management software in real time, delivering reservations and move-ins.
How much should a good website cost? If you are a single site operator, you should budget between $4,000 and $8,000 for a high quality website. Add in hosting for about $300 per year, professional images ($2,000-$4,000) and regular updates. Updates can be scheduled, so allow for this. The running costs depend somewhat on the market. A good SEO plan for the average site starts at around $1,000 per month. Seems like a lot of cash to make your site work, but that’s a basic plan. Add in professional blogs and it can cost more. If you are in the top spots of the organic
Insider June-July 2017
29
IT Feature
“
There is no doubt that it’s more complicated to market your business online than in the old days of the Yellow Pages.
”
listings on the front page for your search term, then congratulations. Someone has worked hard to get your site to that position. Importantly, budgeting for a refresh every two years is essential. Websites need to be contemporary and must use the latest security protocols to protect consumers’ information. Online move-ins vs contact pages Many debate the virtue of putting prices online. There is a disparity between what consumers want and what is delivered. Ask yourself this: Would you buy from a business if you could not see its prices online? Would you buy an airline ticket? Would you book a hotel room? No, you wouldn’t. And self-storage customers are the same people who use these services every day. Operators should provide online cost information about their services. With high level integration now offered by management software, combined with move-in technology, tailored offerings can be displayed in real time, capturing online business. Contact pages are okay if you respond in three minutes. No one does, and more often than not they only deliver the news that the storer went elsewhere. We conducted a survey late last year of 20 Melbourne self-storage sites with contact pages. The average response time was 23 hours. Only one responded within five minutes, and one took four days. If you have them, be prepared to monitor them.
What is the future for websites? Websites are a lot different now from even five years ago. One thing is for sure — they will change. Migration to the mobile environment still drives the biggest change we are seeing. New design taking advantage of wider monitors is important, and content is still king.
30
Insider June-July 2017
Social media platforms like Facebook are emerging as additional tools to drive business to websites. Compelling offers are still the key to business from your website. Integrated marketing with consistent and regular offers is key. Consumers are bombarded with offers and multiple streams of content. TV, radio, web, Facebook — there is no let up. There is evidence that many are switching off, and that’s why outbound marketing is not as effective as inbound marketing. Make no mistake, plenty still need and want self-storage. Demand is increasing as we move to smaller house lots combined with high unit development. We remain a consumer society, and while we are, the need for self-storage will continue. Higher levels of product integration with sophisticated move-in tools have evolved and are highly configurable, taking highlevel data and displaying offers in real time. The ability to offer move-ins for targeted offers is now possible, redefining the way in which units are rented. Paperless move-ins are now a reality, reducing the move-in process and shifting the admin to the client, reducing instore time to deal with paperwork. Some products are now analysing website behaviour, tailoring the offering based on consumer habits. ‘Big Data’ is here. Analytical software is using psychographic analysis to establish the capability of a storer to pay, changing rates based on data linked to the management software, in turn delivering specialised offerings to potential storers. The rate for a unit might be $235 now and tomorrow it could be $240. These tools are being used by larger groups to finetune their websites and offers. No one solution delivers all of this integration, but a suite of webenabled products achieves a unified outcome. Solutions with these tools working
together offer operators tools similar to the hotel, airline and car rental industries. These industries have had to adapt to an ultra-competitive marketplace, and selfstorage is no different. There is no doubt that it’s more complicated to market your business online than in the old days of the Yellow Pages. Be guarded of promises to get your business on the front page of Google. No one can promise that, and it’s no guarantee of business anyway. Quality service to your storers is still the hallmark of business. Combine that with a professional website and marketing strategy and you have a great chance of success. Be proactive and understand your web analytics. These reports tell you if your site is being visited and if your offers are attracting attention. The web is an evolving thing. If you are in business, you need to be involved. Your website is not “set and forget”. There are no short cuts, no easy deals and no cheap websites that work. If there were, we would have one ourselves! Resist the temptation of DIY websites. The experts don’t use them, and they are only of value to those who are not really expecting business. Importantly, recognising that consumers expect service and attention via the web is the cornerstone of a good website. Great design and good images are critical, combined with a competitive offer. A professional web company with the skill to deliver these tools is the most essential aspect of self-storage today. While building and location are important aspects of the process – and not to be underestimated – your digital presence via your website and online marketing is the key to your selfstorage success. Your digital presence has value, and valuers now recognise this. n
New Service Member Profile
BOS NZ OFFERS
QUICK-BUILD STORAGE SOLUTIONS BOS Containers are quick-build units that offer storage, shelter and security solutions to homeowners, businesses and numerous industry sectors. BOS NZ’s goal is to expand the BOS product into niche markets and grow the business through customer relationships and referrals.
B
OS GmbH Best Of Steel, based in Emsdetten, Germany, employs 450 people and has been a market leader for nearly 50 years in the Pan-European market in steel frames and material container manufacturing. The company’s philosophy in safety carries over from production to concerns about the safety of their clients. BOS containers come in a variety of sizes. They can be connected together to make a single larger unit, stacked up to three high, and come flatpacked to a customer’s door. They take just five minutes to build with no need for tools! BOS containers have won awards around the world, including “Number one for Storage Solutions in Europe in 2015” and the Inside Self Storage “Best Of Business” industry award in the category of Most Innovative Product in 2015, and again in 2016. Quick-build containers provide increased flexibility in responding to changes in market demand without large investments in buildings and equipment. BOS containers offer solutions for permanent, temporary and portable storage needs. They are built from durable and maintenance-free galvanised components with a 10-year corrosion protection guarantee, and are: • flatpacked for delivery; • available for quick tool-free assembly and dismantling; • stackable (up to three assembled containers, or up to 10 flatpacked); • mobile – can be relocated at any time; • durable in all climates; and • theft resistant. n
1/4 186x32
“
Quick-build containers provide increased flexibility in responding to changes in market demand without large investments in buildings and equipment.
”
Insider June-July 2017
31
Ancillary Services
The Automated Parcel Delivery System offers a new service for self-storage operators.
TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT
OF PARCEL DELIVERY
A system of automatic parcel delivery and storage offers self-storage facilities new opportunities to diversify their services.
A
s online shopping increases in popularity and volume, a market opportunity has risen for self-storage operators to provide sophisticated and automated parcel delivery and storage services. Kevin Hannagan has a well-established business, Que Access, that installs and maintains security systems, electronic access doors and other security products, and has worked with the self-storage industry for a number of years. He discovered the concept by accident while working on one of his own projects. “I first came across the parcel lockers when I was installing access and security systems at an upmarket high rise apartment development at Toowong, Brisbane. The parcel locker system was
32
Insider June-July 2017
being installed near the intelligent mailboxes, which also grabbed my attention,” said Kevin. “I then approached the guys installing it and asked some questions about how the parcel lockers work. “Ian Chewe from bodycorpsecure.com gave me the full rundown. He mentioned that he and his business partner, Kim Kake, had spent the past two years developing the Secure Parcel Locker System and the My Parcel Locker App, and they are now installing them into apartment buildings throughout Australia and New Zealand. “Ian said he had seen first-hand the huge issues that online buying was causing with parcel delivery and pick-up throughout Europe, the USA and China, and the way that they were dealing with it was through installing parcel lockers.” Kevin was impressed when they showed him the hardware run by the machine, and the remote management system that was operated through their cloud server. “My immediate thought was that these lockers would solve a lot of problems in the self-storage facilities that I work with,” Kevin said. “The Secure Parcel Lockers have certainly captured my imagination, and I have now partnered with bodycorpsecure.com to assist with their rollout and installation in the self-storage market.” Kevin featured the parcel lockers at a recent Self Storage Expo, which he said generated a lot of attention and numerous sales. He
Security cameras can record deliveries and pick-ups automatically.
“
Kevin Hannagan believes the Parcel Locker principle answers a lot of questions that the burgeoning parcel delivery market is throwing up to both customers and self-storage operators.
”
Customers can collect parcels 24/7 through an app.
There are also smaller parcel systems available.
pointed out that over 90 per cent of the people he spoke to at the Expo were experiencing issues with parcels for clients and couriers being left in their office for collection. They said that interruptions due to having to sign for parcels and then chase up clients to collect them, as well as couriers coming to collect parcels, were increasing and causing frustration.
How do the Parcel Lockers work?
1. Delivery: A courier scans a parcel into the system and enters the recipient’s mobile number. They will then receive a text with a pin code as soon as the parcel has been delivered. 2. Retrieval: The parcel recipient simply goes to the Parcel Locker and presses “Collect” on the screen. By following the simple prompts that instruct the recipient to enter their mobile number and pin code from the text message, the locker door will open and they can retrieve their parcel. Recipients can download the free My Parcel Locker App to their mobile phone, which enables them to track and keep a record of their deliveries. They can also retrieve their parcels via the app. Kevin Hannagan believes the Parcel Locker principle answers a lot of questions that the burgeoning parcel delivery market is throwing
“
The system provides a 24/7 service, with little or no human input, making it a very effective additional service offering for self-storage operators.
”
up to both customers and self-storage operators. First and foremost, it provides a simple and secure parcel delivery facility. Scanners inside the locker detect parcels and log the time and date of deliveries. Security cameras can also record parcel deliveries. The system provides a 24/7 service, with little or no human input, making it a very effective additional service offering for self-storage operators. It also makes parcel delivery easier for customers, who don’t have to be present when the postie or courier arrives to deliver parcels, or have to follow up with visits to post offices or wait for another delivery time. The Parcel Locker System also eliminates interruptions and frustrations for body corporate and onsite managers. The system has the potential to generate another income stream from low yielding problem areas of a self-storage facility. It can turn just 1.3m2 of unused space into an area returning from $4,000 to $10,000 per annum. It can also attract new customers and retain existing customers by offering a unique service that is available any time, day or night.
Customising
Locker sizes and configurations in the Secure Parcel Locker System can be customised to suit a self-storage facility’s particular needs, and refrigerated lockers and intelligent mail boxes are also available, Kevin said. A Secure Parcel Locker System costs approximately $14,900.00 + GST. The purchase price includes full installation and commissioning of a 28 locker unit. The system can be delivered within 10 weeks of an order, with a 50 per cent deposit is required for initial orders. Customised parcel locker systems may have different costs and delivery times. n
Insider June-July 2017
33
Members’ Legal Forum
FACING HAZARDOUS
GOODS FOR SALE S
In this forum SSAA legal advisor Simone Hill considers what facilities should do if they enter a space to sell up due to default, only to discover the unit contains hazardous items. What is our duty to staff and buyers? Can we simply dispose of everything? How do we protect ourselves?
34
Insider June-July 2017
elling up a storer is an infrequent but often tricky and, unfortunately, necessary element of running a self-storage business. Despite what we see on TV shows like Storage Wars and Auction Hunters, many self-storage spaces contain worthless goods and rubbish. In some cases goods may even be hazardous. As a self-storage operator you have a responsibility to your staff, other storers and potential purchasers to ensure harm is not caused by hazardous goods.
What are hazardous goods? Any goods that may cause harm are considered hazardous. This would include obvious things like chemicals, illegal drugs and substances, drug paraphernalia such as syringes, and bio hazards like items containing or contaminated with blood and other bodily fluids. However, items that might cause less serious injuries, such as broken glass in photo frames capable of cutting unwitting staff who reach into boxes or bags, or items that harbour fleas, cockroaches or bed bugs which may result in bites or infections, would also met this definition.
Responsibility to staff You have a legislative and common law obligation to run a safe workplace. Specifically, under WHS legislation you have a responsibility to minimise risk and potential harm for staff in the workplace. It is unlikely you will be considered to have met that obligation if you require staff to handle hazardous goods without appropriate protection or if you expose staff to unnecessary risk. Let’s consider various risks in turn, and what might be appropriate protection: Bio hazards — this includes everything from used nappies, potentially all stained mattresses and clothing, through to any items contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. These items should be disposed of following strict OH&S guidelines to ensure staff are protected from coming into physical contact with the bio hazard (safety glasses, disposable gloves and overalls) or breathing in bio hazards (masks). Depending on the extent of the bio hazard, it may be appropriate to engage professional cleaners to clear out the space, or wholesale disposal of all items in the space with further sorting or handling may be required.
Help us help you
Drugs — drugs and drug paraphernalia. Needle stick injuries are not unheard of in our industry. Where used syringes are found or suspected, even greater protection of staff is a necessity. This may include thick gloves, or again, having outside professional cleaners undertake the clear out, or wholesale disposal of all items in the space. Other potentially hazardous items — such as broken items, mould or inherently dangerous items like chemicals. Again, scenario specific protection should be utilised. This may include wearing thick gloves, breathing apparatus and/or having best practice rules in place with regard to staff not reaching into boxes or bags. These comments are general, and suggest some appropriate measures you might take in response to various risks. However, what is appropriate will always be dependent on the specific and individual scenario.
“
the goods are of no value there will be no proceeds from a sale to cover such costs. When sorting through the space staff should also be mindful of avoiding potential leaks or overflow of liquid into neighbouring spaces. As with all activity, where the facility has been deliberate or negligent in its actions and those actions have caused harm to a storer or their goods, the facility may have legal liability for that damage.
Responsibility to potential purchasers This area of law is developing quickly. It is arguable that when a purchaser is injured by items they have purchased from a facility as part of a default sale — for example, a needle stick injury caused by used syringe buried in box of other items — the facility may have liability for that injury.
Facilities should ensure that they do not knowingly sell hazardous or illegal items.
Responsibility to other storers Where the contents of a storer’s space cause a potential threat to neighbouring storers, you are under a duty to address that threat. For example, where it is discovered that a storer’s space is infested with fleas, cockroaches or rodents, you should take appropriate steps to minimise the spread to other spaces or the facility generally. Theoretically, the cost for this action can be recouped from the storer, and should be added to outstanding storage fees when assessing the amount to be recovered from the sale of any items or when engaging debt collectors. Of course, what is correct in theory may not work in practice. I recognise that where
The SSAA is compiling photos and anecdotes regarding the discovery of hazardous goods from facilities across Australia and New Zealand. It is hoped that these can be used in the future to defend any claim against a facility by a storer challenging the right to dispose of hazardous goods. We hope that through a collaborative effort, we will be able to demonstrate that our experience of defaulting storers can be far removed from the sanitised “Storage Wars” perception. It will be much easier to defend the action of a single facility member if we can produce multiple photographic examples from across the region. Please send your pictures and experiences to: legal@selfstorage.com.au.
Inventory It is the SSAA’s position that when used syringes or other serious bio hazards are discovered (such as faeces, used sexl toys and aids, or items contaminated with blood) that the facility is entitled to dispose of ALL items without any further need to sort through the items. This means there is NO NEED to undertake a detailed inventory of goods, as is usually required when selling up a storer. However, it DOES NOT mean you simply dump everything without protecting yourself.
Protect yourself
”
Facilities should ensure that they do not knowingly sell hazardous or illegal items. This should be achieved by either sorting through all items before they are offered for sale, or disposing of items where it is not possible or it is potentially dangerous to sort through them.
What do I do with hazardous goods? In short, all hazardous goods should be disposed of appropriately. Chemicals, asbestos, tyres and similar items will have specific dumping requirements. These may change from council to council and state to state. Rules with regard to what is hazardous and how it is disposed also vary between New Zealand and Australia.
Take photos and video of the hazardous items. Make copious notes as to what was discovered and why you believe the items or the entire contents of the space should all be disposed of. Note that you must always act reasonably. It is likely to be considered reasonable that you elected to dispose of all items in a 1 x 1 unit if the space is crawling with cockroaches and the first three boxes you open in a storer’s space contain a dirty nappy, a used syringe and an ice pipe. On the other hand, it is likely to be considered unreasonable if you dispose of the entire contents of a 3 x 3 because you discovered a single bottle of household bleach in a box containing other kitchen supplies. Like everything to do with the law, what is reasonable is never black and white, and will depend upon the scenario as a whole. If in doubt please do not hesitate to contact the SSAA for advice and guidance. n
Insider June-July 2017
35
TRADE
DIRECTORY Design & Construction Services & Suppliers STORCO STORAGE SYSTEMS
Jacob Layton 6, 2 Strathgrove Way, Orange NSW 2800 T: 02 6391 2800 E: sales@storco.com.au W: www.storco.com.au
UNIVERSAL STORAGE CONTAINERS (USC)
Shay Mcquade T: 0438 256 541 E: shay.mcquade@universalstoragecontainers.com W: www.universalstoragecontainers.com
ACR Roofing
Christian Wright T: 03 9555 0955 E: christian@acrroofing.com.au, W: www.acrroofing.com.au
B & D Australia
James Tyson T: 07 3883 0248 M: 0417 792 636 E: james.tyson@bnd.com.au W: www.bnd.com.au
Bridgmond Projects Pty Ltd Mark Venz T: 0438 072659 E: info@bridgmond.com.au W: www.bridgmond.com.au
Corporate Construction Group
Matthew Moulsdale Suite 101, 84 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 T: +61 2 9231 3691 E: admin@corporateconstruction.com.au W: www.corporateconstruction.com.au
Trusted suppliers to the self-storage industry.
Regisbuilt
Storage King New Zealand
Rodger Giles Builders
Valuations, Finance & Assorted Professional Consultants
M: 0423 083 321 T: 1300 388 224 E: anthony@regisconstruction.com.au W: www.regisconstruction.com.au
Trent Giles M: 0418 745 540 T: 07 3271 3522 E: admin@rodgergiles.com.au W: www.rodgergiles.com.au
Gliderol Garage Doors
Tom Ainscough T: 08 8360 0000 E: tainscough@gliderol.com.au W: www.gliderol.com.au
Havener Enterprises
Alan White T: 815 935 8383 E: alan@havenerent.com W: www.portablestoragebox.com
KiwiMark Construction
T: 07 576 5494 F: 07 576 5491 E: travis@kiwimark.net.nz W: www.kiwimark.net.nz
36
Insider June-July 2017
Aon Risk Services
T: 02 9253 8350 W: www.aon.com.au/storage
Safetech
AON Risk Services NZ
Saurus Self Storage Solutions
Collins & Associates
Tony Krlevski T: +61 3 5127 4566 E: sales@stsap.com.au W: www.safetechtieman.com.au Christiaan Claassens 25 Calista Crescent, Bracken Ridge, QLD, 4017, Australia T: +61 418 800 444 E:s aurusselfstoragesolutions@gmail.com
Southwell Lifts and Hoists
Jeffery Nathan T: +64 9 362 9535 E: jeffery.nathan@aon.com W: www.aon.co.nz Malcolm Collins T: 03 8456 5134 E: malcolm@malcolmcollins.com W: www.malcolmcollins.com
Colliers International Holdings
David Head T: 02 4655 7007 E: sales@southwell.com.au W: www.southwell.com.au
(Aust) Ltd Dylan Adams T: 02 9257 0222 E: dylan.adams@colliers.com W: www.colliers.com.au
Steel Storage Group
GSA Insurance Brokers
Taurean Door Systems
Highway Frontage Specialist
T: +61 7 3865 1600 E: sales@steelstorage.com.au W: www.steelstorage.com.au Sean Marceddo T: 03 9721 8366 M: 0409 489 881 E: Sean.Marceddo@taureands.com.au
G&M Stor-More
Michael Watson T: 02 4733 5048 E: michael@gmstormore.com.au W: www.gmstormore.com.au
Mark Bateman T: +61 2 9360 3230 E: mark@storageking.co.nz
Management & Operations FKSL Management
Mark Greig Director of Operations M: +61 499 110 599 O: (07) 32146 3997 E: markg@fksl.com.au W: www.fortknoxstorage.com.au W: www.storelocal.com.au 8/441 Nudgee Rd, Hendra QLD 4011
Storage King
Martin Richards T: +61 2 9460 6660 E: martin@storageking.com.au W: www.storageking.com.au
Carlo Gentili T: +61 2 8274 8130 E: carlog@gsaib.com.au
Estate Agents Matt Walsh T: 1300 661 950 +61 3 9944 9350 E: matt@highwayfrontage.com.au W: www.selfstoragerealestate.com.au
Landmark White Pty Ltd
Peter Roberts T: 07 3226 0000 E: peter.roberts@lmw.com.au
M3 Property Strategists
Mitchell Bernoth T: 07 3620 7900 E: mitchell.bernoth@m3property.com.au Ross Perkins T: 07 3620 7901 E: ross.perkins@m3property.com.au
Midland Insurance Brokers
Gilda Mihran T: 1300 306 571 E: storage@midlandinsurance.com.au W: www.midlandinsurance.com.au
Trade Directory
Robertson & Robertson
1/8 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah, NSW, 2259 T: +61 2 4351 2200
Urbis
David Blackwell Direct: 02 8233 7627 M: 0409 771 310 Office: 02 8233 9900 E: dblackwell@urbis.com.au W: www.urbis.com.au
Wallace McLean
Simon Keenan T: +64 9-358 7233 E: simon@wallacemclean.co.nz W: www.wallacemclean.co.nz
Ancillary Services VISY BOXES & MORE
T: 03 9554 5600 E: vbm_vic@visy.com.au W: visyboxesandmore.com.au Branches across Australia and New Zealand.
EZIDEBIT
T: 07 3124 5500 E: sales@ezidebit.com.au W: www.ezidebit.com
BOS NZ Limited
Phil Tindle Palm Beach, Papamoa, 3151, New Zealand T: +64 0800 226 769 E: info@bosnz.co.nz
Betta Storage Containers
Grant Bryant T: 02 9999 0150 E: mark@bettastorage.com.au W: www.bettastorage.com.au
Homestead Press
Joe Barbaro T: 02 6299 4500 E: printing@homesteadpress.com.au
iBidonStorage
Grant McNamee T: 0410 445 933 E: info@ibidonstorage.com.au W: www.ibidonstorage.com.au
Jetta Excess Baggage Pty Ltd
Lyle Honess T: +61 1300 300 688 E: sales@jetta.com.au W: www.jettaexcessbaggage.com.au
Lock Distributors Australia
Karen Crook T: 1800 28 77 24 E: service@lockdistributors.com.au W: www.lockdistributors.com.au
Que Access Pty Ltd
Kevin Hannagan M: +61 488 279 918 E: kevin@queaccess.com.au W: www.queaccess.com.au
Magazines byDesign
Linda Gunek 404, 33 Lexington Dve, Bella Vista NSW 2153 T: 02 8883 5890 E: linda@bydesigngraphcs.com.au W: www.magazinesbydesign.com.au
Makinex Construction Products 15 Waltham Street Artarmon, NSW, 2064 T: +61 1300 795 953
MiniMovers
T: 1300 366 000 E: sales@minimovers.com.au W: www.minimovers.com.au
National Energy Solutions Pty Ltd Level 1, 73A Rupert Street Collingwood, VIC, 3066, Australia T: +61 3 8609 9276
Royal Wolf Trading
Craig Baker T: 02 9482 3466 E: removals@royalwolf.com.au W: www.royalwolf.com.au
Sweepers Australia
Michelle Maxwell & Vaughan Rose T: 03 9562 7533 E: michelle@sweepersaustralia.com.au W: www.sweepersaustralia.com.au
Transcorp Removals
John Christoforidis T: 1300 466 838 (Toll Free) E: enquiries@transcorpaustralia.com.au W: www.melbourne-removalist.com.au
Trans Tasman Energy Group
Jacob Mahoney T: +61 3 9418 3951Work M: +61 430 211 410Mobile E: jmahoney@tteg.com.auWork W: www.tteg.com.au
Software & Security STORMAN AUSTRALIA Andy Pudmensky T: 07 3319 1522 E: sales@storman.com W: www.storman.com
Storman New Zealand Andy Pudmensky T: 09 280 3393 E: sales@storman.com W: www.storman.com
AD-TECH Security
Adrian Rostirolla T: 1300 30 60 90 E: sales@ad-tech.com.au W: www.ad-tech.com.au
AlarmQuip Security Systems Evan Richardson T: 07 5492 3242 E: evan@alarmquip.com.au W: www.alarmquip.com.au
Centreforce Technology Group Pty Ltd Dallas Dogger T: 07 3889 9822 E: sales@centreforceit.com.au SiteLink Software: www.sitelinksoftware.com.au R6 Web Sites: www.r6web.com.au District Manager revenue enhancement software: www.qstrom.com
Improv Pty Ltd
Michael Stone T: 0417 590 665 E: sales@improv.com.au W: www.improv.com.au
PTI Australasia Pty Ltd
Ben Parsad T: 07 3216 5524 E: sales@ptiaustralasia.com W: www.pti.com.au
Que Access Pty Ltd
Ashley Hooper T: 0488 279 918 E: ashley@queaccess.com.au
Sentinel Australia
Jason Keane T: +61 99882035 / 1300 852 117 E: jason@storagesecurity.com.au W: www.storagesecurity.com.au
Web ID Pty Ltd
Ian Bland Unit 6, 9 Mirra Court, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 T: +61 3 9470 8420
Please check that your details are correct on these pages as it is an important listing for customers to be able to contact you. If you need to add or amend any details please send an email to admin@selfstorage.com.au
Insider June-July 2017
37
SSAA
BOARD MEMBERS Chairman - Keith Edwards All Secure, New Zealand Ph: +61 04 5676 655 E: keith@allsecure.co.nz
Makala Ffrench Castelli
Deputy Chairperson National Storage, Queensland Ph: +61 7 3218 8116 E: mcastelli@nationalstorage.com.au
Shaun Bain
Keepsafe Storage, Western Australia Ph: +61 8 9200 2252 E: shaunbain@kbhgroup.com.au
Ryan Coom
National Mini Storage, New Zealand Ph: +64 9 920 5396 E: ryan.coom@nationalministorage.co.nz
Liz Davies
Self Storage Australia, South Australia Ph: +61 8 8955 5555 E: liz.davies@selfstore.com.au
38
Insider June-July 2017
Andrew Eastwood
U-Store-It, South Australia Ph: +61 8 8276 1166 E: aeastwood@ustoreit.com.au
Jason Keane
Sentinel Australasia Ph: +61 3 9418 3942 E: jason@storagesecurity.com.au
Ivor Morgan
Jim’s Self Storage, Victoria Ph: +61 3 9397 3438 E: ivor@jimsstorage.com.au
Sally Steel
Wilson Storage Ph: 1300 28 68 28 E: sally.steel@wilsonstorage.com.au
Inside SSAA
SSAA
STAFF Susan Phillips, CEO E: ceo@selfstorage.com.au
Craig McKenzie, Membership & Marketing Manager E: membership@selfstorage.com.au
Jeannette Jones, Reception / Administration E: admin@selfstorage.com.au
LIFETIME
Michelle Stokes, Reception / Administration E: admin@selfstorage.com.au
MEMBERS
Simone Hill, Legal Advisor E: legal@selfstorage.com.au
Mark Bateman Frank Cooney Liz Davies John Eastwood Neville Kennard Bob Marsh Jim Miller Jon Perrins Phil Robbie Mark Snooks
Melinda Wyper, Accounts Officer E: accounts@selfstorage.com.au
Bryan Furtado, Marketing & Events Coordinator E: marketing@selfstorage.com.au
Leading supplier of
GOODS HOISTS fOr Self STOraGe
Call us today on
email sales@southwell.com.au
1800 244 787
www.southwell.com.au
Insider June-July 2017
39
Member Resources
MEMBER
RESOURCES
A
s part of SSAA membership members are provided with a wide range of resources to assist them in complying with relevant legislation, common law obligations and industry best practice. Many of these resources are located in the Manual of Advice and Procedures (MAP) which can be downloaded from our website (see Legal Resources). To access the resources available visit www.selfstorage.org.au, log in to the members’ only section of our website (using your username and password), and head to the Resources page. For any log-in issues contact our office on + 61 3 9466 9699 or admin@selfstorage.com.au
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
MARKETING
CHECKLISTS & LETTERS
PUBLICATIONS
• Disaster Prevention and Recovery Guide • Dispute Resolution Guide • Valuation Guidelines • Mystery Shopping Information
• Sign up Checklist • Contract for Accepting Deliveries • Lock Break Form • Deed of Release
IT & ONLINE RESOURCES
• Insider Magazine • Facility Traffic and Parking Study • Almanac Demand Study
SSAA RESOURCES
• STOReFLASH bi-monthly e-newsletter • StorMan Web Links Pack • Storer Check (database for problem storers) • Storage Finder – www.selfstorage.com.au (for customer enquiries) • Trade Directory of service members (industry suppliers) • Self Storage Space Estimator • SSAA Insider Blog
• Constitution • Code of Ethics • SSAA Logos • SSAA Merchandise Order Form for: - Personal Storage Brochure - Corporate Storage Brochure - Code of Ethics Poster - Conditions of Agreement Poster - SSAA Flag - Australian Flag
LEGAL RESOURCES
STORAGE AGREEMENTS
• Legal Advice • Police Watchlist • Frequently Asked Questions • MAP Australia & New Zealand - Storage Agreements - Standard Letters: 7 day overdue, 14 day, 21 day; 28 day; 5 month - Appendix documents - Notification Letters: notice for immediate entry; entry in 21 days to liquidator; to trustee; fee increase; lock break; termination notice • Privacy Documents Australia and New Zealand • PPSR Information
40
• Insider Magazine Advertising - booking sheet, specifications and prices • Marketing Manual • Opportunity to advertise facilities for sale on our website.
Insider June-July 2017
(also in MAP) • Standard Storage Agreement – Australia & New Zealand • Managed Storage Agreement – Australia & New Zealand • Mobile Storage Agreement – Australia & New Zealand • Offsite and Onsite Mobile Agreement • Truck Hire Agreement – New Zealand • Trailer Hire Agreement – New Zealand.
OFFLINE RESOURCES
• SSAA Window Decal and Membership Certificate • Annual Convention and Trade Show/Summit • SSAA Awards for Excellence Program • Regional Meetings • Training in Legal, Sales and Operations • Affiliations with the SSA in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia • Exclusive Customer Goods Insurance Offer – NZ & Australia.
COVENTIONS/SUMMITS
As a member you are entitled to attend our Self Storage informative events: • Owners Summit, Queenstown, NZ, 28–31 August 2017.
Disclaimer: This magazine is intended to inform members of matters relevant to the industry in a general manner. It is not, however, to be used or relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Before acting on any advice, discussion or opinion contained herein, readers should seek specific professional advice. The Association, editors and writers are excluded from any liability for damage caused, that arises from acting in reliance on any opinion expressed herein. All rights reserved. © Self Storage Association of Australasia.
New Members
NEW MEMBERS Provisional Members Secure Storage Bangalow PO Box 977, Mullumbimby, NSW, 2482, Australia Ph: 0427 673 222 Email: rgr.grn@gmail.com Salamander Self Storage 346 Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay, NSW, 2317, Australia Ph: 0477 007 110 Email: brett@wilbury.com.au Ian Goodwin PO Box 61, Kaniva, VIC, 3419, Australia Ph: 0401 107 919 Email: goodwinbros@internode.on.net
Real Estate Membership The Property Group 24 George Street, Moe, VIC, 3825, Australia Ph: 5127 7535 Email: ange@thepropertygroup.net.au Capital One Real Estate Pty Ltd 80 Wallarah Road, Gorokan, NSW, 2263, Australia Ph: (02) 4392 8828 Email: darren@capitalone.com.au
Additional Facilities All Coastal Container Hire Caloundra 3 Newing Way, Caloundra West, QLD, 4551, Australia Ph: 07 5493 2426 Email: allcoastcontainers@hotmail.com
Facility Members Ardossan Undercover and Lockup Storage 6 Clift Road, Ardrossan, SA, 5571, Australia Ph:0412 832 300 Email: info@ardrossanstorage.com.au All Tamborine Storage 108 Main Western Road, Tamborine, QLD, 4272, Australia Ph:07 5545 1938 Email: mccon@winshop.com.au
Osborne Park Storage Solutions 3 Baden Street, Osborne Park, WA, 6017, Australia Ph: 08 9444 0787 Email: admin@osborneparkstoragesolutions.com.au Burleigh Mini Stores & Removals 5 Hornet Place, West Burleigh, QLD, 4220, Australia Ph: 07 5593 5320 Email: burleighministores@hotmail.com Woodward Street Storage 56-60 Woodward Street, Parkes, NSW, 2870, Australia Ph: 02 6862 2253 Email: gary@pottsgroup.com.au
42
Insider June-July 2017
Beenleigh Self Storage 105 Harburg Drive, Beenleigh, QLD, 4207, Australia Ph:07 3807 6864 Email: beenleighss@gmail.com
Coastal Storage Glenwood 16 Stevenson Road, Glenwood, QLD, 4570, Australia Ph: 0417 079 447 Email: hallettinvestments@bigpond.com
Strongbox Self Storage 73 Redfern Place, South Pambula, NSW, 2549, Australia Ph: 02 6495 3000 Email: enquiries@strongboxselfstorage.com.au Soiltrans Pty Ltd 40 Batten Road, Mount Low, QLD, 4818, Australia Ph: 07 4751 8931 Email: admin@soiltrans.com.au
NZ Facility Members Container Co 81 Jellicoe Road, Panmure, AUCKLAND, New Zealand Ph: +64 9 261 1213 Email: brian.wynne@containerco.co.nz
My Storage Limited 68 Gladstone Road, Richmond, NELSON, 7050, New Zealand Ph: +64 3 544 4393 Email: janine@spraggs.co.nz
Storage Squirrel 5-509 Mt Wellington Highway, MT Wellington, AUCKLAND, 1060, New Zealand Ph: +64 9 216 5522 Email: sales@storagesquirrel.co.nz
Storage 4 All 161 Browns Road, Cranbourne South, VIC, 3977, Australia Ph: 0498 274 598 Email: info@storage4all.com.au
Service Members
Moreroom 2 Store 20/24 Keon Parade, Thomastown, VIC, 3073, Australia Ph: 03 9460 1055 Email: peter@eagleremac.com.au
Valuations, Finance & Assorted Colliers International Holdings (Aust) Ltd Dylan Adams Ph: 02 9257 0222 E: dylan.adams@colliers.com www.colliers.com.au
VTF Storage Solutions 275 Dundas Street, Preston, VIC, 3072, Australia Ph: 03 9484 4000 Email: dlee@leegroup.com.au
Big Boys Toy Storage Pty Ltd 13-23 Badu Court, Meadowbrook, QLD, Australia Ph: 1300 786 733 Email: info@bbts.com.au
Green Box Storage Pty Ltd 44 Frankston Gardens Drive, Carrum Downs, VIC, 3201, Australia Ph: 429 672 652 Email: paul@ineedachef.com.au Stor-it Ballarat 211 Melbourne Road, Brown Hill, VIC, 3350, Australia Ph: 0415 606 066 Email: cybee@live.com
Victor Caravan & Boat Storage Pty Ltd 29 Maude Street, Encounter Bay, SA, 5211, Australia Ph: 0403 174 646 Email: karenshields@netspace.net.au Metromovers Pty Ltd 119 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham, VIC, 3190, Australia Ph: 1300 138 960 Email: mairead@metromovers.com.au Mates Rate Storage Units 14A Hurrell Way, Rockingham, WA, 6168, Australia Ph: 1300 755 756 Email: andrew@taggroup.com.au
Holloway Storage Sydney 5C, 149 Mitchell Road, Erskineville, NSW, 2043, Australia Ph: 02 8503 4444 Email: ben@hollowayremovals.com.au
Software & Security Improv Pty Ltd Michael Stone Ph: 0417 590 665 E: sales@improv.com.au www.improv.com.au
Ancillary Services Que Access Pty Ltd Kevin Hannagan Ph: +61 488 279 918 E: kevin@queaccess.com.au www.queaccess.com.au
Trans Tasman Energy Group Jacob Mahoney Ph: +61 3 9418 3951 M: +61 430 211 410 E: jmahoney@tteg.com.au www.tteg.com.au
Code of Ethics
1. Members must promote the good image of the industry through ethical and honest advertising and business practices. 2. Members must maintain industry best practice standards as set by the Association. 3. Members must ensure that their business practices deter the conduct of criminal activities on site. 4. Members must comply with all relevant laws and regulations in regards to developing and operating a self-storage business. 5. Members must use a properly executed SSAA storage agreement or equivalent legal binding agreement with all Storers. 6. Members will avoid using practices that do not support environmental sustainability where practical alternatives exist. 7. Members will ensure that their workplace provides the maximum practical level of safety for employees, customers and other visitors to the site. 8. Members should ensure that staff are competent in their duties and complete appropriate training in best practice standards. 9. Members should treat all customers with respect.
Storage
All Safe Self Storage – Porirua New Zealand
King –
NSTR DER CO N U | NSW Narellan
Kennard’s Self Storage – Murarrie QLD
UCTION
Depot Self Storage – Auckland New Zealand
QUA LI TY | IN N OVATION | EX CEL L ENC E Contact STORCO today! +61 2 6391 2800 Email sales@storco.com.au 6,12 Strathgrove Way, Orange NSW 2800