At SMA, we believe in the necessity of a strong marketing program. We apply this principal idea to our respective storage facilities based on several factors, and use researched demographics to target the self storage market. The underlying truth is that if we do not market our product, our businesses will not be successful in the industry. Using techniques that include cold-calling, networking, word-of-mouth promotions (including referral rewards), advertising and other efforts, we make certain that marketing is always at the forefront of our leasing efforts. We train our managers to use appropriate selling techniques both in person and on the phone, and we use "shopping" techniques to monitor their progress. We customize marketing programs to fit the needs of each individual property, and we use the internet to establish and maintain web pages that advertise and sell our product. From brochures and flyers to business cards, yellow page design and signage, we make every effort when marketing your property to all potential customers.
Accounting & Administration
The accurate and timely reporting of information is critical for any business to be successful, and effective reporting begins with proper internal accounting controls. This involves checks and balances with deposits, lease files, purchase orders, physical lock checks, and more. At SMA, we require that all of our storage properties make deposits daily and report to our centralized accounting department in Dallas, Texas. We study cash balances to the penny every day so that potential irregularities aren't discovered at the end of the month, but are detected when they occur.
Operating statements, including balance sheets, revenue statements and trend operating reports, are distributed to each storage facility owner monthly. All supporting journals, ledgers, and bank account reconciliations are a part of the package, if desired. We also report storage unit and square footage facility occupancy weekly along with property traffic reports that include yellow page calls, internet hits, drive-bys, tenant referrals and more.
Our experience in the storage industry has enabled us to develop multiple vendor contacts that allow us to operate properties in a cost efficient manner. Our contacts assist with many different aspects of the business such as credit card processing, property insurance, security equipment and service, industry software, moving supplies, and self storage construction materials and contractors.
Additionally, we have been involved in real estate assessments for over 10 years. Typically, this is the largest expense incurred by a self storage facility. It is critical to review our evaluation, so that we can show you how to efficiently present your cost and operating information to various appraisal boards in the most effective manner to ensure that you receive the lowest possible evaluation for real estate tax purposes. We have saved our clients thousands of dollars over the years by professionally working all of the angles on assessment reductions.
Ultimately, effective accounting and administration depends on professional organization and experience. At SMA, we are uncompromising in our attention to detail, and our track record speaks for itself.
