StorageFront, a leading web marketer for the self storage industry, has added an Application Programming Interface (API) to its Web platform, allowing for storage unit rentals online. Renters now have the ability to book a rental online, while storage facility owners can now change pricing and track reservations in real time.
James Hanrahan, senior vice president of A-American Self Storage, believes that his customers looking for self storage are no different than any other consumers. They want to know the price; they want to know the product in this case, the space and they want to book it now.
I think if you cant solve the problem 100 percent right there on your website, Hanrahan said, theyll move onto the next website.
Welcome to the world of API, where a couple clicks and a credit card can get you just about anything from books to concert tickets to, yes, even a storage unit.
When a renter searches for a storage space, API makes it possible for them to see what units are available and get real-time pricing, as the prices of units often change day to day. Once a renter books a unit, API takes that unit off the market and automatically updates the reservation in the storage facilitys management software.
With the Internet in general, regardless of what industry it is, everything is trending more towards integration and communication across platforms, said David Howe, Project Development Director at StorageFront. FaceBook has all these widgets now that you can integrate on your own website. Its all about using APIs to communicate across platforms.
The API is an alternative to the more traditional options of renting a storage unit. On StorageFront, the site still gives renters a local phone number to call if the renter would prefer to speak with the manager rather than reserve online.
StorageFront president Rich Cray said many people still prefer the human element of ordering in person or over the phone. API does not entirely remove interaction from the process. For those who now rent online; they still have to go sign the lease in person.
Ive never been a believer in the fully-automated storage, said Bob Schoff, president of National Self Storage and former chairman of the National Self Storage Association. You need a person and a personality on the other end of the phone. I think its going to change somewhat, but I think people really like having someone there at the facility as a security benefit.
SpareFoot and USStorageSearch are other examples of self storage search engines that use API. On SpareFoot, users can only book an online reservation. On USStorageSearch, users can either book online or call a phone number that is listed.
StorageFront allows the facility to collect all of the rental and reservation fees, which therein allows the facility to charge lower prices for its storage unit rentals.
Its definitely a cost-saving benefit in that its part of the package, instead of being nickeled and dimed off of every rental that comes through, Hanrahan said.
Before API, the Internet had already changed the industry. Hanrahan said that he believes some people still search for storage in the Yellow Pages, but more and more are turning online.
And when they go online, they believe their time is precious. Not having API in the ever-changing world of the Internet and self storage would be like still using dial-up.
As everything is moving towards the Internet, we want to offer as many servicers to our customers as possible, Cray said. People want to be able to rent right here right now.
About StorageFront
Headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., StorageFront launched in 2009 to provide a web marketing resource for the self storage industry specificallywhich now numbers over 50,000 facilities nationwide and continues to appeal to the American population. A bilingual portal featuring search-by-amenity and geo-relevant sorting, StorageFront serves both storage unit owners and renters with an advanced search engine that comprises the majority of U.S. storage facilities. For more information, visit http://www.storagefront.com.
# # #
Related Rent Your Books Press Releases
No comments:
Post a Comment