DBox Storage Inc., a startup business specializing in valet self-storage services, recently launched in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company uses an online platform that allows customers to schedule free item pickup, maintain an image catalog of belongings, and schedule delivery of items to their home.
Similar to other valet-style storage operators, DBox offers by-the-bin storage targeted at residents who live in dense urban areas and don’t have adequate home storage. “Valet storage has become an international phenomenon in many of the world’s metropolitan cities,” Patrick McLaren, co-founder, said in a press release. “In recent years, London, New York, Seattle, Hong Kong and Toronto have all seen many valet-storage companies pop up because it’s an extremely convenient and affordable solution to the accelerating issue of limited storage in high-density living spaces.”
DBox customers pay $7.50 per standard bin per month, $5 per month per filing box and $20 for oversized items or a standard wardrobe box. Belongings are stored in a secure warehouse in Vancouver. The delivery fee is $18, plus $2 per box or oversized item. The company will typically return items in 24 hours, according to its website.
McLaren and co-owner Jeffrey Cheng launched DBox after seeing valet-storage businesses during a trip to Hong Kong. “When we saw how successful valet storage is in major metropolitan cities, we couldn’t believe it wasn’t being done in Vancouver,” Cheng said. “It’s an ideal place for [this type of business] because our population is expanding rapidly, and we have nearly the highest amount of condo construction in North America.”
City officials estimate Vancouver will have an influx of 1 million new residents during the next 30 years, according to the release. “As the city grows denser, a fundamental shift in living space will occur and already has,” DBox officials said in the release. “People are living busier lives, and they want to live downtown, in the heart of the action and close to transit. Naturally, living spaces are smaller and new developments often have limited storage.”
McLaren and Cheng are both entrepreneurs. McLaren has been a co-owner of a restaurant in China, and Cheng owns 6Pack Indoor Beach Centre, a facility that offers beach sports and activities year-round to Vancouver residents.
DBox joins European-based SpaceWays in offering valet storage in Canada. SpaceWays serves the Toronto market in addition to its presence in Chicago, London, Paris and Sydney.
Sources:
- DBox: Website
