OpenTech Alliance Inc., a Phoenix-based provider of self-serve kiosks, call-center services and other technology for the self-storage industry, has released a new version of its Web/mobile rental and payment solution. Called INSOMNIAC Online V2, the cloud-based service features a new pay-per-rental pricing model.
The new version is designed to help self-storage operators present an easy-to-use online method for customers to rent a unit or submit a payment, company officials said in a press release. Enhancements include a simple user interface, real-time inventory-control settings and sales features, dynamic lease creation, channel-specific pricing, coupon codes, and customizable survey questions.
The new inventory and sales features will enable facility owners to strategically market available units by size, type, price or level of occupancy, OpenTech officials said. The dynamic-lease-creation function collects specific information for addendums/waivers that are incorporated into a customers final lease package.
Other additions include social media reviews, insurance and protection policies, the ability for customers to pre-order retail merchandise online to be picked up at the facility, an auto-pay option, and delivery of access codes configured for specific gate time zones.
"From an online shopper's perspective, when they enter a facility's Web/mobile site, it is the same as if they entered the front door of the facility office, except they may be in their underwear, said Robert Chiti, president and CEO. Not having a way for them to do what they came there to do, such as rent a unit, may cause them to move on to a competitor's online office. I am not saying everyone wants to rent a storage unit online without visiting the property, but there are some people that buy cars, shoes, jewelry and even find their soul mate online. These people do it all online, so renting a storage unit will seem pretty natural to them."
The INSOMNIAC Online V2 service integrates with property-management software and access-control systems operators may already be using. The cost of the service is $25 per rental.
OpenTech provides several models of INSOMNIAC self-serve kiosks as well as a range of self-storage rental solutions including the INSOMNIAC Live! Call Center, INSOMNIAC Online Web and mobile applications, LiveAgent! software products, and the INSOMNIAC ILock Security System, all available through the company's Self-Storage Cloud.
