SpareFoot, an online marketplace for the self-storage industry, has added a new notification tool to its service that alerts self-storage operators via text message when they receive new unit reservations through the website. The feature was suggested by the company’s clients, according to The SpareFoot Blog.
To participate, operators can add a cell-phone number in the “details” tab of their MySpareFoot account. The new service will allow them to follow up with new tenants within the first 10 minutes of a reservation, which has been proven to raise move-in rates significantly among SpareFoot members, the company said. When it asked its customers whether they found follow-up calls helpful, 91 percent said “yes.”
A text alert is sent immediately upon the completion of a reservation, regardless of the time of day. It reads, “From SpareFoot: [FIRST + LAST NAME] has just reserved a [UNIT TYPE] for [MOVE-IN DATE]. Follow up with them now at [CUSTOMER’S PHONE NUMBER].”
The new feature is part of the SpareFoot’s Tenant Connect follow-up call system. The company plans to add more features to the program, including the ability to set a call timeout. In lieu of routing a call to the facility’s call center, the service will request a call-back number from the caller so the operator can return the missed call.
Founded in 2008, SpareFoot.com helps consumers find and reserve self-storage units, with comparison shopping tools that show real-time availability and exclusive deals. With a network of more than 7,000 storage facilities ranging from mom-and-pop operations to real estate investment trusts, the company reaches prospective storage renters though partnerships with brands including SelfStorage.com, Apartments.com and Penske Truck Rental.
Sources:
- The SpareFoot Blog: Get Instant Notification of New Customers: We’ll Text You!
