You know, some businesses just seem to MILK every holiday they can for whatever commercial value it might possess that they can SQUEEZE out of it.
Even the so-called "minor" holidays. Like St. Patrick's Day.
"Come in to our store today and you'll really save some GREEN!"
Yeah, that's original.
Well, here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, we don't resort to such overt and superficial advertising tactics to get you to come in to our store.
No, we prefer to ENTICE you with something a bit more substantial, significant and MEANINGFUL.
Like our WARM, FRIENDLY service! Like our GREAT DEALS on the storage sizes you need. Like our CLEAN, CONVENIENT and SECURE locations all over the Valley. Like our TRUSTED NAME and REPUTATION for integrity and PROFESSIONALISM from our managers, whose only job it is to look out for YOUR best interest (and make money for the company--or else they're gone!).
After all, that's what you REALLY care about, right?
You're not so easily swayed by such obviously SALES-OBSESSED offers like:
"COME IN AND RENT A STORAGE SPACE WITH US TODAY, ST. PATRICK'S DAY--AND IF YOU'RE WEARING ANYTHING GREEN, WE'LL GIVE YOU AN INSTANT REBATE OF $17.00 (for March 17th!)--IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER SPECIAL IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO YOU!"
No, we know that you're BETTER than that, too SMART to fall for such a ploy.
HOWEVER, if you are reading this blog post, and you've just read the above hypothetical offer, I'm a man of my word (even when I'm only kidding!)--if you're wearing something GREEN today, March 17th, and you come in and rent a storage space of any size and MENTION THIS BLOG POST, I'll give you that instant rebate of $17.00!
But only until the close of business today. After that, it goes back to being a HYPOTHETICAL offer that was thrown in strictly for HUMOR and illustration purposes.
There, now that we've satisfied that little calendar-driven MARKETING urge (which has been nagging us all week), I can get back to work and we can move on.
Feel better? I know I do.
"SO COME IN TODAY AND YOU'LL REALLY SAVE SOME GREEN!"
Your Manager (Who Does Not Have On ANYTHING Green Today),
Paul
Welcome to ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER! (The Manager's Blog)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Few Helpful Tips About Storage Auctions...
If you're new to the wild and woolly world of self-storage auctions, here's a few helpful hints on what you need to know to PROFITABLY attend and participate in one (or more) of our public sales (i.e., the ones conducted at Arizona Storage Inns on a regular, MONTHLY basis).
They're SEVEN tips in all. Here they are:
1. Bring plenty of CASH (This is Most Important!). Auctions are all cash, all of the time. And since you never know whether a storage unit is going to sell for $5 or $5,000, it's better to come PREPARED--especially if YOU'RE the one the auctioneer looks at after the bidding stops and he takes a brief, calculated pause before announcing in a loud, clear voice (while pointing at you), ... SOLD!
2. Bring an ARIZONA TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX LICENSE (if you have one). If you're the winning bidder and you plan on SELLING the contents of the unit you've just bought, this handy little document will EXEMPT you from paying Arizona sales tax. Just wave it in front of the manager's face when you're back in the office paying for your unit after the sale is over. Otherwise, without a TPT in hand or on file with the facility, you can plan on paying the ubiquitous sales tax on whatever amount your auction purchase was. (Here in Chandler it's 7.8%.)
NOTE: if you have an AZ TPT, but you're purchasing the contents of the unit for yourself, i.e., NOT planning to resell, then you'll pay sales tax on it, just as if you were buying something retail for yourself as an end user (since that's essentially what you're doing). See our dear friends at the Arizona Department of Revenue for further details.
3. Bring a LIGHT. You know, even when it's bright and sunny outside on auction day, it's a good idea to bring along a flashlight. Why? Because the unit you're bidding on might be located down a LONG, DARK HALLWAY. Or else it might be in a SHADY part of the building it's in. Or else maybe it's NOT so bright and sunny out today. Or else there's just so much stuff inside the unit, it's hard to get a GOOD LOOK at it all. And since you're only allowed to GAZE longingly through the open door prior to bidding on the unit, you'll want to be sure and give yourself every advantage to see what's there. So, logically, a nice, bright flashlight will help. (Makes sense, no?)
4. Bring a LOCK. Once you realize that, hey, you just gave the winning bid for this locker of loot not five seconds ago, and now suddenly, through a swift, effectual (and usually peaceable) transferral of ownership of the personal property contained therein, by the power vested in that august personage, the auctioneer, it all BELONGS TO YOU now; and that means you'll need to SECURE the premises immediately against all enemies foreign and domestic (as well as local bandits, thieves and other nefarious types) until you come back later to take delivery of your booty. Of course, the best, most cost-effective way to do this is to PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR. (Keeps honest people HONEST, you know.)
5. Bring a FRIEND. Two reasons... First, special events like these are better enjoyed when in the company of a friend. So much more memorable. So much more pleasant and FUN. And, second, let's face it, after the thrill of winning the bidding wars has waned, and the adrenaline rush of conquering your competitors has worn off some--and you've forked over the appropriate amount of CASH (see #1) to consummate the deal that officially makes the stuff YOURS--you know that sooner (rather than later) it'll be time to HAUL AWAY all those heavy boxes, bags, books, beds, bins, and other bulky stuff that probably took TWO people to put it in there in the first place, you'll be glad you chose to bring somebody along--someone who, like you, had too much time on their hands (but I digress)--to share in the workload. (Only a joke, people, calm down!)
6. Bring a TRUCK (or TRAILER). Speaking of HAULING (see #5 above), in addition to having another able-bodied person along to help you clear the stuff out, you'll need an appropriate VEHICLE to do that with (naturally). So rent a truck, borrow a truck, bring your pickup or van, bring a trailer, bring a pickup or van AND a trailer, whatever it takes to get that stuff outta there in a TIMELY and orderly fashion.
7. Leave the "PERSONAL" ITEMS. Just before the sale begins, you'll hear the auctioneer give some instructions to the crowd--basically the "rules of engagement." Among these is an admonition to RETURN ALL PERSONAL ITEMS from any unit(s) that you buy to the manager of the facility. This includes things like LETTERS, PHOTOS, FAMILY MOMENTOS/KEEPSAKES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, KIDS' HOMEWORK/ARTWORK, as well as TAX RECORDS, BUSINESS RECORDS, MEDICAL RECORDS, FINANCIAL RECORDS, and basically any other DOCUMENTS that ordinarily don't have any intrinsic monetary or resale value. Sometimes you can take care of this while you're emptying out the unit; other times you'll have to sort through it later after you've hauled everything away, in order to find these kinds of things and return them to the manager (ASAP). Be sure and ask the manager, or else the auctioneer (before he heads off to his next lucrative public sale!) if you have any questions about this important little STIPULATION.
************************
Well, that's it. It isn't an EXHAUSTIVE list by any means, but as a "quick-start" guide to Storage Auctions for Fun and Profit, it should help. If not, come see me, since I'm also in charge of our Complaint Department. (Which, coincidentally, is where our office shredder is located. Don't know why that is. All I know is, we aim for TOTAL EFFICIENCY here at Arizona Storage Inns! :)
See you at our next auction. (That's TOMORROW--FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH, 10:30 A.M.!)
Your Manager, Paul
***UPDATE: MARCH 12TH AUCTION CANCELLED! NO UNITS FOR SALE***
OUR NEXT SCHEDULED PUBLIC SALE IS: FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH, 10:30 A.M.
See you then!
They're SEVEN tips in all. Here they are:
1. Bring plenty of CASH (This is Most Important!). Auctions are all cash, all of the time. And since you never know whether a storage unit is going to sell for $5 or $5,000, it's better to come PREPARED--especially if YOU'RE the one the auctioneer looks at after the bidding stops and he takes a brief, calculated pause before announcing in a loud, clear voice (while pointing at you), ... SOLD!
2. Bring an ARIZONA TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX LICENSE (if you have one). If you're the winning bidder and you plan on SELLING the contents of the unit you've just bought, this handy little document will EXEMPT you from paying Arizona sales tax. Just wave it in front of the manager's face when you're back in the office paying for your unit after the sale is over. Otherwise, without a TPT in hand or on file with the facility, you can plan on paying the ubiquitous sales tax on whatever amount your auction purchase was. (Here in Chandler it's 7.8%.)
NOTE: if you have an AZ TPT, but you're purchasing the contents of the unit for yourself, i.e., NOT planning to resell, then you'll pay sales tax on it, just as if you were buying something retail for yourself as an end user (since that's essentially what you're doing). See our dear friends at the Arizona Department of Revenue for further details.
3. Bring a LIGHT. You know, even when it's bright and sunny outside on auction day, it's a good idea to bring along a flashlight. Why? Because the unit you're bidding on might be located down a LONG, DARK HALLWAY. Or else it might be in a SHADY part of the building it's in. Or else maybe it's NOT so bright and sunny out today. Or else there's just so much stuff inside the unit, it's hard to get a GOOD LOOK at it all. And since you're only allowed to GAZE longingly through the open door prior to bidding on the unit, you'll want to be sure and give yourself every advantage to see what's there. So, logically, a nice, bright flashlight will help. (Makes sense, no?)
4. Bring a LOCK. Once you realize that, hey, you just gave the winning bid for this locker of loot not five seconds ago, and now suddenly, through a swift, effectual (and usually peaceable) transferral of ownership of the personal property contained therein, by the power vested in that august personage, the auctioneer, it all BELONGS TO YOU now; and that means you'll need to SECURE the premises immediately against all enemies foreign and domestic (as well as local bandits, thieves and other nefarious types) until you come back later to take delivery of your booty. Of course, the best, most cost-effective way to do this is to PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR. (Keeps honest people HONEST, you know.)
5. Bring a FRIEND. Two reasons... First, special events like these are better enjoyed when in the company of a friend. So much more memorable. So much more pleasant and FUN. And, second, let's face it, after the thrill of winning the bidding wars has waned, and the adrenaline rush of conquering your competitors has worn off some--and you've forked over the appropriate amount of CASH (see #1) to consummate the deal that officially makes the stuff YOURS--you know that sooner (rather than later) it'll be time to HAUL AWAY all those heavy boxes, bags, books, beds, bins, and other bulky stuff that probably took TWO people to put it in there in the first place, you'll be glad you chose to bring somebody along--someone who, like you, had too much time on their hands (but I digress)--to share in the workload. (Only a joke, people, calm down!)
6. Bring a TRUCK (or TRAILER). Speaking of HAULING (see #5 above), in addition to having another able-bodied person along to help you clear the stuff out, you'll need an appropriate VEHICLE to do that with (naturally). So rent a truck, borrow a truck, bring your pickup or van, bring a trailer, bring a pickup or van AND a trailer, whatever it takes to get that stuff outta there in a TIMELY and orderly fashion.
7. Leave the "PERSONAL" ITEMS. Just before the sale begins, you'll hear the auctioneer give some instructions to the crowd--basically the "rules of engagement." Among these is an admonition to RETURN ALL PERSONAL ITEMS from any unit(s) that you buy to the manager of the facility. This includes things like LETTERS, PHOTOS, FAMILY MOMENTOS/KEEPSAKES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, KIDS' HOMEWORK/ARTWORK, as well as TAX RECORDS, BUSINESS RECORDS, MEDICAL RECORDS, FINANCIAL RECORDS, and basically any other DOCUMENTS that ordinarily don't have any intrinsic monetary or resale value. Sometimes you can take care of this while you're emptying out the unit; other times you'll have to sort through it later after you've hauled everything away, in order to find these kinds of things and return them to the manager (ASAP). Be sure and ask the manager, or else the auctioneer (before he heads off to his next lucrative public sale!) if you have any questions about this important little STIPULATION.
************************
Well, that's it. It isn't an EXHAUSTIVE list by any means, but as a "quick-start" guide to Storage Auctions for Fun and Profit, it should help. If not, come see me, since I'm also in charge of our Complaint Department. (Which, coincidentally, is where our office shredder is located. Don't know why that is. All I know is, we aim for TOTAL EFFICIENCY here at Arizona Storage Inns! :)
See you at our next auction. (That's TOMORROW--FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH, 10:30 A.M.!)
Your Manager, Paul
***UPDATE: MARCH 12TH AUCTION CANCELLED! NO UNITS FOR SALE***
OUR NEXT SCHEDULED PUBLIC SALE IS: FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH, 10:30 A.M.
See you then!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
*New* Arizona Self-Storage Auction Website!
If you're interested in self-storage auctions (including our monthly auctions here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER), be sure and visit the new website that our state association (Arizona Self-Storage Association) has put together:
Here is the link. (Or, if you prefer to copy and paste the URL, http://www.selfstorageauctionsaz.com)
The site gives you a complete listing of sale locations including dates and times as well as brief descriptions of the contents of the units being sold.
You can search by city, zip code, name of the facility, date and time of the sale, name of the AUCTIONEER conducting the sale, even ITEMS being sold!
Check it out and let us know what you think.
(Incidentally, our public sale is TOMORROW at 10:30 am--CASH ONLY)
See you here!
Your manager, Paul
P.S. Here's an interesting little vignette on self-storage auctions, courtesy of ABC-15 News, done last March (2009). Take a look:
***UPDATE MARCH 16, 2010: THE EMBEDDED VIDEO THAT WAS HERE WAS CHANGED BY KNXV TO A DIFFERENT STORY & THE STORAGE AUCTIONS VIDEO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.***
Here is the link. (Or, if you prefer to copy and paste the URL, http://www.selfstorageauctionsaz.com)
The site gives you a complete listing of sale locations including dates and times as well as brief descriptions of the contents of the units being sold.
You can search by city, zip code, name of the facility, date and time of the sale, name of the AUCTIONEER conducting the sale, even ITEMS being sold!
Check it out and let us know what you think.
(Incidentally, our public sale is TOMORROW at 10:30 am--CASH ONLY)
See you here!
Your manager, Paul
P.S. Here's an interesting little vignette on self-storage auctions, courtesy of ABC-15 News, done last March (2009). Take a look:
***UPDATE MARCH 16, 2010: THE EMBEDDED VIDEO THAT WAS HERE WAS CHANGED BY KNXV TO A DIFFERENT STORY & THE STORAGE AUCTIONS VIDEO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.***
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
NEW YEAR'S DEALS! 5 x 10s-$39.00/mo., 10 x 10s-$69.00/mo., 10 x 20s-$129.00/mo.! Hurry In TODAY! (Before I Regain My Senses :)
It's 2010, folks. And that means only one thing.
One-tenth of the 21st century is now HISTORY!
Which means only one thing. By my calculations, that leaves us another nine-tenths of the century left to go.
And that means only one thing. Honest.
You'd BETTER GET MOVING!
I mean that literally. Get moving. (Remember, I'm in the STORAGE business!)
Time for your New Year's RESOLUTION--you know, the one you made about clearing out the junk/clutter/stuff/(fill-in-the-blank) out of your garage/basement/bedroom/(fill-in-the-blank) and renting a storage space to put it in--to be taken SERIOUSLY.
Well, good news.
I'm from ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER at Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, and I'm here to help you.
Just check out these great "New Year's Deal" storage specials on our three (3) MOST POPULAR sizes:
You like?
Of course you do! "Mama didn't raise no FOOL!" (Now why did I just say that?)
All you do is pay a $14.00 (plus tax) administration fee--one-time, non-refundable charge--along with your first month's rent, purchase a lock or bring one of your own, and you can MOVE IN to your new unit right away!
By the way, WE'VE GOT A TRUCK!
You can use our nifty, 18 ft. rental truck to move your stuff into your new storage unit and PAY NO TRUCK RENTAL FEES!
Just ask for the "Move-In Special" with our truck when you call or come in. (See customer-focused manager for details.)
Speaking of MANAGER, I'll see you when you get here. (Need directions?)
Your aforementioned manager,
Paul
**P.S.! Be sure and check the side bar under "Sizes and Rates" for ALL the latest specials and prices for the size you're looking for. K?
One-tenth of the 21st century is now HISTORY!
Which means only one thing. By my calculations, that leaves us another nine-tenths of the century left to go.
And that means only one thing. Honest.
You'd BETTER GET MOVING!
I mean that literally. Get moving. (Remember, I'm in the STORAGE business!)
Time for your New Year's RESOLUTION--you know, the one you made about clearing out the junk/clutter/stuff/(fill-in-the-blank) out of your garage/basement/bedroom/(fill-in-the-blank) and renting a storage space to put it in--to be taken SERIOUSLY.
Well, good news.
I'm from ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER at Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, and I'm here to help you.
Just check out these great "New Year's Deal" storage specials on our three (3) MOST POPULAR sizes:
5 x 10s - $39.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $46.00/mo.)
10 x 10s - $69.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $84.00/mo.)
10 x 20s - $129.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $140.00/mo.)
You like?
Of course you do! "Mama didn't raise no FOOL!" (Now why did I just say that?)
All you do is pay a $14.00 (plus tax) administration fee--one-time, non-refundable charge--along with your first month's rent, purchase a lock or bring one of your own, and you can MOVE IN to your new unit right away!
By the way, WE'VE GOT A TRUCK!
You can use our nifty, 18 ft. rental truck to move your stuff into your new storage unit and PAY NO TRUCK RENTAL FEES!
Just ask for the "Move-In Special" with our truck when you call or come in. (See customer-focused manager for details.)
Speaking of MANAGER, I'll see you when you get here. (Need directions?)
Your aforementioned manager,
Paul
**P.S.! Be sure and check the side bar under "Sizes and Rates" for ALL the latest specials and prices for the size you're looking for. K?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Twelve! (A Christmas Carol :)
FINALLY! THE LAST STANZA!
"Twelve Kinds of Boxes"
You know, I've already resigned myself to the fact that this song will NOT be winning any originality awards.
That's okay. At this point I just want to git 'er done!
So without further ado, I give you, The Last and Final Stanza (see above).
Yeah, but... "Twelve kinds of boxes?" What's up with that?
Look, bud. How many times do I have to tell you? THIS IS A STORAGE BUSINESS!
What could be more logical and appropriate than a line about BOXES?
Besides, we really do have TWELVE kinds of boxes. Everything from one cubic foot (12" x 12" x 12") on up to the big wardrobe boxes (21" x 24" 48"). So I'm NOT exaggerating!
Wherefore I attest that this entire song has been composed and compiled with the utmost clarity, transparency and consistency. Moreover, the thread and substance of our entire business enterprise has been woven ingeniously throughout these carefully crafted verses.
Need I say more? No.
So I won't.
Well, that's all 'til next Christmas. Now it's time to think of a good New Years Eve song to sing.
(How about, "Should old file boxes be forgot, and never moved again...!")
Maybe not.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Your Manager, Paul
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Twelve kinds of boxes,
Eleven hours a-packing,
Ten renters renting,
Nine ways of paying,
Eight feet of ceiling,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
Three plastic bins,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a storage unit with a lock and key.
"Twelve Kinds of Boxes"
You know, I've already resigned myself to the fact that this song will NOT be winning any originality awards.
That's okay. At this point I just want to git 'er done!
So without further ado, I give you, The Last and Final Stanza (see above).
Yeah, but... "Twelve kinds of boxes?" What's up with that?
Look, bud. How many times do I have to tell you? THIS IS A STORAGE BUSINESS!
What could be more logical and appropriate than a line about BOXES?
Besides, we really do have TWELVE kinds of boxes. Everything from one cubic foot (12" x 12" x 12") on up to the big wardrobe boxes (21" x 24" 48"). So I'm NOT exaggerating!
Wherefore I attest that this entire song has been composed and compiled with the utmost clarity, transparency and consistency. Moreover, the thread and substance of our entire business enterprise has been woven ingeniously throughout these carefully crafted verses.
Need I say more? No.
So I won't.
Well, that's all 'til next Christmas. Now it's time to think of a good New Years Eve song to sing.
(How about, "Should old file boxes be forgot, and never moved again...!")
Maybe not.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Your Manager, Paul
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Followers
About Us
- The Blog Czar
- Chandler, Arizona, United States
- We've had the pleasure, privilege and honor of managing Arizona Storage Inns in Chandler since October 2004.
Posts
