Farming families are responsible and trustworthy. The older generation tends to have passed down strong and trustworthy values to their offspring. Farming life is to nurture and protect, similar to preserving an automotive storage facility.

Like a car storage franchise, but not a storage franchise. Usually, members of the family have a keen interest in cars. Most often, they are good mechanically and experienced in manoeuvring vehicles around.

However, people who have an interest in, or are already in, the Automotive industry are highly suitable. 

Because of these traits, we feel farmers are an ideal match for a growth project:

• Tend to have a family member with a passion for automobiles of all types.
• Are usually on-site 24/7.
• Good mechanical and manoeuvrability skills.
• Trustworthy.
• Responsible for taking care of possessions.

Things to be aware of:

1. Presentation: Many clients who own expensive cars for storage are typically successful CEOs, Engineers, and Businessmen for global organisations. Ultimately, they expect a certain level of service and communication. Confidence in communication and presentation is needed.
2. Customer retention: things that can be done to ensure the customer continues service, and it's the little things that count. Customer retention has been paramount to our success. We have had vehicles stored with us since our doors first opened. Often, doing a small thing to help a customer for free will benefit the long term. Some storage companies always seek money for doing extra things.
3. Secure premises for safe storage: allowing a client who stores to feel confident inside, by doing so.
4. Operating vehicles: often, they require special techniques to start them up and manoeuvre in a confined space. Manoeuvring can include the use of two people. Bonnet catches, locked doors, oil leakages, flat tires, alarms and immobiliser problems do occur.

We can provide help and support. Scroll down for Key Responsibilities.

The property may require some investment - therefore you may need some Capital?

These costs to renovate a building can exceed £150k. Although when we first started, all we needed was a secure barn that was clean and dry. If you have a barn that stands empty and has good access, you are suitable in terms of premises. 

But it depends on how the property was previously maintained. When we first started all we required was a chicken barn, good quality CCTV, the latest intruder alarms, and some strong contacts within the motor trade.

The sister site without maintained barns required extensive construction work to bring the facility up to standards, using the majority of their budget. It required new roofs, the floor was painted with a thermal coating to help keep the cold at bay during winter, new secure barn doors, and electric gates upon site arrival. This facility invested in a Biomass heating system, also.

Having the right type of facility does bring down the costs of set-up. Having the right location and the right type of facility does increase business earning potentials.

Top FREE TIP:

In the below video a new client decided to store his TVR properly. 9 years of dust. 

Many people in the trade want the latest, fastest and best cars in their storage unit. why? Is it an ego thing, or to show off to their friends? Isn't that a big red flag. 

And some want these instantly, straight away. Isn't it best to build things up, especially with little experience. You can scroll down on the following page - Facilities Accidental Damage to discover the reason why it's better and safer to build up over time.

Top-tip: The above TVR in the video is the perfect example of an ideal car for storage:

Key Responsibilities:

• The facility is to be manned 7 days a week, not essential, but a good (USP) unique selling point.
• Facilities to be locked up, with alarms set every day. 
• Meeting and greeting customers and new prospects who view.
• Available sometimes for airport runs.
• Keeping the site clean (includes cleaning of vermin and rat poison) and maintaining it for better presentation.
• Offering to clean/wash a car, but some customers prefer you don't touch their vehicle (just ask).
• Keys are kept securely in a proper key box and can be found.
• On request - Start and warm up a vehicle.
• Ensure battery packs are secured correctly and safely.
• Check dust covers are in place.
• Tire pressures should be maintained to eradicate flat-spot damage.
• Be alert for any leakages: oil, water, fluid (clean/advise customer of any problems).
• Ensure the vehicle remains mould-free inside by checking around it every 3 months. A light dust and a hoover is sufficient.

How Much Can We Expect To Earn?