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Freedom Through Storage
84 members • Free
7 contributions to Freedom Through Storage
7d •
Deposits - antiquated or …?
Kept seeing comments on various platforms about how “tedious”tracking advance refundable deposits is, it really piques my interests as what exactly do operators do to “track”? I assume most of softwares take the deposit payment and categorize it (accounting wise) in a separate bucket, and when move out happens, you just click the refund button if the tenant didn’t do any damage? Is this not the case? I had no prior experience taking in deposits so would like to hear others who had and what the pain points are specifically.
1 like • 5d
@Keith Cantley : maybe you can share how Smart Storage handles deposits, from taking, to reporting and to refunding or retaining?
10d •
Operations question
Hey Shane we’ve had multiple incidences where tenants “move out” and disable their credit card on file. They leave a bunch of shit but there isn’t any repercussion bc they’ve disabled their card. How do you handle this? We call and tell them there is a cleaning fee, etc. but what do they care since there is no way for us to charge? How do you go about this?
1 like • 7d
@Caitlin Lombardo: One of the most eye-opening realizations since becoming a storage facility owner is how easily some tenants can turn their credit card “on and off” at will—sometimes repeatedly. It creates such a sense of helplessness on the operator side: you’re providing a month-to-month service, but the payment track can be shut down instantly with little/zero friction and virtually no consequences for the tenant. What’s most frustrating is that there isn’t a real/effective fix. (My vent of the day)
28d •
Software
There are alot of software discussions on various platforms. But I am interested in hearing members from this community: if anyone has recently transferred to a different software, which one and what was your selection process. I find that most softwares have similar functionalities and it ultimately comes down to pricing and which functionalities you/the operator determine as "must have's" and as "good to have but can live without".
1 like • 27d
Sounds incredible @Keith Cantley ! Will reach out! Thanks @Shane Chapin! yes the pricing increase is one major pain point for me, along with credit card processing fee. There are discussions around passing it down to tenants. While I see success stories from operators who had transitioned to softwares that offer that capability, I am just unsure how would it incentivize tenants to use cards vs cash/check, especially in smaller/tertiary markets.
1 like • 12d
@Terry Royce : While I don't have any major complaints, I have run into a few operational limitations with ESS, such as not being to set the same due date with multiple rules, inability to send a payment link without requiring tenant login, inability to add simple marketing banner on website at will without having to relying on ESS marketing team to make such update, just to name a few that are on top of mind. Fee increase is another factor. To me, it's prudent to always explore what's out there in the market. So that I can determine if I am using a platform that's evolving with operator's needs and delivering the value that's commensurate with the cost.
21d •
Refusal to rent
What are the best ways (professional, non-discriminating/non-judgmental) to phrase your decision to a prospective if they clearly demonstrated certain behaviors that you believe would lead to a tumultuous tenant/owner relationship? 🤔
2 likes • 21d
@Brielle Mai Thank you! Appreciate your suggestion: professional and neutral.
2 likes • 20d
@Shane Chapin good reminder to keep in mind. Thank you!
30d •
Crushing it with mentorship
Shane, thank you for your guidance and support! It’s because of you that we are operating at a higher level! 10 Move ins for January and we just took over last month! This facility was failing fast!!! When you pull the correct upside levers this is what happens. This place is rocking!!
1 like • 29d
@Mike Perkins : Congratulations to you and @Tammy Perkins ! 10 move-ins in January (still counting) is awesome! Inspiring story! Thanks for sharing. Among the various strategies you deployed, what are one or two things that you think made the difference in this particular facility?
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@ying-fu-4258
Here to learn and give back! Owner/operator looking for opportunities to connect w/ likeminded people and grow!
Active 3d ago
Joined Jan 1, 2026
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