Moving and Storage Franchise Frequently Asked Questions

Moving and storage (including movers, truck rentals and more) has been a historically continuous growth business. Self storage has experienced phenomenal growth which is projected to continue through the next ten years. Franchising is a very smart way to start a business. And SMARTBOX combines the best of all of this, in a business with unlimited potential. What else could you possibly need to know? Here are some of the questions we're asked most often.

What makes a SMARTBOX franchise a smart investment?
Our systems are proven and we offer superb support in all important areas, such as training, marketing and advertising programs, site selection and design expertise, and a strong national customer order center to secure orders for you.

In addition, one of the most attractive aspects of self storage is no income loss from expired product shelf-life or customer theft, and there is virtually no bad debt. Customers' possessions are being held, so they must pay what they owe to get access. With SMARTBOX it is even better: they must schedule access, which can be denied until the account is current. So, with portable storage payment for services rendered is assured.

Finally, there is the matter of industry timing. SMARTBOX is an early mover but we did not have to create the market - it already exists. That means we can improve/refine, not waste time inventing. And it means prime territories are available to you now.

Who would my SMARTBOX customers be, and how would they find me?
The typical SMARTBOX customer is just about anyone and everyone who ever has a moving or storage need - including yourself! The family that is forced to move in stages, the college student who is moving back and forth between the same two cities twice a year, the couple that is renovating their home while living in it, the library that is reorganizing all of its materials, the retailer with seasonal ebbs and flows of inventory, and the smart company that doesn't want to fill costly office space with boxes of paper records, are all your potential customers.

They see us in the yellow pages, on television, radio, national and local websites. They see our well-marked trucks and boxes all over town and on every road. They are exposed to mass mailings, and referral programs. And, perhaps best of all, they see us at your neighbors' and customers' residences and places of business. In short, every one of them will know how to find you because they will all be exposed to local, regional and national marketing efforts prepared on your behalf by SMARTBOX. Furthermore, the SMARTBOX national customer order center takes all incoming new customer calls with trained personnel and secures firm orders for you - not just leads or prospects.

Can SMARTBOX move customers long distances?
Yes! We are presently able to serve over 40 major metropolitan areas and are constantly adding new ones. Serving the west coast, the east coast and areas in between, SMARTBOX is moving customers across states, regions and the entire country. Serving millions of households in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta and a host of other major cities, SMARTBOX is set up to ship customers to and receive customers from these very mobile areas.

What is the process involved in obtaining a SMARTBOX franchise?
See Getting Started.

What costs are involved to start-up and operate a SMARTBOX franchise?
See Purchasing Your Franchise.

Does SMARTBOX provide financing?
SMARTBOX does not provide financing for your franchise investments. However, we have taken significant steps to ease the process by working with several respected lenders who offer competitive and flexible financing options. These lenders have become familiar with our business and offer a simplified process with quick turnaround times.

What else needs to happen before I can open the door?
SMARTBOX offers a standard and a custom plan of development to its franchisees. Typically, after completion of financing and The Franchise Agreement it takes from 60 to 120 days to be operational. A critical component is securing the storage center location. Some franchisees may rent temporary storage center space while ramping up their operations. Others may already have located or own the perfect location and building. Ideally, this is a central location that allows efficient and economical delivery. It must be climate controlled with security systems; and it must allow for customer access. SMARTBOX provides help and assistance for site selection and layout.

Other needs include securing trucks, lifts, Smartboxes, and supplies. This is not an employee intensive business; basically a Manager (which may be yourself or an employee or partner), Customer Service and Billing personnel, and Warehousemen and Drivers are all you will need. SMARTBOX provides a complete system of training and resources, as outlined at the end of this brochure. A custom plan can be developed by the franchisee, to incorporate your own unique issues such as storage center locations and other local considerations. We are always available to assist you with development of your custom plan and must approve all such plans.

How does SMARTBOX help me to perform well after the doors are open?
SMARTBOX has invested heavily since day one to make sure that all systems are supported and efficient and to ensure that we will continue to be a leader in all areas of technology. The final page of this brochure lists literally dozens of support programs and strategies. These include a national website, individual local websites for franchisees, and an intranet franchise support system (SMARTZONE), which encompasses operations manuals, financial and operational benchmarking, dynamic ad creation, inter franchisee forums, franchise reporting and more - all easily maintained and viewed on demand. And all without expensive and time consuming initial investments on the part of the franchisee. In addition to extensive media advertising programs, local franchisee web pages enable owners to promote their location and details, publish pricing schedules, introduce the staff, promote local causes, educate the prospective customer, publish coupons and special news within the market, and place location photos. We also provide the full support of all SMARTBOX resources including continuous onsite visits for support, ongoing training and management consultation.

What makes now the perfect time to learn more about a SMARTBOX franchise?
The market is ready for SMARTBOX. And if you are ready to think inside the box with us - then SMARTBOX is ready for you. Call us at 1-877-627-8269 today, and take the next step.