Franchise News Release:
Charleston, SC - (May-24-2006)
UNITS Mobile Storage Announces 'Move' to Expand its Franchise Opportunity Nationwide
With the convenience of a moving company and the affordability of self-storage, UNITS Mobile Storage is now "delivering" its Franchise opportunity to entrepreneurs looking to become part of an emerging segment in the $18.5 billion self-storage industry.
UNITS' patented-pending pickup and delivery system provides a hassle-free solution to the moving and storage process- saving customers both time and money. Adding on to its existing two corporate-owned and two franchised operations, UNITS plans call for 400 Franchises over the next five years. "The moving and storage industry has seen significant growth over the last two decades and shows no signs of slowing down," said Michael McAlhany, president and founder of UNITS Mobile Storage. "With more than 41 million Americans moving yearly, UNITS is offering a tremendous Business Opportunity in a widely untapped market with a steadily growing client base for years to come."
UNITS takes the headache out of the traditional moving and storage process by combining the best of both the fixed and mobile storage worlds. Customers are provided with a self-storage "UNIT" which they can pack at their own pace. Once the packing is complete, the UNIT can either remain at the customers' location or be delivered to UNITS' own secure, climate-controlled storage facility until its ready to be brought back to the customer, eliminating the need to hire movers or rent a moving truck.
"At UNITS, we think of ourselves not as a moving and storage company, but as an organization that delivers a one-of-a-kind product, supported by dedicated, local customer service," McAlhany said. "It is our commitment to our service and affordable rates that will help us generate ongoing customer referrals and repeat business."
All the Right 'Moves'
UNITS' storage containers are specifically designed to hold large items like couches, armoires, and refrigerators, and rest on the ground for easy loading, eliminating the need to walk-up a high ramp. Customers have the option of choosing either an 8 by 12 foot or 8 by 16 foot UNIT depending on their storage needs. The 16 foot UNIT, the company's most popular size, is large enough to accommodate moving everything in an average 1500 square-foot house. Each UNIT is water, mold, and UV resistant. Also, the containers are stronger, weigh significantly less than its competitors, and have a lifespan of more than 10 years. Customers can also purchase a wide variety of quality packing supplies at competitive prices directly from UNITS.
Once in storage, UNITS' customers have the option to visit their storage UNIT two times each month at no charge with just four hours notice. They will be provided with indoor access to UNITS' climate-controlled storage facility, equipped with state-of-the-art security systems including motion and fire sensors. For extra piece-of-mind, affordable, short-term insurance from industry partner TenantOne is also available for items stored with UNITS.
Another benefit of using UNITS is their local customer service. Rather than having customers contact a call center that is often several states away, UNITS' knowledgeable representatives are available to respond to the needs of local customers.
"Whether you are a homeowner undergoing a house remodel, a small business owner in need of extra storage space, a contractor looking for secure storage on a job-site, or a college student who wants a place to store items for the summer, UNITS provides an easy and economical solution," McAlhany added.
UNITS also works with realtors and their 'new listing' clients. In their UNIT, homeowners can store unnecessary clutter, seasonal clothing, extra furniture and toys, and anything else that could distract a potential buyer inside their UNIT storage container and keep it on-site or at the UNITS storage facility. When the homeowner is ready to move, UNITS can transport the customer's container to his or her new location.
What's in 'Store' for franchise Owners
UNITS offers a tremendous franchise opportunity, ideal for individuals who have strong business management skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to become part of the emerging mobile storage segment. Franchisees will need to invest between $250,000 and $500,000 to open a UNITS franchise, including a one-time franchise fee ranging from $40,000 and $60,000. A single protected franchise territory covers a population of 400,000.
As a benefit of joining UNITS, franchise owners will receive one week of training at the company's headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, along with the sales, marketing, and operational tools needed to develop their territory and manage their operation. UNITS' turnkey operating system includes functionality for web-based customer maintenance, credit card and work order processing, scheduling, dispatching and invoicing.
Franchise owners will be required to purchase a minimum of ten 8 by 12 foot containers and ten 8 by 16 foot containers prior to opening their business. According to McAlhany, franchisees will recoup the cost of the containers after only 18 months, leaving plenty of room for ongoing residual income.
Franchisees will also need a storage facility with at least 25,000 square feet and 30-foot high ceilings, a heavy-duty delivery truck with a patented-pending rollback body, and a 15,000 pound minimum capacity lift truck to move UNITS' storage containers - all of which can be purchased directly from UNITS Franchising Group, Inc.
UNITS is seeking to establish mutually beneficial working relationships with related businesses. According to the company, a working alliance with UNITS will provide multiple co-branding and promotional opportunities.
"At UNITS, we believe that a team concept built on our reputation for high-quality and standards, together with qualified partners, will provide the ultimate moving and storage experience for our customers."
About UNITS UNITS
Mobile Storage was conceived and developed in 2003 by Michael McAlhany, founder and president of UNITS' sister company, Extra-Room-Self-Storage, in response to the continued growth and exciting changes in the self-storage industry. The concept provides a hassle-free solution to the moving process by offering door-to-door mobile storage - saving customers both time and money. Adding to its existing two corporate-owned and two franchised operations, UNITS plans call for 400 franchises by 2011. For more information, visit www.unitsstorage.com.
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