The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that United Parcel Service (UPS) - facing competition not just with FedEx, the US Postal Service (PSPS) and other delivery businesses - has decided to differentiate itself by getting into the self-storage business.
But unlike most self-storage facilities, UPS's Storage on Demand offering will allow "customers to have packed bins picked up and delivered to a UPS facility for storage … Storage on Demand will allow customers to request the 'valet storage' service through a mobile-friendly website, according to UPS. Then, customers can use the website to request same-day delivery of the stored items to their front door."
The service is being piloted in the metro Atlanta area, with plans to expand to other US cities "in the near future." Prices start at $5 a month, with an opening promotion of the first three months free.
The self storage industry is said to be a "$38 billion industry growing at a rate of 7.7 percent annually." UPS Storage on Demand is being aimed at millennials moving into small homes in crowded urban markets and baby boomers who are downsizing.
But unlike most self-storage facilities, UPS's Storage on Demand offering will allow "customers to have packed bins picked up and delivered to a UPS facility for storage … Storage on Demand will allow customers to request the 'valet storage' service through a mobile-friendly website, according to UPS. Then, customers can use the website to request same-day delivery of the stored items to their front door."
The service is being piloted in the metro Atlanta area, with plans to expand to other US cities "in the near future." Prices start at $5 a month, with an opening promotion of the first three months free.
The self storage industry is said to be a "$38 billion industry growing at a rate of 7.7 percent annually." UPS Storage on Demand is being aimed at millennials moving into small homes in crowded urban markets and baby boomers who are downsizing.
- KC's View:
-
I like the idea of a company getting outside its comfort zone, but I can't help but feel that this sort of misses the point of self storage … which is that sometimes one needs to just go down to the warehouse, unlock the door, and sort through stuff. Maybe it is just me, but I'm not sure I could or would trust someone else to do it for me. And I say this as a baby boomer who earlier this year rented a self-storage space.
