Look, I’m gonna be honest with you. I’m sick of seeing it.
You drive around town and you see those huge banners: “FIRST MONTH FREE!” It gets your attention, doesn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t like free stuff?
Here’s the thing. It’s almost never true.
I’ve been in this business a long time. I know how the sausage is made. And that “free” unit? It’s the oldest trick in the book. Let me walk you through what really happens, because you deserve to know before you get burned.
It usually starts with a phone call. You’re feeling good. You found a deal! The person on the phone is super nice. They confirm it. “Yes, the first month is completely free! We just need your card to hold it.” Sounds great.
Then you show up. This is where the magic happens. Or, more accurately, where the scam happens.
You’re sitting in the office, pen in hand, and the manager slides the paperwork over. “Okay,” they say, “so the unit rent is zero dollars. Then we just have the one-time administration fee. That’s $45. And the required insurance is $15. And you’ll need our lock for $20. So your total today will be $80.”
Stop Right There: The Truth About “Free” Storage Units
Let that sink in. You came in for “free.” You’re now paying eighty bucks. How does that feel? It feels rotten. It feels like you’ve been tricked.
But you’re already there. Your car is full of boxes. You’ve told your spouse you solved the storage problem. So what do you do? You grumble. You may complain a little. But you pull out your wallet and you pay the $80. They’re counting on that. They’re betting on you being too far in to back out.
Let me break down those fees for you, because they’re mostly nonsense.
- The “Administration Fee”: This is a fee for them taking your money. That’s it. It’s pure profit. They’re charging you for the privilege of signing a contract with them.
- The “Required” Insurance: Sure, you should insure your stuff. But you can often get it cheaper yourself. They force you to use their plan so they can make a little extra cash off you from day one.
- The “Special” Lock: This one really gets me. You have a lock at home. I know you do. But they’ll tell you it has to be their lock. For “security.” It’s a cheap lock they bought in bulk, and they’re selling it to you for a 400% markup.
So you get through that. You think the worst is over. For a lot of people, it’s just beginning.
See, they’ll get you in with a low rate for the second month. Let’s say $50. Not bad. But then, a few months down the line, you get a letter in the mail. “Due to increased demand in your area, your new monthly rate is $75.”
You get mad, but what are you gonna do? Move all your stuff? That’s a huge pain. So you pay it. Then six months later, it happens again. Now it’s $95. You’re stuck. You’re in a trap made of your own furniture and boxes.
So how do you not get screwed?
Be a pain in the neck. Ask questions.
When you call, don’t ask “Is the first month free?” They’ll just say yes.
Instead, say this: “What is the total amount of money I will need to pay today, with all fees, to get the keys?”
Make them give you a number. If they won’t, hang up.
Ask them, “What is your policy on rent increases? Can you show me that part in the contract?” Watch how they react.
The Bottom Line
Now, I run a place called A-Affordable Storage. We’re not the biggest. We don’t have the flashiest signs.
But we don’t play these games.
If we tell you a price, that’s the price. If we have a special, we’ll explain it clearly, with no hidden junk fees waiting for you at the counter. We think being honest is a better way to get customers than tricking them.
We’re just a simple, straightforward storage facility. We believe your stuff should be safe, and your bill should be predictable. It’s really that simple.
So next time you see that “FREE” sign, remember this. Remember the $80. And know that there are still places like ours where we’ll just give you a fair price, tell you the truth, and let you get on with your day.
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