Hey, let’s have a real talk about those “First Month Free!” storage signs you see everywhere.
I’m in the business. I run New Burton Storage. And honestly? Those signs make me cringe a little.
Because I know what you’re thinking. “Heck yeah, free! I’m saving money!” And on the surface, it looks that way. But let me pull back the curtain for you. Most of the time, that “free” month is the cheapest trick in the book. It’s the fishing lure that looks like a delicious little minnow, hiding a very sharp hook.
The Real Goal: Your Long-Term Lock-In
Here’s the hook, plain and simple: They don’t want to give you a free month. They want to get you locked in.
Think about it from their perspective. A storage facility has bills to pay. That space costs them money whether it’s empty or full. So, giving it away for free seems crazy, right? It is. Unless their real plan is to make a killing off you later.
Let me tell you a story about a guy, let’s call him Mike, who called me last week. He was frustrated. He’d jumped on a “Dollar Move-In” deal at another place six months ago. He was so proud of the deal he got. Then, his bill started creeping up. First, it was a “mandatory insurance” fee he didn’t remember discussing. Then, after three months, his rate doubled. He was now paying almost twice what my customers pay for a similar unit. He felt tricked. And he was.
That’s the classic move. The bait and switch.
You get in for a song, and then BAM. The real price hits you. And by then, you’re all moved in. Your grandma’s antique dresser is in there, your Christmas decorations, your kid’s sports equipment. The thought of moving it all again is exhausting. So you sigh, grumble, and pay the inflated price. They’re counting on that inertia.
Don’t Forget the Sneaky “Junk Fees”
Then there are the “admin fees.” Good grief, the fees. I’ve seen places charge a “non-refundable administration fee” that’s more than the first month’s rent! So your “free” month actually costs you fifty bucks before you even get the lock. It’s a shell game.
So, how do you not end up like Mike?
Be a skeptic. It’s your best tool.
When you see a “FREE” sign, don’t just call and ask if it’s free. They’ll say yes. Ask these questions instead. Write them down if you have to:
- “What is the regular monthly price for this exact unit, the day after the promotion ends?”
- “Can you please list every single fee I will pay today? Not just the rent. All of them.”
- “Is there a required insurance policy? How much is it per month?”
- “Is this a month-to-month lease, or am I signing a long-term contract?”
If the person on the phone gets dodgy, if they can’t give you straight numbers, thank them for their time and hang up. A good, honest facility will have these answers ready. They’ll be transparent.
How We Believe It Should Be Done
Look, I’m not saying all promotions are evil. We run them at New Burton Storage too! But here’s the difference: when we say “first month half-off,” we also tell you the real, honest price for month two, three, and beyond. Right up front. No surprises. We’re proud of our prices, and we want you to stay because you’re happy, not because you’re trapped.
We’re a local business. Our neighbors see us at the grocery store. We’re not trying to pull a fast one on you. We want to provide a clean, safe, dry place for your stuff, at a fair price. It’s really that simple.
You’re Now in the Know
So next time you see that flashy “FREE” sign, just smile. You’re in on the secret now. You know the question to ask. You know that the real value isn’t in a one-month gimmick, but in a fair, honest price month after month.
And when you’re ready for that, you know where to find us. We’ll give you a straight answer every time.
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