easyStorage’s vision is to become the go-to brand of choice for storage in the UK and Europe
easyStorage is the only ‘mobile storage’ franchise in the UK. Unlike traditional self-storage companies, easyStorage collects from customers, loading their belongings and furniture into large storage pods (easyPods), which are transported on specially built trucks.
easyPods are taken back to the warehouse, where they’re stacked efficiently to save space, which reduces costs substantially. Customers are delighted with the convenience and they love the price, which is typically 50 per cent less than traditional self-storage.
The added value of an iconic brand
Being part of Sir Stelios’ easy family of brands (made famous by easyJet) gives franchisees an instant advantage.
People recognise the brand and trust it for value and service. That’s a key factor for anyone storing their personal belongings. Staff at easyStorage reinforce this brand identity through a culture of openness and empathy. Customers may be moving home, starting building works or reorganising after divorce or bereavement.
A proven model that’s been resilient through COVID
The first easyStorage pilot ran successfully in 2018. Franchisees started to join in 2019 and the network now has 22 territories across the UK and growing. Sales figures have been strong during COVID, with new records being set throughout 2021.
This continual growth is in line with the Cushman & Wakefield report, which has predicted that the global self-storage market will rise from £27 billion in 2018 to £35.5 billion in 2024. The UK market is the strongest in Europe, with easyStorage opening up the market further through lower pricing.
Digital expertise and bookings
Digital advertising plays a significant role in the business. The in-house marketing team utilises sophisticated techniques to capture paid and organic traffic.
easyStorage customers can chat and book online. Most prefer to phone in and talk to an easyStorage storage solutions specialist. They advise customers on the number of pods needed and can add extras to the order, including packing materials and insurance. The high levels of customer service leads to high levels of conversion.
Booking management technology
Franchisees are allocated bookings according to postcode. Jobs arrive in VAULT, a bespoke platform developed by easyStorage. Franchisees use VAULT to manage collections, deliveries and storage and their crews can update job status directly via their mobile app.
VAULT also takes recurring payments for storage automatically. This recurring revenue makes the business incredibly attractive. As the number of easyPods in storage grows, so does profitability.
How does the franchise work?
Successful applicants receive a territory with a minimum of 600,000 dwellings, which ensures generous market opportunity.
Franchisees have the opportunity to be hands-on, but the business also requires good management of the truck, staffing and local promotion.
Great customer experience goes hand in hand with success. Everyone in the network works closely with the franchise support team to meet challenges and maintain easyStorage’s five-star rating on Trustpilot.
A great time to join
Anyone considering a franchise with easyStorage will benefit from substantial investment to date in technology, service development and the brand.
The new support centre in Uxbridge has substantial storage capacity and is also home to the new easyStorage training academy, where franchisees learn valuable new skills and best practices.
Momentum in the business is driven by a determined management team with a wealth of storage and franchise experience.
The board comprises top industry leaders with impressive track records. Their vision is to develop easyStorage to become the go-to brand of choice for storage in the UK and Europe.
Being an easyStorage franchisee
easyStorage franchisees come from all walks of life and career backgrounds. They include business-minded individuals, father and son teams, as well as husband and wife partnerships. No storage experience is needed.
Gavin Duke of easyStorage Croydon has a background in marketing. He likes the variety of the job, especially getting out on the truck and meeting customers.
Gavin recruited Marcia as his operations manager and she runs the back office. Gavin recognises the advantages that being part of an iconic brand brings.
Alex and Emma Glass launched easyStorage Thames Valley in 2020 and come from a background in property.
In a relatively short period, they’ve built up a sizeable number of easyPods in storage and are now looking to take on their own warehouse. This will give them extra operational flexibility and significant cost benefits.
easyStorage Manchester was launched by Graham Howard.
Graham has vast experience in self-storage and saw the low cost of entry with easyStorage as attractive. He understands the appeal that ‘mobile storage’ has with customers.
Graham can see people are waking up to the advantages of mobile storage over self-storage and there is no looking back. Committed, experienced and professional, he’s well on track to succeed with his business.
Storage facility
Franchisees don’t require their own storage facility. easyStorage has a network of trusted storage partners up and down the country with preferential rates.
As the number of easyPods in storage grows, franchisees look to upscale by taking on their own warehouse.
Training and launch
Franchisees receive full training at the easyStorage academy and gain operational experience on real jobs.
Technology, operational support and a purpose-built branded truck ensure that new franchisees are fully prepared to make a success in their chosen territory.
Discovery day
For those interested in a franchise, the starting point is to reserve a place on an easyStorage discovery day.
It provides the perfect opportunity to find out exactly how the business works, take a look at the financials and learn about the potential returns.
If the fit is a good one, prospects are invited to move forward to business planning and pitch easyStorage management to become part of the network.
At a glance
Established:
2018
Number of franchised outlets:
22
Location of units:
UK
Investment range:
£40,000-£60,000
Minimum required capital:
£40,000
Contact:
conrad.gibbons@easystorage.com
