Payments might not be the flashiest topic in self storage, but as James Shepherd and Jon Shirey discussed on the Self Storage Insight Podcast, it’s one of the most important. Switching management software or upgrading your payment system can feel overwhelming—especially when tenant payment data is involved. That’s where card migrations come in. A smooth card migration ensures your existing tenants’ payment data transfers securely to your new platform, meaning no missed payments, no awkward phone calls asking tenants to re-enter card details, and no revenue gaps. Unfortunately, not all providers make this easy. As Shepherd and Shirey pointed out, any company unwilling to assist with data transfers raises a red flag. The truth is, it’s your customer data, and with proper tokenization, it can be securely migrated without compliance issues.
Once your payment system is in place, pricing becomes the next big decision. Dual pricing—offering one price for cash or ACH payments and another for credit card payments—has quickly become a game changer for self storage operators. By shifting processing costs from the owner to the tenant, businesses can eliminate one of their largest recurring expenses while still offering flexible payment options. As Shirey explained, this approach is far more transparent and compliant than traditional surcharge programs. It not only reduces fees but allows companies like CCStorage to remove software costs altogether by monetizing the payments side. For operators, that means fewer bills and a more predictable bottom line—something every owner can appreciate.
Finally, electronic payments—credit card or ACH—help create operational efficiency and long-term value. Going cashless eliminates headaches like chasing down rent checks or counting deposits, while also making it easier to automate reminders and price increases. Shepherd noted that as larger facilities have adopted auto-pay and electronic-only models, they’ve seen smoother operations and higher valuations. The takeaway? Whether you manage 50 units or 5,000, embracing integrated, automated payment solutions is one of the simplest ways to cut costs, save time, and boost your property’s value.