Dual pricing lets a self storage facility show two prices for rent: a cash price and a card price. Tenants who pay by cash, check or ACH pay the cash price. Tenants who choose to pay by card pay the card price, which passes the processing cost to them instead of the facility. Set up right, it works on autopay, kiosks and online payments.
Self storage runs on recurring rent, and a lot of tenants pay by card. Each of those payments carries a processing cost. Here's how dual pricing changes that, what tenants think, and what you need to start.
What is dual pricing for a self storage facility?
Dual pricing means you post two prices for every unit: one for cash, check or ACH, and one for card. The tenant picks how to pay, and the price follows that choice.
The card price includes the cost of processing that card, so the tenant who chooses to pay by card covers it instead of your facility.
If you want the bigger picture first, our guide What is dual pricing? covers the basics for any business. You can also see how we set it up on our dual pricing page.
Why do card fees hit storage facilities so hard?
Because almost all of your revenue is recurring rent, and much of it comes in by card. A small cost on each payment repeats every month, for every tenant, all year.
Autopay, the tenant portal, the kiosk, plus late fees, locks and boxes at the counter: every card transaction has a cost. When we review statements, what surprises owners most is their real effective rate, plus the hidden or junk fees they never noticed. That's why our number one piece of advice to every owner is simple: know your effective rate. It's the true cost of taking cards, once every fee is counted.
How does dual pricing work with monthly rent and autopay?
Your management software stores both prices for each unit. When a tenant pays, the system charges the cash price for ACH or cash and the card price for a card.
| Where the tenant pays | How dual pricing works there |
|---|---|
| Autopay | The tenant sees both prices when they enroll. Each automatic charge follows the payment method on file. |
| Tenant portal | Both prices are shown before the tenant confirms the payment. |
| Office or kiosk | Both prices are posted where tenants can see them, and the receipt shows which price was charged. |
| ACH | The tenant pays the cash price. |
The key is clear disclosure: tenants should see both prices before they pay.
Will tenants be upset about paying a card price?
In our experience, most customers don't mind dual pricing when it's clear and up front. They get a choice, and many are glad to have it.
This is one of the three questions owners ask us most about dual pricing. (The other two: how much they'll save and whether they need new equipment.) What helps:
- Show both prices everywhere: website, lease, portal and office.
- Make the cash price easy to get: ACH lets tenants pay the lower price every month.
- Give staff one short answer: "We have a cash price and a card price. You choose."
- Give existing tenants notice before the change.
Do I need new equipment or software to offer dual pricing?
Maybe, maybe not. It depends on whether your current software, kiosk and terminals can show two prices and charge the right one. Some setups can't do it cleanly.
For self storage and truck parking, we often recommend CCStorage. It allows card and ACH fees to be passed to tenants, and it has no monthly software fees and no per-unit costs. It also includes data transfer from your previous software, one-on-one training and U.S.-based support. You can learn more on our self storage page.
Support matters more than people think. Our founder spent time in customer service dealing with confusing, unreliable systems backed by bad or no support. That's why we put real, reachable support first.
How much can a storage facility save with dual pricing?
It depends on your current costs, how many tenants pay by card and how your program is set up. The honest answer starts with your statement, not a guess.
We don't promise a number, because every facility is different. We can show you what card payments cost you today, and from there what dual pricing would change. A free statement analysis is the fastest way to get there.
How do I set up dual pricing at my facility?
Start with a statement review, confirm your software can handle two prices, then roll it out with clear notice to tenants.
- Review your current statement. Find your effective rate and any junk fees.
- Check your contract. Look for rate increases, tiered pricing, contract length and auto-renewal terms before you switch anything.
- Confirm your software and hardware. Your management software, kiosk and terminals need to show and charge both prices.
- Set up disclosures. Post both prices on your website, portal, lease and office signage.
- Notify existing tenants. Let them know what's changing, when, and how to pay the cash price.
- Train your team. Make sure everyone gives the same simple explanation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dual pricing on tenant autopay?
Yes, as long as your software and processor support it. The tenant sees both prices when they enroll, and each automatic charge follows the payment method they picked.
Do tenants who pay by ACH or cash pay the card price?
No. Tenants who pay by cash, check or ACH pay the cash price. Only tenants who choose to pay by card pay the card price.
Will dual pricing work with my gate and kiosk?
Your gate system usually just reads account status from your management software. If your software and kiosk can show both prices, dual pricing fits right in. We check this for you before anything changes.
Is dual pricing the same as surcharging?
No. They are different programs with different setups and rules. Dual pricing shows two prices, a cash price and a card price, and the tenant chooses how to pay.
How do I know if dual pricing makes sense for my facility?
Start with your current statement. A free statement analysis shows your real effective rate and fees, so you can see what card payments are costing you today.