Midterm Review
Jun Hou Yong
1. Analyze the business plan.
PODS operates in the mobile storage services industry that is somewhat distinct from the self-
storage operators. However, PODS is still indirectly competing with these self-storage operators.
Competition in this realm is high and the trend is increasing. The high degree of competition come
from other mobile storage service operators, indirect competitors in the self-storage space and
other companies that provide moving services. This industry that PODS operates in differ from
the self-storage operators as the PODS offer the convenience of door-to-door pick up service as
well as delivery service.
PODS exists to fulfill the unmet needs that the traditional self-storage market was not able to offer
its customers – convenience. The convenience of the pickup and delivery services that allow
customer to pack the POD at their leisure is unmatched during the time in which the business plan
was written.
In general, the target market size of PODS is expected to grow in the coming years as strong US
economic growth will lead to an uptrend in the residential and commercial markets. Consequently,
this leads to a surge in demand for PODS as an uptrend in the residential market will result in more
home buyers, more people relocating leading to consumers need for more storage capacity. On the
other hand, an uptrend in the commercial markets will see more remodeling, renovation and
restoration contractors, as well as businesses with excess inventory that will need storage space.
Midterm Review
Jun Hou Yong
Moreover, PODS may well benefit from the expansion of corporate markets, which according to
the IBISWorld report make up for an estimated 15% of demand for the mobile storage industry.
As the functions of PODS involves engaging in furniture and equipment transportation to
downstream commercial clients, demand for PODS’ services will certainly be positively impacted
as corporations and businesses expand their operations.
The current self-storage industry in which PODS indirectly competes with is fragmented with the
top 10 companies only capturing 16% of the total market share. Consequently, this represents an
opportunity for PODS to ride the trend of consolidation since PODS have already established a
