Keeping your own inventory takes up too much space that would otherwise be used for other processes that are more productive and profitable. Managing a storage facility can be quite a challenge especially when you don’t have experienced staff. Besides that, you must also ensure that the warehouse is appropriately located and that it satisfies your storage needs.
Factors to consider before choosing a warehouse space
Before you choose a storage space, there are a couple of things you need to consider to ensure that it’s convenient for your business. We hope that the list below helps you find the right storage space that matches your criteria:
- Physical location
It’s important that you choose a facility with the best physical location. That is, the location should be as close to your potential customers as possible. Proximity determines how prompt your deliveries will be and also how much the shipping cost will add up to.
- Security
Ensure that you choose a secure place that is fitted with alarm systems and 24/7 CCTV cameras. You should also hire guards to watch over the premises. Although this doesn’t guarantee 100% security for your stored items, at least you’ll have a sense of peace knowing that someone is watching over them.
- Build or Lease
After you have already chosen a location that meets your criteria, you then put into consideration the location’s build or lease parameters. It’s important that you are in the know about the location’s exact square footage.
Will it be possible for you to get additional space if you need to? Also, if your items are seasonal, can you pay for less space depending on what time of the year it is?
- Storage requirements
Is the available location well suited to handle your storage needs? If there are any environmental concerns they should all be taken into consideration.
Finding a storage facility that meets your storage requirements helps you to avoid disaster later on.
- Availability of labor
The labor force at the storage facility determines how timely the deliveries will be made and also affects your business’s future growth. If the staff is able to keep the warehouse operations through the 24 hours, then be sure to remain competitive for as long as possible. On the other hand, low labor capacity is a huge barrier to growth.
Advantages Of Working With Experienced Order Fulfillment Service Providers
The common denominator for almost all successful e-commerce businesses is the efficiency of the supply chain. Working with experienced order fulfillment service providers guarantees uninterrupted supply which has immense effects on the business’s brand name, customer satisfaction, revenue, and profitability.
Some advantages include:
- The main advantages of working with an experienced order fulfillment company are:
- A wide network of resources which include shipping companies
- Better expertise and experience in the industry
- Scalability especially when you experience a rise in demand. It becomes easier for you to expand your business into new markets.
- The fulfillment company handles most of the paperwork, customs documentation, billing, and staffing. This saves the entrepreneurs so much time and money
- You can focus on the main objectives and, therefore, add value to your business operations
Conclusion
There are many factors that one should put into consideration when choosing a location for a storage facility. When you find the right storage space and location, you improve your business’s efficiency while eliminating frustrations to you and your customers too.
It doesn’t really matter the size of your company – any company size can benefit from working with an order fulfillment service provider. All that matters is that you find a provider who matches your needs and capabilities.
