subject: Warehousing Services [print this page] If you carries stock, you have storageIf you carries stock, you have storage. As inventory builds up, warehousing becomes a consideration. There's much more to warehousing than you know. Warehousing services cover a broad range of services. From a rented garage type warehousing unit all the way up to the most modern pack and ship facility.
Many online retailers run daily operations out of little garage-type self-storage units they rent. The last day's orders can be picked and packaged in the storage unit and taken for shipping at the end of the day. If the business is successful, however, it can easily outgrow this setup and warehousing services are the logical next step.
Different types of warehousing services
Warehousing isn't just about storage. It can be, and this is the cheapest type of warehousing. With type of warehouse you simply rent floor space or with no added extras. Access might be limited and any special features (loading docks, fork trucks, accepting shipments) can cost extra. With any type of warehouse (including the U-Store type) insurance and security should be looked into. Some merchandise might require special environmental considerations. Dont forget to make sure that the warehouse is climate controlled.
Be on the look out for at least: fire and theft insurance theft and vandalism can be a real worry when you won't be around to supervise whats going on. Check that the facility has liability insurance and ask what bonding options they offer.
Beyond basic storage, warehousing services might also offer pick and pack type order fulfillment. You transmit your orders (with customer information) and they find the product and even ship it for you.
The middle ground is having your orders picked for you and then arrange for shipping yourself. This allows you to check your orders before they vanish in the post.
Other issues to consider:
Climate controlled storage for artwork or other precious commodities that are affected by humidity or temperature variations.
Registered warehousing for custom sensitive items, both for shipping or receiving goods.
High security storage usually patrolled and alarmed in addition to being secured by compartment/area.
Hazardous substances storage a special type of warehousing for hazardous substances.
Warehouse plus pack and ship
If you have very large items (or large numbers of the same item) to sell, you will require somewhere to store them untill they are shipped. They then have to be moved to the shipping operation. By using a service that offers both warehousing and pack and ship you get the best of both worlds.
Order picking and included paperwork may still be your problem however, but once an order is taken from stock, the pack and ship service handles the rest. This is important for merchandise that is hard to transport or that need special delivery tracking, proof of receipt or insurance. Many warehouses offer bar coding to track your inventory as part of their pack and ship service. They may also provide additional record keeping, such as how much is spent on postage or other ancillary services.
Pack and ship operations also often accept deliveries as part of their service. This can be a real time saver as you won't be expected to rush off to the warehouse at odd times.
Warehousing on a budget
In most cases, companies who already rent warehouse space will be willing to lease space for your goods. These can be informal arrangements but it pays to draw up an agreement that outlines access and obligations. Insurance for your inventory is up to you.
Unconventional storage space can be found almost anywhere if you know where to lool. A freind's pole barn might suffice or even a fenced in lot if the merchandise can be protected from the weather. Sometimes, an agreement to use a storage space in exchange for its upkeep works for both parties.
Also, be on the lookout for businesses with empty rooms that arent being used. These can often be leased very cheaply, because they would otherwise be wasted space. Just remember to insure against loss dont rely on the existing policy, it probably won't cover you because the premises are being used for a different purpose .
