Choosing <A href=”http://www.fulfillmentplusny.com/index.cfm”>Warehouse Companies</a>
If you has stock, you have storage needs. As inventory grows, so too does your need for storage and a warehouse becomes a possibility. There’s much more to warehousing than you probably know. Warehousing services cover a varied range of services. From a rented garage sized storage facility all the way up to the most modern pack and ship outfit.
Most small business owners can be run out of tiny garage-type self-storage units they rent. The previous day’s orders are picked and packaged inside the storage unit and dropped off for shipping on the way home. If the business is successful, however, it can quickly outgrow this setup and warehousing services become a good alternative to explore.
Types of <A href=”http://www.fulfillmentplusny.com/B2B-Business-To-Business/Receive-Store-Ship.cfm ”>Warehousing Services</a>
Warehousing doesn’t mean just storage. It can, and this is the least expensive kind of warehousing. You rent shelf space or floor space. Access might be limited and any additional services, including the use of fork-lift trucks and access to loading docks, can add to the cost. Before committing yourself to any warehouse (including the U-Store type) you should try to work out any insurance or security issues. Some of your stock might require special environmental considerations. Don’t automatically assume that your stock won’t get baked in the summer heat or freeze in winter.
Look out for these things at least: fire and theft insurance – employee theft is often a serious problem if you aren’t around to check on your merchandise. See if the operation has liability insurance and what bonding options they offer.
Beyond basic storage, some warehousing services also offer pick and pack type order fulfillment services. You transmit your orders (with customer information), they find the product and even ship it for you.
The middle ground is having your orders picked and then arrange for shipping yourself. This allows you to check your orders before they disappear in the mail.
Additional Considerations:
· Climate controlled storage warehouses – for artwork, antique furniture or other precious commodities that might be adversely affected by changes in temperature.
· Registered warehousing – for custom sensitive items, both shipping or receiving goods.
· High security storage – normally both patrolled and alarmed as well as secured by compartment/area.
· Hazardous substances storage – a special type of warehousing for hazardous substances.
Warehouse Plus <A href=”http://www.fulfillmentplusny.com”>Pick, Pack and Ship</a>
When you have a large number of items or just very big items, you will need to store them until they can be sold. Once they are sold the items have to be taken to the shipping operation. By using a service that offers both warehousing and pack and ship you get everything you need.
Order picking and included paperwork could still cause a problem. However whenever an order is drawn from stock, the pack and ship operation takes care of the rest. This is important for items that are problematic to ship or that need special delivery tracking, proof of receipt or insurance. Most warehouses use barcoding to track your shipments with their pack and ship service. They may also provide additional record keeping, and will record postage costs or other secondary services.
Pack and ship operations will also usually include accepting packages as part of their services. This can be a real time saver as you won’t have to dash off to the warehouse at odd times.
Warehousing on a Budget
In most cases, those that already rent warehouse space are open to leasing space for your goods. These can be informal contracts but it pays to draw up an agreement that covers your rights and obligations. Insurance for your inventory is up to you.
Unconventional storage space can be found in many areas if you know what you are looking for. A neighbor’s pole barn might suffice or even a fenced in lot if the merchandise can be covered against the weather. Often, an agreement to use a storage space in exchange for its upkeep can be reached.
Also, don’t overlook businesses with empty rooms that aren’t being used. These can sometimes be leased very easily, because they would otherwise go to waste. Just remember to insure against loss – don’t rely on the existing policy, it probably won’t protect you because the premises are being used for a different purpose .
