In today's economy, more and more people are supplementing their income through e-commerce. One of the biggest challenges of managing an e-commerce business, however, can be storing inventory.
Here's a quick guide to help you create a cost-effective inventory solution with a storage unit:
Go Big
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is underestimating how much space your business will need. When you think about space, you not only need to find a storage unit with enough square footage, but you also need to choose a unit with the right dimensions. For instance, some storage units have 5-foot ceilings, while others have 8-foot ceilings. Understanding the height and full dimension of your storage unit may allow you to grab a bigger space at a smaller price. Additionally, specific dimensions aren't always clear when viewed on the Internet. If possible, you should physically examine any storage unit you hope to use for inventorying your e-commerce products. The best storage unit facilities will have no problem showing you around their facilities.
Horseshoes Shape
It's important to leave some open space in your storage unit. For most roll-top door units, you should be able to efficiently load and unload inventory into your unit without having to waste time navigating your way through a maze of boxes. Using a horseshoe configuration, keeping the shelves on the outside and leaving the middle open, can prevent clutter from filling up the floor space you need to quickly access your products. This design also allows for a table to be set up in the middle of the space to process orders when needed.
Stack 'em High
Many storage unit spaces aren't used to capacity. You can avoid wasting space by stacking your inventory to the maximum height your storage space allows.
- Shelves: Use shelving units that are as deep as they are wide. This will allow you to group your inventory more efficiently while also staying organized.
- Sliding Ladder: You can easily install a sliding ladder to quickly move up and over on your shelving units.
- Bar Codes Out: When you load your products on your shelves, be sure to remember to put your bar codes or QR codes facing out. This will allow you to quickly scan and update your inventory.
WiFi and Power
Running an e-commerce business requires access to technology. Principally, this means having access to two key services: power and WiFi. Having access to these services in your storage unit will allow you to process your e-commerce orders, update your inventory, and communicate with clients effectively in real time. Also, before you commit to setting up shop at a particular storage facility, be sure that you find a unit that provides you with access to enough electricity to operate any machinery needed to complete your orders. Some units only provide minimal access to power and will limit any sustained electrical needs generated from a storage unit.
Lease Terms
One of the keys to running a successful e-commerce business is having the flexibility to adjust to constantly shifting markets. When it comes to storage facilities for your e-commerce inventory needs, you must find a facility that's willing to be equally flexible. Many units will allow tenants to upsize or downsize depending on their fluctuating inventory needs and availability. In addition to finding a facility that's willing to work with your business needs, you should also ask (and get in writing) any early termination fees associated with prematurely breaking a lease agreement. In some cases, it might make sense to pay slightly more for a unit at storage facility that assesses fewer financial penalties for breaking a lease early.
To learn more, contact a storage facility in your area.
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