June 1, 2020 5 Things to Look for in a New Warehouse Space

The things businesses should look for when working with a fulfillment company.

Whether your ecommerce business is just getting started or you’re looking to expand your storage capacity, finding a new warehouse space can be a challenge. Below, you can learn more about the five most important considerations so that you can feel confident about your decision.

#1 – Affordability

Warehouse space is notoriously expensive. In fact, numerous ecommerce businesses ultimately closed their doors before they could get off the ground because they simply could not afford enough space to run a successful business. With that being said, affordability is by far one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a warehouse space. Don’t overextend yourself, especially if you’re just getting started. Warehouses often come with five-year leases, after all.

#2 – Security

Warehouses can be top targets for burglars, and because of their size, it’s also important to make certain they’re sturdy, not in flood plains, and secure in the event of severe weather. As such, security should be a top concern when you choose a new warehouse space. Ideally, your new warehouse will have security cameras in place, well-built, and located in a relatively safe area that is unlikely to be a victim of floods, wildfires, and more.

#3 – Climate Control

Climate control is another important consideration, and this is especially true if your products are designed for human consumption, contain batteries, or have ingredients that need to be protected from the elements. Heat and air conditioning are requirements depending on the location, so make sure that the warehouse you choose can keep the temperature and humidity stable all year round.

#4 – Scalability

When you open your business, you likely have one major goal: growth. You want your products to be popular and widely known so that more people will order them, after all. However, as your orders start to increase, so does your space requirement. You’ll have to have a place to store everything until it is shipped out to your customers. Make sure that you don’t sign into a five-year lease in a warehouse that is much too small for your needs. Consider the potential for growth and act accordingly, but still within your budget.

#5 – Flexibility

Finally, it’s also important to make sure your warehouse is flexible, and this is especially true if yours is a seasonal business that tends to generate much of its revenue during specific times of the year. You may need a ton of space for three or four months, but then significantly less for the rest of the year. It can be tough to accommodate this, but there are options available.

If you are looking for a warehouse space that satisfies all of these requirements, consider outsourcing your warehousing and inventory management to a trusted partner. Often, this is the best and most affordable way to ensure affordability, security, climate control, scalability, and flexibility without locking yourself into a five-year term or breaking your budget. It’s easier than you might think, and there are plenty of other benefits that come along with it, as well.

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