Tips for Choosing a Warehouse
Warehouses are large houses used by business people to store goods. Besides storing goods, warehouses can serve as distribution centres, inspection points, holding areas or showrooms. In most cases, warehouses are located in industrial areas on the outskirts of cities. If you are looking for warehousing services, below are a few tips to guide you.
What do you need the warehouse for?
The primary reason you need a warehouse is to store your commodities. However, there are a few considerations you must make when choosing a warehouse:
- The warehouse should serve your current and future needs. As such, if you anticipate that you will increase production in the next few months, you can hire a large warehouse.
- What type of goods do you need to store? Does the vehicle have to enter the warehouse to unload or load the products? Ensure that the warehouse is large enough for such operations.
- Some companies rent out a whole warehouse while others allow business people to share warehouses. Determine which option suits you best.
- The warehouse must have adequate parking facilities. If you need some office space, look for warehouses providing such facilities.
Terms of hire
The terms of renting the warehouse must be suitable for your business. For instance, if you need the warehouse on a seasonal basis, ensure that the company accepts such terms. Inquire on warehouse maintenance costs such as paying electricity and water bills. If you plan to store valuable goods in the warehouse, will the management allow you to make renovations or bring in your security?
Location
The warehouse must be conveniently for your business operations. For instance, you can opt for a warehouse located between the production centre and the market. In such a way, it conveniently serves as a distribution centre. Ensure that the location is secure for both day and night operations. You do not want a warehouse that your trucks cannot access at night due to insecurity. Another consideration you must make is the availability of labour in the area. This is especially so if you need people to load and unload the goods.
Costs
Costs are a huge determinant for most business people seeking warehousing services. As such, do some research on the price of warehouses within the area you need a warehouse. Factor in the cost of transport vis-a-vis the convenience that the warehouse offers. What advantage or value do you get by renting warehouse A over warehouse B?
When renting a warehouse determine your needs, the terms of hire, location and the cost of renting the warehouse.