While public warehouses are usually only used in the short-term, finding the correct one for your business is crucial. You must resist the temptation to think “Well, it’s only a public warehouse”, because neglecting critical analysis in your decision can cause disastrous results.
So here are some of the most important factors to look at when finding a public warehouse that works best for you:
Location Location Location
Let’s start with the most obvious: location. First and foremost, a public warehouse needs to be properly situated so that you can easily and efficiently access your storage as to best serve your customers.
Transportation
Depending on what you are storing, you may need to utilize railways, sea ports, or major transportation arteries when it comes time to move your product or supplies. So be sure that the warehouse has easy access to whatever infrastructure you will need. If the warehouse provides transportation and logistics services, even better.
Look for Room to Expand
No matter how thorough the strategy, plans can change at a moments notice leaving you in need of more space than you originally expect. But moving warehouses every time your volume changes is incredibly costly. Merely inquiring about the capacity of the warehouse, and what you would need to do in the case that more space is required, can save you much unneeded stress, lost time, and wasted money.
Visit the Site
No amount of research can compare with actually visiting the warehouse itself. Show up, take a tour, and evaluate how well the space and services can facilitate your business needs.
Check References
How a warehouse has treated other customers is the best way to predict the way they will treat you. Nothing can beat actually talking with people who have used that warehouse in the past. Get in contact with some independent sources, and make sure that you will actually get what you pay for.
Finding the right public warehouse for your business can be tough. Follow these steps to get a huge head start in the right direction.