The sharp rise in businesses worldwide has influenced how a customer orders & perceives the products, which in turn has changed the service providers’ attitude towards handling the storage & distribution of these said products. Globally, the problem of adequate warehousing for E-commerce fulfilment has become a scarcity. 

For Small Businesses, choosing the right warehouse can help through the most crucial part of inventory management and aid in creating a stable supply chain. 

For major players in the market, finding a good warehouse is easy considering the cost involved. But for those companies who are still on their way to reaching the top, seeking the perfect E-Commerce Fulfilment Provider to handle the supply and consign a seamless delivery experience is a must. 

An Understanding about Warehouses.

There are numerous questions one must ask before choosing a warehouse. Setting down roots in a warehouse is important to reach potential customers and expand the business reach. For small businesses, the best location for a warehouse is near the manufacturing plant. 

This ensures a constant supply of raw materials and keeps the transportation costs low. As you look at locations to set up your warehouse, keep in mind the expansion plans. Your business might be small at the moment, but a small business warehouse is not the place where your dreams end!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Warehouse for Small Business

Choosing a dedicated warehouse for your small business can be an overwhelming task, wherein you require expertise & all the help you can get. Each business has individual requirements, which should be considered when choosing a suitable warehouse. 

The right layout, location, and storage are some of the key factors that are non-negotiable when choosing the best E-commerce fulfilment providers. 

Mentioned below are Seven Tips to Keep in Mind when Selecting a Warehouse for Small Businesses. 

Choosing the Right Location!

Whilst choosing a warehouse, plan ahead and mark the locations close to your customers. To save on shipping costs, ensure that your small business warehouse is closely located to your customers’ destinations. This will help you deliver your products with lightning speed and reach your customer base in record time & at a lowered cost.  

A Warehouse that fits your needs!

Choosing a 3PL, i.e. Third-Party Logistics fulfilment provider, allows many varied features in the warehouse facility. Opting for a warehouse that offers diverse solutions to effective and seamless storage will allow better growth for your small business. 

Whilst making a decision, consider if your 3PL is an Asset-based warehouse provider or a non-asset based one to figure out the total cost & nature of your operations post acquiring a warehouse. 

Checking the Infrastructure

To ensure that your warehouse withstands the test of time, you must look into its operational dates, when it was established, and if it can handle the area’s natural climate. 

The best way to determine if a warehouse is suited to your needs is by looking at what kind of business it has handled before you. With time, major technological advancements keep happening that you can incorporate in your warehouse for efficient handling & smooth operations. 

Sift out the best workforce for your Warehouse

Whilst picking out the warehouse for your small business, employees play a crucial role in the final decision. A reliable and efficient workforce can efficiently handle the number of goods the warehouse deals in. Also, make sure you compare the number of employees with the size of the warehouse facility.  

Technological assistance

With changing times, the warehouse sector has also improved to start the ball rolling for automated standards and procedures. With pick-by-vision systems, drones, and e-data exchange, to name a few, there are plenty of options available in this day & age to provide smooth operations. 

Before making a decision, ask your E-commerce fulfilment services Provider if their warehouse works on the Warehouse Management System and has any new-age delivery solutions. 

Additional Perks other than mentioned

Having an understanding warehouse partner solves 90% of your business logistics issues. Apart from basic storage, handling, and delivery, there are plenty of other 

Warehouse Operations that your E-commerce Fulfilment Partner might provide. 

These may include packaging, labelling, dispatching, quality, control, and even reverse logistics. But all this depends on the kind of relationship you have with the provider to avail such benefits. 

Risk Cover Involving the Handling of Goods

When you employ a warehouse to take care of your logistics, the risks involved in handling, storing, and distributing your product to different locations lie with the warehouse. 

You must check with your E-commerce Fulfilment Service if they cover the risks and have safety measures in place to avoid them. In case of a mishap, a compensation plan must also be shared with the business by the warehouse prior to them availing their services.

Final Takeaway

As a small business, your major focus remains on keeping your current customers happy and aiming to scale your business to reach more potential customers. With a 3PL E-commerce Fulfilment Provider, you can build up space, labour, and transportation according to your needs. 

Despite possible challenges, with a warehouse partner who understands your product, you can achieve exceptional results by completing the deliverables on time! Additionally, they can also aid in expanding your business in new regions & markets globally.