Whether you’re a small, start-up business, or a large-chain, well-established company, there’s no denying the benefits of outsourcing your warehousing duties.
From enhancing organisation and team efficiency to making the picking, packing, and shipping process stress-free…The list goes on.
If you’re already in the early stages of choosing a warehouse – or you want to be prepared for when the time comes, there are many things to consider to ensure you’re making the right decision.
Our experts here at FDC Holdings run through the top five things to think about when considering warehousing in Preston in this article.
1. Customer locations
The first and one of the most important things to determine is where your customers are located.
Think – do you only sell nationally or does your business sell to international customers too? Is there a specific region or area where most of your customers are based?
Your business needs to be based near your demand and by choosing a warehouse space that’s close to your customers, you can slash transportation costs and speed up delivery times – keeping your patrons happy and business running smoothly.
2. Supplier network
Once you’ve determined where your customer base is, the next thing to think about is where you actually get your goods from.
The proximity of the warehouse you choose in relation to your suppliers should play a major role in your decision-making process. Being close by allows you to reduce inventory carrying and transportation costs, as well as reducing the risk of delayed cargo.
3. Size
The size of the warehouse is crucial and the size you choose should align with your business needs and future growth projections.
Analyse your current inventory and factor in any anticipated growth in product lines or sales volume to help you determine whether or not you need a large space or something on the smaller side.
You should also consider the layout of a warehouse, ensuring it has adequate storage, picking, and packing areas, to optimise your workflow.
4. Climate
The climate of a warehouse space can have a significant impact on the storage and preservation of your goods.
Depending on the type of products you’ll be storing, you’ll need to consider:
- Temperature – Perishable items, for example, will need to be stored at a specific temperature, so it’s important to check if your chosen warehouse can accommodate these requirements.
- Humidity – Some products are sensitive to high humidity levels, so it’s vital to assess whether your chosen facility has sufficient ventilation systems in place to keep your products safe.
- External environmental factors – some environmental factors, such as the proximity of the warehouse to chemical plants or other industrial facilities could impact your inventory. If the release of pollutants into the air or water supply is problematic for your business, it’s worth considering this while you are viewing locations.
5. Cost
Of course, the warehouse you choose should be well within your means.
All warehouse spaces cost different amounts –larger ones with more amenities will cost more compared to smaller ones with fewer extras.
Evaluate your budget as well as your warehousing needs, and contact a few companies for quotes to determine which best meets your budget and business requirements.
Looking for warehousing in Preston?
Here at FDC Holdings, we’ve been helping businesses up and down the country with their warehousing needs in Preston for many years.
We have all the skills, tools, and knowledge to help your business thrive and would be more than happy to discuss your needs in further detail.
To find out more about warehousing Preston or for a FREE, no-obligation quote for your business, give us a call today on 01772 695 695 or email us at enquiries@fdcholdings.co.uk and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible!