- How much space you need and how your goods need to be stored. Do you need air-conditioned space? Loading docks? Will you require shelving? How frequently will you need access to the items?
- Will you be able to receive the items and take them to a storage area or do you want someone to receive the items for you at a warehouse?
- Do you want to manage the inventory or have someone else do it?
- Do you want to ship directly from the warehouse? If so, will you handle it or will someone need to do it for you?
- Do you need to be near your warehouse or can you save money by locating it away from your central office, and more in an area conducive to your shipping and receiving needs?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate the right warehouse space for your business
The Web offers numerous resources for exploring warehouse management.I recommend: A few companies specialize in finding warehouse space nationally, including Starboard TCN Worldwide Commercial Real Estate, which lists prices online, and Leonard's Guide. InsightQuote has price comparisons. Ozburn-Hessey Logistics specializes in finding and establishing warehouse space nationally and provides third-party logistics services like order fulfillment and distribution management, and Small Business Warehousing does much the same with a focus on small businesses.
Find a specialized warehouse
Some companies offer climate-controlled warehouses or offer harder-to-find features like hazardous-materials storage.I recommend: Check out D&S Warehousing's public/contract warehousing, which offers climate control, 24-hour security, distribution services and even hazmat warehousing. Or search for a specialized warehouse on Industrial Space or Industrial Gurus. Find contract warehousing and distribution management providers and bonded warehouses at Business.com.
Determine how to handle warehouse management
A warehouse can be integral to tracking inventory and shipping and receiving goods, and can even serve as a place to show your goods and run your business.I recommend: Check these tips on how to refine warehouse management decisions. Some warehouse management consultants offer some free advice on the Web, including Ken Ackerman and Art Avery. Organize your warehouse management and distribution management with inventory software from one of the vendors listed at Business.com.
Understand the different types of warehouses
A warehouse can be as simple as a garage-like space at a self-storage facility or as complicated as a vast facility where the operators not only store your goods, but accept shipments, maintain and track inventory and send materials out.I recommend: An overview of warehouse types is available on KnowThis.com. Entrepreneur.com examines warehouse options for eBay sellers.
Consider alternatives
When it comes to warehousing, it may a good idea to think outside the box.I recommend: Small business incubators often offer office and warehouse space along with other support services at affordable rates. Find out more from the National Business Incubation Association.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Not all warehouses are created equal. Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau.
- Ask for references and check them.
- If you belong to a trade association, talk with members about how they meet their warehousing needs. Some warehouses cater to specific types of businesses.
the Warehouse Management page at Business.com
Warehouse Management Software Directory
Compare warehouse management software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com/warehouse-management-software
Compare warehouse management software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com/warehouse-management-software
Warehouse Management Solutions
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Optimize business with customized warehouse management outsourced services. We provide full integration and 24/7 access to data. Contact Us Today!
Case Studies | Free Consultation
PrologLogistics.com
Warehouse Management Solutions
Find Warehouse Management Resources. Search listings and reviews of specialists and services in your area to help you manage your warehouse today.
JustClickLocal.com
Find Warehouse Management Resources. Search listings and reviews of specialists and services in your area to help you manage your warehouse today.
JustClickLocal.com
Inventory Software
Get a free demo CD of our ERP solution with integrated inventory management software. Includes wireless warehouse management system.
Free Demo CD
www.iqms.com
Get a free demo CD of our ERP solution with integrated inventory management software. Includes wireless warehouse management system.
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www.iqms.com
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