Whether your business expands or needs warehouse space, a suitable facility will significantly impact your bottom line. Using a tenant rep during the search process can help ensure you get the best possible value for your lease.
Considerations for choosing the right warehouse include storage, operating space, an office area, and cost. Performing comparisons between facilities will save your company money in the long run.
Size
When choosing a warehouse, size is an important consideration. Large warehouses often have advanced technology and equipment to improve efficiency. Additionally, they can offer specialized storage solutions, such as temperature-controlled or hazardous materials storage areas.
Small warehouses can also benefit businesses that require a flexible storage solution. These spaces typically feature productivity aids like loading docks, material moving equipment, and industrial racking. They can also offer flexible contracts and lower rental rates than giant warehouses.
When deciding on warehouse space, ensure it’s large enough to accommodate your current inventory requirements and projected growth. To calculate the warehouse’s storage capacity, consider its total square footage and subtract ancillary spaces such as offices or restrooms. Additionally, consider utilizing vertical storage solutions such as mezzanines and tall racks to maximize usable space without requiring additional floor space. The right warehouse near me will ensure streamlined operations and speedy customer fulfillment.
Location
Whether your company is building a warehouse or renting, the facility’s location is crucial. A wrong location can increase shipping costs, create a massive spike in employee turnover, or prevent you from keeping your delivery-speed promises to customers.
When narrowing down warehouse locations, consider your projected growth. Ensure there is room for expansion in the warehouse – not just storage space but also operations such as customer returns, last-mile delivery, and quality analysis.
Another thing to look for is how the warehouse deals with local environmental conditions, which can impact shipping and inventory management. For example, ensure the warehouse has a reliable refrigeration system if your products require temperature control. You can also find out if the warehouse has experience dealing with adverse weather events by looking at their records or asking other tenants for feedback. This way, you can be confident that your warehouse can handle any weather challenges.
Lease term
When evaluating a warehouse for rent near me, companies need to know how much the base rental rate and estimated operating expenses will be. The latter refers to taxes, property insurance, and any other fees a landlord may require commercial tenants to pay in addition to the base rental rate on a monthly or annual basis.
These additional costs can add up, especially when companies consider leasing warehouse space for long periods. To prevent unintentional budgetary surprises, organizations can ask potential landlords if the lease will have a purchase option (also known as a triple net lease) or CAM and negotiate accordingly.
Leasing warehouse space is a big decision for any brand, and companies must do their due diligence by working with real estate pros and reviewing any lease contracts with attorneys before signing. The clearer they are on their basic warehouse needs, the easier it is to select and secure a property that fits those requirements.
Security
When you’re renting a warehouse, it should be safe and secure. The best way to ensure this is to ensure the building has security measures appropriate for the type of business you operate.
These include running background checks on all employees who handle valuable inventory and reinforcing entryways with strong door locks, deadbolts, and long high-durability screws. Warehouses should also have security patrols that monitor the property inside and outside to deter criminal activity.
In addition to the above, warehouses should be prepared to deal with local environmental factors like flooding and earthquakes. They should also have backup services for their camera footage so they don’t lose data during a disaster. Finally, they should regularly review their list of security measures and fill in any significant gaps. These measures will help keep your inventory, employees, and customers safe and sound. Moreover, it will save you money in the long run as you will not have to pay for costly repairs or replacements.
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