Storing Successfully Each Time

Running an online retail business is no walk in the park. One of the main challenges many people in your shoes face is finding somewhere to store all of the inventory! Whether you're selling crafts, computer parts, or something different entirely, keeping them outside of your home in a storage unit gives you a lot more freedom. Here's a closer look at how to make this strategy work for you.

How do you choose the right storage unit?

Since you'll be putting your entire inventory in this unit, it needs to be incredibly secure. Look for a storage facility that has a lot of cameras. Make sure there's an employee on-site at least during the day, and that the specific unit that you lease is in plain view. This will make it harder for someone to break in unnoticed. Even if the storage facility provides locks, you should swap the lock out for your own so there's no worry that a previous lessee can access your items.

How do you protect your items?

Choose a climate-controlled storage unit. Even if you don't think your inventory is sensitive to changes in temperature or humidity, it would be terrible to find out otherwise when your entire inventory becomes ruined. Invest in a few simple plastic shelving units, and place them in the storage unit. Store your inventory on these shelves rather than directly on the floor so that if something spills in a nearby unit and seeps in, the liquid won't come into contact with your items.

What are some tips for accessing your items?

If you only make the occasional sale, driving to the storage unit each time you need to mail something out may not be too much of a hassle. If you have a larger volume, however, you may want to make a different plan. Consider making two days per week your shipping days. On these days, you can drive to the storage unit and get the inventory you need to ship out for the orders you've received since your last shipping day.

If you set up a table in the middle of the storage unit and outfit it with some boxes, tape, scissors, and label paper, you can pack up your orders right then and there. Keep the door closed as you do this so passers-by don't see what you have inside. You never know who may have less-than-perfect intentions with your items.

Storing your inventory in a storage unit rather than in your home should help you cut down on clutter and establish some separation between your home and your business. For more storage tips and options, check out http://www.fatherandsonne.com.