How to Scale Up Your Online Retail Business by Increasing Stock Storage Space

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, it has never been so easy to start a business from home. Anyone can start selling online. Websites such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy make it incredibly easy. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and something worth selling. However, as many online retailers have found to their cost, there are a number of problems that arise once your business takes off.

The main issue online retailers have once their sales increase is the lack of storage space for stock. If you run a dropshipping business, storage space is not an issue. The customer places an order and the product is shipped directly from the manufacturer. You don’t need to store anything. However, if you carry your own stock, you will need somewhere to store it all.

Many online retailers start out in a spare room. This is great in the beginning, but eventually, you will need to expand your stock area. You could rent a storage unit, but if you have enough space outside, the cheapest way to increase your stock storage capacity is to build a shed.

The Benefits of a Steel Building

Timber buildings are a popular choice, but if you are in this for the long-term, it makes sense to upgrade to a modular steel building. When you opt for steel, you can go bigger and taller. Steel buildings are extremely versatile. Steel can span large distances, which offers a number of advantages when you install storage racking. Steel buildings are also more energy efficient, which is an important consideration when you are running a business. Lastly, steel buildings are non-combustible. Think about it, do you really want to take the risk that your enterprise will go up in smoke?

Check out a supplier like ArmstrongSteel.com. They offer pre-engineered steel buildings to suit any design. If you sell machinery or large items, modular steel buildings are the best choice, hands down. Select a design that suits your budget and you can erect it on-site with minimal effort.

Plan Storage Racking

You will need adequate storage racking as your business grows. Make a plan so inventory is stored intuitively. Keep similar items together so that you can find them. Or have a system whereby your stock is organized according to its position in your catalog. As long as the system works for you and your team, that’s what matters.

Leave enough space between storage racks, so your team can move around quickly and easily. Have the right warehouse equipment like a scissor lift, so that the person in-charge can handle the inventory safely.

Design Your Workflow

Workflow is very important. If packing items are not in the right place, your team will waste valuable time assembling orders. Create a packing station so orders can be packed ready for dispatch, and then stored near the exit. This makes it easier when couriers arrive to collect your packages. Make sure there is adequate lighting above the packing areas.

This is just a small snapshot of the many things you’ll have to think about when you upgrade your online retail business. If in doubt, visit an established business and see how they do things.