5 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Right Storage & Fulfilment Partner

As an SME, you know just how important efficiency and customer satisfaction are to your growth.

One crucial aspect that significantly impacts both is your choice of warehouse storage and fulfilment partner.

The right partner not only ensures that your products are stored safely and securely, but also plays a pivotal role in managing your inventory and order fulfilment effectively.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the process, from preparing your pallets for storage to leveraging technology for inventory management and visibility, ensuring that every order can be fulfilled on time without a hitch and that you're always in the know when it comes to the safety and availability of your products.

Before sending your goods off to a warehouse, proper preparation is vital.

Start by choosing durable and appropriate packing materials to protect your items during storage and transportation.

Stretch wrap is great for keeping everything together, but isn't so great at preventing knocks or scuffs.

We recommend making sure products are packed in appropriate-sized boxes before being stacked on the pallet. Not only does this offer a protective cover for the product that your customer will receive, but it also makes the whole pallet easier to stack.

Make sure you pack your goods tightly to prevent movement and place heavier items at the bottom of the stack to avoid damage and toppling.

Labelling each pallet with a detailed list of contents and any handling instructions is crucial for efficient processing and retrieval at the warehouse.

Proper documentation, including a packing list and inventory count, should accompany your pallets, ensuring that everything is accounted for upon arrival.

Choosing a warehouse storage partner is a decision that goes beyond just price and available space.

Consider factors such as the location's convenience, the security measures in place, and the range of services offered, such as order fulfilment.

If you run an e-commerce store, depending on the partner you choose, you can get orders sent straight to your warehouse partner who can call off the products and get them sent directly to your customer.

If you need orders fulfilled or stock calling off, a partner that utilises advanced technology for inventory management can be a game-changer for your business.

Look for features like real-time visibility of stock levels and automatic notification systems for low stock.

This not only helps in keeping your inventory optimal but also ensures that you're never caught off guard by unexpected shortages.

Effective inventory management starts with organisation.

Regular audits and categorising your inventory can help in identifying which items move quickly and which ones are slow-moving, allowing you to adjust your strategy accordingly.

Your warehouse partner can provide invaluable assistance in this area by offering insights and data on stock levels and movement patterns.

This can be particularly useful if you have multiple sales channels as all of your data will be categorised and consolidated based on their movements, rather than per sale.

It's always good to build a good relationship with your storage and fulfilment partner and organise regular discussions, updates and even visits, to make sure your stock is well looked after and everything is going to plan.

A warehousing partner equipped with a robust inventory management system can offer you full visibility into your stock levels, accessible from anywhere, at any time.

Features such as automatic replenishment alerts, when stock levels are low, ensure that you can always meet customer demand, and are essential if you operate multiple sales channels.

This level of integration between your business operations and your warehousing partner's systems can significantly enhance your ability to serve your customers effectively, and without worrying about that dreaded "out of stock" status.

A strong relationship with your warehousing partner is vital for long-term success.

Regular communication and feedback sessions can help both parties identify areas for improvement and optimisation.

This collaborative approach ensures that your storage and inventory management strategies evolve with your business, keeping you ahead of the curve in a competitive marketplace.

Are you ready to take the next step in optimising your pallet storage and inventory management? Take a look at our facilities and discover how we can help you achieve your operational goals, ensuring your products are always in stock and ready to meet your customers' needs.