Boring warehouse, metal rooms full of furniture and boxes. That’s all Self-Storage is, right?
Wrong!
Many people think Self-Storage is purely for home movers. Conversely, as un-interesting as storage facilities look, they couldn’t be further from the truth.
Whether you need to store stock, send out orders or clear out your office, storage could be the answer. With different units and perks on offer at many different Storage Companies, a storage unit could be an asset to your business or online store.
What Businesses benefit from Self-Storage?
eBay, Amazon and Etsy Sellers
With multiple deliveries coming in and orders to ship out, online sellers are by far one of the busiest businesses in our Charminster store in Bournemouth and at other facilities across England. Most of us have sold a couple of things on eBay, but these sellers are taking things to the next level. Sorin Nichifor, from Big Red Camping, stores at A-Storage and has seen his Amazon sales grow in the past 12 months.
“I decided to move my small business out of my bedroom when stock started taking it over. Storage was a great solution because it was cost-efficient and, just as important, scalable. Business has been constantly growing, so I started with one small unit and have been adding units and moving to bigger ones every few months. This kind of flexibility is only possible in a storage warehouse. It goes the other way as well: if things don’t go as planned, I can always scale down or completely give it up, I’m not tied into a long-term contract. This gives me much needed peace of mind.
The thing that made A-Storage ideal for us was the availability of small offices as well, it’s really a great set-up for where we are right now”.
Small, Medium and Large Businesses
Whether you’re a small start-up or large franchise. Storage can benefit you in many ways. At our stores in Bransgore and Charminster, Bournemouth, we have had start-ups as small as 1 person to Nationwide franchises store with us. As is the case in most storage facilities across the UK.
Our customer, Andy Burchell is the owner of Card Connexions Bournemouth franchise. When asked how storage helps him, this is what he had to say.
“Storage has helped me organise my stock in a manor that speeds up my work flow and saves me time, therefore, money! My employees have their own access keys which means I don’t have to be there all the time. One of the biggest bonuses is that A-Storage accept my deliveries, for free! So, neither my staff nor I, need to hang around for hours waiting. I would recommend that businesses of all sizes at least think about using self-storage”.
Wholesalers, Retailers, Suppliers
Storing stock and having somewhere to distribute orders from is key to these types of businesses. Luckily, self-storage has all the tools to become your newest ‘business partner’. Avoid the dreaded overflow of stock in your own home, or couriers turning up every 5 minutes to collect items. The majority of storage facilities will also have trollies, or pallet trucks to help you move the larger orders.
Other businesses that can benefit
There are plenty of other business types than can find a use for self-storage, these can be:
- Music Producers/Creators
With power, lighting and late-night access available in a lot of stores, musical creators and producers can benefit from having a quiet place to write and mix their songs. Take our customer, PashxStratton, for example. He currently stores with us and has turned his unit into a pretty cosy studio.
- Fashion/Textile Brands
Reputable storage companies will have climate controlled and dry storage units, ensuring the quality of your material does not change. You may also have deliveries or orders to send out, and as mentioned, this is something the staff can take care of for you.
- Construction Firms
With many tall units available, tradesman can finally find somewhere more practical to store ladders and large equipment. You may also have staff who need to pick up items regularly, having a unit located centrally and with good access means this is nothing to worry about.
- Archiving
The security afforded at self-storage units means your confidential documents will be protected and if you need confidential shredding – we can certificate your document destruction.
- Furniture Makers/designer trades
Often, there are units available with power and lighting. This means that you may be able to create your product in the same place you store your stock/materials. Say goodbye to those pointless journeys to pick stuff up!
- Importers/Exporters
We already have customers who collect stock before sending out bulky orders across the nation. So, we know that this is a perk that is truly useful.
- Automotive
Some, not all, but some storage facilities allow motor vehicles to be stored with them. Whether the units are internal or external, this could be a life saver for your automotive business. Or, maybe you just need somewhere to store your favourite classic car?!
As you can see, there are plenty of businesses that could thrive with the help of self-storage. Be sure to ask your local self-storage company about any of the above services!
If you have any questions about how storage can help you, we would be happy to help, even if we aren’t the right choice for you. Please call us on 01202 520038 or visit www.a-storage.co.uk to find out more. Alternatively, you can pop into our Bournemouth based head office at 203-205 Charminster Road, Charminster, Bournemouth, BH8 9QQ.
