As a Birmingham, AL business owner, you always have to make choices as to the price, type, and options of services for the company. This is true for everything from the suppliers you use to the type of warehousing and logistics company selected.
There are some aspects of choosing a warehouse that is more critical than others. For example, security is more important than price, but these factors may not be accurately evaluated as part of the big picture.
To help any small business owner in finding the right warehouse in Birmingham AL, be sure to focus in on the following key factors when comparing different facilities.
Level of Security
One of the big challenges with any type of warehousing facility is security. Some of the do-it-yourself types of warehouses have shippers and receivers coming and going, and it can be very common for there to be missing inventory and theft in some of these locations.
A secure facility operated by a moving company with controlled, monitored entrance and exit offers a much higher level of safety. These companies also use background checked and trained employees, which is another security feature to consider.
Level of Care
Take a look at the warehouse before agreeing to use the facility. Is it clean and well-ventilated, is climate control available and is the place free from dust and mold?
The general repair of the building should also be considered. Top companies ensure their facilities are well maintained and offer fire suppression systems throughout.
Services Offered and Costs
Looking beyond the physical attributes of the warehouse to determine what is offered in logistics and management for your inventory is also a central consideration. Some companies offer a variety of services to create a partnership with your company, handling your logistics and supply chain needs while staying within the budget, which is very cost-effective and advantageous to a small business.