Growth, Eye-opening Effects on Warehousing
Growth
When you take on a new client, it’s common to inquire about the square footage they anticipate needing from you. This isn’t set in stone, and as a warehouse, we know the importance of flexibility. This inquiry provides a starting point. It also helps us to understand if we can accommodate the request. The next question is usually something regarding what they believe their growth potential is, and questions about their market. A client’s growth is important to the warehouse; after all, success breeds success.
Positive Aspects of Growth
When a client grows, that momentum quickly affects the warehousing side. As a result, the client may double their footprint in your warehouse. This change helps both the client and the warehouse because they both make more money. After all, that’s the goal.
Next, ask whether the growth is long-term or seasonal. This question matters because it affects how you plan. If the growth lasts long-term, then give the client permanent space. Warehouses call this an increased footprint, and it’s important to prepare for it.
Oops, I Over-Extended!
So, what happens when too many clients grow at once? The short answer is simple: you might run out of space. Every warehouse faces this problem at some point, and no one wants it. When this happens, warehouses start using every nook and cranny. They also stack items that used to sit side-by-side and spread one client’s inventory across multiple spots.
In this case, problems show up fast. That’s why warehouses must stay organized and think creatively. With the right approach, they can solve these issues to keep things running smoothly.
Solutions
So what is a warehouse to do? We handle growth in the following manner:
- When there is an influx of a client’s inventory, we communicate with them to understand the situation.
- If they are growing and will need more space, we ask questions to determine the additional square footage they want.
- Next, we determine if the growth is temporary or permanent. This helps us to plan out the space in the warehouse.
- Lastly, we verify their needs. Is anything changing? Will they need new services?
This is just one way to tackle warehouse growth. Each warehouse has its method. If you are a potential client, this is an area where you should ask questions. You don’t want to be locked into a space that doesn’t allow your business to flourish.
