Originally Posted On: https://www.g3enterprises.com/blog/top-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-industrial-warehouses-for-lease
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing Industrial Warehouses for Lease
As many as 70% of companies believe supply chains are a vital component of customer service, and warehousing is a crucial part of the supply chain.
If your business sells any kind of products, then you likely rely on warehouse space. However, finding a suitable storage space for your company can take more work than you might expect.
It’s essential to determine your needs when looking for industrial warehouses for lease. There are several factors you should take into consideration to help you make the right decision.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.
Location
This is one of the most important things to consider when you’re looking for a warehouse for rent. While this may be more important for some businesses than others, any company will still want to look for a warehouse space for lease in the best possible location.
You need to think about proximity to both suppliers and customers. Transportation costs can eat into your profits, so keeping these to a minimum is ideal.
You also want to think about accessibility for transportation and distribution. A commercial warehouse for rent close to transportation infrastructure like highways or ports is ideal. You’ll be able to get goods in and out much faster than a warehouse that’s in a more remote location.
Size, Capacity, and Layout
Before you start looking for a warehouse space for rent, you should determine the specific needs of your business. Firstly, how big of a warehouse do you require? You want one that’s not just large enough for all the inventory you need to store, but also any equipment and personnel.
A larger space will typically cost more, but having a warehouse that’s too small is worse. It will impact efficiency and productivity, which will affect the profits you can make.
The layout is also a huge factor in terms of productivity. Determine the specific areas you need, such as storage areas and picking routes. Plan things out so that you know your employees will be able to work without running into issues caused by an inefficient layout.
G3 Enterprises has warehouses in various locations, including:
Facilities
Another thing you should figure out early on is the facilities that you need. If your space isn’t functional, it can cause serious issues, and your business may come to a halt.
Consider things like the height of the ceilings, floor load capacity, availability, and location of dock doors, and more. You also need to think about facilities for your employees. For example, is there enough parking and access to bathrooms?
Many modern warehouses are equipped with advanced technology that can help various businesses. This includes automation, RFID tracking, and an inventory management system. Such technologies can help you run things more efficiently, so they’re worth considering.
Rental Contracts and Terms
Beyond the warehouse space, you must ensure you’re entering into a suitable agreement. A warehouse lease can have a lot of variables, so take the time to ensure everything is as it should be.
Carefully examine factors like the lease duration, flexibility, and renewal options. Ensure these align with your business goals, growth projection, and operational timeline.
It would be best if you were vigilant about hidden fees and costs. These often include things like utilities and maintenance charges. There may also be penalties for late termination, so make sure you’re aware of these.
Understanding the lease is vital as it will allow you to plan out budgets and the long-term sustainability of your business. Flexible lease options are typically the best choice for short-term and long-term storage solutions in case anything changes.
Safety and Security
Safety and security should always be high on your priority list. You’ll likely want to ensure there are standard security features like CCTV cameras so you can monitor things in real-time and an alarm system to notify you of any unwanted intrusions.
Robust fire prevention measures are also essential. This can include a sprinkler system and fire extinguishers throughout, as well as fire-resistant materials.
All this will help keep your business, inventory, and employees safe. On top of that, there are strict rules and regulations for all warehouses and industries, so you must ensure you’re abiding by them.
Technology Integration
Advanced technology can help improve efficiency and productivity in various ways. Many warehouses are adopting automation technologies to streamline operations and reduce the employees needed.
You can also use software tools like Inventory Management Systems (IMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). They’ll help you track orders, optimize inventory levels, and more.
Evaluate the integration of such technologies in any warehouse spaces you’re thinking of leasing. Make sure you settle on a space that meets your technological requirements and growth expectations.
Service Provider Reputation
When leasing a warehouse (or anything else) you want to make sure you’re leasing it from a reliable company. Look for reviews and testimonials so you can get a better idea of what people who have worked with these companies think about the service they’ve provided. These insights will help you make a better-informed decision based on real experiences.
It’s also worth determining if a company has worked to make improvements based on what people have said about them in the past. No business is perfect, but they can all work to provide better results. Leasing a warehouse from a company that has shown they listen to their clients and take feedback on board can be a good idea.
Finding the Right Industrial Warehouses for Lease
Finding suitable industrial warehouses for lease can be tricky, but if you know what you’re after, you should be able to find the right space. Think about the location, size, facilities, security, and technology. You should also consider the provider’s reputation and the lease agreement they’re offering.
G3 Enterprises is a leading warehousing provider that has spaces available in California. These range from 50,000 to 500,000+ square feet so that we can meet the needs of almost any business. Reach out to our team today and let us know exactly what you’re after.
