How to make use of self storage facilities when running an online business

People are getting more comfortable with the thought of buying something online as online shops and services get safer and more common. If you are running an online business from home, one of the major problems is the sourcing of a cheap but spacious storage facility for your stock. This article shows the tips you might like to follow in sourcing for one.

You start an online shop from home and its business starts coming in. It starts off at a nice leisurely pace, a few orders here and there. You only needed a small space to store your stock. Then you decide to expand, and why not. Your customers seem eager to be able to order more stuff from you, some of them even writing in to request a brand that they might like. You don’t want to lose your loyal customers, so you order more stuff and before you know it, your room is filled with boxes upon boxes of stock.

It’s time to look for a storage space.

A look around your area shows a few places for rent. Some landlords dislike the idea of you storing goods in an office space. Some warehouses are way too expensive and don’t necessarily have the security or the right condition for your goods. One option many online shop owners go from being a self storage facility. The self storage facility has the following advantages:

1. Choice of size

The keyword is choice. You can rent a tiny unit for products that are not too big or you can go for a huge one - it’s entirely up to you. You can even start small and upgrade to a bigger space later or even rent a few units for different categories of items.

2. Security

Many of these facilities boast of good, high tech security to ensure safety.

3. Price

Many have a long-term rental discount so if you’re planning to rent for months or even years on end, it might actually be worth it.

4. Location

These facilities usually have branches in different areas so you could pick one that is most convenient for you.

5. Climate control

You can choose a unit that has climate control if your items can spoil.

With all these good factors in mind, you might want to consider renting a self storage facility. Of course, every shop’s needs are unique and may require different considerations. Do remember, when sourcing for a space, that you must cater for a possible expansion in the future. Many online shop owners, whilst happy they are doing well, find out the hard way they simply are not prepared for the overwhelming number of orders that an “out of stock” label becomes inevitable. An “out of stock” label placed too long will cause an exodus of your customers, so be very careful. Always plan ahead. Give time for stock to be delivered as wholesale delivery takes a while.

That being said, looking for a bigger space for your online shop should be considered a “happy problem” as this means you are doing well in this competition online shop global market.

Pitfalls to Avoid When You Are Working From Your Own Home

Intro: Working from home can be a bliss. There are fewer interruptions, less commuting time and more flexibility in your time management. But if you are not careful, you could fall into some horrible traps too. This article lets you know what exactly to avoid or watch out for when managing your work from home.

Does working from home sounds awesome to you? Well, it does to most people. The idea of not having to dress up and commute two hours each day to and from the office is what many people aspire to these days. While starting a business and working from your own home definitely has its many advantages, it may not be the right cup of tea for everyone. Here are some tips on the pitfalls you should avoid if you choose this path.

1. Lack of Motivation

Most people who work from home would tell you that discipline is the key to keeping your business going. Getting yourself motivated to work instead of watching television or playing Call Of Duty is very important. It is easy to lose your work regimen and productivity when you work alone. So, while working from home gives you some level of flexibility in your time, be sure to keep a fixed work schedule at the same time.

2. Distraction

Distraction is your number one enemy at home. Did you forget to buy milk this morning? Let’s run out to the grocery and get some now. Did you forget to walk the dog? I can do it quickly and get back in no time. Are your kids bored and knocking on your door? The list goes on…

3. Lack of Dedicated Working Space

 It is vital that you get your own dedicated work space; better still, your own office. The kitchen table or the couch just won’t do. I would suggest that you clear out the extra room, store your extra furniture and belongings in a self-storage facility and turn that room into your office. If your business needs inventory, it is also advisable to keep them in a self-storage facility too. The last thing you want is to have your dog digging into your boxes and helping itself with the bottles of wine or whatever else you are selling online!

4. Stress on Family Relationship

One of the main reasons why people wanted to work from home is that they think it will allow them to spend more time with their family. Yes that may be true, but there could be cases where you might spend too much time with your family so much as that they get tired of you. Think of it this way: your wife might already have gotten used to the idea of you working in your office daily and thus she might have plans of her own. If you are at home all day,  it adds stress to the relationship. The same goes with your kids.

5. Degradation of Social Skills

This is particularly so if your work is solidarity, such as writing, designing, programming, etc. When your interaction with people reduces, you may spiral into that vicious “I-don’t-like-to-meet-people-anymore” cycle.

Of course, there are many perks of working from home, so ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons and work out the best plan that suits you and your personality.