Warehousing is very important for any type of business that handles goods. Choosing the best location for your warehouse is necessary to ensure the smooth shipment of goods to the customers. You can purchase or lease China warehouse, but the location is important as it ensures you serve your customers well and compete. When choosing a location, you should take time and compare it with the available options. After compiling the data and analyzing it, you can then make a sound decision. These are the crucial factors to consider when selecting a warehouse location.
Rent Rates and Taxes
The cost is an important factor to consider when choosing the location of the warehouse. However, it should not be the only factor. That is because there are hidden costs that can end costing you a lot of money in the long run. Depending on location, the rental rate for a warehouse is charged per square foot. Other than the rates, you need to consider government regulations, tax incentives, and tax structure. You should also consider government programs aimed at promoting businesses in your industry segment.
Workforce Availability
You should note that local demographics have an impact on labor costs, skills, and workforce availability. Remember that some geographical locations might not offer the right skills you need. Therefore, consider the local demographics of the city or state. Make sure you pay attention to the supply and demand of the workforce. Choose areas with a high level of workforce availability but with low demand. Some of the things to take into account include educational attainment, income levels, and characteristics. You can get this information from various government websites.
Infrastructure
You should consider proximity to highways, roads, and traffic flow. This is important if the main means of transportation is trucking. That is because transportation cost is determined by these variables, and it has an impact on how you can compete with your business rivals. Avoid areas with surface roads, congested highways, and poor signaling systems. That is because they can increase accident rates, time wasted, and fuel consumption.
Always prioritize the primary mode of transporting or shipping goods to the warehouse. For instance, if you are transporting your cargo by air, you should consider being close to the airport. Also, you should consider warehouses with access to roads and highways that connect to your desired airport.
Proximity to Market
Your warehouse should be located near producers, consumers, and suppliers. This is necessary to minimize lead times, increase responsiveness, and reduce transportation costs. In this case, you need to consider your major suppliers. Also, pay attention to environmental factors. That is because some goods should not be exposed to harsh weather conditions. Some areas have a higher risk of natural disasters than others. Make sure you pay attention to all these factors as they have an impact on day-to-day operations.
Utility Costs
As your business grows, you need to be flexible and adjust accordingly. There is a need to re-evaluate the factors if you are getting a new warehouse. Ensure you consider the cost of utilities. For instance, a refrigerated warehouse should be located in an area with water and electricity.
