4 E-Com Businesses Run From A Storage Unit

Storage Corner | November 1, 2023 @ 12:00 AM

Change from one phase to the other is often necessary as a business grows to the point where it needs more space, but sometimes this dramatic step is too expensive for a fledgling business with instability in its finances.

Luckily, there is middle ground! you can run your business from a storage unit. In fact, self-storage units come in whatever size you need, you are not subject to business rates/taxes (the storage company pays, at lower “warehouse” rates), and the rent is a fraction of the cost of renting a shop front. Climate controlled units can protect sensitive products like electronics and skincare items, ensuring they remain in optimal condition. Additionally, a commercial storage unit offers convenience and location benefits, making it easier for business owners to manage inventory efficiently. A Storage unit from Storage Corner is a great place to start an ecommerce business.

Here we share 4 great examples for you to get inspired!


1. Collectables (Comics, Books or others)

Collectables are a very broad field indeed, with almost anything being appealing to a collector. Many people hold on to items that will be worth more in the future, hoping to sell them at a later date.

A collection can, however, quickly become bulky and a space hog. The security of a storage unit, as well as the controlled conditions, will benefit comic book collections, coins, memorabilia or anything else that can benefit from fluctuating prices over time.

No matter if they are household items or collectables that are worth a lot of money, storage units are usually dry, well ventilated, and have ideal conditions for preserving products in good shape.


2. Crafts or jewelry

In today’s world of cheap, mass-market goods, homemade items are on the rise: unique items, made by hand and with ingenuity. Craft items have become more accessible and trendy thanks to websites. If you are a handy knitter, jeweler, woodcarver or similar, you can make your items at home and store them in a storage unit until ready to sell.

For both storage space and packaging services, storage units typically have excellent security including cameras monitoring everyone entering and leaving, and users needing a pass or key to get into their section, so valuable and small items, such as jewelry, are kept as safe as possible.


3. Smartphone or gadget repair pieces

A storage unit is an ideal location to keep all your gadgets, accessories, and other items clean, separated and organized properly, without taking any space from your home.

Keeping phones and gadgets in a storage unit is a great way to protect their value. This, as opposed to keeping them at home or your garage at the mercy of anyone looking to make a quick buck, is definitely the better choice.


4. Vintage Garments

Almost anyone with a good sense of style can get involved in the clothing resale business. Every year, three or four years, many people clear out their entire wardrobe, and these massive clearouts often include clothes that are still in very good condition.

Occasionally hardly worn and even unworn, with original tags. A business owner with a storage facility can gather as many of these unwanted garments as they can, either for free or at a nominal rate, and sort them at their leisure.

If you decide to sell clothing online on your own, along with the cost of postage and your storage unit, you will soon make back the costs, leaving you with a nice amount to reinvest in new stock and earn a paycheck.

These are just four examples of online businesses that are successfully run from a storage unit. Business models like those described above can be applied to other products and services that require a physical address but do not require formal facilities like offices or a shopfront.

It is a good way to allow a business to grow at its own pace, without having to raise overheads and expenses beyond what is comfortable for the company.

Remember that you can count on us to back you up with our storage solutions and contactless rentals and payments.

Feel free to call your nearest location, we are happy to assist you for any questions or pricing details in Utah and Idaho.


Introduction

As an e-commerce business owner, managing your inventory and storage space is crucial to the success of your online store. With the rise of online shopping, it’s essential to have a reliable and efficient storage solution to keep your products organized and easily accessible. A self storage unit can be the perfect answer, offering a cost-effective and flexible way to manage your inventory without cluttering your home or office. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a storage unit for e-commerce businesses and provide valuable insights on how to manage your inventory and storage space effectively.


Benefits of Using a Storage Unit for E-Commerce

Using a storage unit for your e-commerce business can provide numerous benefits, including:

  • Increased storage space: A storage unit can provide additional space to store your inventory, freeing up room in your home or office.
  • Improved organization: A storage unit can help you keep your inventory organized and easily accessible, making it easier to manage your stock levels and fulfill orders.
  • Enhanced security: A storage unit can provide a secure and safe environment for your inventory, protecting it from damage or theft.
  • Cost-effective: Renting a storage unit can be more cost-effective than renting a larger office or warehouse space.
  • Flexibility: Storage units come in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your business needs.


E-Commerce Business Ideas for Storage Units

If you’re looking to start an e-commerce business, a storage unit can be a great place to start. Here are some business ideas that can thrive in a storage unit:

  • Online thrift store: Use a storage unit to store and sell second-hand items, such as clothing, furniture, and household goods.
  • Amazon FBA business: Use a storage unit to store and ship products for your Amazon FBA business.
  • Dropshipping business: Use a storage unit to store and ship products for your dropshipping business.
  • Handmade products: Use a storage unit to store and sell handmade products, such as jewelry, crafts, and artwork.


Inventory Management and Storage Solutions

Effective inventory management is crucial to the success of any e-commerce business. Here are some tips for managing your inventory and storage space:

  • Use an inventory management system: Invest in an inventory management system to help you track your stock levels and manage your inventory.
  • Label and categorize: Label and categorize your inventory to make it easy to find and access.
  • Store similar items together: Store similar items together to make it easy to find and access.
  • Keep a clean and organized space: Keep your storage unit clean and organized to prevent damage and loss.


Security and Organization

Security and organization are essential to the success of any e-commerce business. Here are some tips for keeping your storage unit secure and organized:

  • Use a secure lock: Use a secure lock to protect your storage unit from theft and damage.
  • Install security cameras: Install security cameras to monitor your storage unit and prevent theft.
  • Keep a record: Keep a record of your inventory and storage unit to prevent loss and damage.
  • Use shelving and storage bins: Use shelving and storage bins to keep your inventory organized and easily accessible.
AUTHOR
Storage Corner
What unit size is right for you!

Watch our size guide videos to choose the right unit

Size Guide for storage units

Find storage near me

Recommended locations