How Can Storage Units Help My Business?
Storage Units Are Essential To Any Home Based Ebay Business
I started out small, just selling things here and there to learn how to use Ebay. Before I knew it, I was a full blown picker. My situation applies to all forms of home based businesses however, weather it be selling books on Amazon, or even soap on Etsy. I will explain why you absolutely must have a storage unit if you plan on having a home based business.
I always used to think that storage units were a waste of time and money. I used to think that they were just for hoarders, or for businesses that had failed or were lazy. I have since learned that storage units are a critical aspect to the success of my exact business model.
I refused to bite the bullet, and insisted to myself that I could always just pile another plastic lidded bin higher and higher in the air in my house. It was not until recently that I began to accept that I needed more space. It's a good thing to need more space however! Usually it means that you are buying and selling more volume, which is always good!
I sell on Amazon as well, and so I had a storage unit that I had been using mostly for Amazon, but it quickly began to get overrun by Ebay inventory which was not yet listed. Thankfully just recently I decided to get a second storage unit. My work space at home is in my bedroom and it is extremely cramped. It shares my computer, bed, bookcases full of books, and random odds and ends all over the place. By getting this second unit, I now have one unit dedicated to storing raw, unprocessed items which need to be listed. My second unit is now used to store items which have been listed and are waiting to be packed and shipped upon being sold. With this new method I will be able to almost completely separate my business life and my personal life.
Unfortunately I do not have access to a large spare room or basement, so I have no choice but to get a storage unit. Depending on your location and the costs associated with rent and storage units, all of this certainly varies, but for me this works great. For two 10x15 feet weather proof, heavily insulated, gated, and camera monitored storage units I pay only $185 per month. I consider this to be a bargain considering all that is included. I consider those who have the fabled large and dry completed basements to be very lucky!
You Could Build A Shed Too
I can not overstate the importance of having a separate work space where everything is organized. If you have ever sold even a medium sized amount of items online, you know how easily items can be lost or damaged even when you think you have total control of their storage. In both units I keep the items inside plastic lidded bins with numbers on them. This way I know exactly where each item is in my listed unit. Consider how much time you spend looking for each item and how much energy you use rushing around looking for each item to pack and ship. Ask yourself how much you are worth per hour.
Another thing to consider is that if you have a storage unit, it is another expense that you can write off. I would much rather have something that I can write off when tax time comes around rather than instead working more hours working unproductively which are not deductible. The same can be said for upgrading shipping supplies with air pouch packets, boxes, and b-flute, but I'll have to make a whole hub about each of those!
Lastly I want to mention one of the most important reasons to have as storage unit. Having a storage unit will help to put a straw on the back of the camel so to speak. The more inventory you have, the more storage units you have, and the more money it will cost. Having storage units helps to gradually realize what expenses your business will be able to handle before it becomes a break even or losing business. I am just fine for now with two units. If grew to the point that I had so much stuff that I needed 7 units however, I might consider opening up a retail location because by that point, it might make more sense. It is a lot easier to do it this way than to roll the dice right off the bat by just opening up a shop. If you have been afraid to take the leap, then I hope this article will change your mind. If I did it then so can you!
I hope you enjoyed this hub! If you liked it would you subscribe for more? Do you love treasure hunting, selling on Ebay, or just learning about cool vintage stuff? Check out my youtube channel for tons of videos about my adventures and hauls as well as tips, tricks, and countless bits of information!