Boosted by the pandemic and remote working, South Africa’s e-commerce sector has rapidly expanded, with more than a billion transactions annually. And this is only set to grow, with projections of a 10% increase by the end of 2025. This begs the question – where is all this e-commerce inventory stored?
E-commerce entrepreneurs are turning to self-storage units as the ideal location for storing stock, streamlining operations, and supporting business growth. Here’s a look at why self-storage units are so well-suited to e-commerce stock requirements.
1. Cost-Effective
Storing e-commerce stock can become increasingly expensive when using traditional warehousing solutions that demand long-term leases. These include higher overheads and additional maintenance costs. There is also the downside of having to commit to a large warehouse space, even though it’s only partially used. Self-storage units are a much more affordable solution, largely because they’re so much more flexible than warehouses. With a self-storage unit:
- You can choose the self-storage unit size, depending on your stock requirements.
- You can opt for a short-term or month-to-month storage contract rather than an annual lease.
- You can upsize or downsize your storage rental unit, depending on your changing or seasonal e-commerce needs.
2. Improved Inventory Control
Large warehouses are great for large-scale stock, but often e-commerce entrepreneurs try to save on costs by storing stock in their home or office. The problem is, when stock is piling up in every nook and cranny, it can easily get misplaced. A dedicated self-storage unit with shelving gives you the necessary space to organise your stock efficiently, making inventory control much simpler. It also frees up space in your home or office so you’re not overwhelmed with clutter.
3. Security for Valuable Stock
One of the biggest risks for an e-commerce entrepreneur is stock theft, and keeping high-value items in your office or an unsecured warehouse is not worth the risk. If you’re selling high-value items like electronics, fashion, or cosmetics, then a self-storage unit provides the necessary security to keep your stock safe. When choosing a self-storage unit, look for:
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance
- Controlled gate access
- Individual locks and alarmed units
- Well-maintained environments
4. Flexible Access
Running an e-commerce business often means working with international customers, or simply customers who want goods at varying times. A modern self-storage facility will operate on flexible access hours, making it easier or e-commerce sellers to meet courier deadlines or process late-night, early morning, or weekend orders.
5. Seasonal Storage
E-commerce entrepreneurs often have to deal with fluctuating inventory levels related to high-demand periods such as Black Friday sales, seasonal sales, the festive season, Valentine’s Day, and more. Self-storage units allow you to bulk stock in advance of these busy sale periods, separate promotional items, and better manage your returns and overflow.
6. Free Up Space to Grow
While you could start out storing your e-commerce stock in your home or office, as your business grows, so will the supply, which starts to impact your daily living and operations. Trying to work amid endless clutter is not good for productivity, and it also restricts your business’s potential for expansion. By shifting your stock to a self-storage unit, you’re reclaiming work space for marketing, customer service, and product development.
7. Varying Solutions
The e-commerce industry is constantly changing, whether you’re selling seasonal or promotional items, or there’s suddenly a supply chain issue and a shipment is on hold. The self-storage unit’s flexibility allows you to pause, resume, and adjust your rental depending on your current business needs.
8. Beyond the Stock
Your inventory needs might not always be massive with an e-commerce business, but your self-storage unit can also be used for other business-driving storage such as:
- Promotional items and samples
- Custom packaging materials
- Limited edition products
- Returned goods awaiting inspection or resale
Cedar Storage in Randburg provides e-commerce entrepreneurs of all sizes with clean, secure, and affordable self-storage units. Whether space is needed for stock, packaging, or seasonal inventory, the flexible rental terms and expert support make it easy to manage your business with confidence.