08 Sep Factors to consider when choosing a warehousing partner

Once you have made the decision to outsource your warehousing the next step is choosing a warehousing partner that is able to fulfil your specific warehousing needs. It is crucial to work with a partner that is not only an expert in their field, but who also offers the services you need with the distribution network to reach your channel. There are numerous factors to consider when choosing to outsource your warehousing of marketing and eventing materials, beyond just location and services. Here are four important factors to consider when choosing a warehousing partner.

1. Location, Location, Location

It seems obvious but this is the most important factor in choosing a warehousing partner. Where you sell your products, where your distribution centre is based, and gaining access to your customers will all play a part in the selection of a warehousing partner. The national footprint and physical warehouse locations of a third-party partner are key as this will determine streamlined fulfilment and logistics of marketing materials to your target markets. Having a partner with a nationwide warehousing and logistics footprint can reduce transportation costs and improve delivery speeds, improving overall fulfilment requirements and customer satisfaction.

• Services Offered

Do you need a warehousing partner that only stores your marketing materials and eventing equipment, or do you need someone who is able to assist with co-packing, kitting, distribution, tracking, and inventory monitoring? Having a holistic partner that offers turnkey solutions to warehousing and logistics, will eliminate stress and hassle by consolidating all services to provide streamlined warehousing solutions.

• Business Intelligence Tools

Partnering with the correct warehousing company will give you access to their warehouse management system (WMS) and other key business intelligence tools. A good WMS software will enable you to keep on top of your inventory and POS materials while in storage and throughout the fulfilment process. By outsourcing your warehousing, you will have access to this technology without having to invest a significant amount of your resources into setting up and maintaining such software.

• Safety and Security

Ensuring your products are safe and secure is crucial to your business continuity, making safety one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a warehousing partner. Ask potential warehousing partners what their safety measures are, and how they can guarantee the security of your POS materials. Safety measures can include, security alarms, CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing, fire prevention measures, security personnel, and insurance of goods. Choosing the right warehousing partner should give you peace of mind that your valuable goods are being stored safely and correctly, while freeing up resources that can then be redirected into other aspects of your business. Ayni Marketing has over 15 years’ experience in warehousing and logistics, giving us a wealth of knowledge that we use to empower your business. By outsourcing your marketing fulfilment to Ayni Marketing, you will take advantage of our existing infrastructure, software, experience, and expertise. Speak to us today about a warehousing solution that will fulfil your unique needs: www.ayni-marketing.co.za/contact/