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The Power of Outsourcing: 3 Ways Warehousing and Distribution Services Can Improve Your Micro-Business


The world of business continues to evolve at a frenetic pace. As new business start up their operations, or as established businesses make an attempt to grow, there are certain factors that can help boost the success level they will achieve. One constant and sound piece of advice from the experts in the world of business is to stick to what you do best. For many businesses, warehousing and distribution is not what they do best. These two aspects of business, however, are essential to immediate and long term success. Outsourcing the warehousing and distribution services is one way that businesses are building their capacity and seeing greater profits from one quarter to the next.

Why Do Businesses Outsource Their Operations?

The main answer to this question is that many businesses simply don’t handle the warehousing and distribution services they need very well. Many businesses have found that if they stick to the work they are really good at, and outsource the work they struggle with, then they are going to see greater amounts of success. This trend in business has allowed companies like Atlantic Rack to find their niche in this competitive outsourcing market. As the seasons change throughout the year, many companies also see a corresponding change in their inventory and sales levels. As inventory and sales change, there will be a necessary change in shipping and transportation as well. This is another reason why outsourcing this work can be more efficient and effective.

How Does the Cost of Service Affect This Process?

Businesses really only have a few options when it comes to warehousing and distribution of their products. They can lease or purchase the space needed to house products and do the same with the vehicles needed for transportation. The other option is to outsource the work, and allow a third party to be responsible for those items. There is a cost to outsourcing the work, but there is also less risk because money doesn’t have to be spent up front to secure the space and transportation. A decision on the cost benefits of outsourcing is something that the financial experts within a company will analyze in order for the company to make an informed decision.

How Does a Business and Third Party Logistics Firm Build a Good Relationship?

Positive relationships are one of the cornerstones of any successful business. This principle holds very true when it comes to a business outsourcing their warehousing and distribution work. One of the most important aspects to building a positive relationship in this scenario is to make sure that the decisions being made by the outsourcing company align with the goals and vision of the business that has contracted with them. Another aspect that is key to building a positive and successful relationship is having a clear focus on being detail oriented so there is no miscommunication or confusion when it comes to order fulfillment, order volume or shipping times.

There are some advantages for a business to handle their own warehouse and distribution services. Doing things in house allows for some flexibility and it can be a cheaper way when just starting out. For businesses to truly grow and reach their goals, however, it seems that outsourcing the warehousing and distribution work is a good choice.

By Ethan Theo

Abe WalkingBear Sanchez is an International Speaker / Trainer / Consultant on the subject of cash flow / sales enhancement and business knowledge organization and use. Founder and President of www.armg-usa.com, WalkingBear has authored hundreds of business articles, has worked with numerous companies in a wide range of industries since 1982 and has spoken at many venues including the Shakespeare Globe Theater in London.