Overcoming Package Delivery Challenges with Business Logistics Solutions
I will provide this TLDR for you if you don’t want to read all of my long-winded explanations.
TLDR: Navigating Logistics Challenges in My Business Journey
Finding an effective way to receive and manage package delivery has been a major challenge in my business. Living in an apartment and dealing with food products made usual solutions impractical. This led me to explore various options:
- Business Storage Units: Initially promising but problematic due to restrictions on storing food products.
- Local Warehouse: Setup negotiations fell through due to high costs and rigid pickup schedules.
- 3PL Services: Skipped in favor of maintaining personal oversight on fulfillment.
- Third-Party Package Storage: It worked out despite being costly, allowing short-term package holding.
- Rented Office Space: A viable future solution for its flexibility and conducive work environment.
- UPS, FedEx, USPS: Considered briefly but found unsuitable for long-term package storage.
After trial and error, I identified a third-party storage option that provides a temporary solution, despite its higher cost. This journey has been challenging but insightful, offering potential solutions for fellow small business owners facing similar logistical hurdles.
Business Logistics Solutions -Finding a Place to Ship Packages
This turned out to be one of the most challenging problems I've encountered since starting my business. It sounds crazy, right? I mean, you're dealing with forming your LLC, taxes, business structure, suppliers, etc. There’s so much more to worry about, but all of that paled in comparison to finding a place to ship my products. Most people might actually find this problem easy to solve.
The easiest way is just to send it to your house, right? Well, you're not wrong, but that solution doesn’t work for me because I live on the third floor of an apartment building. Having so many packages delivered all at once is very difficult, especially since I might not be home all the time due to my other jobs. And also worrying about my packages growing legs and walking off.
So, finding someone to accept the packages was actually quite challenging. Another complication was that I also deal with food. Finding a place to store it was hard because nobody wanted to take on the risk—you need a climate-controlled and pest-free environment.
Let me go over some of the options I've tried:
- Business Storage Units
- Local Warehouses that would receive packages on my behalf
- 3PL (Third-Party Logistics)
- Third-Party Companies that receive or store packages
- Your own rented office space
- UPS, FedEx, and USPS
Some of these options are perfect for others, while some didn’t work the way I had hoped. I will quickly review each one and share my experiences, but please note that these are just my experiences. I might not have done enough to work out a deal with some, or I might have had the wrong expectations.
1. Business Storage Units
This was the most promising option I had hoped for. It could accommodate all of my boxes.
- It was within my price range when I first started my new business.
- Packages could be received, and some units even offered to place them in my storage unit.
- I would also have a space to work, so I wouldn’t have to do it in my apartment.
I found only two places in my area that accepted packages and would place them in my storage unit. If you're looking for something similar, try typing "Business Storage Units" into Google instead of just "Storage Unit." Initially, I didn’t know that different storage units offered varied services. However, many provide unique features based on how they run their facility.
The problem? They wanted to know what I was shipping and if I wanted a climate-controlled unit instead of one facing outside. When I mentioned that I would be shipping snacks, they quickly declined, just as I was about to sign the lease. They didn't want the responsibility of ensuring my unit—and neighboring units—remained free from pests. This concern seemed unfounded since all my packages are sealed and boxed, stored on shelves off the ground. Still, they don't make that distinction, so I was forced to look elsewhere, which really sucked!
2. Local Warehouse to Receive Packages on My Behalf
I had an arrangement set up, but again, they didn’t want to handle food-related products. I convinced them that all they had to do was receive the product, and I would handle storage. Eventually, I backed out of this option because the price was higher than I liked, and we couldn't agree on the timeframe for pick-up, as I couldn't retrieve everything within 24 hours.
3. 3PL (Third-Party Logistics)
I didn’t fully explore this option, as I wanted to handle fulfillment myself. I'm sure a deal could have been worked out, but I preferred a personal touch on each package to ensure quality and maintain control over any changes needed.
4. Third-Party Company for Package Storage
These last two options ended up working for me, though just barely. I searched extensively for a company that would receive packages, which I would pick up when I had time—usually within 72 hours. Surprisingly, I found only one suitable company in my area. I thought there would be a larger market for this service, especially since logistics companies often need such solutions before they have their own warehouse or office space. I might have misjudged the need, but fortunately, I found a workable option. It's expensive, but just fits within my budget.
To break it down: After signing up, it's $4 per package, with a plan allowing up to 35 packages a month for $70. Because I often receive more than 35 packages, I'll absorb the extra cost per package. They hold packages for seven days, with a potential $1 per package per day extra fee if late. Despite my expectations, they accepted my food products, so long as I took responsibility for expiration. I was quite willing to make it work financially.
5. Your Own Rented Office Space
I'm considering this option as I grow. As my subscriber base increases, I intend to use single-room office spaces, often available for about $200 a month—pretty reasonable. Some will even have your product delivered directly. While there might be issues, past experience shows they're willing to work with tenants. This might be the best option, providing freedom, a great work environment, and various amenities. Plus, it offers the chance to meet like-minded people who could become great friends.
6. UPS, FedEx, and USPS
I didn't delve too deeply into this option. I hoped they might store products for a short period, similar to their local offices. Though there's a package-tracking option to hold packages for pickup, it seemed temporary rather than a permanent solution, so I didn't pursue it.
Finding a place to receive my packages was a real challenge. I hope my experiences help anyone in a similar predicament. I'm still new to this, and I know I've made a few missteps, but I hope you found value in my story.
Thank you for reading, and I wish you all a good day!