Most businesses in the growing stages are more focused on the upward trajectory they find themselves on, oftentimes they do not consider some of the key facets associated with product storage space especially. This is where a trusted 3PL warehouse makes it’s dominance and preference known to businessowners.
If your company requires product distribution, consideration of this key facet of the business is vital for the bottom line and for keeping everything in a uniform state. While there are cheaper alternatives such as public storage facilities, the 3PL warehouse and it’s offerings are simply too convenient to not be considered by any savvy business owner. 3rd Party Logistics has been utilized by several of the larger successful companies around the world to this day, it’s no longer a time where everything can be done in-house, although people certainly try still to varying degrees of success.
Today we will explore the key differences between public storage and a 3PL warehouse and why you should be opting for the latter.
What They Offer
Public Storage:
Public storage will offer the space for your products, as well as the usual amount of security you’d come to expect, they typically hire in-house and can offer rudimentary assistance for shipping, they’re specialty does not reside in product distribution though and there is no real contractual requirement for them to follow through.
3PL Warehouse:
A 3PL warehouse however, is a more all encompassing system of assistance for business owners, it’s a very integrated system wherein they specialise in storage, shipping, receiving, distribution channels and returns to name a few. While the storage is a factor like its public counterpart, it is not the sole obligation, it’s an all-encompassing service.
Costs and Scale
Public Storage:
Public storage has a much cheaper rate typically, however, don’t be fooled young businessowners, there is a certain lack of specificity that comes along with the lower price tag, typically you are unable to scale the size of the storage you need which can invariably end up costing you more money if you end up fluctuating in your stock levels.
3PL Warehouse:
A 3PL warehouse however has the whole package along with the service. With a lot of the services offering various levels of scale for the same price which means peace of mind first and foremost. This means that you don’t have to worry about the times of the year where your stock can get a bit dicey or out of control. The inclusive services offered in a 3PL warehouse also extend to the previously mentioned aspects of your company shipping, receiving etc that are also giving you time to focus on the running of the business instead of the nitty gritty.
Verdict
Public Storage:
Public storage is certainly a cheaper alternative, if there is not a 3PL warehouse in your area, then you may be better off going public until you can find alternative arrangements. Public storage is good for personal use or for very small businesses where shipping is not a massive factor.
3PL Warehouse:
It’s a no-brainer for businesses to go with a 3PL warehouse and company. The all-inclusivity nature of the service is enough to make the switch from the get-go. The professional specialists who work in the facilities also take away a lot of the stresses of shipping, receiving, deliveries and returns all with scalable storage space. You will pay a little more, but for what you’re getting in the long term financial potential gains, there really isn’t a better option than going with the professionals.
