Renting a storage to sell on Amazon (not FBA)
I'm thinking to rent a storage, in order to increase my inventory and sale of books.
Any suggestion, if you have already experience renting a storage?
I'm not considering FBA, because I want to remain in control of my books. No offence intended.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Guy
Renting a storage to sell on Amazon (not FBA)
I'm thinking to rent a storage, in order to increase my inventory and sale of books.
Any suggestion, if you have already experience renting a storage?
I'm not considering FBA, because I want to remain in control of my books. No offence intended.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Guy
10 replies
Seller_ZVAz3d5lZuGid
I haven't personally, but I do know of a few booksellers who have rented their own storage unit. I guess you just need to be sure that your level of sales will cover the cost of rental and servicing it, buying shelving etc. and unless you intend to take on a member of staff, that is is easily accessible/close to home etc.etc.
I would never consider FBA for used books - like you, need to be in control ! - and too many cost issues with long term storage for slow sellers etc., and not having the book on hand if there is a query - as I often get asked very specific questions about a book......Just a few thoughts !
Seller_mxez2L8QjE6WW
As Jilly says, FBA is useless for used books. As for renting storage space, given the ratio of books in stock to books sold, you will need quite a big stock to make renting storage viable, as the profit margin on the bulk of o/p books is pretty low. Overheads such as fees & postage costs are rising, & the likes of WoB are driving prices down. Unless you have a stock of high-priced fast sellers, you need to do your sums very carefully. Having said that, we started out renting, & now have our own warehouse & a couple of staff - but a lot has changed in 20 years, not for the easier
Seller_Owdxic6jQ3PDQ
check big yellow storage in your area or any self storage companies ...big yellow allow you to work from there as well, when I learned this I immediately rented a room and am still there suing both their storage and FBA
Seller_RAXEWLxQ2dbmN
Too true.
It's getting to the point where I'm seriously thinking of dumping the bulk of my cheaper books.
Until recently it was fairly viable to sell sub-£5 books FBM but the recent increases in Large Letter postage and Amazon fees have cut profits to the bone. Even if you get your stock for free you still can't compete with the likes of WoB, magpie and Webuy etc, certainly not at the cheap end of the market. Not unless you want to virtually give stuff away.
Problem is, the 'cheap end' is getting bigger all the time as the megasellers continue to expand into areas that were once the preserve of 'proper' booksellers. :(
Seller_40ozsHlGqPuEL
Always, remember to read the lease/rental agreement. Of course you should consider the BUSINESS insurance aspects too.
I have a friend who`s tried into a 5 year lease, as they never fully read the contact.
There are many short term lock ups too, with cameras etc. and good parking.
Always seek legal advice if you are unsure of the wording of the contract.
Seller_pZPUigSoKl3Mk
We have a unit, and I am really happy with it. Take with short lease. There is always deposit 1-6 months. Expect rise every year. You may pay business rates as well. The cheaper option are storage units - they are without business rates and bills, but more expensive per square feet.
Seller_Sn45HLR2DUSTJ
HI Guy
We are doing this for some customers, Aswe have sites across UK , so get in touch if you want to know more .
we can offer next day on all items , at a good rate
MHSTAR
