Warehouse 101

What you need to know before buying or renting a warehouse space

Finding the right warehouse space to fit your business needs is a critical decision that requires planning and research. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a warehouse, it’s important to consider all the criteria that could contribute to the success of your storage facility — location, fees, government regulations, etc — before committing, so that you can make an informed decision. In this article, we explore the most important of these factors.

The criteria that will influence the new location of your future warehouse property

When considering whether to buy or rent warehouse space, a business owner should keep several key factors in mind. 

1. Accessibility

Easy access to major highways, railroads, and other transportation networks are important for the quick and cost-effective distribution of goods. This means that location can play an important role in your warehouse expenses. This is why New Jersey has experienced a warehousing boom in recent years. The state is strategically located within the United State's most populous mega-region and land prices aren't exorbitant.

2. Labor market

Manpower is changing for many business owners. An area with an abundance of skilled labor is essential for warehouse operations. Let's note that the skills required to effectively run a storage space have greatly evolved over the years and now demand more technical abilities than they did 30 or 40 years ago.

3. Cost-effectiveness

Businesses need to consider the cost of renting or purchasing real estate when choosing a warehouse location. By considering the cost of labor and associated taxes, transportation, utilities, and other overhead expenses, businesses are better able to determine which location will provide the best return on investment. With cost-effectiveness in mind, companies are able to make informed decisions about their warehouse location that will ultimately increase efficiency and productivity while lowering operational costs. 

4. Tax incentives

Tax incentives are an important factor to consider when choosing a warehouse location. By leveraging local and state-level tax breaks, businesses can save money by reducing their overall cost of operations. Additionally, tax incentives may also result in more resources being available to invest in technology, automation, and employee training. This enables warehouses to maintain a competitive advantage while providing good wages and job security to workers. That said, we’re not tax experts, and this subject varies greatly from state to state and province to province. We strongly recommend hiring an expert to be better informed and use the rules to your advantage.

5. Logistics infrastructure

Logistics infrastructure plays a critical role in the success of a warehouse. Having access to roads, ports, airports and rail corridors, can save time and money when transferring goods quickly and efficiently. Reliable transportation networks ensure goods reach their destination on time and help reduce costs. Moreover, nearby suppliers mean that warehouses can have access to the necessary materials without having to pay higher shipping costs or wait for long delivery times. All this contributes significantly to an efficient operation. 

6. Storage space requirements

Finding the right warehouse space can be a complex venture, with size requirements playing a major role. A facility that exceeds your space requirements could result in unnecessary costs. Depending on your business needs, buying or renting will have to be considered based on the amount of room necessary. Large enterprises will benefit from ownership as it is the most cost-effective solution in the long run, but the ability to scale down or up by renting for smaller organizations cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what kind of budget is available and how much space is needed for the company's operations. Taking all of these factors into account should help provide guidance when making this important decision regarding purchasing or renting a warehouse space for yourself or your business needs. 

Buying or renting: What is the right fit for your business

When it comes to commercial real estate, businesses face a big decision—should they buy or rent warehouse space? There are advantages and disadvantages to both options that must be weighed carefully by business owners. Buying warehouse space offers numerous long-term benefits. For starters, when you own the property, you can make any renovations or updates that suit your needs. With ownership also comes equity and the potential for a return on investment. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of tax deductions related to owning a commercial property.  

On the other hand, renting warehouse space often costs less up front and carries less financial risk if an operation does not work out as expected. Rental agreements also offer more flexibility than ownership in some cases, allowing businesses to move quickly without being tied down by large upfront expenses or lengthy contracts. It can also offer less cumbersome for small businesses, as maintenance expenses are often the responsibility of the landlord. Companies that require flexibility with space and/or term can leverage Placeholder. We understand that not all businesses require a huge square-foot facility tied to a multi-year lease. We offer a wide range of warehouse spaces ranging in size, duration, and budget. You can easily browse our spaces here.

Ultimately, the course of action for businesses seeking warehouse space depends on their specific circumstances and objectives. Both buying and renting offer unique benefits, so careful consideration of all factors involved is essential for making an informed decision.

Why are most warehouses located in industrial zones?

Warehouses are often located in industrial areas for a variety of reasons. For one thing, industrial areas tend to have ample open land that is available for leasing which makes it easier and more cost-effective to construct large warehouses. Additionally, industrial areas typically offer access to infrastructure such as roads, airports, railways, and ports which makes it much easier to transport goods in and out of the warehouse. Furthermore, since most warehouses are used to store industrial or commercial goods rather than residential ones, they require a greater amount of space than is typically available in residential areas – it makes sense to find an area with plenty of lands. Finally, warehouses are often located close to factories or other businesses which facilitates the movement of goods between storage facilities and production/consumption centers. All these factors make industrial areas the ideal choice for most warehouses.

Warehousing acquisition FAQ

1. What types of spaces are available for rental?

The type of space available for rent will depend on the business's needs, but generally, warehouses come in a variety of sizes and can be used for light industrial, commercial, or logistics purposes.

2. What should be considered in terms of warehouse location, size, and access?

The location should be carefully considered, as it will determine how easily accessible the warehouse is to customers and vendors. In addition, the size should accommodate both current and future needs while ensuring maximum utilization of the space. Accessibility to major transportation networks is also an important factor when choosing a warehouse location.

3. What is an additional benefit of buying warehousing space?

Buying a warehouse has the added benefit of allowing a business to develop a real estate portfolio parallel to their main operations.

4. What kind of business will benefit most from leasing a warehouse rather than buying one?

Renting a warehouse is generally more beneficial for startups, small enterprises, and those looking for space on a seasonal basis. Renting allows them to scale more effectively in anticipation of business growth and may carry fewer risks than property ownership.