Running a retail business online can be hugely profitable, thanks to relatively low overheads. When your business is based online, you do not have to worry about commercial leases, business rates or utility bills associated with physical premises. One challenge, however, can be the lack of storage space for your stock. A self storage unit can solve that problem and offers a wide range of additional benefits.
Who uses self storage for online retail stock?
We have a wide range of customers who use our storage units to keep their stock clean, safe and dry, including:
- Etsy crafters
- eBay sellers
- Amazon retailers
Independent online retailers
Who sell a wide range of products, including:
- Clothing
- Personalised t-shirts, mugs and gifts
- Greetings cards
- Toys
- Books
- Car and bike parts
Our units range in size from 10 sq ft (around the size of a car boot) to 500 sq ft and above. Whether you have enough stock to fill a warehouse or simply need to move inventory from your loft to a more accessible location, you can choose a unit that suits your needs.
Convenient storage
You can access your unit during opening hours. All of our stores are located near major road or rail networks and most have free onsite parking.
Safer and secure
You can move your belongings into a clean, dry unit and purchase packaging and protective materials to help protect your stock. Security measures include 24-hour recorded CCTV and intruder alarm systems. You secure your unit with your own padlock and retain control of access during opening hours.
Make your unit work for you
Trolleys and shelving are available to help you organise your storage unit more efficiently. Many stores offer ground floor rooms, drive-up access, wide corridors and high ceilings for ease of use.
Deliveries taken care of
If you are expecting a delivery but cannot be present, many stores can accept deliveries on your behalf and keep them secure until you arrive.
Fast, reliable dispatch is essential for online retailers. Each Safestore location is a designated DHL drop off point, and packaging materials are available in store if required.
Office space
At many stores, you can rent office space alongside your storage unit. This can be ideal for stock-based businesses that need both workspace and storage without committing to long commercial leases.
Get in touch
Call us or book online with no deposit to pay. Alternatively, complete our contact form and a member of our team will help you find the right storage solution for your online retail business.
Online Retailers FAQs
How can self storage help my online retail business?
Self storage provides flexible space for online retailers to store stock, packaging materials and returns without committing to long-term warehouse premises. It allows you to organise inventory more efficiently than storing products at home and gives you space to manage fulfilment during busy periods.
Can I store inventory for peak trading periods like Christmas or seasonal sales?
Yes. Many online sellers use storage to hold additional stock during peak trading periods such as Christmas, Black Friday or seasonal promotions. Storage can be arranged for short-term or longer-term use depending on your business needs.
Is self storage suitable for small ecommerce sellers like Etsy, eBay or Amazon sellers?
Yes. Many small ecommerce businesses use storage units to keep stock secure and organised. Units are available in a range of sizes, allowing sellers to choose space that suits their current inventory levels.
Can I accept deliveries from suppliers directly to my storage unit?
At many locations, deliveries can be accepted on your behalf and held securely until you are ready to collect them.
Do I need insurance for stock stored in a self storage unit?
Yes. Insurance is mandatory for items stored in a unit. You may provide your own suitable business insurance cover or arrange StoreProtect through Safestore.
How do I choose the right storage unit size for my ecommerce business?
The right size depends on how much stock you are storing, how you plan to organise it, and how frequently you need access.
Can I use my storage unit as a workspace?
Storage units are designed for storage rather than continuous office work or customer-facing operations.
