When I launched my photography business, I knew that I needed more space than I had at home. That's when I decided to rent a local storage unit to keep my studio gear organized. I spent a lot of time researching backdrops, staging, racks, and storage tips to keep all of my gear organized and protected when I wasn't shooting. With so many photographers looking for ways to expand their operations, I decided to share my storage tips so that I could possibly help others with their needs. I hope the information here makes it easier for you to organize your equipment and grow your studio.
Storage Snapshots: Photography Equipment
Tips for Starting a Business as a Vehicle Parts Order Fulfillment Center
Brian Hamilton
Many people are passionate about their vehicles. Some enthusiasts of certain makes and models of vehicles, such as Jeeps and Corvettes, will search high and low for specific original parts for their cherished possessions. If you would like to take advantage of this phenomenon, become an automotive part seller geared specifically to one or several popular makes and models. Here's how.
Rent a climate-controlled storage unit with electricity
A storage unit can serve as your order fulfillment center. It's important to have one that is climate-controlled so parts won't be subjected to brutal temperatures and moisture conditions, which could ruin some parts such as leather seats. Select a storage unit that is as large as you can afford, in case you need to pull a vehicle or two into the garage and still have space for your parts and to maneuver around.
You'll also need to have electricity so you can have lighting to work through the evening and overnight if you choose. Electrical outlets are a great option to have so you can run small appliances, such as printers, sanders and air compressors, and to plug in additional lighting for photographs. Set up an area in a corner near the opening of the storage unit specifically for a mini-studio. Learn more about your options by contacting companies like National Self Storage - Denver.
Purchase parts at very low costs
This will take a lot of homework. Thankfully, the Internet is right at your fingertips. The first places to look are at auctions, such as tax and foreclosure sales. You can find listings of commercial properties up for auction by visiting the websites of all the courthouses in your surrounding area. Look for auto body shops, auto shops, and salvage yards. Research any properties you find by hiring a title abstractor who can check for all liens and encumbrances that you may be required to take over. One shop full of parts is all you need to get started in the reselling business.
Purchase or rent an enclosed trailer
You'll need to transport the parts to your storage unit. To keep the parts safe during transport, consider an enclosed trailer with shelving and drawers that lock into place. You may want to hold off on purchasing one right away since you may find one at an auction. Obviously, you'll need to make sure you'll be able to drive right up to the storage unit with the enclosed trailer in tow. Therefore, consider the navigation aspect of hauling a trailer to the storage unit when you choose a location.
Determine your organizational requirements
You'll need to figure out a way to organize the parts in your storage unit so everything will be easy to find as people place their orders. Fortunately, vehicle parts already have numbers, so it's a good idea to use the part numbers. Shelving and cabinets will be necessities. Print labels for the various locations for each part.
Using a software program on your laptop or tablet, create an inventory sheet that lists each part as you acquire them, as well as the specific shelf, cabinet, or container where they can be found. Be sure to keep track of parts as they are acquired and sold. Be sure to set aside an area near an outlet in the storage unit for charging your device and printing shipping labels.
It is important to find a suitable storage unit to meet your needs, especially considering that the storage unit will be the base of your reselling business. Another thing to keep in mind when selecting a location, is the distance to the nearest shipping center or postal office.
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