Warehouse Management

Learn the three stages of eCommerce warehousing progression—from third-party logistics to co-working spaces to owned facilities. Justin reveals why six months is the sweet spot for planning, the three critical questions every founder must answer before viewing properties, and how simple material handling optimisations compound into tens of thousands in monthly savings. Discover why only 3% warehouse availability in major markets has fundamentally changed negotiating dynamics and decision-making timelines.

The episode explores strategic warehousing for independent retailers who cannot compete with Amazon's £150 million distribution centres. Listeners learn about working with third-party logistics partners to access distributed inventory, optimising current warehouse space before expanding, and strategic placement in regions serving concentrated customer bases. Jeremy emphasises that success requires matching warehousing strategy to specific business models rather than attempting to replicate giant-scale infrastructure.

Listeners will learn how warehouse operations directly impact shipping costs, including practical strategies for warehouse layout optimisation, barcode scanning implementation that saved £7,000 monthly, and efficient pick-and-pack processes. The episode covers grouping frequently purchased products together, positioning bestsellers near packing stations, and using technology to eliminate manual decision-making around shipping methods. Content includes real-world examples of operational improvements that reduce staff requirements whilst improving order accuracy and customer satisfaction.

The episode covers simultaneous forecasting across multiple warehouses, managing inventory in third-party logistics facilities, understanding warehouse check-in processes, and building strategic relationships with warehouse partners who can provide operational insights beyond basic fulfillment.