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Ample warehouse space can help you enjoy the storage you need for your products or raw materials. The largest warehouse in North America is over 10 million square feet, but most businesses can get away with a smaller warehouse arrangement.
If you’re searching for a small warehouse for your brand, you’re likely weighing your options between leasing and purchasing. Purchasing has its pros and cons, including opportunities to build equity. Still, it might not be the ideal move for your finances.
Diving into the perks of renting and comparing them with the warehouses for sale will put you on the fast track toward finding the ideal solution. Continue reading to determine which option is best for your business today!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Small Warehouse
Before submitting an offer to a commercial real estate agent for a small warehouse, it is beneficial to examine the pros and cons of your potential investment. The business landscape is evolving, and purchasing a warehouse allows you to be more innovative with your operations.
Here’s a closer look at the benefits you’ll gain and the drawbacks to note.
Pros of Owning a Small Warehouse
You’ll discover several unique benefits of ownership rather than a lease agreement. Some top benefits include:
- Customization
- Control
- Investment
- Equity
- Tax Benefits
Control over the warehouse is beneficial because you can make decisions that alter productivity and streamline workflows. You can tailor your choices to meet your precise business needs.
Ownership also opens the door to investing in the property. These investments can help you build the exact warehouse you need. It’s also an effective way to boost the property value and build equity.
The equity you build becomes a financial asset you can use to invest in other aspects of your business. It’s also an opportunity to leverage tax benefits to help you save more.
Cons of Owning a Small Warehouse
Despite the impressive benefits of purchasing a small warehouse, you should note several drawbacks and barriers to entry. Many warehouses require a steep initial cost, and you’ll find hidden costs when making the purchase, like licensing expenses and fees.
As the owner of the new warehouse, you also have a maintenance responsibility. Maintenance expenses can pile up quickly, draining your savings. Ensure you have the finances to cover maintenance costs before moving forward with your investment.
Depreciation is another risk you’ll face. Depending on the age, physical condition, and warehouse location, its value could drop as you own it. If these drawbacks sound insurmountable, it’s best to consider signing a lease agreement.
Pros and Cons of Leasing a Small Warehouse
Leasing comes with a more limited financial obligation and lower initial costs. While you won’t build equity, and your control may be limited, it’s an option that provides several benefits for new business owners.
Take a look at the pros and cons you can expect when you decide to lease a small warehouse.
Pros of Leasing a Small Warehouse
The first pro you’ll gain is the ability to expand your operations. Finding a warehouse that is an upgrade over your current solutions provides the space and resources to grow your business and enter new markets.
You also enjoy far greater flexibility when signing a lease agreement. You can negotiate the lease terms and length to find long-term solutions for your business and supply chain needs. Moving forward with renting a warehouse can allow you to make your money go further until your cash flows increase.
The low upfront costs will help you with any potential financial burdens. Most lease agreements provide manageable payments, ensuring you have extra money to invest in other parts of your company.
One of the most impressive benefits of leasing a warehouse is sharing maintenance responsibility with the leasing company. It can save money on repair and maintenance costs.
Cons of Leasing a Small Warehouse
If control is a top priority for your business operations, renting a warehouse may be a poor fit for your needs. In accepting lower payments, you’re giving up control over operations and innovative ideas.
Many renters lack the freedom to make significant changes to the warehouse, which can result in less efficient warehousing operations. Renting also prevents you from building equity when you improve the warehouse space.
Calculating your expenses and estimated revenue is vital if you plan on renting. The goal is to find an affordable warehouse solution to boost operations while saving to purchase a warehouse in the future.
Making the Best Decision
Knowing the pros and cons of leasing vs. owning can help you decide how to use your capital and resources. You can start by analyzing your business needs and financial resources.
Other factors to weigh include market conditions and potential growth for your brand. You can use financial reports to gather data and make an informed decision.
Ownership is the best option if you need flexibility with your business operations. You can modify the building and add upgrades for efficient storage and order fulfillment processes. You’re limited with modifications if you choose to sign a lease agreement.
Leasing is more economical if you’re more focused on short-term goals. You eliminate the steep down payment that comes with a real estate purchase. Knowing how long you’ll occupy the warehouse can help determine if buying or leasing makes more sense.
Most of all, evaluate the market prices. If the market is low, you can take advantage by purchasing a warehouse to build equity. You’ll overcome limited control to tailor operations to meet your changing needs.
Find the Ideal Warehousing Situation for Your Brand
Warehousing is a vital cog in your supply chain, and finding a small warehouse that meets your needs can help you expand your reach and grow operations. Purchasing a warehouse allows greater control and an opportunity to build equity, but you’ll face more upfront costs. Leasing a warehouse is more economical, though you’ll have limited control.
Navigating the real estate market can be challenging, but it’s a way to further your wealth. Explore your options to make the best decision with our Real Estate content today!
