Match warehouse operations to goods and turnover
Warehouse logistics is more than available floor space. It connects receiving, identifiable stock, storage and timely retrieval. The operations you need determine the right arrangement.
Pallets, small parts or bulky goods?
Complete pallets need different handling from individually picked products. Small parts often require shelving or bins; irregular goods can need floor space and specialist equipment. State the actual storage format rather than just a total volume.
For pallets, length, width, loaded height, weight and overhang matter. A standard base does not mean every loaded pallet fits every rack. Stacking depends on the goods, packaging and permitted loads.
Keep stock traceable
Define the receiving checks: pallet count only, or cartons, product quantities and visible damage as well. A signed receipt is not automatically a full quality inspection. Agree how discrepancies are documented and reported.
Individually managed products need unique codes and reliable records. Batch, serial and expiry information must be captured from receipt where required. FIFO prioritises goods received first; FEFO prioritises the earliest expiry. Agree the appropriate method.
Stock reports should distinguish available, reserved and blocked inventory. Establish who investigates differences and authorises corrections, especially where several sales channels share the same stock.
Plan receiving and retrieval
Storage locations describe stock held at the same time. The frequency and volume of incoming and outgoing movements determine handling work. Quiet seasonal stock is not comparable to daily individual picks across many products.
Agree advance notice, opening hours, loading appointments and handover to carriers. Collecting goods yourself does not automatically mean unrestricted warehouse access. Picking, packing, labelling and returns need their own defined scope.
Separate storage from handling charges
One published regional example charges CHF 15 per pallet per month including VAT for 6–29 standard pallets without overhang. Ten suitable pallets therefore cost CHF 150 for monthly storage alone. Receipt, retrieval, labour, transport and insurance are separate; this is not a complete warehouse-logistics price. The example applies to a 120 × 80 cm base, up to 175 cm high and approximately 500 kg per pallet, without overhang.
Check whether occupied or reserved spaces are billed, and whether charging is daily or per started month. Minimum fees, volume bands and the release of empty locations can change the total.
| Service | Ask |
|---|---|
| Storage space | Which dimensions, height and load are included? |
| Receiving | Charged per pallet, product line or time? |
| Retrieval | Whole units or picking individual products? |
| Extra work | Are labels, packing, stock counts and returns included? |
| Term | What minimum term, notice and exit charges apply? |
Confirm suitability and handover
Food, medicines, chemicals and temperature-controlled goods need suitable conditions. Some warehouses exclude particular products. Declare requirements and confirm suitability for the actual goods; ordinary dry storage is not automatically an alternative.
Check insurance, covered risks, valuation and excess. A warehouse move needs an agreed inventory, a count and clear transport responsibilities. Returning goods and data at contract end should be planned as carefully as onboarding.
Frequently asked questions
Is warehouse logistics the same as renting storage space?
No. The provider performs agreed movements and inventory tasks. With space-only rental, you largely manage the stock yourself.
Do I need an exact space requirement?
A realistic quantity with its unit is enough initially. Dimensions, weight and required locations need confirmation before storage begins.
Can I request individual products rather than whole pallets?
Yes, if picking is agreed. Product codes, quantities and retrieval rules are needed. Picking is not automatically included in the storage rate.
Are the goods automatically insured?
Not generally. Warehousekeeper liability and goods insurance differ. Confirm coverage, valuation, exclusions and excess before handover.
