Pallet storage for small businesses

Online sellers, market traders, small manufacturers, tradespeople and event businesses that have outgrown their garage or spare room.

Monthly fee per pallet space or caged bay, sometimes with a small charge for receiving goods or extra access.

• Organising and record keeping
• Customer service
• Negotiating a lease
• Safe handling of goods

• Upfront costs usually include a deposit (often several months' rent), legal fees for the lease, insurance and fit-out, so budget for these before you sign
• Lease terms, including permitted use, length and who pays for repairs, ideally checked by a solicitor
• Business rates and insurance for the unit, the stock and public liability, and be clear on who covers customers' goods
• Fire safety rules for the unit and the types of goods you allow, check with your local fire service or council
• Manual handling and safe use of pallet trucks and racking
• Taking on goods that are hazardous, perishable or illegal, set clear rules in your contract

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit and fit-out. Upfront costs usually include a deposit (often several months' rent), legal fees for the lease and insurance, so budget for these before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the unit size and how much space you rent out. Check business rates and insurance for the unit, stock and public liability, and who covers customers' goods.

Check the lease terms, including permitted use, length and who pays for repairs, ideally with a solicitor. Also check fire safety rules for the unit and the goods you allow with your local fire service or council, and set clear rules on hazardous goods.