Pallet storage warehouse for local businesses

Local wholesalers, importers, contractors, small manufacturers and retailers that need extra space but not their own building.

Monthly fee per pallet position, plus handling fees for receiving, moving and shipping out pallets, and extras like labeling or short-term holding.

• Organized and detail-minded
• Safe use of pallet jacks or forklifts
• Basic bookkeeping and inventory records
• Selling to local businesses

• Warehouse legal liability insurance, on top of general liability, to cover customers' goods in your care
• Zoning, certificate of occupancy and fire code rules for storage, including sprinklers and racking; check with your city or county
• Lease length and personal guarantees, since rent is due even in slow months
• Forklift operator training under OSHA rules before you or any staff use one
• Goods you should refuse, such as hazardous materials or food needing health permits
• Whether your state taxes storage services; check with your state revenue department

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the unit you lease, racking and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how much space you fill and the handling fees you charge.

Check zoning, certificate of occupancy and fire code rules for storage, including sprinklers and racking, with your city or county. Also check warehouse legal liability insurance, OSHA forklift operator training, and whether your state taxes storage services.

Check lease length and personal guarantees, since rent is due even in slow months. Decide which goods you will refuse, such as hazardous materials or food needing health permits, and check you have insurance covering customers' goods in your care.