Stock storage is keeping goods a business intends to sell, in rented space until they're needed. It's one use of business storage, and unlike stored furniture or files, stock moves in and out and changes in value.
It isn't fulfilment, which is picking, packing and sending each order.
Stock storage at Wigwam
Our business storage page describes our units as suited to "merchandise, palletised goods, business stock, office furniture and more". You fetch and return stock yourself during access hours, normally 6am to 10pm. Cheltenham's page also lists shorter hours, so confirm yours before you book.
- Insurance has to keep up. Clause 31 requires that "the aggregate value of Goods in the Unit from time to time will not exceed the insured value". Set cover for your fullest month, not your average one.
- Battery items are counted. Clause 20(d) bars storing "more than ten (10) laptops, tablet computers, children's toys or other similar items containing built-in batteries" in a unit, and 20(b) bars power banks (lithium-ion batteries).
- Some stock is excluded. Clause 18 bars flammable substances (18(c)), food that isn't securely packed against vermin (18(a)), and "unlicensed or unsafe goods (including but not limited to toys, electrical goods, medicines, aerosols, cosmetics, fireworks)" (18(g)). Aerosols can't be stored, flame symbol or not, because 18(c) bars "compressed gases". Ask us first if you sell in the other categories. See hazardous goods.
- Packing orders in the unit. Many online sellers keep their stock in a unit and visit during access hours to pick and pack orders before taking them to the post office or courier. Under clause 22 of the terms, the unit is for storage. It cannot be used as an office, a shop, a workshop, a place for staff to work, or a business or mailing address, so it can't be your returns address. You can't connect a power supply for equipment unless Wigwam authorises it (clause 22(e)).
- Deliveries. Wigwam does not accept, receive or sign for deliveries for you. Someone from your side needs to be at the unit, within your site's access hours, to meet the courier or haulier, check the goods and take them into your unit. There's no forklift on site, so a pallet delivery needs a haulier with their own pallet truck, or your own equipment.
- Collections. Yes, for an arranged collection, such as a buyer, a clearance firm or a charity. You, or someone you've given access, need to be there to let them in and oversee it. You can't run the unit as a shop or regular collection point.
Ask any of these on 0800 2545585 before you book.
Related terms: Fulfilment · Business storage · Overflow storage · Full replacement value
Related questions: Can I sort and pack orders inside my storage unit? · Can I hold a sale or let buyers collect from my storage unit? · Can I store aerosols, candles or other flammable stock for my business?