Choosing a warehouse provider isn’t just a logistics decision—it’s a business-critical one. If your products are stored carelessly, delayed in transit, or handled the wrong way, it can cost you customers, time, and money.
Don’t just go with the cheapest option or the one that’s closest. Before you commit to a partner in Winnipeg or the surrounding area, take the time to ask the right questions. Here are seven you should cover:
1. What Services Do You Actually Provide?
Not every warehouse offers the same type of support. Some only store your goods, while others take care of order picking, packing, shipping, and returns.
Ask:
Do you handle order fulfillment or just storage?
- Can you package, label, or customize my shipments?
- Do you offer specialized services like cold storage or hazardous materials handling?
- Are you flexible with short- or long-term storage?
Make sure they can support your entire workflow—not just part of it. If you run an e-commerce or retail operation, fulfillment services are just as important as storage.
2. Do You Have Experience in My Industry?
Industry-specific knowledge matters. A warehouse that works with apparel may not be a good fit for electronics or food.
Ask:
- Have you worked with businesses like mine before?
- What kinds of products have you handled that are similar?
- Can I speak to one or two current clients?
Whether you’re shipping fragile items, perishable goods, or regulated products, your provider should know how to handle them—without needing a learning curve.
3. What Technology Do You Use?
You need visibility into your inventory and orders. If a provider still relies on manual spreadsheets, that’s a problem.
Ask:
- Can I track inventory and orders in real-time?
- Do you use a warehouse management system (WMS)?
- Can your system connect with my software (e.g., Shopify, QuickBooks, SAP)?
- Do I get regular reports on inventory, orders, and deliveries?
If you’re guessing where your inventory is, you’re already behind.
4. How Do You Keep My Products Safe?
Security isn’t just about theft—it’s also about damage, fire, and unauthorized access. Don’t leave it to chance.
Ask:
- Do you have 24/7 video monitoring?
- Are there alarm systems, smoke detectors, or fire suppression setups?
- Are there security guards on site?
- What insurance coverage applies to my inventory?
5. What’s Your Pricing Structure?
It’s easy to be lured by a low monthly rate—until the extra fees show up. Know what you’re paying for upfront.
Ask:
- How is pricing calculated—by pallet, square foot, weight, or volume?
- Are there charges for receiving, picking, packing, or returns?
- Is there a contract length or minimum monthly spend?
- What happens if my inventory doesn’t move for a while?
A reputable partner will explain their pricing clearly—no surprises, no fine print games.
6. Can You Scale With Me?
Maybe you don’t need much storage now, but that could change fast. The right provider should be ready to grow with you.
Ask:
- Can you handle spikes during busy seasons?
- Is there space for more SKUs if I expand my product line?
- Do you have more capacity or other locations I can tap into?
Don’t wait until you’re scrambling to find more space. Plan ahead.
7. How Fast Is Your Fulfillment?
Customers expect fast delivery. If your warehouse is slow to process orders, your business takes the hit—even if the delay isn’t your fault.
Ask:
- How fast do you typically process orders?
- Do you offer same-day or next-day shipping options?
- How do you manage returns and damaged items?
- Can I see recent fulfillment turnaround data?
Your warehouse should match your delivery expectations—if you promise 2-day delivery, your partner can’t take three days to ship.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Ask Questions—Get Proof
A good warehousing partner won’t just answer these questions—they’ll give you proof. Ask for references. Visit their facility. See their systems in action.
If you’re looking for a partner in Winnipeg, consider a provider like RS Distribution. They offer more than storage—they work closely with businesses to provide tailored, efficient logistics solutions that support growth.
Choosing the right warehouse partner now saves you headaches later. Ask smart questions, and make a confident decision from day one.