Stock holding/distrubution companies

[Goochie]

I'm in the very early stages of looking at a small business startup. Initially I would have no stock holding space other than the living room.

Whilst watching "Dragons Den - behind the dragons" the other night, I saw a chap who was doing something similar, but his storage, stock and distribution seemed to be handled by someone else (the warehouse was huge and was clearly not operated by him).

As a complete novice on this side of things, I've tried a google search but found nothing. Is there a name given to this kind of operation?

Does anyone here operate such a company?

I have also considered renting a small garage/industrial unit for stock holding, but the other option seemed very attractive, simply because it would save a large ammount of time and manpower associated with stock handling.

I'm all ears on this one so pleas feel free to give any advice/comments on this.

[timskipper]

Something like this? http://www.shipwire.com/ (but in the UK)

[Goochie]

timskipper said:

Something like this? http://www.shipwire.com/ (but in the UK)

Almost, but I'd not be operating an e-commerce site.

I'm after somewhere that will hold my stock and then send it out on request to one of my customers.

[AMZ1]

I run a company exactly the way you mentioned. Its a furniture business, goods stored with a company near felixstowe and do practically everything. They unload the containers, stock take etc. Have to say works really well. I'm evening considering replicating the business model in other countries.....thats another issue.

Definetly workable but depends on what type of items your thinking of selling? Try typing in google PICK AND PACK or ORDER FULFILLMENT

Edited by AMZ1 on Tuesday 4th November 17:29

[m4tt]

AMZ1 - Which company do you use? Would you recommend them?