Platforms like eBay and Etsy provide resellers, crafters, and wholesalers with access to an international marketplace. But it soon becomes clear to most sellers that all that inventory takes up a lot of space, especially if you’re also creating your wares to sell. What’s the solution?
Whether you decide to keep storing your products at home or in a storage unit, it’s important to stay on top of your inventory and keep it from cluttering up the place. Compass Self Storage has some tips for you and your inventory.
Why Labeling Matters for Online Sellers
Easy access is essential for fast shipping—a must when you’re selling to customers around the world. You don’t need to invest in a whole computerized inventory system to stay organized, however. Numbered bins and a coordinating list with short numbers for inventory make easy work of retrieving merchandise.
Keep your Etsy shop inventory under control by labeling bins or drawers. Match each item with its bin by creating an item letter-and-number combination in either your listing or a spreadsheet.
Choose Your Inventory System
Every eBay or Etsy seller has their own workflow, so choose an inventory system that works best for you. Common tactics for organizing e-commerce inventory include maintaining spreadsheets and using barcode scanners. No matter your methodology, some inventory systems to try out include:
- By category. Group your items by type, such as clothing, collectibles, or decorations
- By SKU. Give each product an individual number or short code.
- By location. Remember the bins we discussed earlier? Track items based on the bin or box they’re stored in.
No matter which inventory management system or tactics you use, stay consistent. Sticking to one system can help you maintain a consistent head count on your inventory and avoid shipping issues.
Helpful Resources for E-Commerce Inventory and Shipping
If you’re looking for inventory resources to keep your Etsy or eBay business organized, explore multichannel management tools like Zoho Inventory and LitCommerce. These tools are perfect for syncing your stock across multiple platforms, helping you avoid overselling.
How To Organize Shipping Supplies
Storing shipping supplies can be just as tricky. Quick access to scissors, labels, envelopes, boxes, stickers, and other tools of the trade is a must. Craft stores are good sources for affordable organizers.
You can also find inexpensive shelving or cabinets at garage sales and thrift stores. If your kitchen or another shared living space doubles as your workspace, the latter may be a more attractive option.
Can I Store Inventory in a Storage Unit?
A storage unit is an excellent option for e-commerce storage solutions when you have limited space or a large quantity of merchandise. Keep your eBay or Etsy inventory out of the way at a nearby storage facility. When you’re exploring your self storage options, choose a unit located close enough to home that you’ll be able to efficiently retrieve items you’ve sold to prep them for shipping.
Maintain a clear path through your unit so that you can reach all items without moving multiple boxes. A numbering system is crucial if all your items are boxed. Consider heavy-duty shelving if you plan on keeping your unit for the foreseeable future. If you sell delicate or expensive items, a climate-controlled unit is a great idea.
How Much Storage Space Do I Need for My Small Business Inventory?
Not sure how much space you need? If you sell greeting cards, stationery, and other small crafts, start with a 5×10 unit. With 50 square feet of space, this unit is ideal for keeping small inventory items accessible and out of the way. For small business owners with larger inventories, look into a 10×10 storage unit to make organizing and navigating your space easier.
Organize Your E-Commerce Inventory With Compass
Proper small business storage helps you keep your home and work lives separated and organized. When you need more room for your budding online enterprise, you can find it at Compass Self Storage. With facilities around the United States, we offer convenient home and business storage for all your needs.
Explore our unit size guide and other storage resources, and rent or reserve your e-commerce storage solution today!
