Business Storage

As a business owner, it’s important to have a functional workspace that is free from clutter. This is where self-storage facilities come in handy. Renting a self-storage unit can provide you with additional space to store business inventory, documents and more. Here are some common business items you can store in a self-storage facility, like Extra Space Asia Self-Storage.

Business Inventory

Expanding your online business or starting a new one can be a costly affair, especially in the beginning stages. Extra Space Asia offers flexible storage plans to help reduce your expenses while providing a smart business storage solution. We have a wide range of storage units available, from lockers to walk-in units, to cater to different business needs. Our storage duration is also flexible, ranging from as short as 14 days to as long as you need! This means that you are not locked into any yearly or monthly contract, making it more cost-effective for your business.

All storage units at Extra Space Asia are also air-conditioned, which makes tasks like packing or stock checks more comfortable. You can also access your storage unit anytime, any day, for your convenience. If you’re new to the concept of self-storage, speak to our friendly facility managers for expert advice.

Documents, Paperwork and Books

As a business owner, you may need to store business documents, receipts, expenses, and books for up to seven years or more for financial and tax purposes. A self-storage unit can provide a secure space for these items, freeing up space in your office. You can access these items anytime you need them and enjoy a clutter-free workspace.

Renting a mini storage unit at Extra Space Asia is effortless. Visit our storage facility in either Sai Wan or Hung Hom during our operating hours from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm, for a tour. During the facility tour, you will be able to determine the right unit for your storage needs. Once you have found the right unit size, simply sign up and start moving in.

If you have any storage queries, feel free to contact Extra Space Asia Self-Storage at 3974 6000 or you can also drop by our facilities located in Sai Wan Hung Hom during our operating hours from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm to have a personalised storage facility tour.

Held on November 11 every year, more commonly referred to as 11.11, it’s the one day in the year when you will see massive discounts on all shopping platforms—both physical and e-commerce. 11.11 Global Shopping Festival is a day that most businesses will not miss out after seeing the popularity of the sales and the amount of sales volume one can earn in just one day. As such, it is critical to prepare well ahead of 11.11 if you own a business. Here are three tips to get you started.

1. Optimise your website and app for mobile use

Based on statistics, people buy a lot of things online and with time, it seems like more people are making those orders through their mobile phones. That is why it is important that businesses perfect their mobile experience so that there is a higher conversion rate when consumers enter the web store or app interface.

Prior to the 11.11 sales period, businesses should make sure that their pages and products are well laid out. From showcasing the best deals to the best-selling products, your business should have clear headings and consistent branding across web pages. This will be useful for SEO purposes too. Businesses should also ensure that the website and app have a good loading speed and do not crash upon a large-scale web volume entering the page.

2. Advertise and communicate your promotional deals early

Despite being called the 11.11 sale, we all know that many businesses will tend to launch their pre-sale deals before the actual 11.11 sale date. A savvy shopper will definitely scour various sites to see what deals are worth buying. It would be strategic for businesses to advertise and communicate their promotional deals early. Advertisements should be done on relevant social media platforms and platforms your target audiences tend to see and engage in. With these advertisements, you might also reach out to new audiences or audiences that tend to have similar behaviours as your current customers. These will help boost your sales volumes as 11.11 might be a good time for new customers to try out new products they have been wanting to test.

Businesses can also engage Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) and influencers to reach out to the mass audience. It is key to reach out to the right audience if you are selling a niche or specific item to ensure that you will achieve a good sales volume during the sales period.

3. Ensure that you bring in enough business stock

If you are running an 11.11 promotion or a special deal, always ensure sufficient inventory for those items that are high in customer demand or under the sales or flash deal category. With sufficient goods available, you will be able to fulfil all of your business enquiries and sales faster too! For those in the dropshipping industry, it is also good to prepare a storage space in advance so that you will not have storage issues when all your goods arrive.

If you are looking for reliable and safe storage space, you can always try Extra Space Asia Self Storage. Extra Space Asia is the region’s dominant operator in self-storage solutions.

Today, Extra Space Asia has 72 facilities across Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and Japan. With a wide selection of storage solutions and flexible plans to choose from, you will be able to find a suitable storage unit to store your business inventory. Check out our Fire-Safety Department (FSD) approved storage facilities in Hung Hom and Sai Wan, accessible 24 hours for customers and highly safe & secure too!

Contact us at 3974 6000 today to find out more about our wide range of storage services.

Psst… if you have read till here, we have some good news to share! We will also be having some exciting 11.11 deals in November. So, do keep a lookout if you are looking for extra space this November.

Storage unit is a good addition for businesses when they require safe and secure storage space to store the inventory. Once you have found the right storage unit, the next step is definitely finding ways to maximise your self-storage space! Try these four ideas today.

1. Add proper shelving in your storage units to maximise your self-storage space

As we all know, your storage rental is based on the storage space area (square feet). Thus, to lower your start-up operational cost, consider finding ways to maximise your storage space to store more items in your storage unit.

One way to do that is to utilise the vertical space in your unit, as this is one factor commonly overlooked by businesses. Invest in a good proper steady shelving that you can use for the long term. This way, you can stack your business items upwards and still be able to pick them up quickly for your customers or stock take purposes.

2. Strategise your storage layout

When you first get your storage unit, it is a good idea to plan how you want to place your business inventory in the storage unit on paper. You should find ways to group similar items and create sections in the storage unit for specific business inventory so that you can find them easily.

For stock placement, try storing your best-selling items towards the entrance of your storage unit for quick, easy access and seasonal items towards the back or top of your shelves. Remember to keep the floor areas clean so that you can access your items safely without tripping over your items that are on the floor space.

3. Ensure that you take stock of the items

Before you start to move all your business inventory to your new storage unit, it is important to do a checklist where you can clearly categorise your items into various categories. This way, you can follow the spreadsheet to store your items nicely on the shelving. You should note how many inventories you have now, so you can order more of your business items when the inventory count is low. Having a clear overview of your stock will also give you a good estimate of the type of storage unit you need during the initial sign-up process.

By storing with self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia, you can always choose a storage unit that fits your current storage needs and upsize or downsize accordingly at a later stage. This flexibility will be a good approach for new businesses, with various storage sizes and storage services for different needs.

4. Use sturdy clear containers with labels

For areas where you cannot build up or install your shelving, you can try purchasing sturdier containers that enable you to store long-term too. That is because most business inventory will usually come in cardboard boxes that can develop mould or be dented when you store for a long period of time.

By storing them in sturdy containers, you can also stack them nicely in your storage unit. Add labels so that you will know what is stored in each container. If you need more packing materials, you can also purchase them easily at Extra Space Asia’s box shop, which is available at all Extra Space Asia storage facilities.

Planning to start a new business or planning to expand your home business to the next level? Like any business, whether online or operating from a physical store, business owners are always looking at ways to lower their operational costs and find a reliable storage space to store all of their business inventory. However, there’s always a question that business owners will usually ponder: Warehouse vs Self-Storage, which is a better option for their business? Let’s look at how warehouse space compares to self-storage units.

Storage Contracts – Fixed vs Flexible

Most warehouse storage spaces will allow business owners to store their goods with the intent of selling or distributing their inventory over a period of time. However, not all warehouse storage spaces will offer a flexible storage period. Some warehouses will have a lock-in contract period that the business will have to fulfil, while some might provide both short and long-term storage. Thus, it might not be a good option for start-ups to choose and sign a fixed storage contract when the business climate could be volatile.

Like personal storage, self-storage will also come in handy for a business owner. It also provides the user with an additional space to store their business items. By renting a self-storage unit, the business owner will also enjoy 24 hours access to their storage unit, where they can store and retrieve their items any time, any day. Some self-storage providers, such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage, also provide customers with flexible storage periods from as short as 14 days to as long as they require, without any lock-in period or fixed contracts. This benefit allows the customers to choose how long they need and minimise their overall operational costs.

Storage Space – Huge vs Scalable over Time 

As we all know, most warehouses tend to be huge in terms of space for rent. This luxury of space might, in turn, increase the overall cost of operation for your business. If your business is just starting out, it might not be ideal, especially if you are not planning to scale the business right from the start.

On the other hand, if you were to rent a self-storage unit, you’d have the option to choose the storage size from as small as a locker to a walk-in unit size. Self-storage providers such as Extra Space Asia Self-Storage will also allow you to upsize or downsize your storage size according to your storage needs. This way, you’ll only be paying for the storage size you require instead of overpaying and not utilising the full storage space.

Amenities – Purchasing it yourselves vs in the storage contract

Leasing some warehouse space might also lead to additional costs such as the need to pay for your electricity, insurance, other personnel, and even a security/alarm system for the warehouse area. As the warehouse belongs mainly to the business owner, you must ensure that everything is covered so that your items are safe and secured. By renting a self-storage unit, it might be more cost-effective over time.

Firstly, most self-storage facilities will come with basic security, such as a pin code access or smart card access to the storage area. In terms of the storage unit, it can only access by the storage unit owner as only they have the key to their own unit.

Secondly, most storage facilities will also have 24 hours CCTV monitoring system to ensure that your stored items are in good hands. Thirdly, some self-storage facilities are also air-conditioned or climate-controlled. This function will be a great plus point as businesses tend to spend a fair amount of time in the storage facility packing their business inventory in their storage unit. The air-conditioned facility will also provide business owners with a comfortable workspace.

Lastly, at self-storage providers like Extra Space Asia, there are also Customer Service Executive/Personnel who will be present during operating hours to provide any assistance when needed. They will also provide tools such as trolleys and ladders, which will come in handy should you need to move your inventory around the storage area.

In conclusion, it would be good for all budding and new business owners to weigh the pros and cons before signing a contract for either renting a warehouse space or a self-storage unit. If you have any storage enquiries, you can also contact Extra Space Asia Self-Storage at 3974 6000 today, and we will be glad to assist you through your storage journey.

Thinking of starting a side business while keeping your day job? This entrepreneurial journey can be tiring but rewarding if you’re following your passion. Most of these passion projects allow you to start working and operating from home. You’ll also be able to work at your own pace whenever you’re available. Here are 3 business ideas you can explore while keeping your full-time job.

1. Homemade vs handmade

Are you someone who loves sewing, making handicrafts or DIY projects? If yes, consider turning your hobby into a business. By starting a homemade and handmade business, you’ll be able to create your product anywhere and sell them from the comfort of your home. This way, you’ll be able to save on office rental and the extra travelling time with your new home-based business.

Most people will usually start with word-of-mouth marketing to test if their products are viable. Once you’re ready to expand your target audience group, you can create your Facebook and Instagram page to post and interact with your customers directly. You can also create a simple website to showcase more of your items. Other options include eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce etc.

Here are some examples of homemade products you can sell:

• Jewellery
• Candles
• Art
• Food
• Bags

2. Service or expertise-related business

We understand that not everyone has a set of unique talents. However, this does not mean that the doors are closed. In such cases, you can make use of your creativity to earn some extra cash. This service does not necessarily include any products but more of a service to assist your clients. If your customers are satisfied with your work, it can also lead to a long-term working relationship where they’ll use your services over time. You’ll also be able to work from home or anywhere on the go.

Here are some examples you can explore:

• Designing – web design or graphic design
• Marketing
• Freelance writing
• Tutoring
• House cleaning

3. Content creation business

Love creating content on fashion or even food? If you have a sizable online audience on your social media platforms, YouTube channel, blog channel, TikTok platform or even podcast platform, why not find ways to monetise your following. Through the content creation business process, you might also be able to earn through commission or sponsored posts to give brands a chance to interact with your audience base. It’ll definitely take time and effort to build a loyal fan and audience base. However, if you just started in this line of business, you’d definitely need to take some time to build your following and create interesting content through photos or videos. You might be able to reap some benefits over time.

The best part of owning a home-based business is that you can control most of the factors such as when to upgrade your business, work flexibility and calling the shots on how you want to operate and sell your items. If you’re in the midst of expanding your business or in need of extra space to store your growing business inventory or documents, you can always explore the idea of storing them in a mini-storage facility like Extra Space Asia.

Most of these self-storage facilities allow their customers to visit their storage units round the clock, any time, any day. It’d also be a cost-effective storage solution for your business storage as compared to renting an office or a warehouse storage space. If you’ve any storage queries, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be glad to assist you through the process.

In today’s digital world, where everything can be bought easily with a click of a button, it has become a norm for businesses to have an eCommerce store to earn that extra revenue. However, as people become more tech-savvy, being on an eCommerce platform is no longer the only thing businesses need to do! To stay engaging, many businesses have turned to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to do live shows to capture more customers. If you own a business, here are three reasons why you should use Facebook Live to boost your sales further.

1. Live stream to target a wider audience

Since the launch of Facebook Live, live streaming videos have exploded in popularity, especially during the COVID period. With the Live Streaming platform, your customers are able to ‘Like and Share’ your live stream to their followers and profile page. This will help in your brand awareness through free word-of-mouth. Through the live streaming process, you will also be able to cover the different products that your business has to offer. And from the engagement level, you also get direct customer feedback on your product offering. This will be useful information when you order your next business inventory.

2. Offer Customer Service in real-time

Unlike launching your business online with just a website or simply with a brick-and-mortar store, Facebook Live gives you a platform to interact with your customers directly. Through Facebook, you will be able to offer Live customer service and answer their questions instantly. With this, you will be able to also answer those commonly asked questions on the spot, and many will be able to know the reply too. This is a game-changer and a massive time-saver! Even if you missed the questions accidentally, your avid followers could also help to reply to those questions for you. This way, customers will know that their queries will not be ignored and that they can find answers very quickly on the Live duration.

3. Sell your items online easily

With the advancement of technology, customers do not need to leave their homes to purchase something that they require. Similar to any e-commerce site and online stores, Facebook Live will provide you with the same convenience where you can basically buy anything from food, clothes, bags, luxury items to even jewellery. You name it, someone will have it. Compared to the mundane e-commerce platform, the Facebook Live platform now allows sellers to sell their items almost instantly and to provide a live update on their business stock inventory to their customers. Sellers will also be able to showcase the selling point of their items through real-time demonstrations. If the seller knows their customers well, they can even provide personal recommendations to sell their items faster.

Business Storage Solution

If you are looking for a reliable, safe and secure storage provider to store all of your business inventory and documents, consider Extra Space Asia Self-Storage today. We offer a wide range of storage sizes from Locker to Walk-in storage units where you can store for both long-term and short-term basis. As compared to renting a warehouse storage space, a self-storage unit might be more cost-effective as it is more flexible in terms of storage size and storage duration, and you are not locked into any fixed contract. On top of that, you will also have 24 hours access to your storage unit to retrieve or store your business inventory at your own convenience. To learn more about Extra Space Asia’s business storage services, feel free to call us at 3974 6000.