Question 1

How do you start a warehouse business?

Accepted Answer

You start a warehouse business by researching the industry, creating a business plan, and getting equipment and licensing.

The first step you must take is to conduct thorough research and learn about the warehousing industry. You will want to look into who your competitors are in the region and how established they are. Are they large corporations or small businesses? Is there a high demand for storage or warehousing in the area?

If you find a higher competition density in one area than another, you may want to consider operating in an area with fewer competitors. If you find that the demand is higher in a particular region, you may want to focus your business operations there rather than choosing a location based on convenience.

After you have learned about the industry, it is important to develop a business plan. There are many factors that you will need to take into account to have a successful business. How will you manage the gaps between money going out and money coming in? How will you float your start-up costs for equipment, licensing, and insurance?

Look for ways that you can save money in the beginning. For example, you could try franchising or securing deals on equipment from trusted suppliers and prioritizing your resources based on what you can afford.

Your business plan needs to account for these issues and set clear growth targets. Set regular check-in points for yourself to evaluate your revenue and milestones. Make sure that your plan is achievable and trackable. You want to be able to do a self-assessment and know if you are on track with your plan.

Next, you must register, license, and insure your business. Registering your business means deciding if you will operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or limited liability corporation (LLC).

The primary advantage of an LLC is that it reduces your personal financial risk. A sole proprietorship is simple to set up, as is a partnership if you're going into business with other people. However, both of those structures leave you exposed to any financial liability that might come up from operating your business.

Once you have decided how you will operate, it is time to choose a business name. You want something unique and easily identifiable related to the industry or business. Once you have a short list of names, you can go to www.uspto.gov to see if they are available.

The next step is to secure your equipment. A warehouse facility must include equipment appropriate for the types of goods you are accommodating. For instance, perishable items need a freezer or chiller (which will also raise energy costs).

Most warehouse businesses will need to invest in the following:

Storage solutions (shelves, racks, carousels)
Lifting equipment (service carts, forklifts, pallet jacks)
Conveyors (belt conveyors, gravity roller conveyors)

Unfortunately, securing the right facility and equipment can be costly. It is easily the largest expense when starting a warehouse business. You will need substantial cash to purchase your warehouse facility and equipment. If you don't have cash, consider applying for capital investments or low-interest loans.

You will also be required to get the appropriate insurance for your business. At a minimum, you will need to have general liability insurance. This coverage protects your client's physical property and protects you if something happens while operating your business.

While not required, it is recommended that you also have the following insurance policies:

Commercial Auto: This protects your business's vehicles to transport tools and equipment. You can also add coverage that allows you to cover equipment that is permanently attached, such as bolted toolboxes or racks.
Worker's Compensation: This covers employee medical costs and a percentage of their lost wages if they are hurt on the job.
Professional Liability: This helps to pay for work oversights that can result in a financial loss. For example, if someone says you didn't deliver the services you said you would provide, they can ask you to pay for any losses. Professional liability can help cover the costs of defending your business or fixing the problem.

Question 2

How long does it take to become a warehouse manager?

Accepted Answer

It takes at least four to six years to become a warehouse manager. Once you step into the role, there is typically one to three months of additional training and orientation. Over 50% of warehouse managers hold a bachelor's degree.

Question 3

Is it hard to be a warehouse manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is hard to be a warehouse manager because of the constant demands under strict deadlines and changing conditions. As a warehouse manager, you oversee various daily procedures and quickly solve problems as they arise. Because of the economic pressures, there is always work to be done.

Question 4

What is a good starting salary for a Warehouse Manager?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a warehouse manager is $33,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a warehouse manager in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for warehouse managers is $49,753, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a warehouse manager can vary by state.

Question 5

Can a warehouse manager make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a warehouse manager. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a warehouse manager because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $74,000 per year. The average annual salary for a warehouse manager is $49,753. For example, warehouse managers in New Jersey whose salaries are in the 90th percentile earn an average salary of $104,000.

Question 6

How much do warehouse operations managers make?

Accepted Answer

Warehouse operations managers make an average of $55,700 annually, $26.80 an hour. The range of income can vary from $55,000 to $80,000 due to location, work history, and size of operation. Warehouse operation managers are a critical resource within the supply chain.

Question 7

What percentage of Warehouse Managers are female?

Accepted Answer

11.0% of warehouse managers are female in the United States. This is 1.8 percentage points higher than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female warehouse managers has increased by 1.7 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 9,512 female warehouse managers in the U.S. and 76,965 male warehouse managers in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 86,477 people with the specific job title of warehouse manager and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 8

How do you describe a warehouse manager job on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You describe a warehouse manager's job on a resume by focusing on your numerous skills relevant to the position being offered. Detailing the skills and providing quantifiable evidence of your success and accomplishments is important to employers.

Question 9

What is a good objective for a warehouse manager's resume?

Accepted Answer

A good objective for a warehouse manager's resume should identify the desired job and company and introduce several relevant skills for the position being offered. Employers are looking for candidates that are a good fit, so tailoring your skills to the position is important.

Question 10

What is a good summary for a warehouse job resume?

Accepted Answer

A good summary for a warehouse job resume should identify several personal attributes as well as relevant skills. While these skills will be detailed elsewhere in the resume, it is important to introduce them in your summary.

Frequently asked questions about warehouse managers

Questions about becoming a warehouse manager