Ideas and how to set them up
E-commerce stock storage
For sellers on Amazon, eBay, Etsy or their own Shopify store who have outgrown the house. Keep stock on shelving, a packing bench by the door and a label printer on Wi-Fi.
- Layout
- Shelving along the long walls, a packing bench near the door, outgoing parcels stacked by the exit so collections are quick.
- Good to know
- Keep stock off the floor on shelving and in labelled boxes, and keep a simple stock list so you always know what is where.
Vintage and reseller clothing
Clothing rails, a small photography corner and a packing desk for Vinted, Depop and eBay resellers. Clothes are low-risk stock and easy to organise on rails.
- Layout
- Rails along one wall sorted by size or category, a plain wall or backdrop with a light for listing photos, a steaming and packing table.
- Good to know
- Garment steamers are fine. Keep bags and tissue paper in closed boxes and away from heaters.
Subscription box packing
Store flat-pack boxes and dry items such as socks, stationery, books or packaged snacks, then pack and dispatch each month's boxes in batches.
- Layout
- Flat-pack boxes standing upright on one side, products on shelving, a long packing table in the middle for an assembly line.
- Good to know
- The 300 sq ft unit lets you keep stock on the ground floor and run the admin from the upstairs office.
Trading cards, comics and books
A tidy, secure space to sort, grade, store and post trading cards, comics, rare books or vinyl records. The security-door unit suits small, valuable stock.
- Layout
- Desk with good task lighting, shelving with archive boxes, a separate packing area so stock and packaging do not mix.
- Good to know
- Paper and card stock is fine. Keep it in boxes off the floor.
Board game and book publishing fulfilment
Independent publishers of board games, card games, books and zines can store print runs and send out orders and pre-orders from one place.
- Layout
- Pallet-sized stock stacks on shelving, a scale and label printer, outgoing orders by the door.
- Good to know
- Plan stock levels before a big launch so you do not run out of room.
Packaging supplies distribution
Stock and deliver boxes, mailing bags, paper fill and eco-friendly packaging to other small businesses in Blackpool and the Fylde.
- Layout
- Bulky but light stock up high on shelving, heavier stock low, a clear route from the shutter to the shelves.
- Good to know
- Paper and card are fine. Ask us before storing large quantities of plastic film or foam.
Why our units suit online sellers & e-commerce
- Online selling is mostly dry, clean work with cardboard, paper and boxed goods, which is exactly the low-risk kind of business our units are made for.
- Roller-shutter units make it easy to take in deliveries of stock and load outgoing parcels. The 160 sq ft unit with a security door suits smaller, higher-value stock.
- Wi-Fi is connected in every unit, so you can print labels, update listings and answer customers from the unit.
- Lighting, standard single-phase electricity and Wi-Fi are already connected in every unit (there is no three-phase power), with 24-hour access, free CCTV app access covering the entrance and the area outside the units, and shared facilities.
Not allowed in our units
Nothing that melts or heats combustible materials such as waxes, plastics, resins or oils, no flammable liquids or gases in bulk, and no car storage. Low-risk materials such as wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are fine. Every business use needs our approval first.
Start-up checklist
- Decide which unit suits your stock, machines and how you will load and unload.
- Message us with what your business does, so we can approve the use before you commit.
- Register your business with HMRC as a sole trader or limited company if you have not already.
- Speak to an insurance broker about public liability, contents and stock cover, and employers' liability if you have staff.
- Ask us whether business rates apply, and check Small Business Rate Relief on GOV.UK.
- Plan your layout: shelving up the walls, benches near sockets, and a clear route to the door.
- Arrange one month's rent, the deposit, photo ID and a Direct Debit mandate for move-in day.
Questions
Can I receive deliveries at the unit?
Yes. Tenants can receive mail and clients at the unit, and you have 24-hour access to meet couriers. Roller-shutter units make larger deliveries easier.
Which unit is best for an online shop?
For most sellers, 150 sq ft · roller shutter · £65 a week or 180 sq ft · roller shutter · £78 a week. If you also want a desk away from the stock, the 300 sq ft · two storeys with upstairs office · £130 a week has an upstairs office or storage area with a window.
Can I store stock that I sell on Amazon?
Yes, dry, boxed and low-risk stock is fine. Tell us what you sell when you enquire, because all business use needs our approval first.
What is included in the rent?
Lighting, electricity and Wi-Fi are already connected in every unit. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. Tenants get 24-hour access, free CCTV app access covering the entrance and the area outside the units, and shared facilities: a tea and coffee room, toilets and water.
Can I use the address on my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Tenants can use The Old Rock Factory, Keswick Road, Blackpool FY1 5PB as their business address on Google, so customers can find you without you putting your home address online.
Is there three-phase power?
No. Every unit has standard single-phase electricity, the same as a normal plug socket. Choose machines and tools that run on single-phase power.
What can't I do in a unit?
We do not allow anything that melts or heats combustible materials such as waxes, plastics, resins or oils, flammable liquids or gases in bulk, or car storage. Low-risk materials such as wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are fine. Every business use needs our approval.
Prices are subject to availability. Minimum rental term: one month, then one month’s notice to leave. Swap to a bigger or smaller unit any time, subject to availability. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or tax advice.
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