What should I look at in an appliance store’s warehouse and delivery scheduling?

Appliances are bulky, so the warehouse is part of the product. Notice how units are stored, how damage is prevented and whether staff can find items without a long search. Check that the layout allows for the loading of heavy items without risk to people.

Ask how stock is tracked. Does each unit have a location, and does a count match the records? Pay attention to the corners where old or damaged units gather. They often show habits the paperwork hides.

Then look at scheduling. Who sets the delivery calendar, and how far ahead is it booked? Ask for a record of missed windows and customer complaints, and how the store handles them. Review route planning, since long trips and poor grouping raise costs. Finally, ask about capacity. If sales grew, could the warehouse and the trucks cope, or would a larger space be needed? Ask when the lease expires on the space, then have your lawyer review it. A buyer should see room to grow before relying on it. Also ask how the store handles damaged goods found on arrival, and whether suppliers credit them promptly. Problems at receiving can show up later as losses in the books, so see how staff document what they find and how quickly they report it.

Key takeaways

• Watch a busy day from receiving to the truck and note where stock gets stuck.
• Review missed delivery windows and how routes are planned.
• Ask whether space and trucks could cope with growth, and check the warehouse lease.