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Choosing a Warehousing Company in Bangladesh? Your Ultimate Checklist for a Stress-Free Decision!

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Choosing a warehousing company in Bangladesh can feel like searching for a needle in a very chaotic haystack. You’re not just renting space; you’re choosing a logistical powerhouse that can make or break your supply chain, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Think about it: A great warehousing partner is like that ultra-reliable friend who always shows up on time, never loses your stuff, and somehow makes everything run smoother. On the flip side, a bad one? Well, let’s just say you’ll be dealing with delayed shipments, misplaced inventory, and a whole lot of unnecessary headaches.

But don’t panic! We’ve got your back. This guide isn’t just another generic list—it’s your step-by-step, no-BS checklist to help you evaluate, compare, and confidently choose the perfect warehousing company tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re scaling up, cutting costs, or just tired of logistical nightmares, this post will arm you with the right questions, must-have features, and insider tips to make the smartest decision.

Ready to transform your supply chain from frustrating to flawless? Let’s dive in! 🚀


Table of Contents

Phase 1: Defining Your Specific Warehousing Needs – Because One Size Does NOT Fit All!

Your warehousing partner shouldn’t be a random pick based on who has the shiniest warehouse or the cheapest rate. Your business is unique, and your warehousing needs should be too.

Before you even think about comparing providers, you need to get crystal clear on exactly what you require. Otherwise, you’ll end up either overpaying for services you don’t need or stuck with a warehouse that can’t handle your operations. (And trust me, nobody wants that midnight panic call about spoiled inventory or delayed shipments.)

So, grab a coffee (or a strong cha ☕), and let’s break this down step by step.


1. Understand Your Inventory Profile – What Exactly Are You Storing?

Not all products are created equal. Storing perishable mangoes is very different from storing heavy machinery parts—and if your warehouse doesn’t get that, you’re in trouble.

Ask yourself:
Size & Weight: Are your products tiny (like cosmetics) or bulky (like furniture)? Heavy items need heavy-duty racking.
Fragility & Hazard Level: Glassware? Electronics? Chemicals? You’ll need extra care (and maybe even specialized certifications).
Temperature Needs: If you’re dealing with pharma, dairy, or frozen foods, cold storage isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. (Fun fact: 30% of food in Bangladesh is lost due to poor cold chain logistics—don’t let your products be part of that stat!)
SKU Complexity: Do you have 10 products or 10,000? More SKUs = more sophisticated inventory management.
Inventory Turnover: Fast-moving goods (like FMCG) need quick access zones, while slow-movers can go in deep storage.

Real-Life Example:
Imagine a Dhaka-based e-commerce store selling both books and chilled dairy products. If they don’t separate ambient storage from cold storage, they’ll end up with melted butter and soggy books. Yikes.


2. Outline Your Service Requirements – What Do You Need Beyond Just Storage?

A warehouse isn’t just four walls and a roof. It’s the beating heart of your supply chain—so you need to know exactly what services keep your business pumping.

Storage Type:

Palletized? Great for bulk goods.
Shelving? Perfect for small items.
Specialized? Hazmat, cold storage, high-security? Check.

Inbound Services:

Receiving & Inspection: Do they check for damaged goods? (Because you don’t want to find out later.)
Put-Away: How fast do they stock items? Delays here = delays everywhere.

Outbound Services:

Picking & Packing: Case picking? Piece picking? Custom packaging?
Kitting & Assembly: If you sell gift boxes or bundles, this is gold.
Labeling & Staging: A wrong label = a very angry customer.

Value-Added Services (VAS):

Reverse Logistics (Returns): In Bangladesh’s booming e-commerce market, 25-30% of online orders get returned. Can your warehouse handle that chaos?
Cross-Docking: Need to move goods fast without long-term storage? This cuts costs and time.

Transportation Links:

First-mile & Last-mile: Does the warehouse have ties to reliable couriers?
Freight Forwarding: If you import/export, this is non-negotiable.

Pro Tip:
If you’re an emerging fashion brand, look for a warehouse that offers barcode tagging & quality checks—because nobody wants to ship a “XL” shirt that’s actually a “S.”


3. Determine Your Volume & Scalability – Will They Grow With You?

You’re not running a static business—so why pick a static warehouse?

Current Volume:

◉ How many pallets, cubic meters, or daily orders do you handle?
Underestimating? You’ll overflow. Overestimating? You’ll overpay.

Growth Projections:

◉ Will you 2X your sales in a year? (Congrats!) Make sure your warehouse can scale with you.
Bangladesh’s logistics market is growing at 8.5% annually—don’t get stuck with a warehouse stuck in the past.

Seasonality:

If you sell Eid clothing or winter blankets, you need a warehouse that can handle peak surges.

Nightmare Scenario:
A Dhaka-based gadget store doubles sales during festivals but their warehouse can’t scale up. Result? Delayed deliveries, angry customers, and lost revenue. Don’t be that guy.


4. Define Your Budget – Because Money Matters

Let’s talk numbers—because warehousing costs can eat into profits if you’re not careful.

Fixed vs. Variable Costs:

Fixed Monthly Fees: Predictable, but may be wasteful if your volume fluctuates.
Pay-As-You-Go: Flexible, but can get pricey during peak seasons.

Pricing Models:

Per pallet? Per sq ft? Per transaction? Know which works best for you.
Hidden Fees? Watch for charges like “receiving fees” or “long-term storage penalties.”

Cost-Saving Hack:
Some warehouses offer discounts for long-term contracts—but only commit if you’re sure they’re the right fit.


5. Technology & Integration – Don’t Get Stuck in the Stone Age

If your warehouse is still using paper logs and Excel sheets, run. Fast.

WMS (Warehouse Management System):

◉ Can they track inventory in real-time?
◉ Do they support barcode scanning or RFID?

ERP & E-Commerce Integration:

◉ If you use Shopify, SAP, or Odoo, can their system sync seamlessly?
Without integration, you’ll waste hours on manual data entry (and probably make costly mistakes).

Reporting & Visibility:

◉ Can you check stock levels anytime?
◉ Do they provide performance analytics?

Stat Alert:
Businesses using advanced WMS see a 25% boost in efficiency—worth the investment!


Don’t Skip This Step!

Think of this phase as dating before marriage—you wouldn’t propose on the first date, right? Similarly, don’t rush into a warehousing contract without knowing exactly what you need.

Once you’ve mapped this out, you’ll be 10X more confident when comparing providers. Up next? Phase 2: Vetting & Shortlisting Warehousing Companies—where we separate the pros from the amateurs. Stay tuned!

🚀 Action Step:
Grab a notepad and jot down your answers to these questions. Trust me, future-you will thank present-you for doing the homework now!


Check our dedicated and secured warehousing service. Contact us for free consultancy.


Phase 2: Evaluating Potential Warehousing Companies – Your Ultimate Checklist to Avoid Disaster!

So, you’ve defined your needs—great! Now comes the fun part: separating the warehouse rockstars from the amateurs.

Choosing the wrong warehousing company in Bangladesh can lead to:
🚚 Delayed shipments (and furious customers)
📉 Lost inventory (hello, unexpected losses!)
💸 Hidden costs (because surprise fees are the worst kind of surprise)

But don’t worry—we’ve built a foolproof, step-by-step checklist to help you vet, compare, and confidently select the best warehousing company for your business.

Let’s dive in!


Warehouse Must-Haves: The Core Features That Make or Break Your Supply Chain

Choosing a warehousing company isn’t just about square footage—it’s about finding a logistics partner that can handle your business like a well-oiled machine. Get this wrong, and you’ll face delays, damaged goods, and frustrated customers. Get it right, and your supply chain will run smoother than a Dhaka rickshaw weaving through traffic.

Here’s exactly what to look for in a high-performance warehouse:


📍 Location & Network – The Golden Rule of Warehousing

“If Your Warehouse Is in the Wrong Place, You’re Already Losing Money”

Close to Key Transport Hubs?

Chittagong Port (for imports/exports)
Dhaka’s Industrial Zones (Savar, Tongi, DEPZ)
Highway Access (N1, N2, N5 for fast distribution)
Near Your Customers? (Faster deliveries = happier buyers)

Multi-Location Support?

If you sell nationwide, can they store goods in Chittagong + Dhaka + Northern districts?

Why It Matters:
A Gazipur-based textile company cut delivery times by 40% just by switching to a warehouse near Dhaka-EPZ instead of the city outskirts.


🏢 Facility Suitability – A Warehouse Should Protect Your Goods, Not Damage Them

Clean & Organized?

Clutter = lost inventory. Look for clearly labeled racks and aisles.

Proper Storage Conditions?

Temperature/Humidity Control? (Essential for pharma, food, electronics)
Pest-Free? (Rodents + inventory = disaster)
Ventilation & Fire Safety? (No one wants a smoky warehouse.)

Loading/Unloading Capacity?

◉ Enough docks for peak-hour truck traffic?
◉ Smooth yard flow? (Trucks stuck in queues = delayed shipments.)

Security?

24/7 CCTV + Access Control?
Guards + Alarm Systems? (Because “trust us” isn’t a security policy.)

Red Flag: If the warehouse smells like mold or has water leaks, walk away.


⚙️ Equipment & Technology – Is This Warehouse Living in 2024 or 1994?

Modern Handling Equipment?

Forklifts, Pallet Jacks, Conveyors? (Or are workers breaking their backs carrying boxes?)
Automated Picking Systems? (For fast-moving e-commerce goods.)

Real Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

Barcode/RFID Scanning? (No more “lost” inventory.)
Real-Time Tracking? (You should see stock levels live, not in a weekly report.)
Integration with Your ERP/E-commerce Platform? (Manual data entry = errors.)

Smart Reporting?

Can you check order status, fulfillment speed, and accuracy rates on demand?

Stat to Consider:
Businesses using advanced WMS reduce errors by 60%—worth every taka!


📈 Scalability – Will They Grow With You or Hold You Back?

Room for Expansion?

◉ Can they handle double your volume next year?
Flexible Space Options? (Pay for what you use, not dead space.)

Peak Season Handling?

During Eid, Pohela Boishakh, or monsoon, can they scale up staff and space?

Nightmare Scenario:
A growing e-commerce brand signed a fixed-space contract but then tripled sales—now they’re paying for overflow storage elsewhere. Don’t get trapped!


A warehouse isn’t just a storage unit—it’s the backbone of your supply chain. Before you sign anything:
Visit in person (don’t just trust brochures)
Test their WMS (ask for a demo)
Talk to current clients (get the real story)


Operational Excellence: The Make-or-Break Factor in Warehouse Selection

You wouldn’t trust a rookie chef with your wedding banquet—so why gamble with an inexperienced warehouse for your precious inventory? Operational excellence separates the pros from the pretenders.

Here’s how to spot a warehouse that actually knows what they’re doing—versus one that’ll leave you with missing stock, delayed orders, and a mountain of headaches.


🏆 Experience & Specialization – Do They Really Know Your Business?

“A General Warehouse is a Disaster Waiting to Happen”

Industry-Specific Experience?

Pharma? They need cold chain expertise.
Electronics? ESD-safe handling is a must.
Textiles? Humidity control prevents mold.
Hazardous goods? Proper certifications are non-negotiable.

Ask for Case Studies:

“Have you handled [your product type] before?”
“What were your biggest challenges, and how did you solve them?”

Real-Life Lesson:
A Dhaka-based spice exporter learned the hard way—their first warehouse didn’t understand moisture control, ruining an entire shipment of turmeric. Specialization matters.


⚡ Process Efficiency – Is This Warehouse a Well-Oiled Machine or a Chaotic Mess?

“Slow Warehouses Lose Customers Faster Than Bad Product”

Documented Processes For:

Receiving: How quickly do they unload and inspect?
Put-Away: Is inventory stored logically (fast-movers up front)?
Picking/Packing: Are orders assembled accurately?
Shipping: What’s the cutoff time for same-day dispatch?

Accuracy Rates:

Order fulfillment errors >1%? 🚩 Too risky for e-commerce.
Inventory discrepancies? If they can’t track stock, run.

Turnaround Times:

Same-day dispatch possible? (Critical for e-commerce.)
Peak season bottlenecks? Ask how they handle Eid/Christmas rushes.

Pro Tip: Request a walkthrough of their order fulfillment process—if they hesitate, that’s a red flag.


🛡️ Quality Control & Compliance – Or, How to Avoid Costly Disasters

“No QA = Your Reputation on the Line”

Industry Certifications?

ISO 9001 (Quality management)
GMP/HACCP (Food/pharma)
Customs-bonded? (If you import/export)

Quality Checks:

Pre-shipment inspections? (Catching errors before customers do.)
Kitting/assembly verification? (Wrong bundle = angry buyers.)

Regulatory Compliance:

Bangladesh fire safety codes?
Environmental regulations? (Waste disposal, chemical storage)

Stat That Matters:
60% of customers abandon brands after just one bad delivery experience. Don’t let a sloppy warehouse ruin your reputation.


🚧 Safety Record – Because Accidents Are More Expensive Than You Think

“An Unsafe Warehouse is a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen”

OSHA/Local Safety Compliance?

Fire exits clear? Equipment maintained? Workers trained?

Accident History?

◉ High injury rates = poor management.
◉ Ask: “How many lost-time incidents last year?”

Disaster Preparedness?

Flood/fire mitigation? Backup generators?

Nightmare Scenario:
A garment exporter’s warehouse lacked proper fire exits—when a small blaze broke out, workers couldn’t evacuate safely, leading to injuries and production halts.


A warehouse might look great on paper, but operational flaws sink businesses daily. Before signing:
Audit their processes (ask for SOPs)
Test their accuracy (place a dummy order)
Verify safety compliance (visit unannounced)

Next Up: Service & Relationship Red Flags—how to avoid getting stuck with an unresponsive, unreliable partner.


The Human Side of Warehousing: Service, Trust & Avoiding Costly Mistakes

You can have the most high-tech warehouse in Bangladesh, but if they ghost your calls, nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees, or fight you over damaged goods, you’re in for a world of frustration.

This section isn’t about racks and forklifts—it’s about finding a partner who treats your business like their own. Because when shipments go wrong (and they will), you need a warehouse that answers the phone and fixes problems—fast.


📞 Customer Service & Communication – Your Lifeline When Things Go Wrong

“If They Don’t Reply Now, Imagine During an Emergency”

Dedicated Account Manager?

Or will you be stuck in a call-center black hole every time you need help?

Response Time Test:

◉ Send an email. Call with a question. How fast do they reply?
◉ After-hours support? (Because supply chain fires don’t wait for business hours.)

Transparent Reporting?

◉ Can you get real-time updates on inventory, orders, delays?
◉ Or are you left guessing until customers complain?

Red Flag: If your account manager always seems “in a meeting” when issues arise, brace for trouble.

Real-Life Example:
A Dhaka e-commerce seller discovered their warehouse had been misplacing orders for weeks—but no one flagged it until angry customers blew up their support line.


⭐ References & Reputation – The Truth Behind the Sales Pitch

“What Other Clients Say Matters More Than Brochures”

Ask for References:

“Can I speak to two clients with similar needs?”
◉ Key question: “How do they handle mistakes?”

Online Reviews Don’t Lie:

◉ Check Google, Facebook, industry forums.
◉ Watch for patterns: “Lost inventory.” “Slow responses.” “Hidden fees.”

Industry Gossip is Gold:

Ask around at trade events. Which warehouses do peers recommend?

Pro Tip: If a warehouse refuses references, assume they’re hiding something.


💰 Pricing & Contract Clarity – No Surprises, Please

“Hidden Fees Are the Silent Profit-Killers”

Pricing Breakdown:

◉ Storage fees (per pallet/sq ft?)
◉ Handling charges (per inbound/outbound order?)
Peak season surcharges? (Common during Eid/Christmas)

Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

◉ Guaranteed order processing times (e.g., “98% of orders shipped within 24h”).
◉ Penalties for missing targets?

Contract Traps to Avoid:

Auto-renewal clauses that lock you in.
Unreasonable termination fees (shouldn’t cost a fortune to leave).

Nightmare Scenario:
A food importer signed a “low-rate” contract, then got hit with “special handling fees” for refrigerated goods—doubling their costs.


🛡️ Insurance & Liability – Who Pays When Disaster Strikes?

“If It’s Not in Writing, It Doesn’t Exist”

Insurance Coverage:

What’s covered? Theft? Fire? Flood? Employee mishandling?
Are your goods fully insured at replacement value?

Liability Clarity:

◉ If a worker drops your $10,000 machine, who pays?
Time limits for claims (some warehouses give just 48 hours to report damage).

Stat That Matters:
30% of businesses discover their warehouse’s insurance doesn’t fully cover losses only after disaster strikes.


A warehouse’s true colors show when problems hit. Before signing:
Test their responsiveness (pretend you have an urgent issue)
Read the fine print (twice)
Talk to their unhappy clients (they’ll tell you what brochures won’t)


Financial Health & Culture Fit: The Silent Dealbreakers in Warehouse Partnerships

You’ve checked their facilities, tech, and service—but here’s the make-or-break question: Will this warehouse still be in business next year?

Nothing tanks your supply chain faster than a warehouse that suddenly shuts down—leaving you stranded with nowhere to store inventory, scrambling for last-minute alternatives, and losing customers.

Let’s dive into the financial and cultural red flags most businesses ignore (until it’s too late).


💸 Financial Health – Is This Warehouse Built to Last?

“Bankrupt Warehouses Don’t Give Refunds”

Ask the Uncomfortable Questions:

“Can you share your company’s financial stability?” (If they refuse, 🚩)
“Do you have pending legal/loan issues?” (Check credit reports if possible.)
“Are you planning expansions/upgrades?” (Stagnant ops = falling behind.)

Signs of Trouble:

Frequent management changes (chaos behind the scenes)
Delayed payments to vendors (ask discreetly)
Outdated equipment they can’t afford to replace

Real-Life Disaster:
A Chittagong apparel brand’s warehouse abruptly closed mid-Eid season—owner had hidden debt. The brand lost $200k+ in stranded inventory.


🤝 Company Culture – Do They Actually Care About Your Success?

“A Warehouse That Treats Workers Poorly Will Treat You Worse”

Worker Treatment:

◉ Happy employees = lower error rates, better service.
◉ Visit unannounced: Do staff seem rushed, demotivated, or untrained?

Values Alignment:

Sustainability: Eco-friendly practices matter if you market “green” products.
Tech adoption: Do they invest in innovation, or cling to paper logs?
Ethics: Any history of bribery, customs fraud, or labor violations?

Partnership Mindset:

◉ Do they proactively suggest improvements?
◉ Or just treat you as another monthly invoice?

Pro Tip: Ask to meet the warehouse manager—not just sales reps. Their attitude tells you everything.


Before signing anything:
Google “[Warehouse Name] + lawsuit/labor strike”
Ask vendors: “Do they pay you on time?”
Observe worker morale during visits

Final Thought:
The cheapest warehouse often becomes the most expensive. Pay for stability, not just square footage.


Phase 3: Choosing a Warehousing Company Selection Process – From Shortlist to Signature

You’ve done your homework—now it’s time to turn research into results.

Choosing a warehousing company isn’t like picking a restaurant. You can’t just walk out if the service is bad. This is a long-term commitment, and a wrong move could cost you thousands in lost inventory, delays, and customer trust.

But don’t stress—we’ve broken down the step-by-step decision process to help you lock in the perfect partner with confidence.

Let’s get tactical.


📋 Step 1: Shortlist Potential Providers

“Narrow Down Before You Burn Out”

Filter based on:

Must-haves (location, storage type, scalability)
Nice-to-haves (value-added services, tech integrations)

Max 3-5 options—any more and you’ll drown in comparisons.

Pro Tip:
Ditch any warehouse that fails a non-negotiable (e.g., no cold storage when you need it).


📄 Step 2: Request Detailed Proposals (RFPs)

“If You Don’t Ask, They Won’t Tell”

Your RFP should demand specifics on:

◉ Pricing breakdown (no vague estimates!)
SLAs (order processing times, accuracy guarantees)
◉ Insurance coverage
◉ Tech capabilities (WMS, API integrations)

Force them to answer your checklist—don’t accept generic brochures.

Red Flag:
If a warehouse avoids detailed quotes, they’re either hiding fees or too disorganized to trust.


🏭 Step 3: Conduct On-Site Visits

“The Warehouse Tour That Reveals Everything”

What to scrutinize:

Cleanliness (dirty floors = careless management)
Organization (can workers find items fast?)
Equipment condition (rusty forklifts = maintenance neglect)
Staff vibe (happy team or zombie workforce?)

Key test: Ask to see their busiest area. Chaos there = chaos everywhere.

Real-Life Hack:
One importer spotted leaking ceilings during a monsoon-season visit—saved himself from ruined inventory.


📞 Step 4: Reference Checks

“The Truth Comes Out When You Talk to Their Clients”

Ask references:

“How do they handle mistakes?”
“Any surprise fees?”
“Would you re-sign with them?”

Demand same-industry references—a textile warehouse isn’t proof they can handle pharmaceuticals.

Script to Uncover Flaws:
“What’s one thing you wish they’d improve?” (Weaknesses surface fast.)


📊 Step 5: Comparative Analysis

“Data Beats Gut Feelings Every Time”

Build a scoring matrix (example below):

CriteriaWeightWarehouse AWarehouse B
Location20%8/106/10
Pricing Transparency15%9/104/10
Tech Integration25%7/1010/10

Weight what matters most (e.g., tech > price if you’re scaling fast).

Pro Move:
Share scores with your team—prevents emotional decisions.


💼 Step 6: Negotiation

“The Art of Getting More Without Paying Extra”

Targets:

Discounts for long-term contracts (but avoid lock-ins).
Waived onboarding fees.
Stronger SLAs (e.g., 99% order accuracy vs. 95%).

Leverage competitors’ offers“Warehouse B gave us X. Can you match?”

Stat for Leverage:
85% of logistics providers will improve terms if pushed—just ask.


🧪 Step 7: Pilot Program (Optional but Smart)

“Test Drive Before You Buy”

Ideal for:

◉ New/unproven warehouses.
◉ Complex needs (e.g., cold chain + kitting).

3-month pilot terms:

◉ Limited volume (20-30% of your usual).
Easy exit clause.

Why Bother?
A Dhaka e-commerce brand avoided a year-long disaster by spotting mispicking issues in their pilot.


✅ Step 8: Final Selection

“The Moment of Truth”

Revisit your top scorer—but sleep on it before signing.
Review contracts with a lawyer (hidden clauses love to hide).

Last Checklist:
☑ All must-haves met
☑ No dealbreaker red flags
☑ Team consensus


🚀 You’re Now Ready to Sign!

This process isn’t quick—but rushing picks losers. Take the time, follow the steps, and you’ll land a warehouse that fuels growth, not fires.


The Right Warehouse Partner: Your Secret Weapon for Supply Chain Success

Let’s cut to the chase—choosing a warehousing company isn’t just another vendor decision. It’s a make-or-break factor for your:
Operational efficiency (No more lost inventory or delayed orders!)
Profit margins (Goodbye, hidden fees and wasted space!)
Customer satisfaction (Fast, accurate deliveries = loyal buyers!)

By now, you’ve seen how a structured, checklist-driven approach separates the logistics rockstars from the costly headaches. No more guessing, no more rushed decisions—just data-backed confidence in your choice.


🚀 Your Next Steps

Fangrun Logistics specializes in custom warehousing solutions—from cold storage to e-commerce fulfillment.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s build a supply chain that works for you.


💬 Final Thought

The best businesses don’t just find warehouses—they partner with them. Take the time. Do it right. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you.

Now go crush your logistics game! 🚛💨

P.S. Which tip from this guide was most helpful for you? Hit reply—we’d love to hear! 👇

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