Choosing a cold storage facility is like buying a pair of shoes, there is no one-size fits all solution; some are cheap but may lack basic support, others are expensive and will provide everything you expect from a big name, but you when it comes to customer service you’re just one in a million and may get overlooked, then there’s a whole range in between. The only way to pick the best pair is to firstly, choose a pair that meets your expectations (flip flops aren’t going to be good for hiking), secondly check they stock your size and thirdly do your research, and the same applies to choosing the right cold storage facility.
Here are our five key areas that will help you determine if a cold storage provider is the right fit:
1. Know your storage length
The longer that goods need to be stored, the more important proper management becomes. Incorrect temperatures might not have a big impact if unnoticed for a short time, but over extended periods can cause products to spoil and become unusable. Your cold storage provider should be able to put your mind at ease with warehouse temperature charts for the duration of storage (and transportation if applicable).
2. Know your current costs
If you’re currently storing your produce in-house then an idea of how much it costs to do that is important. Working closely with cold storage providers, many businesses actually save money in the long run. By outsourcing your cold storage, you no longer need access to extensive (and expensive) cold storage space of your own, and you can rest assured that all of your products are being handled properly, giving you the peace of mind to carry on with other operational responsibilities.
3. Do you require transport to the final destination?
Some cold storage providers also offer logistics, if this is something that is needed, it is important that you ask; if they cover your delivery areas, the frequency in which they would be able to deliver to your end location and if your product is temperature sensitive, how they will ensure it will arrive within the desired temperature parameters. Modern storage facilities that use reliable refrigeration units will have advanced temperature monitoring systems designed to detect minute changes in temperature.
4. Do you require a more bespoke service?
Each cold storage provider will have a standardised service to ensure all customers are receiving the same quality of service. However sometimes your needs may not quite fit into these standard parameters, so it’s important you ask if their service can be tailored to suit you. For example you may need access to a labelling service, weight checking, e-commerce order picking/packing or flexible storage requirements. If these are something that you need to consider, it is best to find a provider that can tailor their service to your needs.
5. Do your research
It’s always possible to find feedback on any service provider online, but do they really show a true representation of the company (when was the last time you went online to provide feedback without being prompted?). Ask around, speak to your peers or online communities or ask your shortlisted providers to put you in touch with some of their clients. This will give you a better understanding and feel of the cold storage providers.
If chosen correctly, your cold storage partner will ensure your products are of the same quality as when it left the supplier for the duration of their shelf-life. Here at Subzero our temperature-controlled storage and transport solutions can be tailored to you. As a family owned company, we know there is not a one-size-fits-all solution and like to work with our customers to ensure our contracts are mutually beneficial.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your cold storage needs, call SUBZERO on 01622 834 950.
