{"id":12059,"date":"2017-12-13T09:15:42","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T15:15:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/?p=12059"},"modified":"2026-02-02T09:27:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:27:31","slug":"how-to-prepare-your-warehouse-for-a-client-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/13\/how-to-prepare-your-warehouse-for-a-client-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare Your Warehouse for a Client Tour"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pallet<\/p>\n

When a prospective client wants to visit your 3PL facility, it’s critical; you could be on the verge of new business.<\/p>\n

You want to show them why they should select you as their 3PL of choice; that you’re the best choice; that you can be trusted to help them serve their clients. It\u2019s no easy task running a successful warehouse or third-party logistics company \u2013 it\u2019s a multi-faceted organization with its own specific attributes and specialties.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Be prepared for your warehouse tour<\/h3>\n

1)\u00a0Know your audience<\/strong> \u2013 Be aware of what type of company is visiting your facility and how you can offer what they need. If your location has access to main highways and airports, then highlight that in your tour. Perhaps you offer the best rate? Are they visiting a couple of different warehouse providers while they are in town?<\/p>\n

Try and do as much research as you can in preparation for a client tour, and this way there won\u2019t be too many surprises. It will help if you can have answers prepared for all of the anticipated questions they may ask, as well as a clearly defined schedule for their tour. Their time is valuable and if you can keep the meeting on track and as succinct as possible, it allows both parties to go about their day and be a lot more productive.<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0Ensure that your warehouse is clean, neat, and organized<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This should be done on an ongoing basis. Aisles are to be swept and kept clear of debris and mess, all inventory is properly stacked and put away, all forklifts are returned to their proper stations when not in use, and out of harm\u2019s way, as well as any packaging, wrapping or garbage is collected and properly disposed of. A company should always aim to be prepared \u2013 the mandate should be business as usual, and there should be little, if any, preparation needed for any client or unexpected tours. If things are kept up to par every day, then there is nothing to fear.<\/p>\n

Related:<\/strong> A Guide to Cleaner Warehouses<\/a>, and 7 Ways Effective Housekeeping Boosts Productivity<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3)\u00a0Safety precautions<\/strong> – It is imperative that all staff, whether those individuals who work on the warehouse floor, or those who are just walking through, wear the proper safety gear: protective eye wear or goggles, a safety vest for easy visibility, and closed-toed shoes. Forklift certificates should be kept up to date, and any training and re-certification should be ongoing and monitored.\u00a0 There is a lot of valuable inventory that is kept in a warehouse, and strict guidelines should be adhered to in order to ensure that the product is kept safe and damage-free.<\/p>\n

4)\u00a0Presentable\/Professionalism<\/strong> \u2013 Ensure that everyone is dressed appropriately, appears tidy, presentable, and professional. If a uniform is required, it is important to ensure that all members of your team are dressed suitably. Employees that are working in an office environment\/ not on the warehouse floor should always be dressed in a professional manner and follow the company dress code policies. This way, the entire organization comes across as professional and well prepared.<\/p>\n

5)\u00a0Showcase certifications\u00a0and compliance<\/strong> \u2013 Clients want to know that their product and inventory is being stored safely and responsibly, especially when it concerns food-grade items. Certifications are one of the best ways to ensure that your warehouse will handle inventory following the best practices and procedures that are recommended.<\/p>\n