What are storage fees, and when do I pay them?

Receiving costs are the costs associated with receiving and processing your inventory in the warehouse: accepting the delivery, inspecting it, entering it into the system, and storing it in a designated location. At Cenfil, these costs are not charged as long as your inventory is delivered in accordance with the delivery instructions.

What the submission instructions require

The most important requirement is a correct and scannable barcode for each item. With a barcode, an item can be scanned upon receipt and immediately linked to the correct SKU number. That’s the step that ensures your inventory is accurate and leaves no doubt about which item goes into the box during picking.

If the barcode is missing, or if the shipment does not comply with the instructions, additional work will be required. In such cases, items must be sorted manually and labeled with a barcode. These additional steps may be billed at the applicable rate.

What Happens Upon Receipt

A delivery is received, counted, and verified against the order details. The items are then scanned and placed in a designated location so they appear in your inventory and can be picked. From that point on, you’ll see them listed in your Picqer account.

If the delivery matches the order, that’s a single, seamless step. If there’s a discrepancy—whether in quantity or item—it must be resolved first before your inventory is accurate again.

Why a Barcode Makes Such a Difference

A scannable barcode isn't just an administrative formality. It's the difference between a shipment that goes straight into inventory and one that has to be sorted through item by item. That difference is most pronounced with items that look alike, such as variations in color or size.

What to Take Care of in Advance

• Make sure each item has its own scannable barcode
• Have your supplier apply the barcode during production, if possible
• Submit new items before the shipment is on its way
• Deliver as announced and in accordance with the agreed instructions

Review the delivery instructions before your first delivery is scheduled. That’s the time to avoid receiving fees—not after the pallet has already arrived.

When comparing proposals

Ask other suppliers how they charge for unloading: per pallet, per box, per item, or per hour. That charge applies to every delivery, so for a product line that you restock frequently, it ends up costing more than it might seem at first glance.