Next Day Access franchise builds a sustainable business model at Saltbox

An ambitious business plan

When Dave Rice purchased his Next Day Access franchise in North Texas, he envisioned a company that could meet the accessibility needs of an aging population without the typical constraints of small business logistics. Specializing in solutions like ramps, stair lifts, and pool lifts at homes and businesses, Dave needed a way to manage high-value inventory without the high costs and inefficiencies associated with traditional storage and office space. Initial storage solutions were costly, and existing office spaces offered more amenities than necessary, driving up expenses.

Dave knew selling more custom solutions would be key to build a sustainable business model. Because after all, accessibility solutions are not one-size-fits-all. To grow in a way that reserved cash, identifying a scale-based logistics solution offered a clear solution. 

Solution

Dave ultimately chose Saltbox’s Workspace solutions for its services and amenities which allow small business owners to focus less on operations and more on business growth. For Next Day Access, this meant gaining access to a team of logistics experts and professional-grade equipment who could receive high-value custom builds and store them short-term for a reasonable cost. 

This eliminated the need for a large space to house large quantities of low-value inventory (standard equipment that does not generate revenue) which would only eat into the company’s working capital. 

Results

• ‍1108% increase in revenue (Sept 2023 - June 2024)
• 35% of revenue now comes from custom-built solutions
• $8,000 saved in annual utilities and office fees
• $5,000 saved in delivery costs

Saltbox’s logistics expertise and value-added services

Saltbox provides entrepreneurs and ecommerce merchants with flexible infrastructure and the support needed to start, grow, and scale their businesses efficiently:

☑️ Warehouse suites with on-site shipping experts, enterprise-grade equipment, and great amenities

☑️ On-site loading docks to receive freight and large shipments with ease

☑️ Optimal space for inventory, and the ability to scale up or down as your business needs change

☑️ Operational visibility with direct access to the team handling your inventory/shipments

☑️ Quiet and customizable office spaces where teams can gather to focus on running their business

What sets Saltbox apart is its human-centric approach to logistics. Rather than shipping your inventory out to be handled by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, you have full visibility over your operations at a fraction of the cost. That’s a win/win. 

“Saltbox provides operational leverage without the need for significant upfront investment. The ability to access scale-based logistics services early in our business cycle has been a game-changer.” – Dave Rice, Owner of Next Day Access franchise in Dallas, Texas

Plus, you can work, ship, and receive from a single location with expert support for all your logistics needs. Need help receiving pallets of inventory? Saltbox can handle that. Need help organizing your space for optimal functionality? Saltbox has you covered.

Why Saltbox was the clear choice for Next Day Access

Dave initially relied on a mixture of storage units and office space to run his Next Day Access franchise. However, managing inventory with this setup was a constant balancing act. While there was plenty of space to house large amounts of Next Day Access’ standard inventory (ramps, handrails, grab bars, etc.), there was no easy way to receive large shipments for custom orders. “I didn’t need more space; I needed smarter space built by logistics experts,” Dave recalls. 

As Dave evaluated warehousing options, four criteria stood out as most critical if he was going to be able to sell more custom-builds and achieve a more sustainable business model:

1. Accessible equipment and machinery: Dave needed to receive heavy shipments that couldn’t be lifted on their own, making loading docks and pallet jacks a non-negotiable
2. Dedicated staff to inbound inventory: Dave was required to be on job sites to install equipment, making it impossible for him to be at a warehouse when shipments came in
3. 24/7 security - Next Day Access’s inventory is high-value, making it pertinent that his space has security cameras, secure doors, and security on-site
   
4. Office space - Dave’s team needed a place to run the business from that was within close proximity to where inventory comes in

Traditional offices, storage spaces, and other co-warehousing solutions were either too expensive or lacked these requirements. The hunt for a perfect solution seemed endless until he discovered Saltbox. 

One of Dave’s first experiences with Saltbox that stands out is when dedicated staff helped him handle a particularly heavy vertical platform lift. “They not only assisted with the logistics but even gave us straps to tie it down on the truck and let us borrow a pallet jack to ensure the job was done right. That job would have never gotten down if they hadn’t done that for us” Dave shares. This level of support exemplifies Saltbox’s commitment to its members.

An all-in-one destination for entrepreneurs' shipping and logistics needs, Saltbox provides Next Day Access with complimentary daily receiving, access to equipment, and on-site staff to support everyday business operations.

Transformational impacts and benefits

Since joining Saltbox, Next Day Access has seen significant business growth. Next Day Access first started in a 1-person office, quickly moving to a 2-person office, and recently upgraded to an extra small warehouse suite. This progression demonstrates how Saltbox’s flexible and scalable solutions cater to growing businesses.

Cost-effective growth: Saltbox enabled Next Day Access to grow in a way that conserved cash. The ability to use loading docks and have a team handle inbound shipments meant Dave could focus on larger, higher-value installations without increasing inventory.

Operational leverage: Access to scale-based logistics services provided the operational leverage needed early in the business cycle. Dave could handle high-value inventory securely and efficiently.

Flexible space: The month-to-month capabilities and the ability to adjust space as the business grew or changed were crucial for Dave’s business model.

“The ability to use loading docks and have a team handle inventory receiving allowed me to focus on larger, higher-value installations. This ultimately allowed us to grow revenue a lot faster than we’re growing space and the expense associated with it.” -  Dave Rice, Owner of Next Day Access franchise in Dallas, Texas

Building on success for the long run

As Next Day Access continues to grow, Dave plans to leverage Saltbox’s flexible solutions to meet increasing demands. He sees the potential for further expansion of both office and warehouse space, confident that Saltbox can support this evolution.

About Next Day Access 

Next Day Access is the local source for accessibility and mobility solutions and service experts in accessibility. Its team sells, furnishes, delivers, and installs mobility and accessibility products right to your home. From wheelchair ramps and scooters to grab bars and automatic door openers, Next Day Access offers solutions large and small to provide safer access to every area of your home.The team at Next Day Access Dallas-Central strives to create customized and safe solutions for members in their communities. From residential to commercial customers, co-owners Dave Rice and Phairat Rice are passionate about helping others. Learn more at nextdayaccess.com.