Navigating Amazon's Leasing and Sale Requirements for Warehouse Space in SW Indiana

Overview

If you own a warehouse in Southwestern Indiana, you might wonder who to contact at Amazon regarding its suitability for lease or sale. Amazon has very specific requirements for warehouse spaces, which often make existing buildings unsuitable. This process can be intricate, but with the right steps, you can increase your chances of success.

Understanding Amazon's Requirements

Amazon prefers to build their own warehouses to their specific standards, rather than leasing or buying existing buildings. Even structures with standard roof supports are generally not suitable, as Amazon will often choose to construct their own spaces from the ground up. This approach ensures that their facilities meet precisely the needs of their operations, without having to endure the challenges and costs associated with existing structures.

In addition to space, Amazon typically requires a substantial amount of land—as much as 40 acres—accommodating the 500,000 square feet needed for large-scale operations, along with ample parking for at least 600 employees. Strategic location is another crucial factor, with close proximity to major highways essential for servicing their tractor-trailer traffic.

Engaging Local Economic Development Offices

Your best bet is to establish a connection with the local economic development offices. These organizations can provide significant advantages, such as tax incentives and assistance in negotiating with Amazon. It’s important to inform them about the availability of your warehouse space, and your willingness to raze the existing building if necessary. This proactive approach can significantly enhance your prospects.

Contacting these offices directly, either through their website or by phone, is a valuable step. They can provide you with the necessary contacts at Amazon and help guide you through the process of making your site attractive to them.

Navigating Amazon's Help Center

Another route to take is to contact Amazon's Help Center directly. Amazon has a comprehensive online support system that can offer detailed guidance on the entire leasing and sale process. By reaching out to their Help Center, you can obtain personalized advice and information about the intricacies of their requirements.

The Help Center is staffed with knowledgeable representatives who can walk you through the process step-by-step, providing resources and contacts to help you present your space effectively to Amazon.

Contacting Amazon's Headquarters

For a more direct approach, you can also contact Amazon's headquarters in Seattle, Washington. While this might be a bit more formal, it can be effective. Amazon's headquarters is the central point from which they manage their global e-commerce operations, logistics, and warehouse networks. A clear and well-presented proposal can catch their attention.

You can make this contact through phone or their website, which should have a dedicated section for partnering with new locations. Make sure to have all your information about your warehouse ready, including its size, land availability, and proximity to the major transportation routes. A detailed and well-researched proposal is crucial to catching Amazon’s interest.

Conclusion

Avoiding unrealistic expectations is a key part of the process. Amazon is primarily looking for cost-effective solutions, and they expect to find the perfect space for their growing operations. While you cannot guarantee success, you can maximize your chances by meticulously meeting Amazon's requirements and ensuring that your space is tailored to their needs.

Remember to leverage local economic development offices for support, engage Amazon’s Help Center for detailed guidance, and make direct contact with headquarters if necessary. By following these steps methodically, you can increase your chances of successfully partnering with Amazon.