For Amazon sellers, choosing the right warehouse location is more than just a logistics decision—it directly impacts shipping costs, customer experience, and profit margins. The choice between the West Coast's proximity to manufacturing hubs and the East Coast's access to major consumer markets isn't binary, but rather requires careful analysis of geographic advantages, storage costs, and market coverage.
1. Geography and Transit Times: When Speed Equals Revenue
West Coast: The Gateway for Asian Imports
The West Coast's Pacific-facing ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach serve as natural entry points for Asian imports, particularly from China. Ocean freight from Asia typically takes 15-25 days to reach West Coast ports—significantly faster than East Coast alternatives. However, inland transportation to central and eastern U.S. markets adds 5-7 days to delivery timelines. During peak seasons like Black Friday, West Coast ports frequently experience congestion that can delay shipments.
East Coast: Direct Access to Consumer Hubs
While ocean transit from Asia takes longer (25-35 days) to East Coast ports like New York and Boston, these locations provide direct access to dense population centers. The region's robust rail and highway networks enable 2-3 day deliveries to major East Coast cities—a critical advantage for time-sensitive products.
2. Storage Costs: Balancing Budgets and Service Levels
West Coast: Cost-Effective Storage Solutions
Lower land and operational costs translate to competitive storage pricing in West Coast markets. Los Angeles warehouses typically charge $0.50-$0.80 per cubic foot monthly—ideal for cost-conscious sellers of seasonal goods or low-value commodities.
East Coast: Premium Pricing for Premium Service
Higher real estate and labor costs push East Coast storage rates to $0.80-$1.20 per cubic foot in cities like New York. This premium pricing often reflects superior infrastructure and faster processing capabilities that may justify the additional expense for certain product categories.
3. Market Coverage: Strategic Positioning Matters
West Coast: Western and Midwestern Reach
West Coast facilities efficiently serve western and portions of central U.S. markets. However, deliveries to the populous East Coast face longer transit times and higher shipping costs—particularly problematic for perishable or time-sensitive items.
East Coast: Dominating the Eastern Corridor
East Coast warehouses provide optimal coverage for the nation's most densely populated regions. For high-value products like electronics or fashion items requiring rapid East Coast delivery, this positioning enhances customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.
4. Data-Informed Warehouse Selection: Customized Solutions
Optimal warehouse locations depend on product characteristics, target demographics, and budget considerations:
West Coast Advantages:
- High-volume Asian imports with flexible delivery timelines
- Primary markets in western/central U.S. regions
- Cost-sensitive operations prioritizing logistics savings
East Coast Advantages:
- Time-sensitive, high-value products destined for eastern markets
- Premium customer segments willing to pay for faster delivery
- Operations where service quality outweighs cost considerations
Successful Amazon sellers analyze these factors through a data-driven lens, aligning warehouse strategies with specific business objectives to optimize profitability in competitive marketplaces.