Metal Buildings for Home-Based Ecommerce Businesses

Gone are the days when one had to have small shops at every place in a city and go door to door to sell products. Now, a business of such a level can be done from a shed or a garage in the backyard of your home. From Etsy shops to Shopify stores, nowadays, more people work from home.

But the biggest challenge is “Space”. Yes, although you are running a business online, you still need a space. If you are a dropshipper, you will need a quiet place to focus on your online business. Prefabricated structures provide that space. Or if you want to run a warehouse business, you need a large interior free space to store goods and raw materials.

Metal building is the answer to all space-related issues. Because they offer many benefits that make them suitable for a home-based small to big business model. So, if you are an entrepreneur and want to grow smart in the fast-paced world of eCommerce, this blog is for you.

What Is a Home-based eCommerce Business?

A home‑based ecommerce business is one you run entirely from home.

You sell products online, like clothing, crafts, printed goods, or even digital items. Well, not all, but most operations happen in your house, from storage to packing to shipping. As sales grow, space becomes your biggest limitation. That’s why many sellers look for extra space that’s affordable, secure, and scalable. Even if they don’t want to grow, they need a durable yet affordable structure from which they can operate at any time.

So, wondering how to start a home-based eCommerce business? Let’s begin by knowing some popular home-based business models, and then how different types of steel structures suit them.

Popular Home-Based eCommerce Businesses in 2025

Have a look at the list of some top home-based eCommerce businesses in the space below.

• Handmade Products- These are products you make at home with some tools and items like candles, soaps, art, jewelry, or wooden decor. The creation process requires space for tools, materials, and packaging.
• Clothing & Fashion- This type of business needs racks, tables, and packaging space. This business can include designing and stitching cloth, as well as manufacturing various style designs. Or just selling others’ clothes online with your margin.
• Dropshipping Stores- You may not need inventory space, but you still need an office to manage orders and customer service. A small space is enough for handling the operations of this business.
• Subscription Boxes- Many people run this type of business from the comfort of their homes. For that, they need a space to assemble boxes and store them safely.
• Print-on-Demand- It is a popular home-based eCommerce business because of demand. So, if you sell digital downloads or custom t-shirts, you need a creative studio with a proper system.

The list of home-based eCommerce businesses can be longer, as almost everything can be sold from the comfort of one’s own home today.

Note: According to Oberlo, over 2.77 billion people will shop online in 2025. It means more business for eCommerce owners and more need for organized workspaces.

Benefits and Types of Metal Buildings for Different Business Models

But why does steel make sense for a home-based business? Explore different types of steel buildings and their benefits for running a business.

1. The One-Car Garage Office

For individuals who run their small businesses from the comfort of their homes, a one-car garage can be the most suitable option. It offers sufficient space for parking a car and additional storage space. Well, the size depends on how large a structure one wants; it can be a perfect space for your home-based business. It is perfect for solopreneurs who need a quiet, dedicated workspace without distractions.

Offer services like digital products, writing pieces, and crafts from this metal structure. Do not worry about heat in summer and cold in winter because these structures are insulated. They offer you a comfortable space so you can focus on your business throughout the months.

2. Side-Entry Garage for Products

A side entry garage is ideal for creators or small-scale manufacturers who need space to store materials and tools. It comes with ample space that you can transform based on your business needs. If you run a handmade products business, you can easily customize the space for materials, tools, and packaging. It is because steel offers great flexibility.

It takes a short time to add new features to the structure or even extend the space. If you want to extend your business, the space can also grow with it. Just add a lean-to structure to the main building. It can be done in a day, and that is also without spending too much money.

3. Vertical Roof Carport Packing Zone

If you need an open but dedicated space to load, pack, or sort inventory quickly, a vertical roof carport is the best option. Its size can be as big as you want. The thick steel components of the structure make it a suitable location for your home-based business, as they can withstand strong winds and remain sturdy against them. With a vertical roof, you will not have to worry about cleaning it frequently, as it allows water, timber, and scraps to slide off easily.

So, it is great for eCommerce sellers who need a shaded area but with open sides. If you also need an enclosed space, go for utility carports. It will provide you benefits of both a carport and a garage.

4. Metal Shed for Shipping Supplies

A steel shed is a small enclosed space, generally installed in the backyard of a house. You do not have to spend a lot on a physical structure to work on an online eCommerce business if you choose a steel shed. It is an economical option and keeps the supplies safe from rain, snow, and storms for the entire year. Moreover, zinc-coated steel save the structure from untimely corrosion.

Steel sheds are resistant to pests, rot, and fire as well. These features allow safe storage for products and packaging. Moreover, suppose you want to start a dropshipping business, with a few modifications and the installation of a computer system with high-speed internet. In that case, it can be a haven for a dropshipping business.

5. Metal Garage for Showroom

Are you in the decor and handmade goods business? A metal garage is an energy-efficient structure that offers robust walls to protect all the items related to your decor and handmade goods business. You can easily convert a simple steel garage into a mini showroom where you can display all of them. Moreover, this structure can work best as a hobby room where you can enhance your skills and then use the space for your business.

However, do not forget to adapt the structure as needed, because only then can you maximize the space’s potential. Otherwise, this is also a mere steel box. With a few steps, you can easily transform metal buildings into hobby heavens and business spaces.

6. Raised Center Barn for Multi-Use

If you sell goods related to agriculture and ranching, as well as other types, and need a space for storage and packaging, a raised center barn can be the best solution. Typically, it is perfect for rural businesses, but it can also be used for home-based businesses like organic skincare, herbal teas, farm-fresh produce, or even handcrafted wooden items. The tall center section gives you ample vertical storage for bulk materials, tools, or product stock, while the lean-to sides are ideal for packaging, labeling, or workspace.

The design of a raised center barn ensures that everything remains well-ventilated and organized. It also separates your living space from the messy, day-to-day operations of your business.

7. Steel Commercial Building for Scaling Up

So, if you want to scale up your business or take it from the backyard of your house to a larger space, a steel structure meets the need. Steel commercial buildings are widely used by many businesses, even if a business is run by an individual or an organization. As your business grows, the building provides the space and professional layout you need.

However, commercial structures tend to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum compared to other types of steel buildings. So, choosing them when your business has grown is a better idea.

Easy Techniques to Find a Prefab Building for Your Business?

Metal buildings are a robust, customized, and cost-effective option, making them ideal for home-based businesses. But where to find them? Find a trustworthy metal building dealer near your location. You can go deep into the topic of how to find the right metal building dealer, or for now, follow the steps below.

Step-1: Define Your Business Purpose

What kind of business do you want to do? If you want to sell digital products, you will need a system with high-speed internet and some features for your comfort. Or if you want to run a packaging and storage business, you will need a column-free structure and add racks and shelves. So, knowing what you will do inside the building helps you choose the right structure, layout, and features.

Step-2: Measure Your Space & Inventory

How small or large a structure do you need? It’s crucial to find an answer to this question, so you can measure your space accordingly. To do this, examine your tools, products, and machines. Do you need racks, tables, or a packing area? Measure everything so you don’t end up with a building that’s too small or too large.

Step-3: Choose a Building That Matches Your Work Style

Running a salon from home? Go for a side-entry garage. Need storage and workspace? A vertical roof shed or lean-to works well. Each business needs a different layout, so match yours smartly.

Step-4: Customize with Essentials

Add windows for natural light and insulation for comfort in both summer and winter. You can also add extra doors for deliveries. With the right customization, your building will feel like a real workspace, not just a box.

Step-5: Talk to Experts for Better Designs

You may know all your needs, but you may not know which designs will fit them. For this, speak to a steel building dealer that understands home-run businesses. They can help you choose the best building based on your local rules, budget, and long-term plans.

Why We Fit Your Needs for a Perfect Metal Building?

You need space that grows with you, keeps your products safe, and helps you stay organized and focused. At Viking Steel Structures, we offer steel buildings that meet your needs smoothly. From a small one-car garage for quiet work to a large raised center barn for packaging and storage, we have a steel structure for every kind of business. These buildings are strong, weather-resistant, budget-friendly, and can be customized to match your work style.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to expand, don’t let space limit your dreams. Talk to us at 877-801-3263. We will help you find the most suitable solution for your unique needs. From deeply understanding your needs to designing and delivering what exactly you asked, our team takes care of everything.