When comparing the benefits of new vs used pallet racking, there are a few factors that often get overlooked. While secondhand materials are generally viewed as a budget friendly option, buying used racking may not be as cheap as you think.
In recent years, pallet racking companies are paying quite a lot to acquire secondhand materials to ensure they have ample stock. As their new products have become uncompetitive, they have begun focusing on supplying secondhand.
However, this means that in some cases, the cost difference between used racking and new products from more competitive manufacturers can be quite small.
We’ve also noticed that many customers request secondhand products without exploring a solution with new materials.
It’s certainly worth looking at the benefits and difference in cost of new vs used pallet racking over a long-term period.
Used Pallet Racking
In many cases, you won’t be compromising on quality by opting for secondhand. That’s because pallet racking is made of heavy-duty quality steel and can last for decades.
Buying used racking is also a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll essentially be utilising recycled materials, so there would be no additional manufacturing required for your project.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that although, in theory, the quality of used pallet racking can be just as good as new, there’s no way to guarantee exactly what you’re buying. Used pallet racking usually doesn’t come with any guarantees, so it can be an uncertain purchase. Some materials may show signs of wear, but at the end of the day even if the racking looks good, you just don’t know what you’re buying.
Further to this, when it comes to used pallet racking, you are limited to the materials that are available at the time. Compatible components may not be available when you require replacement or additional materials.
Ultimately, the initial savings that used pallet racking may offer can disappear when you consider the ongoing costs.
It’s important to consider all options to find the solution that will best fit your needs and budget.
Some questions to ask before buying used racking:
• Do you know the history of the racking?
• Can the supplier provide sufficient load data?
• Will compatible materials for repairs or modifications be available when you need them?
• What’s the condition of the racks?
• Does the rack meet current codes and regulations?
• Does the solution meet your facility’s needs exactly?
• What is the overall cost compared to new racking?
New Pallet Racking
If you’re looking for a long-term pallet racking solution, opting for brand new materials can offer you greater flexibility, more choice and a larger return on investment.
New pallet racking materials are much more likely to be available when you need them. It means you won’t have to make any compromises when it comes to creating the layout that best fits your business needs. Having access to all components at all times also gives you greater flexibility to change or add to your storage system later.
Another benefit of buying new racking is that you can be confident in the quality and load bearing capacity of the racking. The manufacturer or supplier will be able to provide adequate certification that meets Australian Standards, and is also likely to provide a warranty for all materials. This means there will be fewer unknown maintenance costs over the lifetime of your storage system.
Additionally, many suppliers will offer a discount for buying in bulk. So with the right layout, new pallet racking offers a surprisingly cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes.
So, when you consider the costs and benefits over a long-term period, new racking can offer you a greater number of advantages.
The benefits of buying new pallet racking:
• You can be confident of the history of the rack
• Load bearing capacity is certified
• 100% confidence in the quality
• Materials always available
• Often receive a discount for buying in bulk
• Cost effective to maintain
• Adheres to current Australian Standards
For more, see this list of questions to ask before buying any pallet racking for your business.
New materials offering a great return on investment
Due to the many benefits of new pallet racking for a wide range of warehouses, we now stock our own range of new pallet racking materials, SSS Racking, as well as quality mobile storage systems by Mecalux. It means we can offer every customer a solution that meets their needs exactly, all while providing them a greater return on investment.
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