Whether your storage needs are for a small office or a huge warehouse distribution center, consider buying used pallet racking. Distributors and resellers making a market in used pallet racking are selling directly to end users a amazingly low prices. We’ve seen advertisements offering used pallet racking at up to 85% off retail for new products. There is no need to concern yourself with fluctuating steel prices. The product is already manufactured. That get’s your attention, doesn’t it?
The best candidates to purchase used warehouse material handling equipment are customers that are familiar with a particular manufacturer, the pallet rack layout and installation process, certified installation teams, licensing, floor loading requirements and warranty. I tend to lean toward buying from experienced brokers who specialize in used pallet racking or have a relationship with a company that does.
Shop around online through advertisements listed on these pages and also refer to ThomasNet and MacRaes Blue Book. Look for lot sales and especially liquidation sales. You may be surprised to find that what you thought you were buying was used pallet racking is actually new and never installed or installed but never used. Either the pallet rack manufacturer liquidated excess inventory or a broker sold previously titled equipment that was seized by creditors. In any event, you, the buyer are the winner.
Stick with high profile, brand name pallet racking manufacturers like Steel King, Montel and, to a degree, Spacesaver. Contact them directly or through their local chain of distribution and manufacturers representatives. They will be eager to help configure the warehouse material handling equipment to fit your application. Look for equipment installed in empty warehouses. Manufacturers representatives have business models that allow them to uninstall, transport and re-installed used pallet racking in your new location.
Used Pallet Racking Buyers Checklist:
Preliminary requirements phase: Determine square footage availability, ceiling height, interior/exterior access points and inventory pick and replace methodologies. Make a preliminary determination of storage weight requirements.
Product research phase: Study major pallet racking vendors, their products, professional associations, product road maps and make preliminary contact, explaining your requirement and schedule an interview.
Walk through and statement of work phase: Now the hard work starts. Pick no more than three manufacturers, representatives or brokers that are licensed to do business in your state and are familiar with local ordinances, permits and special pallet rack installation procedures for a detailed walk through. It’s best to conduct the meeting, or “walk through” at the end user site. Bids for the equipment and installation will be competitive and margins will be cut to the bone. Over-communication and detailed planning are a critical component in ensuring a smooth procurement and installation process while avoiding costly overruns and re-dos.
Quotation/Bid/Proposal phase: Expect a professional looking proposal which include schematics, time-line, pallet rack layout, installation methodologies, pricing and warranty. Confirm installation will be completed by licensed factory trained personnel.
Bid award phase: Study each proposal carefully. Don’t just go with the lowest price. Expect quotes to be in the same range. If there is a huge difference in price, raise the red flag and ask detailed questions. Now is not the time to be timid. It’s your installation, your company, your career.
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