The Pros and Cons of New vs. Used Pallet Racking
Pallet racking is essential for warehouses in order to organise, prioritise and optimise stock and various workflows. When businesses seek to install or upgrade their racking systems, they face a fundamental choice. Should you get brand new pallet racking or take on used pallet racking? Each option offers distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on various […] The post The Pros and Cons of New vs. Used Pallet Racking appeared first on The Warehouse Racking Company.
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Pallet racking is essential for warehouses in order to organise, prioritise and optimise stock and various workflows.
When businesses seek to install or upgrade their racking systems, they face a fundamental choice.
Should you get brand new pallet racking or take on used pallet racking?
Each option offers distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on various constraints and preferences and in this blog we will delve into these in detail so you can choose the most suitable option for your warehouse.
We cover the critical points below:
- What is pallet racking?
- Pros and cons of new pallet racking
- Pros and cons of new pallet racking
- Choosing the right option for your business
Call us today at 0800 4880 785 or use the contact form to receive your without-charge quotation.
What is Pallet Racking?
In order to go into the pros and cons we thought it was important to recap what pallet racking is.
Pallet racking is a material-handling storage system designed to store pallets in rows and levels, maximising vertical space. It allows easy access to products stored on pallets and supports various inventory management needs.
They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and designs and are an essential part of a warehouse’s success.
If you haven’t got any yet or are looking to upgrade, definitely read on as this article could be super useful.
Pros and Cons of New Pallet Racking
Pros of New Pallet Racking
Customisations: New pallet racking offers high flexibility in design and customisation. You can choose specific racking systems, configurations, and add-ons tailored to your facility’s unique storage needs.
Bespoke designs: Whether you need high-density storage or specialised racking solutions (e.g., cantilever, push-back, or drive-in racking), new pallet racks are adaptable to meet your operational demands.
Load capacity guarantees: With new pallet racking, there’s no uncertainty about the condition of materials. New racks are built to current industry standards and safety regulations, often including additional features like reinforcement options or anti-collapse safety measures. This ensures that they meet the required load-bearing capacity.
Warranty: If you did face problems with your new racking, a supplier or manufacturer would cover you under their warranty scheme. In other words, you can trust TWRC to protect your investment.
Extended lifespan: Since new racks haven’t been previously used or exposed to potential damage, they tend to have a longer lifespan than used alternatives.
Innovative features: New technology is being developed all the time so newer models of pallet racking are likely to have them over older models. Said feature could be extremely beneficial to your company. Things like automated racking systems, better integration with warehouse management software, or enhanced security are all features to look out for.
Cons of New Pallet Racking
Higher initial cost: New pallet racking requires a larger upfront investment. For companies with tight budgets, this can be a significant hurdle, particularly for smaller warehouses or start-ups.
Longer lead times: As many new systems must be manufactured in a long queue of orders, you may experience long waiting times. We do however manage to avoid this here at The Warehouse Racking Company.
Potential for over-specification: With a new system, businesses might be tempted to invest in features they don’t need or use. Over-specification can result in higher costs without a proportionate return on investment, particularly if the warehouse’s demands shift over time.
Pros and Cons of Used Pallet Racking
Pros of Used Pallet Racking
Cost-effectiveness: Used pallet racking can be significantly cheaper than new options, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to save on expenses but still find a good quality solution.
Faster availability and delivery: Used racking is generally available for immediate purchase, eliminating the lead times associated with custom new systems that need to be manufactured.
Environmental benefits: Buying second hand could be considered the greener option because no raw materials are being re-extracted or energy used for manufacturing. Also no extreme levels of transport is used for the delivery which lowers carbon footprint.
Testing and performance: Used racks that have been in operation for years offer some assurance of durability and performance. This will give you peace of mind knowing the system is capable of doing its job.
Cons of Used Pallet Racking
Unknown history and wear: Used racks come with an element of uncertainty. It may be difficult to assess how heavily they were previously used, what loads they were subjected to, or if they experienced any damage. This doubt may come to be more of a problem than its worth in the long run.
Limited customisation options: Unlike brand new systems that can be configured to your desire, this is harder to do with used pallet racking.
No warranty and support: Warranties on used pallet racking are often minimal or non-existent, leaving you responsible for any future repairs or replacements.
Blemishes, unknown damage or discolouration: There will be some signs of wear and tear on a used system so something may not be quite how you want it which is understandable. There could be physical blemishes, discolouration or damages in not-so-obvious places.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Business
There will be several factors that influence your decision on what pallet racking to get.
Here’s a few we recommend considering to choose between used and new pallet racking:
•Budget constraints: Most of the time you will have a budget in mind so some systems may be out of reach. If your investment is particularly low then you may want to consider looking at use options only as you may get a better specification, just not brand new.
• Intended use: For facilities requiring heavy-duty, high-load, or customised racking solutions, new pallet racking might be the better choice. If you’re running a smaller operation or a temporary setup, used racking can offer a more affordable solution.
•Safety considerations: Warehouses of all kinds should prioritise safety but if you’re ultra conscious of this then perhaps a new system would be better because you will have warranties in place and be assured that the system is in top condition.
• Sustainability goals: If environmental sustainability is a core value of your business, used racking contributes to reducing waste and being greener.
Contact The Warehouse Racking Company
There we have it, an in-depth blog on the pros and cons of both new and used pallet racking systems. Both can be tremendous options for the right business so do be careful in how you make your choices.
If you need more support on the matter then of course please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Just call our experts on our direct line which is 0800 4880 785 or use the contact form on our website.
Our team monitors both these methods daily so we will always do our best to get to you in the quickest time possible.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
The post The Pros and Cons of New vs. Used Pallet Racking appeared first on The Warehouse Racking Company.
