Before you make the final decision and sign the purchase order for that new pallet racking system, have you really considered all the available options?

With the expansion of your company and its attendant costs, you need to be financially prudent at this stage.

Minimising expenses while the business is in this growth phase, is the ideal expansion strategy; but how do you ensure this?

With the need for a new office space, new office equipment, new warehouse tools, you may wonder how you will break even this quarter. One way around renting a separate office space is to design an in-plant office. This keeps key office operations on the premises and saves the cost of renting.

Another money saving option is to buy used equipment Now before you go looking for the cheapest deal, consider the implication of buying unsafe and faulty racking. Having it collapse while in use and injure someone? It could end up causing a long term impact on your company and your job.

With a deadline looming, you may turn to Google or YellowPages for quotes. A ton of pages offering new and used racks are returned. Noting the difference between new units and used ones, you decide to investigate the used options. With the attractive prices, you still worry about the quality of the rack.

As a purchasing manager, the company expects you to analyse prices, negotiate the best contracts, and help them save money in the long run.

Here are five more questions to answer to achieve this feat:

1. Does the racking system fit with your operational plan?

The most important consideration is the efficiency of the racking system and how it will help your operations flow smoothly. Designing a WH space where there is an efficient flow of people, goods, and machines. Don’t buy solely based on price.

2. Is it easily movable and reconfigurable?

With a predicted upswing in the market, you may need to change your location in the near future. Can the racking you are considering be easily dismantled and reused at another location? Is it easy to add frame extensions? This can save you the cost of buying a bigger rack.

3. Is it expensive to maintain and repair?

While making the economical choice of buying used, be mindful of just how expandable this particular system is. Is it easily upgradeable? Does it integrate well with extensions from other manufacturers?

4. Will the parts needed be readily available?

Whether it is extra bays or beam levels, it is important that the extensions be easily sourced. Don’t risk any downtime because the pallet rack collapsed and you had to fly in a specialist from the US.

5. Has it got any resell value?

In the worst case scenario where you have to downsize your operations, is it possible to recoup your investment by selling the racking system? Supply companies and other surplus good firms buy warehouse racks and shelves. Prices offered will depend on the condition, type, size i.e. height and depth, beam size etc. These are some of the basic details you should know to get a good price.

Knowing the answers to these questions before you sign the purchase order will help you make a better buying decision. While a good ROI is the main goal of any business, the initial investment need not be astronomical.

Monarch Shelving carries a large stock of pallet racks, tyre racks, and all sizes of shelves.

We stock varying lengths and all the best brands. With extensions and safety barriers also available, we can help you set up an ideal pallet racking system and ensure you know the pallet buying guidelines to benefit your purchase for years to come. Call now and get a pocket-friendly quote.