Most entrepreneurs start out their business on a shoestring budget.

By the time the harsh reality of how much it actually costs to launch their dream business, a large number fail or give up.

A large initial outlay is often the primary cause of this cash flow problem.

To avoid sky-high initial costs, business owners are advised to try and keep expenses down.

Many think they need to launch their business with new, state of the art equipment. While equipment is vital for the running of any business, there are ways to reduce the expense of getting it.

Business owners are usually advised to lease or buy used when they can. With items like office technology, whose development is so rapid that models become obsolete quickly, leasing the equipment is a more sensible option. It allows the business owner access to the newest options, whilst paying a fraction of it’s retail price. For equipment that can’t be leased, buying a used version is a better option. For the new business owner trying to set up a business, but on a limited budget, used equipment can save them up to 20% of their outlay.

Other pros of using pre-owned shelving include:

• If you are renovating or expanding your business, you may have shelving that needs to be removed. Many professional fitters will help you dismantle it, and trade it in. Who knows, you may end up with new racking AND a profit!

• Buying used racking allows you make smarter layout decisions. In some instances, you are forced to use long lengths of shelving simply because you cant find shorter lengths or configurations. This often leads to a lot of wasted space. With used shelving, you can buy the exact lengths and dimensions to create shelving that fits your needs.

• On a larger scale, there are environmental benefits to using second hand shelving. Reuse doesn’t involve the ozone depleting fossil fuel-burning process used to produce the shelving beams from scratch. Thus, reuse requires fewer resources, less energy, and less labour.

• A knock-on effect of this is the economic benefit. With less production from scratch, there are, generally, more resources to use in satisfying other aspects of the economy. There is also less waste produced.

The following are our tips for getting the best deals on second hand shelving:

1. Keep your ears to the ground. If the market is saturated with a particular shape or length of shelving, you can get it for relatively cheaper.

2. Ensure you purchase from a reputable seller, (be careful about buying unseen products online).

3. Keep an eye out for the correct documentation and SEMA load notices on the racks. Avoid dealers who don’t provide this info.

4. While there is usually no structural problem with used shelving, unscrupulous dealers have been known to paint over parts to hide bad cases of rust or broken pieces. It is important that there is a visual inspection before any purchase.

We need to understand that used doesn’t always immediately conjure up visions of quality. But with most industrial equipment, pre-owned is almost as good as new. As long the due diligence is done; you’ll get an excellent bargain on used shelving. So, whether it’s for the garage revamp you planned over the holidays or outfitting your new shop, second hand shelving can save you a few hundred quid.

The experts at Monarch Shelving are available to help you make the best business decision about your second hand shelving.

Do you want to trade your current beams for new? Do you want the new pieces delivered and assembled? Contact us today and we’ll be glad to help you decide the best options for your specific needs.