If you are expanding or reconfiguring your warehouse, you will likely need some new racking to augment or deploy a new configuration. However, it can be costly to buy new rack, and if you’d like to save money, you should consider used racking. There is not only a cost savings consideration (see below), but there are a lot of reasons why buying used rack makes a lot of sense. Read on for nine reasons you can give your executive team that justify why you should consider buying used racking.
Cost savings
One of the primary reasons to buy used racking for your warehouse is the significant cost savings. Used racking is often available at a fraction of the cost of new racking, allowing you to get more for your budget. According to the Material Handling Industry (MHI), used racking can be up to 50% less expensive than new racking.
Availability
Used racking is often readily available, as many businesses upgrade or downsize their warehouses and need to get rid of their existing racking. This means you can get the racking you need quickly and easily.
Sustainability
Buying used racking is an environmentally sustainable option, as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfills and the need for new resources to be extracted for new racking. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that manufacturing new steel from raw materials releases 1.8 tons of CO2 emissions for every ton of steel produced. By purchasing used racking instead of new racking, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.
Flexibility
With used racking, you can often find a wider range of options in terms of sizes, styles, and configurations that are readily available, which can provide greater flexibility in designing your warehouse space.
Quality
Used racking can be high quality and durable, especially if it has been well-maintained and inspected before being resold.
Time savings
Buying used racking can save you time compared to waiting for new racking to be manufactured and shipped, which can take weeks or even months.
Lower shipping costs
Used racking is usually available in your area, making it less costly to ship than trucking to your facility from potentially a distant manufacturer.
Cost-effective expansion
If you’re expanding your warehouse space, used racking can be a cost-effective option for outfitting the additional space.
Faster deployment
Used racking is readily available so your project won’t be delayed waiting for back-ordered product.
Downsides to Used Rack vs New Rack
Some people who are considering buying used rack ask if there are any downsides and there are two.
- Because there is less information on what gauge of steel is used on used racking and who the manufacturer was, there can be additional engineering costs. More time, effort and engineering may be needed to be used to understand the product as engineers need to inspect the material.
- When you get access to used racking and have the option to purchase what you need, be sure to move quickly because available inventory can be snatched up by others at a moment’s notice.
Questions about used racking?
Contact our racking experts for assistance with used racking. We have inventory available in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Reach us at 1-888-310-0008 x2 or email info@leanmh.com