Where to Buy Pallets for Sale
Every year, millions of shipments arrive on wooden pallets. While a majority of these pallets make it to a landfill but there are some that can be reused. You can purchase these pallets at a cheap price at a number of locations.
Small businesses are often willing to sell their pallets. However, it is important to inquire with the owner first.
Stores
Pallets are readily available in a variety of places, depending on where you live. The best starting point is to check with local stores, particularly chains with large stores. These stores typically deal with large quantities of merchandise on every day basis, which means they might have pallets that are lying around. The most important thing is to locate the ones that are clean and free of any stains or spillage. Beware of any that were used to transport food items, as they may contain traces E.coli or listeria.
If you are seeking a specific kind of wood pallet in your area look into local hardware stores or garden power equipment shops. These stores frequently receive deliveries of furniture components and other items from suppliers, which means that they have a lot of pallets that they can dispose of. A majority of these businesses will donate their wooden pallets at no cost because they're trying to get rid of them as quickly as they can instead of waiting for trash removal services to pick them up then dump them in landfills.
You can also search for pallets of liquidation at local wholesalers and jobbers. These companies purchase truckloads of liquidation palettes from wholesalers in closed-door deals and then sell them at a fixed price to other businesses. However, it's important to recognize that these jobbers and wholesalers tend to select the most desirable products from these loads and leave less desirable items for the remaining buyers.
You can also check the classified section of your local newspaper to find out if anyone is selling pallets that are returned. You can find quality pallets in these ads, but be sure you check them out first. You'll want to make sure that the pallets haven't been exposed to any chemicals or contaminants and don't show evidence of insect infestation. If a pallet bears an ownership stamp, like CHEP or PECO the pallet must be returned to its owner.
You can also resell liquidation pallets at local markets, yardsale sale and car boot sales. These are a great source for high-quality wood pallets and they can save you money on shipping.
Warehouses
There are a lot of large warehouses that have wooden pallets in their storage. These pallets can be used to create DIY projects since they are made from solid wood and can be reused many times. They are also economical, as they are a fraction of what new wood pallets do. They are also available in the Craigslist free section however they are typically sold out quickly.
Another option is to go to a home improvement store or construction site. These sites have a large amount of scrap wood and can often offer pallets for sale at a fixed price. This is an ideal alternative to purchasing pallets from a recycler, who might charge a premium. Before purchasing a pallet it is essential to verify the stamps. A pallet of good quality will have a PECO or CHEP stamp and barcode. This indicates that it has been examined and deemed safe to ship. Avoid pallets that are painted blue because they may contain harmful chemicals. Also avoid pallets that have strange staining or odors. Some pallets have been treated with MB or Methyl Bromide, which is a toxic fumigant that can cause a myriad of health problems.
If you need a wood pallet for a woodworking project, look up the local woodworker's organization or phonebook to see what companies in your area manufacture pallets. You can also find these in local furniture and woodworking school directories. These places offer a variety of sizes and premium pallets. In addition, they can be an ideal place to meet other people interested in making pallets themselves.
Some retail stores will dispose of the pallets that are empty after they receive deliveries. However, these places typically have reverse logistics in place to collect the palletized goods therefore you can contact them directly and inquire whether they'll lend you their pallets that they have used for free. You may also inquire at pet and food stores to donate their pallets, since these stores frequently get shipments on wood pallets.
Brokers
Pallets bought at liquidation are an excellent way to lower your shipping costs. The pallets are usually returned by the customer to the retailer or an overstock that is provided by a service and is therefore cheaper to purchase. When buying this type of merchandise, you should keep in mind certain things. Make sure to check the condition of the pallets, and make sure that they are not contaminated with pesticides or chemicals. If you are buying pallets from a private market like B-Stock, make sure you obtain a resale certificate. This will allow you to buy the merchandise tax-free and then pass the savings on to your customer.
Certain liquidation providers specialize in certain products or brands. Direct Liquidation, for example has tie-ups with a variety of major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart that sell their pallets back to them through online auctions. You can search for pallets by brand and store to find the most suitable liquidation products for you.
These companies have a vast network of buyers across the nation and can help you find the ideal pallet for your needs. They will even deliver your pallets directly to your business if required. They will also provide you with an online inventory report, and offer flexible payment options, like a financing agreement or a lease.
Pallet brokers are an ideal option for businesses looking to reduce the costs of their supply chain. They have special relationships with local pallet companies, and often have a keen eye on trends in pricing. They can also tap into low-cost freight routes to sell pallets outside of conventional pallet market areas which could save you lots of money. This will allow you to avoid a price battle with your supplier, and will increase profit margins. Additionally, working with a pallet broker will also reduce the risk of a dispute and improve transparency. A recent McKinsey report suggests that chief procurement officials work with a pallet business to increase visibility. This will help you save money, time, and the hassle of managing your inventory.
Recycling Network
There are a myriad of ways to find pallets available for sale, including online. Some sites sell used wood pallets, and others recycled lumber of different sizes. You can also buy pallets from companies who recycle them. If you are able, purchase pallets from local sources to cut down on shipping costs and decrease the amount of waste that is thrown away. Pallets can also be found in local markets like antique shops or flea markets.
If you're in search of a particular type of pallet, the best method to locate it is to get in touch with companies that make use of them. Newspaper companies, for instance receive pallets for shipments. They often have plenty of spares that are lying around. They don't have the space to keep them, and they would be happy to have them taken off their hands. Other businesses that might have plenty of empty pallets include food stores, pet supply stores, and some restaurants.
You can also search for local recycling facilities and construction sites. Some of these might have pallets they wish to dispose of, but you should always ask before taking them. Avoid taking pallets with an ownership stamp on them like CHEP, PECO, Coca-Cola or U.S. Postal Service, as these companies will enforce their rights to property and will prosecute anyone who attempts to steal them.
Another place to look for pallets is in the free section of Craigslist. They tend to be snapped up quickly, but you might still find a few if you make sure to check regularly. You can also contact local recycling centers to request them to reserve some for you.
If you're planning to construct furniture out of website pallets, make sure they are clean and free from rust and corrosion. Make sure they are not damaged or stained and that they can support the weight of your products. It is recommended to have them repaired at a repair shop prior to using them. If you intend to reuse the pallets, be sure to sand the wood and seal it with polyurethane. This will protect the wood from moisture and fungus.